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>UDeRMAN LIBRARY
UrUVERSITY OF VIRGINIA
CHARLOTTESVILLE. VIRGINIA
•• ^«^
■ /
NEW HAMPSHIRE. PROVINCIAL AND STATE PAPERS
VOLUME 13
Town Papers
AMS PRESS
NEW YORK
JOINT RESOLUTION relating to the preservation and publication of
portions of the early state and provincial records and other state
papers of New Hampshire.
Resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives in General
Court convened:
That his excellency the governor be hereby authorized and empow-
ered, with the advice and consent of the council, to employ some suit-
able person — ^and fix his compensation, to be paid out of any money in
the treasury not otherwise appropriated — to collect, arrange, transcribe,
and superintend the publication of such portions of the early state and
provincial records and other state papers of New Hampshire as the
governor may deem proper ; and that eight hundred copies of each
volume of the same be printed by the state printer, and distributed as
follows : namely, one copy to each city and town in the state, one copy
to such of the public libraries in the state as the governor may desig-
nate, fifty copies to the New Hampshire Historical Society, and the
remainder placed in the custody of the state librarian, who is hereby
authorized to exchange the same for similar publications by other states.
Approved August 4, 1881.
In accordance with the foregoing resolution, the governor, with ad-
vice of the council, on the 12th day of October, 1881, appointed and
commissioned Isaac W. Hammond as ** Editor and Compiler of State
Papers."
S^jQffam IPapers.
DOCUMENTS
BBI«ATI2ra TO
TOWNS IN NEW HAMPSHIRE,
NEW LONDON TO WOLFEBOROUGH,
iriTH AK
APPENDIX,
Smbraciikg some Documents, interesting and valuablei not
heretofore published, including the Census of
New Hampshire of 1790 in detail.
rUBUSHBD BT AUTRORITT OF THB LBGISLATUBB.
VOLUME XIII.
COXFILXD A3n> KDZTSD BT
ISAAC W. HAMMOND, A.M.,
nMMXDMMt or TKB VBW ■AUriHZBB ASTIQVASIAJr 8O0ISTT.
CONCORD, N. H.:
PARSONS B. COGSWELL, STATE PRINTER.
I 884.
Library of Congress CaUloging !■ Pablication DaU
Haranondf Isaac Wearet 1$3 1-1^90, coinp»
Tbwn papers.
(New Hampshire. Provincial and state papers i
V. 11-13)
Continuation of Town papers t compiled and edited
by N« Bouton, issued as v. 9 of Provincial and
state p pers*
1. New Hampshire — ^History, Local — So\irces.
I. Title. II. Series.
F34.H35 1973 974*2 73-12642
ISBN 0-404-07461-3 (v. 1)
Reprinfed from an original copy in the collections of
the Wilbur L. Cross Library, University of Connecticut
Reprinted from the edition of 1884, Concord
First AMS edition published ,1973
Manufactured in the United States of America
International Standard Book Number:
Complete Set: 0-404-07450-2
Volume 13: 0-404-07463-4
AMS PRESS, INC.
New York, N.Y. 10003
EDITOR'S PREFACE.
This volume completes the puhlic.ition of the documents
relating to the towns in this state, which were collected by
the editor in 1879 and 18S0, placed in volumes in the office
of the secretary of state, and labelled *^ Town Papers, Collec-
tion of 1880," and '• Indian and French Wars, and Revolution-
ary Papers, Collection of 1880." There are twelve of the
former and four of the latter ; and the figures in brackets at the
beginning of each article in this volume refer to the number
and page of the manuscript volume where the original docu-
ment may be found. The characteristics of this volume are
similar to the two next preceding, and it will be necessary, in
most cases, to examine the three, to find all the matter relating
to any town. An abstract of the contents may be found at the
commencement, which will give the reader an idea of the nature
of each document ; and at the end is a copious index, containing
all the names of towns and persons mentioned, with reference
to every place in which they occur. The compilation of said
index required a large amount of labor, but without one full
and complete, an historical work loses a large portion of its
value; — and the editor respectfully calls the attention of gentle-
men who are compiling town histories, to the importance of
indexing the same fully and completely.
The increasing interest manifested by the citizens of the state,
generally, in matters relating to its early history, is strong evi-
dence of their intelligence and patriotism, and augurs well for
the future.
The amount of time and money expended in the publication
of these volumes is small, compared with the benefits that will
accrue to our citizens in various ways ; and it is believed that
the wisdom of our legislature in authorizing their publication.
iv editor's preface.
and of the governors and councils in causing the same to be
done, will become more apparent and be still better appre-
ciated as time passes on, and that these volumes will be highly
valued by succeeding generations.
The editor desires to express his grateful acknowledgments
to His Excellcncv Samuel W. Hale and the honorable council
for their cordial support and encouragement in his labors ; to
Hon. A. B. Thompson, secretary of state, for valued counsel ;
and to many other citizens of the state for the helpful interest
they, have shown in the work, and their rendiness to answer
any and all requests made of them in furtherance of its compi-
lation.
In accordance with the provisions of a joint resolution of the
legislature, approved August 4, 1881, the governor, with the
advice of the council, has authorized the publication of the
Revolutionary War Rolls of this state, and the work has been
commenced. These rolls do not exist in duplicate, and many
of them are torn and defaced in consequence of much handling.
The importance of their publication as the best way to preserve
the names of those brave and determined men is apparent to
every patriotic citizen of the state who has examined them.
HAMMOND.
Concord, May, 1884.
GENERAL CONTENTS.
NBW LONDON.
Introduction,
Record of Masonian Grant, 17739
Petition for incorporation, 1770, •
Petition of Jonas Mi not relative to taxes, 1780,
Petition relative to a road from Kearsarge Gore
tectworth,
Vote for an issue of paper-money, 1786,
Petition for appointment of a magistrate, 1787,
Petition for authority to tax non-residents, 1 790,
Vote relative to annexation of part of Kearsarge
79»»
Petition relative to proprietors' meetings, tjQS^
Petition relative to proprietary matters, 179^
I
2
3
4
I
6
6
I
NEW MARKET.
Introduction, ....
Case of assault, 1731, .
Decision of court in foregoing case.
Warrant for arrest of Sambo, 1731,
Petition relative to an election, 1745,
Petition for a ferry over Exeter river, 1750,
Remonstrance to said petition.
Petition relative to New Market bridge, 1755,
Petition of Edward Fox, soldier, 1756,
Petition of Chase Wiggin, soldier, 1761,
Petition of Tosiah Wiggin, soldier, 1760,
Account of supplies furnished a soldier, 1 779,
Petition of Jonathan Mason, soldier, 17S0, .
Relative to assistance to soldiers' families, 1775,
Reference to a plan of land, 1764,
Request for permit to send stock out of the province.
9
10
II
II
12
13
H
ic
18
18
18
19
19
>9
19
20
VI
GENERAL CONTENTS.
Petition relative to militia, 1775, •
Petition relative to militia affairs, 1775,
Petition relative to militia officers, 1775,
Petition relative to church matters, 1777,
Members of the west society, 1778,
Petition relative to New Market bridge, 1780
Relative to the adoption of U. S. articles of confedera
tion, ........
Petition for the appointment of a magistrate, 1884,
Petition for authority to call a special meeting, 1785,
Petition relative to repairing New Market bridge, 1785
Report of committee on foregoing.
Petition for removal of said bridge, 1785,
Remonstrai/ce to said removal, 1786, .
Remonstrance from citizens of Epping to same,
Deposition of Hubartus Neal relative to same,
Deposition of Walter Bryent relative to same.
Vote relative to church matters, 1793, .
Petition relative to church matters, 1793,
Relative to a soldier who died of small-pox, 1761,
Account of supplies furnished same, .
31
20
23
25
26
27
20
29
32
33
36
38
40
42
43
44
45
NEWPORT.
Introduction, .......
Names of men residing at Sugar river.
Petition for a new grant of the township, 1768, .
Return of ratable polls, 1783, ....
Petition to have proceedings of town-meeting legalized
1783-
Remonstrance to same, .....
Vote of town relative to issuing paper money, 1786,
Concerning service in the Revolution, 1784,
Statement of James Doud relative to same, .
46
46
48
49
50
51
52
NEWTON.
Introduction, .....
Rev. Thomas W. Powers ordained, 1755,
Bounds of a highway, 1747,
Relative to a road laid out in 1699,
Action relative to highways, I75S»
Statement relative to highways, i75S» •
Report of committee on same.
Petition for opening a highway, i755i
Consent of inhabitants relative to same, i755i
Warrant for town-meeting, 1768,
53
53
54
55
55
p
60
60
GENERAL CONTENTS.
Vll
Proceedings at said meeting, 1768, ....
Proceedings at town-meeting, 1769, . . • .
Committee appointed to request a redress of grievances,
Depositions relative to illegal proceedings in town-meet-
ing, 1769,
Relative to trouble between the churches, 1770, .
Relative to line between Newton and South Hampton,
Report of committee on the same, 1771,
Relative to assessment of taxes, 1 777
Protest against seating a representative, 1776,
Soldier's order, 1 784, .......
61
62
64
65
(A
67
68
68
69
70
NORTHFIKLD.
Introduction, ......
Relative to first town-meeting, 1780, .
Petition of Thomas Lyford, soldier, 1782, .
Soldiers' orders, ......
Civil magistrate wanted, 1785,
Relative to a ferry over Merrimack river, 1785,
Petition for a ferry, 1785, ....
Petition for a magistrate, 1786, .
Petition for a magistrate, 1787, .
70
70
71
72
72
73
74
74
NORTH HAMPTON.
Introduction, .......
Petition for the confirmation of a town line, 1742,
Action of the legislature on foregoing,
Petition relative to church affairs.
Petition of Palmer and Fogg to be "set off to Rye,"
17441 •
Petition for a land grant, 1749, ....
List of associates,
Petition relative to election of representatives, 1758,
Petition relative to same, .....
Petition relative to parish affairs, 1779,
Petition relative to election of representative, 1783,
Petition of Stephen Brown, soldier, 1759, .
Petition of Jonathan Wedgwood, 1761,
Petition of Samuel Davis, soldier, 1763,
Soldier's order, 1778,
Petition of Abraham Marston and James Wedgwood
soldiers,
Account for supplies to soldier's wife, 1782,
Petition of Daniel Gookin, soldier, 1785,
Relative to the town's quota of soldiers, 1786,
76
78
81
81
82
82
f5
85
85
86
86
86
87
VIU
GENERAL CONTENTS.
NORTHUMBERLAND.
Introduction,
Petition relative to a road from Conway, 1780, •
Report of a committee relative to building a road,
Return of ratable polls, 1783, . . . •
Petition for authority to establish a lottery, 1791,
Petition for grant of a ferry, 1785,
Petition for a new county, 1791, •
Petition for a special tax to build a bridge, 1799,
88
88
90
90
91
9*
NORTHWOOD.
Introduction,
Petition for a magistrate, 1774, •
Petition for a magistrate, 1785, .
Petition of William Glidden, soldier, 1785, •
Petition of Samuel Trickey, soldier, 1786, .
Petition for a magistrate, 17S5, .
Petition for incorporation of the Baptist society,
Remonstrance to same, . . • •
Petition relative to laying out a road, 1788, •
Report of committee on same, 1789, •
95
93
9+
9+
95
99
NOTTINGHAM.
Introduction,
Soldiers in First N. H. Regiment,
Soldiers in the service in Revolutionary war.
Petitions of sundry Presbyterians to be joined to
ham,
Relative to town line, 1756,
Trouble at town-meeting, 1756, .
Vote of town relative to minister rates.
Petition of Robert Mason, soldier, 1760,
Petition of Israel Blake, soldier, 1761,
Yote relative to a division of the town, 1765,
Vote relative to a division of the town, 1771,
Petition for a division of the town, 1771,
Petition of Peter Hanson for a divorce, 1778,
Petition of John McCoy, marine, 1779,
Relative to John Whitehorn, soldier, .
Petition of Anna Thomas, soldier's widow, 1781,
Soldier's receipt, 1781,
Deposition relative to a soldier, 1782, .
Petition for a magistrate, 1785, .
Vote relative to paper currency, 1785,
99
100
lOI
t02
102
102
lOf
104
104.
los
106
13
109
109
109
I 10
no
no
III
GENERAL CONTENTS.
IX
ORANGE.
Introduction,
Petition of Simeon Olcott for gprant of Cardigan, .
Petition of Fellows and Larabee for grant of Cardigan
Captain Joseph Kinne's return of soldiers, i777« '
Captain Joseph Kinne's return of soldiers, 1779, •
Petition for incorporation of the town, i779'
Petition relative to assessing taxes, 1780,
Inventory of lands of non-residents, 1780^
Inventory of polls and ratable estate, .
Service done in the army by the town.
Petition of inhabitants relative to taxes, >7^3i
Petition relative to taxing non-residents, 17831
Petition relative to a road, 1783,
Petition to be incorporated, 1783,
Petition for relief in the matter of taxes,
Petition for authority to tax non-residents, 1785, .
Petition relative to a magistrate, 1785,
Petition relative to raising money to repair roads, 1787
Petition relative to selling land for taxes, 1 788, .
Petition relative to raising money to repair roads, 1788
Petition to have the town incorporated, 1 789,
Petition relative to raising money to repair roads, 179I)
ORFORD.
Introduction, . . . • . ...
Record of convention, Vermont controversy, 1778,
Nehemiah Estabrook to Meshech Weare, 1778,
Petition for authority to tax non-residents, 177^1
Proposal of proprietors relative to minister's salary
1773' • • .
Proprietors' expenditures, ....
Petition of William Simpson for a ferry, i773t
Proceedings at a proprietors' meeting, 1773,
Inventory of polls and estates, 17799 •
Soldiers' receipts, 1778 and 1782,
John Lapish's discharge from the army, 1783,
Note relative to other discharges, 1783,
Petition relative to doomage, 1783,
Petition relative to supplies furnished scouts, 1786,
Petition relative to taxes, ....
Petition relative to suppressing thistles, i795y
Petition for incorporating an academy, i797)
Petition for incorporating a school, 1797,
OSSIPEB.
Introduction,
Petition for an incorporation, 1785,
12
12
«3
»3
«4
H
15
15
18
18
18
20
20
21
21
22
23
23
24
24
'A
26
28
38
29
29
30
31
31
33
33
33
34
34
34
36
36
37
38
39
GENERAL CONTENTS.
Petition for abatement of taxes, 1788, • . . • 140
Soldier's order, 1781, 140
Petition for authority to raise money by a special tax to
repair roads, 1791 1 141
Relative to a discovery of iron ore, 1790, . . . 142
PELHAM.
Introduction, 142
Petition of citizens of Salem and Pelham for a grant of
land, 1750, 143
Petition of Phebe Gage, soldier's widow, 1758, . . 144
Petition of William Bell, soldier, 1 75S, . . • 145
Petition of Francis Knowlton, soldier, 1760, . . 145
Bounty to Reuben Hamblet, 1782, . . . . 145
Petition relative to tories and deserters, . . . 145
Petition relative to procuring soldiers, 1777, . . 146
Petition relative to procuring soldiers, 1779, . . 147
Petition relative to forming counties, 1769, . . . 148
Petition relative to a poll parish, 1786, . . . 149
Vote relative to a poll parish, 1780, .... 150
Return of ratable polls, 1783, 150
Petition relative to the observance of Sunday , 1 784, . 150
Petition for a poll parish, 1786, . . . . . 151
Petition to have a library incorporated, i797» • • ^5^
PEMBROKE.
Introduction, .......
Soldiers in First N. H. Regiment,
Petition for a guard against Indians, i747) *
Petition for incorporation, i757» •
Consent of citizens of Buckstreet to same, 1758, .
Committee's report on foregoing, 1759,
Petition relative to ministerial affairs, 1763,
Action of the legislature on same.
Petition of Jonathan Dix for a ferry, 1774, .
Reference to plan of Merrimack river.
Inhabitants recommend Dix, ....
Measurements relative to said ferry.
Petition for ammunition, 1776, ....
Relative to Captain McConnell, i777»
Statement relative to a town-meeting, i777?
Petition to be annexed to Col. Stickney's Regiment,
Soldier's discharge, 1780, .....
Captain Nathaniel Head's return, 1780,
Captain Nathaniel Head's return, 1781,
153
153
153
154
158
159
'59
'59
160
160, 161
161
163
164
• 164
165
GENERAL CONTENTS.
XI
Petition relative to Samuel Daniell, 17S2, .
Petition relative to electing a representative, 1788,
Petition of Bryant and Bartlett for liberty to erect a toll-
bridge, 1790, .
Memorial concerning same, ....
Petition for authority to raise money by lottery to build
a bridge, 179I9 ......
Petition of Green and Noyes for authority to erect a toll
bridge, 1791,
Petition of Duncan and Livermore for authority to erect
atoll-bridge, 1791, .
Petition for a lottery to build the bridge, 1791,
Remonstrance of citizens of Buckstreet against being
annexed to Allenstown, 1798,
Petition of citizens to be annexed to Allenstown, 1798
Measurements of sundry roads, ....
165
166
166
167
167
168
169
169
170
172
173
PETERBOROUGH.
Introduction, .......
Petition for help to build a fort.
Petition relative to Rev. John Morrison, 1771,
Extract from minutes of presbytery, i77i>
Action of the presbytery, 1 77 1,
Petition of William Scott relative to bounties, 1777,
Relative to the town's quota of soldiers, 1779,
Relative to Major Robert Wilson, 1778,
Statement of Daniel Russell, soldier, 1780,
Statement relative to John Halfpenny, soldier, 1783,
Soldiers' orders, 1784, .....
Petition of John Young, soldier, 1785,
Return of ratable polls, 1783, ....
Relative to Rev. John Morrison, 1783,
Petition of selectmen relative to same.
Petition of selectmen relative to setting off the east part
of the town, 1784^ ......
Vote of town relative to same, ....
Petition relative to same, 1785, ....
Petition for authority to tax non-residents, .
Petition relative to a school, 1788,
Petition of Sarson Belcher, relative to some land, 1787?
Petition of sundry- citizens to be set off, 1 790,
174
176
178
180
181
181
182
182
182
1S3
183
183
184
184
18s
186
186
189
190
PIERMONT.
Introduction, .....
Notice to proprietors of a meeting, 1765,
Arms and ammunition wanted, 1776,
190
191
191
3ai
GENERAL CONTENTS.
Petition for an abatement of taxes, 1783,
Inventory of polls and estates, lySo-'Si,
Soldier's order, 1786, ....
Relative to the town's quota of soldiers, 1786,
Report of committee on same.
Sundry persons annexed to Wentworth, 1786,
Soldier's certificate, 1786,
Petition of Parker Stevens for a ferry, 1788,
Petition for authority to tax non-residents, 1789,
Petition for the annexation of an island, 1794,
192
193
,94
194
194
195
195
196
197
PITTSFIELD.
Introduction,
Return of ratable polls, 1783,
Petition of Ebenezer Bean, soldier, 1791,
'9;
198
PLAINFIBLD.
Introduction, .......
Inventory of 1773, ......
Return of Capt. Russell's company, 1777, .
Plainfield men at Saratoga, 1777,
Plainfield Continental soldiers, ....
Petition of citizens of Meriden relative to the formation
of a military company, 1781,
Names of members of said company, 1781 ,
Soldiers' orders, 1784,
Sundry inhabitants relative to taxes, 1785, .
Petition of Joseph Kimball for a ferry, 1785,
Tax on Gov. Wentworth's rights, 1786,
Petition for a poll parish, 1788,
Rank of sundry officers, 1 7S8, ....
Relative to services in the Revolution, 1791,
Amos Stafford for an allowance, 1795 ; soldier, .
Relative to glebe reservation, 1795,
Kimball & Gallup for authority to construct locks, 179^9
Petition for incorporation of a library, 1797,
199
199
199
200
201
202
203
203
204
205
205
206
207
207
208
209
209
209
PLAISTOW.
Introduction,
Relative to election of a representative, 1774,
Relative to Hugh Potter, 1775, .
Petition for settlement of town lines, 1778,
Ezekiel Gile's resignation, 1780,
Return of ratable polls, 1783,
Petition of John Pollard, soldier, 1760,
Petition of Matthew Bryant, soldier, 1763,
210
210
212
212
213
213
214
214
GENERAL CONTENTS.
XUl
Soldier's order, 1778,
Soldiers' receipts, 1783,
Elnlistment, 1782,
Petition of Jesse Davis, soldier, 1783,
Action of legislature on same,
Relative to representative class, 1786,
Vote relative to an issue of paper money, 1786,
Recommendations to the legislature, paper money,
Petition for appointment of Joseph Welch,
Relative to the claim of Allen's heirs, 1786,
214
215
215
216
218
218, 219
219
220
221
221
PLYMOUTH.
Introduction, 222
Petition for a survey of the town, 1772, . . . 223
Relative to orders for raising soldiers, 17759 • • 225
Relative to election of representative, 1775, • • 226
Supplies furnished soldiers, 1 778-'79, • . . 227
Resignation of Col. David Hobart, 1779, . . • 227
David Nevens, soldier, 1784, ..... 227
Soldier's widow's order, 1784, 228
Return of ratable polls, 1783, 228
Petition for authority to raise money by lotterj^ to build
a bridge, 1785, 228
Consent of town to the taking off of the south-west part
thereof, 1791, 230
Petition of sundry citizens for a new town, 179I9 . 230
Relative to a disputed town line, . . . 231, 232
Relative to setting off the south-west part of the town,
1792, ......... 232
Petition for annexation of the territory in dispute, . 233
Petition of town agent for same, 1792, . . . 234
Petition for authority to elect a representative, 17999 • 235
PORTSMOUTH.
Introduction, .....
Patriotic offer of John Langdon,
Account of soldiers' wages, 1696, 1708,
Warning for a militia muster, 1697, .
Precept for election of assemblymen, 1693,
Return of assemblymen 1694, 1695,
Precept for election of assemblymen, 1697,
Return of assemblymen, 1698,
Relative to dealers in strong drink, 1701,
Relative to parochial matters, 1714, .
Relative to taxes; complaint, 1716,
Relative to a purchased servant, 1721,
237^
236
237
238, 239
241
241
242
243
243
244
244
24s
246
XIV
GENERAL CONTENTS.
Act relative to ministers' salaries, 1720,
Relative to parochial matters, 1723,
Vote of first parish, 1728, ....
Relative to a bridge over the mill-dam, 1732,
South parish petition, 1737,
Answer to committ^ of the first parish, 1737,
Statement relative to parish matters, 1737,
First parish rates, 1737, ....
South parish rates, 1737, ....
Action of the legislature on foregoing, 1738,
Petition of sundry inhabitants for the grant of a town
Relative to some French prisoners of war, 1745,
Petition of Benjamin Thomas, Louisbourg soldier
Petition of Mary, wife of Col. Moore, 1745,
Petition of Dr. Joseph Pierce, Louisbourg soldier
Petition of Louisbourg soldiers, 1746,
Petition for the establishment of a workhouse, 1752,
Relative to a road through John Pickering's land.
Petition of Samuel Penhallow, soldier, 1759,
Objections to a bridge over Little Harbor, 1757, .
Petition of William Rackliff, soldier, 1759,
Complaint against market-men, 1765,
Petition for the erection of a lighthouse, 1765,
Action of the legislature on same.
Petition relative to stamp-act riot, 1766,
Relative to hogs running at large.
Petition for the passage of an net to oblige tax-payers to
give in their property under oath, 1769, .
Petition relative to market, fire-wards, taverns, etc.
177^, ....a...
Statement relative to a market, etc., . . • '
Protest against theatrical performances, 1773,
Relative to small-pox, 1773, ....
Pest-house regulations recommended, 1773)
Departure of Gov. Wentworth, 1775, .
Communication from committee of safety, i775> •
John Carpenter's statement, 1776,
Instructions to assemblymen, 1776,
Petition to have a price fixed on commodities, 1777^
Letter from John Langdon relative to the enemy at
Penobscot, 1779,
Petition to send the ship Hampden to Penobscot,
Statement of matters in town, 1779,
Relative to town afiairs, 1780, ....
Instructions to representatives, 17S0, .
Memorial of Maj. Sherburne, wounded soldier, >
249
250
250
252
255
258
258
259
260
261
261
261
262
263
264
264
265
264
268
269
271
271
272
m
274
27s
276
278
278
279
279
280
281
283
284
285
286
287
289
291
GENERAL CONTENTS.
XV
Simeon Fernald, soldier, 1780, 291
Petition of Elizabeth Lewis, soldier's mother, 1782, • 292
Petition of Richard Sherman, soldier, 1782, . . 293
Soldier's order, 1782, 293
Supplies to soldiers' families i78i-'83, . . 294, 295
Bounties to soldiers, 295
Portsmouth men in Revolution, 1777-81, . . . 296
Vote on eighth article of confederation, 1783, . . 297
Petition of wardens of Queen's Chapel, 1785, . . 297
Relative to laying out a road, 1786, . . . • 298
Relative to duties on imported goods, 1787, . . 299
Petition to have imported books exempted from duties, 300
Petition for authority to raise money by lottery to build
a market-house, 1790, . . . . . 301
Petition for incorporation of the first parish, ij^i^ . 302
Petition for incorporation of Episcopal church, 179I9 • 302
Petition for incorporation of Universalist church, 1793, 303
Petition for authority to bridge Sagamore creek, 1797, 303
Piscataqua bridge, cost and revenue, 1798, . . 304
Petition for the incorporation of an aqueduct, i797» . 305
Petition for the incorporation of St John's Lodge,
F. & A. M., 305
RAYMOND.
Introduction, ......
Relative to locating a meeting-house, 1768,
Report of committee on same,
Vote of town relative to same, i769-'7o,
Relative to the election of representative, I774»
Account of supplies to soldiers, 1782,
Certificate ; Judith Wormwood,
Return of ratable polls, 1783,
Samuel Nay recommended for a magistrate,
307
308
309
309
310
3"
3"
3"
312
RICHMOND.
Introduction, ......
Certificate of soldiers mustered, 1778,
Joseph Blanchard's bounds of the town, 1752,
Richmond proprietors' names,
Justice of the peace chosen, 1776,
Petition for change of date of annual meeting,
Allowances to soldiers, 1778,
Soldier's order, 1785, .....
Oliver Capron for a magistrate, 1782,
Instructions to representative, 1786,
Henry Ingalls for a magistrate, 1785, .
312
313
313
3H
315
315
3'S
316
316
317
317
XVI
GENERAL CONTENTS.
Henry Ingalls's petition in favor of, . . . . 318
Quaker's petition to be exempted from military duty,
i788-.'96, 319
RINDGE.
Introduction, .••....
Petition of the proprietors for incorporation, 1751,
Petition for confirmation of the first grant, 1750,
Relative to counterfeit money, 1776, •
Petition of David Russell, soldier, 1778,
Petition of James Crombie, 1779,
Col. Enoch Hale's return, 1779,
Petition from the wife of Col. Nathan Hale, 1780,
Petition from Samuel Whiting, soldier, 1780,
Bounties paid to soldiers, ...
Resignation of Col. Enoch Hale, 1783,
Relative to Isaac Leeland, soldier, 178^1
Selectmen relative to soldier's pay, 1702,
Petition relative to soldier's pay, 1783,
Petition for authority to elect a representative, 1785,
330
324
326
326
326
327
327
328
328
3*9
330
330
331
33«
ROCHESTER.
Introduction,
Relative to ministerial affairs, 1737,
Action of legislature on foregoing,
Petition for a guard, 1744, .
Petition for representation, 1762,
Governor's orders respecting the same,
Petition relative to Dover bridge, 1770,
Stephen Berry, Jr., soldier, 1748,
Soldier's order, 1778, ....
Maj. Tebbetts's petition, 1779, .
Soldiers' orders, i78o-'84,
Daniel Wingate's bounty, 1783, .
Petition of Jotham Nute, soldier, 1789,
Petition relative to lumber act, paper money, etc.
Petition of Samuel Nute, soldier, 1790,
Petition of John Tanner, soldier, 1791,
Report of a committee on a division of the town, 1794
Petition for incorporation of the north-west parish
17981
Petition for incorporation of Congregational Society,
Vote relative to a division of the town, 1798,
Petition from the north part to be set off, 1802, .
Consent of town to foregoing, ....
339i
33»
333
334
334
335
337
337
338
338
339
340
339
340
341
344
344
345
346
349
351
GENERAL CONTENTS.
XVU
ROXBURY.
Introduction, ....
Petition for incorporation, 1796, .
Report of a committee on foregoing,
351
352
353
RUMKBY.
Introduction, •••...
Statement of grievances, 1770,
Committee to procure arms and ammunition, 17769
Petition for a supply of arms and ammunition,
Certificate of Peter Mahew, 1779,
Return of ratable polls, 1783,
Soldier's order, 1780, . • . •
Soldier's receipt, 1 78 1, ....
Samuel Holland's land tax, ifS^^
Petition for a magistrate, 1785, .
Petition for authority to raise money by special tax,
354
354
355
356
356
357
357
358
358
358
359
RYB.
Introduction, ..••••
Petition for a lottery, to drain a pond, 1756,
Lottery scheme,
Alleged illegal election, 17759
Petition of Jonathan Philbrick, soldier, 1760,
Petition of Joseph Towle, soldier, 1761,
Petition of Samuel and Nicholas Marden, soldiers
Soldiers' enlistment, 177^'
Soldiers' orders, 1781-84,
Petition of Peter Akerman, soldier, 1777) *
Rye men in 2d N. H. Battalion,
Relative to Continental soldiers, 1783,
Samuel Jenness for a magistrate, 17849
Relative to a class for representative, 1784,
Report of a committee on laying out a road.
Petition relative to military grievances, 1785,
360
360
361
362
363
363
363
364
364
365
365
365
368
369
369
SALBM.
Introduction, •..•..
Petition relative to formation of counties, 17^9
Petition relative to service in the army, 1778,
Soldiers' orders, 1778,
Petition of Aaron Copp, soldier, 17799
Salem man, in 2d N. H. Battalion,
Petition for incorporation. Baptist Society,
Return of ratable polls, 1783,
371
372
373
375
375
376
376
377
la
XVIU
GENERAL CONTENTS.
Petition to have an election set aside, 1783,
Statement relative to said election,
Petition for the appointment of a field officer, 1784,
Petition Baptist Society for incorporation, 1797, .
377
378
380
380
SALISBURY.
Introduction, ••.....
Salisbury men in First N. H. Regiment, . . .
Action of legislature to guard the frontiers, 1754,
Petition of Samuel Scribner relative to his capture by
the Indians, 17599
Vote relative to a division of lots, 1773,
Petition of Peter Bowen, soldier, 1755,
List of Capt. Ebenezer Webster's company, 1776,
Alarm list, and men in the army, 1776,
Dr. Joseph Bartlett chosen justice of the peace, 1779
Capt Webster's return, 1777, . • . .
Return of men for abatement of poll tax,
Enlistment, 1781,
Depositions relative to John Ash, soldier, •
Account for bounties, men's names.
Petition for authority to erect a toll-bridge, 1793,
Report of a committee on same, 1794,
Petition for incorporation of Salisbury Academy,
Petition for incorporation of a toll-bridge, 1800,
381
382
383
383
384
385
385
386
387
387
387
388
388
388
389
390
390
392
SANBORNTON.
Introduction, .......
Justice of the peace wanted, 1770,
Petition in favor of David Sanborn, 1770, .
Petition of Capt Chase Taylor, soldier, 1 778,
Petition of Thomas Lyford, soldier, 1780, .
Soldier's order, 1792, .....
Petition of Solomon Copps for a ferry, 1781,
Petition for a magistrate, 1784, ....
Number of ratable polls, 1783, ....
More justices of the peace wanted, 1785,
Petition in favor of a paper currency, 1785,
Petition for change of date of annual meeting,
Petition of Tilton Bennett for a ferr}', 1798,
Petition for incorporation of a library, 1797*
Petition for incorporation of Sanbomton Musical
ciety, 179^, .......
Petition for incorporation of Baptist Society, 1802,
Vote of town relative to same,
So
392
393
393
394
394
395
395> 396
39
3
399
399
400
401
402
%
402
403
404
GENERAL CONTENTS.
XIX
SANDOWN.
Introduction, .......
Petition relative to election of representative, ijj6y
Return of ratable polls, 1 7S3,
Relative to line between Sandown and Chester,
Relative to militia affairs, 1785, .
Relative to paper currency, etc., 1786,
Petition from one of the Exeter insurgents, .
Petition from John Colby, soldier, 1761,
404
405
406
\o&
40^
408
409
410
SANDWICH.
Introduction, ......
Sandwich and Moultonborough inventories, 1773
Petition relative to Moses Page, soldier, 1778,
Petition to have a town-meeting legalized, 178O9
Petition relative to an illegal election, 1776,
Taxes on Exeter Academy lands, i78i-'82,
Petition for an issue of paper money, 1786,
Disputed line between this town and Tam worth,
Return of ratable polls, 1783,
Relative to taxes on academy lands, 1788, .
Statement relative to roads, bridges, etc., 179^9
Non-residenfs answer to foregoing, 179I1 •
Petition for special tax to build roads, 1796,
Non-resident's remonstrance to same,
1782,
41a
4n
412
412
414
416
4^7
418
41S
419
419
SBABROOK.
Introduction,
Relative to payment of Rev. Samuel Perley, 1770,
Civil magistrate wanted, 1776, ....
Petition relative to town's quota of soldier's, 17789
Petition from sundry Quakers, 1784, .
Return of ratable polls, 1783, . . . •
42a
421
422
422
423
42s
SHELBURNE.
Introduction, . . . .
Statement of town affairs in 1786,
424
424
SOMBRSWORTH.
Introduction, .......
Act incorporating Somersworth as a parish, 17299
Enlistments under Capt. Job Clements, 1748,
Soldiers' petitions, 1753, i757» 1760, .
Petition for a separation from Dover, 1754,
Petition relative to mills on Salmon Falls river, 176O9
425
426
427
428
428
429
XX
GENERAL CONTENTS.
Relative to incorporating the same, 1761, •
Maj. Wentworth's account, 1778, ....
Soldiers' orders, Noble, Wentworth, Cromwell, and
Tate,
Somersworth men in 2d N. H. Battalion,
Return of Capt. James Carr's company, .
Soldiers in i775-*76, . . . . " .
SOUTH HAMPTON.
Introduction,
Town fast-day appointed, 1742, ....
Vote to settle Rev. William Parsons, 1742,
Vote relative to setting off the west part, 1748, .
Order to impress Christopher Flanders, 17591
Statement of several Crown Point soldiers, 1761,
Certificate of enlistment, 1780, ....
Petition of sundry persons to be annexed to Newton
i77o» •
Return of ratable polls, 1783, ....
Declination of Hon- Phillips White, 1783, .
Protest against the adoption of articles 8 and 9 of the
confederation, 17831 .....
Hon. Phillips White declines a senatorship,
Petition relative to a town line, 17941
SPRINGFIELD.
Introduction, ......
Relative to Wentworth's reservation,
Relative to Wentworth's reservation, 1780,
Petition of settlers on same, 1780,
Report of committee on same, 1780, .
Oliver Whipple's statement relative to same,
Samuel Oilman's statement relative to same,
Names of settlers,
Petition for a lot for a grist-mill, 1781,
Petition relative to road through New London,
David Bean chosen justice of the peace, 1786,
Petition for incorporation, 1793,
STARK.
Introduction, ..••..
Petition for incorporation,
STE WARTSTO WN .
Introduction,
Petition for leave to tax non-residents, i79S»
Petition for amendment to act of incorporation,
431
431
43a
433
433
433
434
434
435
436
437
438
439
439
440
440
440
441
441
442
442
444
445
446
446
447
448
448
449
450
450
451
452
45»
453
454
GENERAL CONTENTS.
STODDARD.
Introduction,
Men in First N. H. Regiment, .
Warrant for town-meeting, 1776,
Protest against election of representative, 1776,
Disorder at a town-meeting, 1776,
Summons to Oliver Parker, 1776,
Proceedings of town committee of safety, 1776,
Recipe to make a whig (unique),
Petition of Oliver Parker, 1 776,
Petition in favor of Oliver Parker, 1776,
Petition relative to a disputed line, 1776,
Petition relative to same, ....
Action of the legislature on same,
Relative to an illegal town-meeting, .
John Robbe, wounded soldier, 1778, .
Richard Richardson, soldier, 1782,
Soldier's order, 1784, ....
Return of ratable polls, 1^83,
Petition for authority to levy a special tax to
meeting-house, etc., 1787,
Committee to locate the meeting-house,
Report of same,
Petition for authority to tax non-residents, 17949
Relative to disputed line, 1798, . . •
STRATFORD.
Introduction, .....
Statement of town affairs, .
Petition for incorporation, 1778, .
Inventory,
Relative to an attack by French and Indians
Petition for a guard, 1780, .
Return of ratable polls, 1783,
Soldier's order, ....
Relative to two redeemed captives, 1785,
Relative to Burnside's ferry, 1786,
Petition for a new county, 1791,
Petition for abatement of taxes.
Petition for grant of Governor's island, 17941
47*
472
473
474
474
475
475
476
476
477
477
47S
479
STRATHAM.
Introduction,
Petition for g^ant of Wiggin's ferry, 1742, .
Warrant for a meeting to settle a minister, 17449
Vote relative to ministerial affairs, 1747,
479
480
481
482
XXll
GENERAL CONTENTS.
John Leavitt, Jr., soldier, 1748,
Documents relative to Crown Point soldiers,
Statement relative to George March, 1776,
Petition for appointment of John Taylor, 1775,
Petition relative to military affairs, 1777,
Soldier's order, 1781,
Accounts for supplies to soldiers, 1780,
Return of ratable polls, 1783,
Vote on the paper money question, 1786,
Paine Wingate for a magistrate, 1785,
Petition in favor of Nicholas Rawlings,
Committee chosen to present a plan for an issue of
paper money, 1786,
Report of said committtee.
SULLIVAN.
Introduction, ....
Petition for incorporation, 17S6,
Report of committee on foregoing.
Petition relative to boundaries, 1793,
Petition for grant of a township, 1798,
SUNAPEK.
Introduction, ......
Petition for arms and ammunition, 1776,
Petition for ificorporation, 1781,
Statement of condition of inhabitants, 1782,
Soldiers' orders, . . . . ^
Certificate relative to Mrs. McBritton,
Statement of men in the Revolution,
Statement relative to service in the war, 1786,
Statement relative to soldiers' bounties, 1789,
Petition for a new town, 1789,
Remonstrance to same, 1790,
Vote of town of Lempster on same, 1791?
The town objects to same,
Petition to have corner bound of Goshen fixed,
483
484
484
48s
486
486
487
487
487
48§
489
489
490
490
491
493
492
493
494
494
495
496
497
498
498,499
500
500
501
502
503
504
504
SHARON.
Introduction, ......
Petition for annexation to Peterborough, i777'
Petition for incorporation, 1786,
Petition for authority to levy taxes, i787»
SURRY.
Introduction, .....
Petition of Lemuel Holmes, soldier, 1780,
506
506
507
508
509
GENERAL CONTENTS.
xxni
Petition of Thomas Dodge, soldier, 1783, . . . 510
Petition of LfCmuel Holmes, soldier, . . . 510,511
Biographical sketch of Hon. L. Holmes, . . . 512
Relative to collection of beef for the army, . . 512
Return of ratable polls, 1783, . . . . . 513
Relative to date of annual meeting, 1784, . . . 513
Petition for authority to raise money by lottery to work
a silver mine, 1786, . . . . 514
Remonstrance against incorporating a Baptist Society,
1800, . . . . . . . . . 515
Sundry persons consent to said incorporation, . . 515
SUTTON.
Introduction, .....
Sutton soldiers, 17771
Assistance to soldier's family, 1783,
Petition for incorporation, 1783,
Benjamin Wadleigh for magistrate, 1786,
Petition for the appointment of a committee to fix un-
certain bounds, 1794, . . . • . 518,
516
517
518
519
SWANZEY.
Introduction, ......
Swanzey soldiers in First N. H. Regiment,
Fort Dummer committee, 1744,
Petition of Timothy Harvey, soldier, 1778,
Resignation of Lieut Col. Joseph Hammond,
Relative to Moses Belding, soldier, 1778,
Relative to Noah Parkhurst, soldier, 1781,
Petition from several soldiers, 1782,
Soldiers' orders, 1784,
Petition of Joseph Hammond, soldier, 1786
Statement concerning town afl^airs, 1781,
Petition concerning Amasa Parker, soldier,
Winchester claims said Parker, 1786,
Parker's receipt for bounty.
Concerning Samuel Epperson, soldier.
Certificate of muster-master,
Certificate of Jonathan Woodcock, soldier,
Relative to bounties paid to soldiers.
Relative to Jonathan Wooley, soldier,
Bill for pasturing government cattle, 1789,
Vote on adopting articles of confederation.
Return of ratable polls, 1783,
Relative to beef tax, 1784,
Relative to an issue of^ paper money, 1786,
533^
520
521
522
522
523
524
524
524
525
526
528
529
529
529
529
530
531
532
532
533
533
534
535
ZXIV
GENERAL CONTENTS.
Petition of sundry citizens to be annexed to Marl-
borough, 1793,
Consent of town to same, ....••
TAMWORTH.
Introduction,
Answer to Sandwich petition, representative, 1776,
Petition relative to state tax, 1770,
Return of ratable polls, 1783, • . . .
Soldiers' orders, ...... 542,
Certificate of bounty to Jos. Ames,
Petition of selectmen, taxation, etc., 1793, .
Petition for a committee to settle disputed lines, .
Directions for perambulating the line between this
town and Eaton, 1796,
Return of said perambulation,
TEMPLE.
536
537
538
538
541
54*
543
543
543
544
545
546
Introduction, ......
Vote relative to incorporation of the town, 1768,
Some inhabitants of Wilton join.
Petition of sundry persons for separation, 1768,
Petition for incorporation, 1768,
Statement of proceedings of Wilton, .
Relative to a road over the mountain, 1768,
Petition from Wilton, 1768,
Remonstrance from Wilton,
Petition of inhabitants for incorporation, 1768,
Relative to some New York tories, 1776,
Soldiers' receipts, i777-*78.
Petition of William Drury, soldier, 1778, .
Petition of Robert Fletcher, soldier, 1779, .
Petition of Ezekiel Goodale, soldier, i7Sk>, .
Petition of inhabitants of Borland's farm, 1780,
Petition for a lottery to build glass-works, 1781,
Statement of the lottery managers, 1782,
Return of ratable polls, 1783,
Petition for leave to elect a representative, 1784,
Petition relative to militia, 1785,
Petition for incorporation of a library,
THORNTON.
5501
555i
548
548
549
550
551
551
552
553
554
6
55
556
557
559
560
560, 564
563
564
Introduction,
Petition for a second grant, 1768,
List of grantees, ....
Town inventory, 1773,
Petition for arms and ammunition, 1776,
566
566
5<
568
GENERAL CONTENTS.
Petition for an incorporation, 1781,
Letter from John Pierce to Mr. Thornton, 1780,
Receipt of Jonathan Child, 1 78 1,
Return of ratable polls, 1 783-'85,
Certificate of George Patterson, soldier, 17939
Statement relative to a dispute between this town and
the town of Peeling, 1797,
TUFTONBOROUGH.
Introduction, ....••
Statement relative to town affairs, 17899
Petition for abatement of soldier tax, 1794, •
Complaint against Woodbury Langdon, 1797)
UNITY,
Introduction,
Warrant for town-meeting, 1779,
Concerning Jonathan Pettingill, soldier.
Concerning state tax, 1786,
Concerning warning a man out of town, 1786,
Oath of allegiance, 1 787, ....
Vote relative to the formation of Goshen, 1790,
Petition relative to dividing the town,
Vote relative to dividing the town.
Remonstrance to same, 1791,
Petition for a new town, 1794, •
Remonstrance to same,
Account for feeding soldiers, 1777,
Petition of Jos. Huntoon, soldier, 17799
Relative to Richard Brown, soldier, .
WAKEFIELD.
Introduction,
Account of supplies furnished soldiers.
Soldiers' receipts, i78i-'82,
Petition of Peter Barter, 1782,
Soldiers' orders, . . . . .
Petition for a repeal of the lumber act.
Relative to arrears of taxes, 1791,
Petition for incorporation of Union Library,
5^
570
570
57a
573
573
574
575
576
576
577
578
579
580
k
583
583
584
58s
586
5S6
587
588
588
• 589
. 589
589.590
590
59»
59'
WALPOLB.
Introduction, 592
Records of proprietors' meeting, 1 736-'38, . . 593» 595
Names of original grantees, ..... 596
Petition for encouragement to manufacture linseed oil,
1773. 597
GENERAL CONTENTS.
Petition in favor of Dr. Silas Baldwin, '7^39
Statement of county committee of safety, 1776,
Return of officers in the T6th Regiment, 17769
Relative to the manufacture of fire-arms,
Relative to a sick soldier, 1777, .
Petition of Isaac Calcott, soldier, 1778,
Soldier's order, 1780,
Petition for a lottery, 1780,
Statement of grievances.
Statement relative to Vermont controversy, 1781,
Petition for authority to erect a toll-bridge.
Soldiers' orders, 1784,
Petition of Samuel Eastman, soldier, .
Petition of B. Bellows for a ferry, 1785,
Petition for help to clear the river channel.
Petition relative to formation of Langdon,
Petition of J. Bellows for a ferry, 1792,
Petition of John Nott, 1793,
598
598
599
600
600
600
601
601
602
607
608
609
610
610
WARNER.
Introduction,
Record of proprietors' meeting, 1741, .
Roll of Capt. Flood's company, .
Soldiers' deposition relative to back pay,
Return of soldiers enlisted, 1778,
Relative to election of representative, i778>
Returns of soldiers, 1780, .
Simon Ward, certificate of service, 1780,
William Lowell, wounded at Bunker Hill,
William Lowell, certificate of Maj. Ballard,
Soldier's order, .....
Relative to allowance for soldiers, 1786,
Relative to Dr. John Currier, 1786,
Relative to locating a meeting-house, 1788,
Relative to Joseph Sawyer for justice of the peace
Relative to Zebulon Morrill for coroner,
Kearsarge Gore for a division, 1792, .
Kearsarge Gore, annual meeting, 1799,
1788
612
614
614
615
615
616
616
617
617
618
618
618
619
620
620
621
621
622
WARREN.
Introduction,
James Aiken, Bunker Hill soldier.
Return of ratable polls, 1783,
Petition relative to an election, 1786, .
Petition for authority to tax non-residents, 1789,
623
623
624
624
625
GENERAL CONTENTS.
XXVll
WASHINGTON.
Introduction, .....
Petition for incorporation, 1776, .
Men in First N. H. Regiment, Revolution,
Petition relative to town bounds, 1778,
Soldiers credited to Washington, 1782,
Petition of Samuel Lowell, soldier, 1784,
Petition in favor of Dr. Harris, 1784, .
Petition relative to locating a meeting-house
A portion of the toWn voted off) 1787,
Memorial relative to representative class,
Relative to sale of lands for taxes, 1790,
Relative to disputed line, 17939
Relative to election of representative, i794?
, 1786,
626
626
626
628
628
629
629
630
631
633
633
634
636
WEARS.
Introduction, .......
Weare men in First N. H. Regiment, Revolution,
Petition of Thomas Kennedy, soldier, 1760,
Petition of Stockman Sweat, soldier, 1781,
Petition of Mary Sinclear, soldier's widow,
Record of a meeting in the east part of the town.
Petition for a parish in east part of the town, 1786,
Report of committee on same, ....
Return of ratable polls, 1783, ....
Relative to a grammar school, 1788, .
637
638
638
639
640
640
641
641
642
WKNTWORTH.
Introduction, .......
Petition for a new grant of forfeited shares,
Statement relative to taxation, etc., 1777, .
Return of ratable polls, 1783, ....
Petition for a represenatation, 1799,
Soldier's order, 1792,
Remonstrance to the incorporation of the Universalist
Society, 1801,
Petition for incorporation of same.
Another remonstrance, .....
642
642
643
644
644
645
645
647
647
WHITEFIELD.
Introduction,
Petition for a grant of the township, 1773,
Petition for incorporation, 1804,
Action of the legislature on same.
648
649
649
650
xxvni
GENERAL CONTENTS.
WESTMORELAND.
Introduction, . . . .
Men in First N. H. Regiment,
Petition for a grant from New Hampshire, 1750,
List of grantees, ....
Disputed boundaries, 1752,
Petition for arms and ammunition, 1776,
Jonathan Holton, Bennington soldier.
Col. Beliows's return of enlistments, 17799
Ensign Aldrich's order, 1 776,
Soldier's petition, 1779,
Petition relative to Moses Thompson, 1780,
Relative to Ezra Gates, soldier, 1780,
Petition of Dr. Heber Miller,
Relative to David Johnson, soldier, 1779,
Petition of David Johnson, 1780,
Petition of Lois Johnson, 1786,
Statement of disturbances in town, 1781,
Memorial of some citizens against a union with Ver
mont, 17819 .....
Petition of James Simonds, soldier, 1781,
Soldiers in Capt. Stone's company, 1780,
Relative to collecting taxes, 1782,
Bounties to soldiers, 1783,
Relative to Nehemiah Pierce, soldier, .
Recommendations for magistrates, 1784,
Josiah Willard, relative to a ferry, 1785,
Solomon Rollins, relative to a ferry, 1785,
Micah Reed, relative to a ferry, 1785,
Relative to a horse lost in the service, 1785^
Isaac Butterfield, relative to a ferry, 1785,
Ebenezer Britton recommended for major.
Vote on paper-money question, 1786,
Certificate of nails made, 1 791, .
Certificate of nails made, 1792, .
John Kathan, for a ferry, 1799, .
Josiah Marsh, for a ferry, 1799, . .
Petition for the incorporation of the Baptist Society,
1800,
WILTON.
Introduction, . ....
Men in First N. H. Regiment,
Petition relative to county bounds, 1769,
Petition relative to bridge over Souhegan river.
Account of provisions sent to Cambridge, i77S»
Objections to articles of confederation, 177^'
651
652
653
654
655
656
657
657
657
658
659
659
660
661
662
663
663
665
666
666
666
661
667
668
669
670
670
671
672
672
672
673
673
674
675
676
676
%l
679
679
GENERAL CONTENTS.
Wilton soldiers, 1776) . . . .
Jonathan Gray, Bunker Hill soldier, .
retition for town representation, 1780,
Justice of the peace wanted, 17S3,
Recommendations for field officers,
Vote relative to issuing paper money, 1786,
Statement relative to militia affairs, 1780, ,
Statement relative to school matters, 1788,
Certificates relative to same, 1 788,
WINCHESTER.
681
681
683
683
683
683
684
684
6^
Introduction, ......
Men in First N. H. Regiment, .
Relative to the original grantees, i753i
Col. Samuel Ashley's resignation, 1779,
Relative to an omission in return of soldiers.
Relative to fish in Ashuelot river, 1784,
Petition to be restored to citizenship, 1785,
Relative to fish in Ashuelot river, i786-'88.
Petition for a lottery, 1795,
WINDHAM.
Introduction,
Men in First N. H. Regiment, .
Relative to province taxes, 17431
Men assessed in the Methuen and Dracut district,
Petition for incorporation, 1750,
Relative to an illegal election, 1768, •
Certificate of publication of warrant, .
Statement of Samuel Barr,
Warrant for town-meeting, 1768,
Constable's statement.
Remonstrance to foregoing petition.
Several petitioners recant .
Statements of Hugh Graham and others.
Relative to an astronomical instrument,
Letter from James Betton, 1776,
Instructions to James Betton, 1776,
Petition for a lottery, 1777,
Relative to a disputed line, Salem, 1782,
Remonstrance to taking oath of allegiance,
Windham soldiers, 1777-78,
John Simson, Bunker riill soldier,
Dr. Thom's certificate,
James Wilson, soldier.
Petition for enlargement of the town, 1782,
Instructions to representative, 1783,
687
687
688
689
689
690
690
692,693
693
695
695
§i
697
697
699
699
700
700
700
703
704
705
705
706
707
709
709
710
711
711
713
712
713
XXX
GENERAL CONTENTS.
Vote on eighth article of confederation, 1783,
Petition for authority to elect representative,
More effective »Sunday laws wanted, .
James Betton for a magistrate, 1784, .
Complaint concerning meeting-house, 179I9
Account of James Betton's travelling expenses,
WINDSOR.
Introduction,
Petition for authority to tax non-residents,
Petition for incorporation, 1790,
Report of committee on same.
List of voters in Campbell's Gore, 1791,
Remonstrance of sundry citizens.
Petition for authority to levy taxes, 1793,
Petition for incorporation, 1798,
7H
7H
715
716
718
719
723
723
724, 726
729
729
730
WOLFEBOROUGH.
Introduction,
Minutes of laying out a road from Wolfeborough to
Plymouth, .......
Account of taxes on Gov. Wentworth's estate.
Men in the army, i77^>
James Wiggin, soldier, 1780, . . • .
Soldier's order,
Petition of Reuben Libbey, soldier, 1786, •
Petition relative to a new town, 1785,
Report of a committee on same,
Remonstrance to same, 1786, ....
Petition to be annexed to Ossipee, 17959
Petition from Wolfeborough Addition, 1800,
Consent of non-resident proprietors, •
Certificate of amount of land taxed, 1800, .
Dates of incorporation, etc., of towns not mentioned
in the three volumes, .....
List of towns in the state of Vermont granted by Grov
Wentworth, .......
735:
APPENDIX.
Letter from Sabastian Ralle, 1716,
Letter from Gov. John Belcher concerning line be-
tween New Hampshire and Massachusetts, 1733)
Letter from Gov. Francis Bernard concerning same,
Theodore Atkinson concerning same, 1767,
Dover militia officers, 173 1-*32, ....
Soldier's order, 1775,
730
731
732
733
733
734
734
737
740
741
742
742
745
746
753
756
756
757
757
GENERAL CONTENTS.
XXXI
Piermont drafted men, 1777,
Lloyd's Hills,
Documents relating to Vermont controversy,
Proceedings of committee meeting at Hanover,
Report of committee, 1777,
Statement of Jonathan Chase relative to Gen.
van's opinion, 17S1,
Census of New Hampshire in detail, 179O9 •
Index to names of towns, places, etc.,
Index to names of persons.
75»
758
760
763
764
765
767
775
781
EARLY TOWN PAPERS.
NOTE.
The documents in this volume were copied from the manuscripts in
Vols. VIII, IX. X, and XI, "Town Papers," collection of 1880, and
Vols. Ill and IV, ** Indian and French Wars, and Revolutionary Pa-
pers," in the office of the secretary of state.
The numbers in brackets at the commencement of each article indi-
cate the volume and page where the original may be found.
ERRATA.
Page 127, 7th line from top, for 1773, read 1778.
133, iSth line from bottom, for 1882, read 1782.
241, 9th line from bottom, for 1793, read 1693.
264, bottom line, for 1856, read 1756.
339, 2d line from top, insert Tebbits after Ebenezer.
393* 17th line from top, read Daniel Sanborn instead of David.
NEW HAMPSHIRE
Early Town Papers,
NEW LONDON.
The largest part of the territory now contained in this
town was granted by the Masonian proprietors, July 7, 1773,
to Jonas Minot and others, as an addition to the Alexandria
grant, previously made by the same proprietors. The ter-
ritory had been known by the name of Heidleburg for some
years previous to this grant, and was subsequently so
called by some ; although in all official documents which
I have seen, it is designated Alexandria Addition, from the
date of the grant until it was incorporated June 25, 1779,
by its present name. It was surveyed by Jeremiah Page
prior to the grant (Vol. XI, p. lO), and granted in accord-
ance with a plan by him made. The first meeting under
the incorporation was called by Samuel Messer, and held
Aug. 3, 1779.
June 19, 1793. lots numbered from 19 to 25, inclusive, in
the north-west part of Kearsarge Gore, were annexed to
New London.
The town has been enlarged by the addition of territory
taken from Wendell (Sunapee) as follows : A portion taken
by an act approved Dec. 11, 1804, and another June 19,
1817.
The northerly part was severed by an act approved June
18, 1807, combined with a portion of Kearsarge Gore, and
incorporated into the town of Wilmot.
3
2 EARLY TOWN PAPERS.
[8-1 ] [Record of Masonian Grants ilJjJ\
Province of New Hampshire —
At a meeting of the Proprietors of the lands purchased of
John Tuflon Mason Esq' in New Hampshire, held at Ports-
mouth on the 7*** day of July 1773 —
Voted also that there be and hereby is granted unto the be-
forenamed Jonas Minott Jonathan Bagley William Bailey John
Talford, William Talford, Matthew Thornton, Robert Mc-
Murphy Daniel Rindge and Joshua Talford, on the Terms,
Conditions, Limitations & Reservations herein after exprest —
a certain tract of land Situate in the County of Hillsborough
and province of New Hampshire, bounded as follows, viz* be-
gining at the Southwesterly Comer of Alexandria aforesaid, on
the Patent line and running on said Patent line to Fishersfield
Corner, in great Sunipe Pond, from thence East on the north-
erly Side line of Fishersfield, four hundred Seventy two rods,
to Parrys Town Corner, then north eighty five degrees east,
about four miles to a Beach tree marked on Parrys town
line ; from thence north thirty nine degrees east, about Sixteen
hundred and Seventy two rods, to a Beach tree marked in
alexandria Corner; from thence north twelve degrees West,
to the Patent line aforementioned, on the Westerly Side of
said alexandria — To have and to hold to the said Minot his
Heirs and assigns for ever, the one moiety of said land,
and to the said Jonathan Bagley, William Bailey, John Tal-
ford, William Talford, Mathew Thornton, Robert M'Murphy,
Daniel Rindge And toshua Talford, and to their respective
Heirs and assigns for ever, the other Moiety, thereof ac-
cording to their Respective Rights and Shares in said alex-
andria upon the following Terms Conditions, Limitations, and
Reservations, that is to Say — ^That one third part of said land
is hereby reserved to the said Grantors, their Heirs and Assigns
for ever. Viz' Lot N« 74, N« 40, N« 128, N* 38 N« 49, N» 122,
N* 24, N« 94, N*» 119, N« 121, N« 70, N« 95, N* 58, N' 10, N»
?o, N* 36, N« 55 N« 67, N*» 136, N" 126 N*> 3, N*» 84, N« 125,
I* 17 N** 42, N* 29, N* 61, N* 90, N« 18, N» 37, N* 83, N* 102
N« 120 N«43 N* 92 N* 118, N« 4, N** 106 N*» 19 N* 14, N*
71, N"* 7, N** 15 N* 39, N** 46 — and two lots in the plan re-
turned of said tract, a third of which said two lots is reserved
to said Grantors, and belongs to their said third part of said
land, besides the particular lotts before-mentioned, which said
reserved third part shall be held by said Grantors, free from all
Taxes and charges whatever, that may arise concerning the
roads, buildings. Ministry Settlements and other publick affairs
NEW LONDON.
whatever, untill the Grantors lands Shall be improved, and
then only the particular lott so improved, shall be liabh
Copy of Record
Attest Geo : Jaffrey Prop" Q
[8-2] [Petition for Incorporation^ ^77^'\
To the Hono^ Councel and house of Representives Convened
at Exeter the Secont Wednesday of march Next
The humble Portion of a number of inhabetants of a Tract
of land in the State of Newhampshire Known by the name of
Alaxandria addition or riewlondon Sitivat Between old Alax*
ander and fishers field and Parrytown : humbly Sheweth that
your Portisherners Labour under a Grat Disadvantage Being
Joyined to Old Alaxander on the accont of Tax Sation the
distance being Seven or Eight miles threw the Woods whare
there is no Road, nor Cannot be aney Easley had the Ground
Being so Ruff and mountanies, and your Portisherners being
Wholy Deprived of anney Privilege of assessing ower Selves
as Selectmen Can be Expected in the Sitevation we are in at
Present among us Therefore your Portisherners Prayer is that
ive may be incorporated into a Town and have the Same Privi-
leges that other Towns in this State have your Portisherners
ar willing CheerefuUy to Pay ower Equill Porpotion of Taxes
"with aney other Town in this State Provided we are in Ca-
pasety to asses ower Selves and like wise your Portisherners at
Present Laboure under Grat Disadvantages Concuming Clear-
ing and Repairing highways among us, as your Portisherner in
Duty Bound Doth Ever Pray —
January y* 23 : 1779 —
Samuel Messer Ephraim Gile
Nathan Goodwin Jedidiah Jewett
Noah Kidder Israel Huntting
James Lam Jacob Hadley
Ebn' Huntting Nathaniel Stevins
Benj* Eastman
[In H. of Rep., March 10, 1779^ a hearing was ordered
for next session. The town was incorporated June 25,
1779.— Ed.]
4 EARLY TOWN PAPERS.
[8-3] {^yonas Minot^ relative to Taxes ^ lySo.']
To the Hon'ble Counsel and House of Representitives for the
state of Newhampshire : In Generall Court Convened att
Exeter on Wedensday the Ninth Day of February in the year
of our Lord 1780^
the Petetion of Jonas Minot of Concord in the County of
Middlesex and State of the Massachusetts who humbly Shew-
eth, that the State and Contenentall Tax, on the Town of New-
london, in this State, for the year 1779 was X641 -13-4, that
your Petetioner acording to his Interest in Said Newlondon
Should Not Pay one fifth of the above Said Sum owning Not
one third of the Land in Said Town of Newlondon which s*
Lays in the State of Nature Except Small Improvements on
one Lot that your Petetioner is Assessed toward the above s*
Sum £268-6-2 — furthermore that your Petetioner is Assessed to
the State and Contenental Tax in the Township of Alexandria
in this State for ye year 1779— for his unimproved Lands More
than twentv Percent, for the Sume total those Lands we are
Aprised at, by the Select Men of S* Alexandria under their
hand in February AD 1778 —
your Petetioner. although Taxt Something in the Same man-
ner in boath Said Townships, for the year 1777 and 1778, find-
ing the Expence of a Redress — Grate, and in Expectation, of
No Such Agreviance in Future Submitted. & Paid the whole
of the Taxes for those two years — ^your Petetioner being Sensa-
ble at that Time that the Assessers for those Townships had
assessed for much Larger Sums than they had Precept for — and
with an Intent as one of those Assessers him Self Declared to
Trim up the Non resident Proprietors — further more the In-
habitents of Said Newlondon having Specialy Bargained and
agreed to pay the High way Tax, on your Petetioners Land
untill improved for which your Petetioner Paid them in Lands —
yet they have Taxt your Petitioner towards the Highways in
S* Town for the year 1779 in the Sum of JCi 25-5-8 your Peti-
tioner in thiH Situation finding him Self to have Voice in the
Proceedings of those Towns & Driven to Dispare of any other
Remedy. Prays this Honourable Court would Take his Case
into Consideration : and in their wisdom Give order that his
Lands in those Townships May Not be Sold for those Taxes
untill he is heard in Court on the Premises your Petetioner as
In Duty Bound Shall Ever Pray
Jonas Minot
NEW LONDON. 5
[8-4] [Relative to a Road front Kearsarge Gore to PrO"
tectworth^ 1784."]
New London May 3i'* 1784
To the Honorable, the General Court of New Hampsheir, your
Petitiners the Inhabitants of New London
Humbly Sheweth that we have Receiv* a Request from the
Select men of Protectworth, Requireing of us that we within
Eighteen Days from the Date of their Request, do Lay out &
Cut & Repair a road from Keirsearge Gore through the North-
erly Part of New London to Protectworth, being about four
miles^ Sl in Case of our Neglecting to do the Same, do Declare
that they Shall Send to the County of Hillsborough, & that they
will Send a Commite to Lay out a Road on our Cost, & this
Place where they do Require a Road bein Remote from any of
the Inhabitants of this town, and the Land Very Broken, the
Cost of a Road must be Great, which the Inhabitants of this
town are Not able at Present to do without other Assistance,
we Being but thirty two Poles of the Inhabitants Paying Pole
tax for them Selves, & the Greatest Part of us in Low Circum-
stance, their Not being one fourth Part of the Land in this
town, owned by the Inhabitants, and also their Not being any
Land Left for Road, in the Laying out of this town, adds to
our Dificultys —
For which Reasons we your Petitioners Humbly Pray, your
Honours, that we may be Impowered to tax the wild Land of
the Non Residants, Lying in this town, with ourSelves, for the
Purchasing of Land for Roads, tha\ are Nessasary in this town,
& also for the Opening and Repairing of the above mentioned
Road, Requested by the Select men of Protectworth, which
Request if your Honours Shall See Cause to Grant you will
fever your Humble Petitioners
Levi Harvey Nathanael Everitt Peter Sargent
Eben' Huntting Joseph Ardway Eben' Sargent
John Adams Juner Sam* Brockelbank Tohomas Whitier
James Brocklebank John morgan Anthony Sergent
John Ardway Ephraim Gile Samuel messer
Ezekiel Knowlton John Astens Benjamin A « lams
Penuel Everett David Astens John Dole
Eliphalet Gay Nathan Goodwin How Messer
Levi Everett Abner Whittier
EARLY TOWN PAPERS.
[8-5]
[ Vote for Paper Money >"]
to the General Cort of the State of New Hampshier Holden at
Exeter on the first wensday of this instent
I would begg Leave to in forme your Honours that the in-
habitants of New London have voted to have paper money
made at a metting held on the 31" of Augst Last that was Noti-
fied for that purpos —
witnes my hand —
Levi Harvey town Clark
New London Sep* 2* 1786
[8-6] \^Petttion for Civil Magistrate^ '7^7-'\
State of Newhampshier Hillsbourough. ss
To His Exelency the President and Council met at Concord the
first wenday of June Next: 1787 Convean*
Humbly Shueth that ware has we are Disteute of a Justice of
the Peace in this Place begs Leave to ask the favor that you
wod in your wisdom and Prudence Comishon Lieu* Levi Har-
vey in that office So that the good order of Peace may be keep
up and the athority of this State be not Abrogaded, for which
we your Humble Petitionors are in Duty Ever bound to pray
for
Newlondon Aprill 13*** 1787
Eben' Shepard
Levi Everett
Israel Slack
Penuel Everett
David Smith
Eliphalet Gay
Ezekiel Knowlton
Nathanael Everitt
Jonathan Herrick
Joseph Colby
William Hutchins
ohn Adams
onathan Everitt
onathan Adams
Benjamin Adams
Solomon Adams
John Adams juner
Thomas Burpe
Asa Burpe
John Dole
James How Messer
oamuel Messer
Tames Brocklebank
Peter Sat^nt
Sam" Brockelbank
Nathan Goodwin
Jedidiah Jewett
Abner Wnittter
Anthony Sargent
John morgan
Ephraim Gile
Sam^ Brockelbank
Jun'
[8-7] \_Petition for authority to tax Non- Residents^ ^79^*^
To the Honorable Senate and House of Representatives of the
State of New hampshire at Concord in Said State in General
Court Convened
NEW LONDON. f
we your petitioners inhabitants of the town of New London
in Said State hereby beggs leave to aquaint your honours that
the taxes in this town are Verey heavy — and perticulery to the
Roads their being three main roads throw this town from the
Country above us which Contains Sixteen miles Exclusive of
our Cross roads where their is a Considerable of traviling — the
roads being So bad that it is Dangerous for teams to pass we
are Commanded by the publick to make them pasable forth with
which we are not able to Do at present we would also begg
Leave to inform your Honours that three quarters of the Land
in this town is owned by Nonresident which pays no taxes to
the Roads we your humble petitioners pray that your Honours
would remove or at Least helpe our Dificulties by Empowering
us to Lay a tax on the Lands of Nonresidents in this town of
One penny per acre yearly During the terme of three years to
repair the roads in S^ town which if it Shall be Consistant with
your honours to do your humble pertitioners as in Duty bound
Shall ever pray
New London June 9** 1790
Sam^ Brockelbank Asa Burpe Thomas Burpee
John morgan Nathaniel S messer John Brocklebank
Ephraim Gile John Adams juner Eben' Huntting
James Lamb James Brocklebank Zebedee Hayse
Nathan Goodwin Jonathan Everet Joseph Colby
Jedidiah Jewett John Adams Solomen Admans
Thomas Currier Jonathan Adams Rob* Knowlton
Ebenezer Sargent Benjamin Adams Eliphalet Gay
iuner Thomas Burpe : J' Penuel Everett
Jonathan Herrick Peter Sargent John Lyon
Josiah Davis Peter Sargent Juner Israel Huntfing
Anthony Sargent Amasa Sargent Sam" How Messer
John Morgan Jun' Thomas Pick John Slack
Eben' Sargent John Dole
[Authority was granted to tax non-resident lands for the
purpose of repairing highways. — Ed.]
[8-8] [ Vote relative to annexing a fart of Kearsarge
Gore^ ijg27\
Newlondon Sept 3** 1792
this may Sertify that at A town meeting held this Day in
Said town by A Request of A Nomber of inhabetance of Kear-
sarge Gore and persenting the Substance of A petition and the
8 EARLY TOWN PAPERS.
order of the general Coart there on, to have part of the Said
Kearsarge Goar incorperated with Newlondon, there fore
Voted to Receve Seven Lots of the westerly Corner of Said
Goar to Newlondon, witnes my hand —
Levi Harvey town Clerk for
Newlondon
[By an act passed June 19. 1793, a portion of Kearsarge
Gore was annexed to this town. — Ed.]
[8-9]. {^Relative to place of holding' Proprietors' Meet'
ings, i795''\
To the Honourable Senate and House of Representatives of the
State of New Hampshire in General Court conveaned at
Concord.
we your petitioners Select Men of New-London in said State ;
for and in behalf of said Town Humblv shueth that the inhab-
itants of said Town do Labour under many and great disadvan-
tages by reason of the extent of the proprietors Law so called,
in as much as it impowers the Proprietors of Land to hold their
meetings any where they please, whereby the inhabitence of
this Town have suffered much of late ; by reason of A proprie-
tors meeting ; the same being held sixty Miles distant from this
Town, and at such a season of the year which rendered it ex-
tremely dificult for the inhabitance to attend, which practice is
verry detremental to the inhabitence of New-'towns.
Therefore we your Petitioners humbly pray your honors, will
take our case under your wise consideration and g^ant us some
relief by altering or amending said Law so far as to direct s'
proprietors to hbld their meetings in futer, in such Towns,
where sd proprietors Lands lye :
or g^ant such relief as you in your wisdom shall think fit
as your Petitioners in duty bound shall ever pray.
New-London December 14th 1795
Levi Everett '\
Peter Sargent >■ Select-
Rob' Knowlton } men
[The petitioners were granted leave to withdraw. — Ed.]
NEW LONDON.
[8-10] \^Peiition relative to Proprietary Affairs^ ^79^'^
New LfOndon May 27*^ 1796
To the Honorable Senate and house of Representatives of the
State of New Hampshire in General Court to be convened at
Exeter on Wednesday the first day of June next
humble Sheweth that whereas the Selectmen of the Town of
New London exhibited a petition to the General Court of Said
State last Session Setting forth their grievances whereby they
have Suffered much of late by the operation of a perticular law
called the proprietor's act or law which grants the proprietor's
liberty to whold meetings in any part of Said State — We your
Humble petitioners renew edly request that the Prayer of Said
petition may be granted or that part of Said law may be re-
pealed whereby the Said Proprietors are impowered to tax all
and Every lot of Land in the respective towns in Said state to
defray proprietors accompts and charges or grant your petition-
ers relief in some other way as you in your wisdom shall think
proper. And we in duty bound shall ever pray
Anthony Sargent
Tho» Pike
W- Clay
Sam" Brocklebank
Sam" Messer
Jo* Messer
Peter Sargent
Jonathan Everett
Peter Sargent J'
Eliphalet Gay
WiUiam Gay
Joseph Colby
John Slack
Benj • Woodbery
Josiah Brown
Jeremiah Pingre
Amasa Sargent
John Sargent
Robert Knoulton
Eben' Sargent
John Emery
John Morgan
Jedediah Juet
Thomas Currier
Nathan Goodwin
Zaccheus Messer
Calven Burpe
thomas Burpe
Aase Burpe
Nathaniel meser
Levi Hai'vey ) Select
Levi Everett ) Men
Ebenz' Sargent
Jonathan Herrick
Eben' Hunting
Zebedy Hayse
Moses Adams
John Adams
Solomon Adams
Jonathan Adams
James Brocklebank
John Dole
James Coleby
Caleb Seager
Sam" Morgan
Jonathan Harvey
Jo* Harvey
NEW MARKET.
The territory now contained in this town and in South
New Market was severed from Exeter, December 15, 1727,
lO EARLY TOWN PAPERS.
and incorporated as a parish by the name of ''New-
Market."
By this act of incorporation, Edward Hall, Andrew Glid-
den, and William Perkins, Jr., were appointed selectmen to
act until others were elected.
An additional act, granting full town privileges, includ-
ing representation in the general assembly, was passed Au-
gust 26, 1737.
By an act passed December 28, 1805, the boundary line
of the town was extended to the " Ship's channel in the
centre" of Exeter river, except where the bridge was. At
that place it was to extend to the draw. This act was re-
pealed June 17, 1807.
The north line of the town was established by an act
passed June 19, 1818. (See Vol. XII, page 390.)
June 27, 1849, ^^^ town was divided by a line running
nearly east and west, and the southerly portion incorporated
into a town named " South New Market."
December 17, 1852, the farm of Wm. Lyford was severed
from South New Market, and annexed to New Market.
July 2, 1870, some territory was severed from Durham,
and annexed to this town.
[8-1 2] [ Case of Assault^ ^73^*^
Pro : of N Hamp
To any or Either of His Majestys Justices of The Peace for
the Said Province
Edward Hilton of the Parish of New-Market, in The Town
of Exeter, in the Province of New-Hampshire aforesaid yeoman
Complaineth (In His Maj*^^ behalf)
That he the Said Edw' Hilton, being in the Peace of our
Sovereign Lord y* King, and about his lawful occasions, at
New -Market aforesaid, on monday the twenty eighth day of
the last month, was Put in Great fear (even of his life) by the
threatening, Speeches, and actual attempts made against him
with force & arms, by a negro man (of the Parish Town &
Province afores*) Called Sambo, who was formerly a Servant
to Andrew Glidden dece*, & belongs now to the Widdow of
Said Glidden, or her son in law Joseph Smith of Said New
Market husbandman ; The Said Sambo at the time and in The
NEW MARKET. XI
Parish aforesaid, holding an ax in his hands ofy* value of 13/
Struck at the Complanant a ful blow with the Said ax, and pro-
phanly Swore, that he the Said Sambo would split out the
brains of the Complainant, and bury him in the Swamp : and
other Enormitys the Said Sambo then & there did, contrary to
the Peace of our Sovereign Lord the King his Crown and dig-
nity and to the law or laws, in Such cases made and Provided,
and pleadable in this Province. Wherefore the Said Edw' Hil-
ton Prays Process against the Said Sambo, and that the Said
Sambo may be dealt with as to law and Justice doth appertain —
In Witness whereof the Said Edw^ Hilton hath hereunto set his
hand the first day of January 1730/31. —
Edward Hilton
Pro: N. Hamp' Jan'y 5*** i73o'*»Edw* Hilton made oath to
the truth of y* foregoing Complaint
It is Considerd that for prophane Swearing the S' Sambo :
pay a fine of ten Shillings according to law, & that for his
threatening ft Attempts ag*^ Edw^ Hilton He procure 2 Suretis
to recognise in y* Sum of io£ to be of good behaviour til y*
next q' Sessions of y* peace and pay Costs of Court & Stand
committed til Sentence perform'd Mem® Jos : Smith y* Master
of The S* Sambo JPaid y* fine of 10 / w«»» I sent by Edw* Hilton
to y* select men of N Market for their Poor he likewise paid
Costs taxed at 48 /3^ and he and Jos : Glidden recognised ac-
cording to order in order to be certified to y* Court of Gen"
Quart' Sessions of the peace next to be holden at Exeter.
RWJ*P-
This was done at a Court held before R W Esq' Just Peace
on tuesday y* S^ of Jan 1 730/1 at y* House of mr Heniy Sher-
burn Taverner in Portsm*
[ Warrant for the arrest of SamhoS^
Pro : of N — Hamp'
To the Sheriff of the Said Province of New-
Hamp' His Under Sheriff or Deputy or To
Either of the Constables of Exeter Greet-
ing—
You or Either of you are hereby required in His Majestys
name forthwith on receipt hereof to apprehend the body of a
12 EARLY TOWN PAPERS.
certain negro man call'd Sambo belonging to y 'Parish of New-
market in the Town of Exeter in the Province aforesaid who
was formerly a servant to And"* Glidden, dec* and belongs now
to the widow of the S* Glidden or her son in law Joseph Smith
of the Parish Town and Province aforesaid husbandman if the
Said Sambo may be found within your Precincts, and him
bring before me or some other of His Majestys Justices of the
Peace within the s* Province to Answer to the Complaint
of Edw'* Hilton of the Parish of New-Market in the Town of
Exeter in the Province of New Hamp** aforesaid yeoman,
(which Complaint under the hand of the Said Edward Hilton,
is hereunto annexed) and to be dealt with (on the S** Com-
plaint) as to law and Justice doth appertain, hereof fail not,
and make due return of this warrant with yo' doings thereon,
for which this Shall be yo' Sufficient authority. Given under
my hand and Seal at Portsm® the first day of January 1730/31.
annoq R** R" Georgii secundi quarto —
Rich* Waldron Just : Peace
You are alike required to Summon John M*math of New
Market aforesaid mariner, and Joseph Smart of Dover w"*in the
Province afores* husbandman to be present as Witnesses at the
Tryal of the said Sambo and hereof they may not fail on the pain
& penaltys that may fall thereon Jan: i : 1730/31
R Waldron J* P^
Janurey 5* 1730/31 Pursuant to the within warrant I have
taken the body of s* Sambo
per me Peter Grely und' Shereff
[8-13] \^Petition relative to an Election ^ IJ4§,'\
To the Hon"* the House of Representatives for the Province of
New Hampshire met in General Assembly the 5*** Day of
June 1745
The Humble Petition of Sundry of the Freeholders of the
Parish of New Market in Said Province Shewi
That y* Freeholders of the said Parish being Intitled to the
Privilege of Sending a Representative to the General Assembly
met on the 3"" Instant (Pursuant to a precept Issued according
to Custom) in order to make Choice of a Suitable Person for
that purpose —
That upon Counting the Votes it appeared they Exceeded the
Number of Voters present which Rendered it Probable there
NEW MARKET. 1 3
was some unfair practice in the proceedings, & made it Doubt-
ful whether the Person Said to be Elected, was Really so, upon
which Seven at Least of the said Freeholders Desired the Mat-
ter might be Decided by the Poll (as the Law in Such Cases
provides) which the Moderator (Joseph Hall Esq') utterly Re-
fused & Denied & thereupon Dissolved the Meeting taking the
matter in Doubt to be as he Declared it without giving the Dis-
satisfy ed Persons the least Satisfaction —
That your Petition" Conceive the Freedom of Elections, is
the foundation of the Rights of the People, & a fundamental
Principle in the form of Government they are under, on which
freedom every Instance of Partiality is an Infringement, & the
very Suggestion thereof ought to awaken a Judicature subsist-
ing only by that freedom, to Examine whether Such Suggest-
ions are true or false — ^Wherefore your Petioners pray that this
Hon**'* House will take Cognizance of the premises Examine &
Determine as the truth of the facts & the Merits of the Cause
Requires & in order thereto to Order the usual & necessary pro-
cess with all Convenient Speed — and your Petioners as in Duty
bound shall ever pray &c —
Israel Gil man Nathaniel Piper
Robert Barber Jonathan Bachelder
Nathaniel peas Kobart Pike
Edwrd Richard Clark
Ezekiel Sanborn Joseph Gilmon
Joseph Sinclare
[The man elected was Thomas Young. The election was
declared illegal by the H. of Rep., June 12, 1745, a new
precept issued, and Capt. Israel Oilman chosen and sworn
in. — Ed.]
[7-18] \^Petiti(m for a Perry over Exeter River^^ ^750^
To His Excellency Benning Wentworth Esq' Governor and
Commander in chife in and over his Majestys Province of
Newhampshire — and to the Honorable Councill for Said
Province —
The Petition of Sundry of the Inhabitants of Newmarket in
Said provinc and others most humbly Sheweth — That there is
a Country Road Laid out by the general Court Several Years
Ago from Nottingham to Exeter River in the upper part of
Newmarkett and there is no Established ferry over Exeter River
in the upper part of Newmarkett that if there was it would be
14
EARLY TOWN PAPERS.
of great Service and benefit for Tfavellers That Travell to and
from Nottingham Ipsum Bow and Pennecook and other places
to Portsmouth Wherefore Your petitioners most humbly Pray
Your Excellency and Honours to Establish a ferry over said
River near the Late house of Nathan Presberry at the new field
so called in the upper end of Newmarkett aforesaid and that he
Joseph Hall Esq' may have the benefit of said ferry and Your
Petitioners as in Duty bound shall ever Pray &c
Sep'*' 24*^ 1750
James Marston
David Lyford
John Perl
James Kinson
Fitz W» Sargent
John Mattoon
Winthrop Hilton
Samuel mighell
Joseph merrill
Richard Clark
Edward Hall
Edwrd
Chrles Hilton
James Sinkler
Danil Lad
Jonathan folsom
Isaac marston
John Wedgwood
Hubartes Mattoon
Robert Pike
Ebeneser Bean
Jacob tilton
Andru Burly
Joseph metcalf
Joseph
Kich^ Mattoon
Samuel nel
peer harsee
Israel Gilman
Edward Colcord
[8-16]
[^Remonstrance to foregoing. '^
Province of New Hamp'
To His Excellency Benning Wentworth Esq' Governor and
Commander in Chief in and over the Province of New-Hamp-
shire and To the Honorable his majesty Councill for said
Province —
Humbly shews Andrew Wiggin Jun' of Stratham in s* Prov-
ince That he is informed that Joseph Hall of Newmarket in s*
Province Esq' (with others) hath Petition'd your Excellency
and Honours that there may be a Ferry over Exeter River so
called at some Distance above the Fernr over said River at a
place caird Hiltons Ferry And that it will affect your Petition-
ers Interest very much in Case the Prayer of the said Joseph
Hall and others should be granted —
Wherefore your Petitioner Most humbly prays your Excel*
lency and Honours that the Pray of the said Petition of Joseph
Hall Esq' and others may not be granted untill your Petitioner
can be heard in opposition thereto which your Petitioner prays
may be granted him — and your Petitioner as in duty bound
shall ever pray —
Andrew Wiggin Jun'.
Desc'. 25*** 1750
NSW MARKET. 1 5
[8-17] {^Relative to New Market Bridge^ ^755*^
To His Excellency Benning Wentworth Esq' Governer And
Commander in Cheif in & over his Maj"*' Province of New
Hampshire The Yiox^ His Maj**» Councill & House of Rep-
resentatives in General Assembly Convened Nov' 25** 1755 —
The Petition of Sundry of his Majestys Subjects Inhabitants
within the Province of New Hampshire Most Humbly Shews —
That in the year 1747 There was an Act Passed by the Legis-
lature of this Provmce for Erecting And Maintaining a Bridge
over the River at New-Market Near the ferry Place there In
Consideration of a Petition of Sundry Persons Inhabitants with-
in this Province. It being thought at that time that that Place
ivas very Suitable & Convenient for a Bridge to be Built there —
That a Bridge is not yet Built there nor Ever Begun tho
More then Eighth years are Elapsed — Since the Passing the
Said act, That your Petitioners Humbly Conceive that If a
Bridge was Built over the river from Stratham to a Place
Called the Newfields in New market It would be of Much
Greater Benefit & Advantage to the Publick than one Built at
the fferry Place aforesaid —
That a Bridge May be much Cheaper & More Easily Built
and Maintained at the New ffields then at the ferry Place the
Current Not being So Strong at the Newfields as at the ferry
Place the Water Being Almost twice as Deep at Lowwater at
the Ferry Place as at the Newfields the Bottom of the river at
the New ffields Being much more Even that the Rafts Brought
from Exeter Generally Get But Little further then the New-
fields the first tide So that a Bridge there will be no Hindrance
to rafts Passing Down the river that it is a much more Direct
Way into the Country than where the other Bridge was Pro-
posed to be Built — ^That your Petitioners See no Prospect at
Present of a Bridge Being Built at the other Place — That your
Petitioners are Willing to Build And will Immediately go about
Building a Bridge over the river at y* New feilds aforesaid If
they may have Liberty So, to Do, By Act —
Wherefore Your Petitioners Most Humbly Prays your Excel-
lency & Honours that they may Have Liberty to Build Such a
Bridge over that river att the Newfeilds aforesaid as Your Ex-
cellency & Honours shall Judge Most Suitable and Convenient
And your Petitionrs as in Duty Bound Shall Ever Pray —
Ebenez' Johnson Andrew French Jacob Tilton
Bcnj* Nudd Bradstreet French Sam" Tilton
Josiah Clark W" French Winthrop Hilton
Sam** Clark Andrew French jun' John Dow
i6
EARLY TOWN PAPERS.
William Clark Jude Allen W» Crocket
William Wallace Samuel Wiggin ju' John Elkins
William Wallace Ju' Richard Young
Jonath' Weeks Tho' Wiggin
John Weeks ju' Henrey Wiggin
Andrew Wiggan y* Sam" Allen
3* Sam" Wiggin
Samuel Haines jun' Benj* Juett jun'
Samuel Bathelder Sam" IPipper
W" Haines jun'
W" Haines
Ebenez^Tohnson
Henry Cflark
Abraham Johnson
Joshua Kennison
Edw* Derbarn
Benj' Marston
Joshua Hill
Daniel Mason
W" Pottle
W" Pottle jun'
John Hill jun'
Rich* Rust
Benj* Cotton
Simon Wiggin
Reuben Gove Dear- To' Hall
Benj' Johnson
Joseph Smith
Theoder Hilton
Joseph Metcalf
Wath" Ames
Simon Wiggin & will Give the Way Free & Clear through
my Land —
Nath" Sinclear
born
Joseph Wiggin
Ton* Wiggin
ill" French jun'
John Avery
fe
Daniel Elkins
acob Ames
ohn Bergin
ohn Clark
am" Clark
John Hoag
John Stockbridge
Alin thurstin
Sam" Boyinton
Samuel Doe ju'
Benj* Doe
John Dudley
Joseph Goodhue
Benj* Smith
on' Thomas
ohn Clark
ohn Marden
fedward Scott
Stephen Clark
W" Moore
John Lvford
John Simston
Tohn Naeley
fames Whidden
[oseph Young
kep* Thurston
George Veasey
John —
Samuel Gillman
Samuel Chapman
Caleb Philbrick
Samuel Elkins
Samuel Gilman
Tho' Harvey
Thomas Burley
Abner Hoag
Elislia Samborn
John Samborn
Joseph Burley
Isaac Marston
Peter ffoulsom
Nehemiah M^ Neile Samuel Phillbrick
Samuel Neal Jon' Levett
James Merrel
Richard Palmer
Joseph Palmer
John Levet
W" Moore jun'
Tho' Veasey
Samuel Levet
Samuel Cate
Jon* Robinson
Daniel Allen
Joshua Weeks ju'
John Hoag ju'
Ezra Barker
Nath" Pipper
Samuel Avery
Samuel Veasey
Samuel Jannes
Jeremi Lock
Ebenezer Wallace
John Hill
John Molloon
Daniel Molloon
Robert Briant
Nathan Jonson
Benj* Mackris
Ebenez Cate
Tobias Sanbourn
iohn Haines
fathias Haines
Thomas Johnson
Ebenez' Mulon
James Johnson
Abner Haines
John Weeks
osiah Clark jun'
ohn Blaso
osiah ffoss
Abraham Durburn
Tho" Berrey
Richard Tennis
Francis Jennis
NEW MARKET.
17
Rob* Pike
Step" Gilman
Israel Gilman
Tho» Pipper
Edward Sinclair
Moses Coffin
Simon Pottle
Edward Peavey
John Hanes
Jonath* Robinson
John Bean
Nath'* Robinson
Benj* Pipper
Josiah Sanborn
Tho» Veasy
Sam" Marble
Abraham Tilton
Joshua Rawlings
Solomon Smith
John Smith
David Stevns
Jacob Low
Eph* Green
Tho- Odel
George Vesey
ohn Robinson
oseph Robinson
atchel Clark
ohn Rundlet
ohn Veazey
ohn Frost
Cyprian JefTry
Jon* Longfellow
Timothy Jones
John Huggins
Jonath* Jewett
Thomas Breyer
John Hillton
Benj* Hoag
Nathan Hoag
William Calley
William Ashley
Jonathan Clark
Benj* Mason
Jon* Chase
Benj* Norris
Joseph Hoag
4
Ephr Levett
Joshua Ncal
Sam*^ Stevens Khis
mark
Nath" Levett
Samuel Lane
Joseph Mason jun'
Samuel Peavey
Tohn Barker
[ohn Rawlins
[ohn Weeks
Daniel Maston
Benj* Potter
John Godfery
Joseph Derbum
Semeon Derbum
Tho' Maston
John Phillbrick
Willom Moltn
Abraham Drake
Joshua Brown
Tho* Nudd
Henry Moultn
Daniel Dow
Tho* Moulton
Elisha Thomas
Benj* Philbrick
Benj* maston
Job Chapman
John Levet
David Maston
Joseph Moultn
Benj* Hobbs
Cap* Abner fTogg
Jon* Hobbs
Zackriah Batchelar
John Marston
David Noles
John Sheppard
Jon* Wedgwood
morris Hobbs
John Hobbs
John Bennet
John Tayler
Stephen Batchelor
Jeremiah Durburn
Ebenezer Barker
Richard Jennis y*3*
Benj* Schell
Samuel Leavett
Henry Dow
Joseph Brown
Francis Lock
Lewis Haines
William Johnson
Sam" Johnson jun'
Daniel Lunt
oseph Haines
oseph Clark
bsiah Allen
Walter Weeks
Walter Weeks jun'
W-f- Sanborn his
mark
Nath" Maston
Abiathar Sanbum
Benj* Williams
Nathan Murdoo
Enock Clark
Jonathan Marston
John Neal
Robert Tufton Phil-
brick
W" Berrey jun'
James Berry
fTrancis Berry
Jo'4- Grant his
mark
Rich* Rand
Jeremi Berry
Samuel Willes
Nath" Jennis
Rich* Jennis jun'
Joseph Jennis
James Perkins
Job Jennis
Benj* Lampre jun'
Amos Rann
Joseph Fuller
W" Palmer
osiah Webster
ohn Fuller
on* Towl
Dan" Moulton
1 8 EARLY TOWN PAPERS.
Benj* Norris jun' John Jonson Jon' Towl ju'
Benj* Norton Lenord Weeks Sam** Jennis
Nathan Maston Sam^-|- Davis his Henry Elkins
John Damm mark W" Rendal
Edward Hall Benj*-|- Davis his Joseph Marston
W"* Norton mark
Jon' Norris
[For other documents relating to the said bpdge, see Vol.
IX.— Ed.]
[R. 3-49] [Petition of Edward Fox of New Market, stating
that he " was a listed soldier in the service of this Province
In y* year 1756, under the Command of Cap* Abr* Perry &
y* by some mistake he was made up I his roll for one Month
& Ten days short of the time he was in said service" He
was allowed £6, 2, 6. — Ed.]
[R. 3-50] [Deposition of Chase Wiggin of New Market,
who states that he was at Fort Edward under Col. Meserve,
in 1756, and came home with Benjamin York ; and that said
York was wounded at Chester, on the way home, by the
bursting of his gun. — Ed.]
[R. 3-51] [Petition of Chase Wiggin, dated 1761, who
states " That on his Returning Home from the armey where
he was employed all the sumer past in the province service
was take sick of the small pox on or about the third day of
December last." He presented a bill for expenses of sick-
ness amounting to ;i£i98, 10, o, old tenor, and was allowed
j£7f 18, 9i sterling. — Ed.]
[R. 3-52] [Petition of Josiah Wiggin of New Market,
who stated that he was a soldier in Capt. George March's
Co., Col. GofFs Reg't, in 1760; came home and had the
small-pox, and wanted the province to pay the bill, which
amounted to ;£i88 old tenor. He was allowed £7, 10, 5,
sterling. — Ed.]
NEW MARKET. 1 9
[R. 3-55] [Account for Supplies furnished a Soldier ^ ^779'']
1779- — ^Dr. Account of Supplies to John Barter, for the Ace* of
the Town of Newmarket.
[The account was for various articles furnished by Joseph
Young, Joshua Bracket, David Chapman, Walter Bryant,
Jr., and Ichabod Bracket, and amounted to £i66, 7, o. —
Ed.]
[R. 3-56] [Petition of yonathan McLSon^ Soldier^ I7^0.2
[In a petition dated March 10, 1780, Jonathan Mason of
New Market stated " That your Petitioner enlisted as a Sol-
dier in the third Battalion of Troops of this State the la^
Day of February 1777 ^tnd Served in the army untill the
Retreat from Ticonderoga at which time your Petitioner had
the misfortune of being taken Prisoner by the Enemy from
whom he soon after made his escape." — Ed.]
[8-23] [Relative to Assistance to Soldiers' JFamilies.']
Newmarket 6^ June 1775 —
To the Hon" Provincial Congress at Exeter — Gent.
Whereas many Inhabitants of this Town are inlisted in the
Provincial Service, whose Family whilst they are absent will
stand in a great need of Support — and as it might be very Con-
venient If the Committee of Safety of this Town, could assist
such Family s with Provisions or other Necessaries of Life in
such Manner as that the same might be allowed The Town or
any Private Person that inclined to advance for that Purpose ;
in any Future Proportion of Charges that may be made to Pay
of s!* Soldiers —
Wherefore We Pray the Advice of this Hon" Convention—
And that your Hon" would direct accordingly —
In Committee of Safety at Newmarket 6'** June i77S
Voted that the foregoing Petition be presented to the Con-
gress by M' Parsons —
Tho' Tash Chairman.
[8-20]
[This document is a " Plan of Land in Controversy 1764,"
20 EARLY TOWN PAPERS.
" between the Select men & Ames." It purports to have
been drawn by Wentworth Cheswill. — Ed.]
[8-22] [^Request for Permit to send some Stock out of the
Province^ I77S''\
To the Honorable Congress of the Colony of New Hampshire
the Humble Pettion of Jonathan Colcord Jn'
Shueth that your petioner has two four old Stears and two
Haffers and Eight Sheep he Wants to Send to pasemoquade to
Winter, Where he has hay to Winter them out Wherefore your
petioner prays your Honours Will Cleare out Said Cattel and
Sheep to be Carreyd in a Schoner belonging to m' Joseph
Clark & walles. So that they may not be taken and Stop^ by
any of our Crusers, and your pettoner as in Dutcy bound Will
Ever pray —
Jona Colcord
Newmarket Dec' 27*^ 1775 —
[8-24] \^Petition relative to the Pourth Regiment of Mili"
tia.']
To the honourable Provincial Congress of the Colony of New
Hampshire.
The Subscribers Inhabitants of that part of the Colony afore-
said which compose the fourth Regiment of Militia therein,
beg leave to lay this petition before your honours respecting
the Appointment of Cap' Jeremiah Folsom to the Office of
lieut Colonel in said Regiment & tho some of us may not be
so immediately affected by such Appointment as others par-
ticularly the Inhabitants of Newmarket yet as we are all more
or less interested in the Arrangement of the Regiment we beg
leave earnestly to pray your honours to hear the prayer of this
& other Petitions, now before your honours to reconsider the
Vote of said Folsoms Appointment & let us have a Lieut
Colonel more suitable as well as more agreable and tho the
sole Privilege of such nomination & appointment is vested in
your honours yet we have such Confidence in your honours
Candour Goodness & tenderness for the People as leaves us no
room to doubt but your honours will consider our Condition &
grant our request which we beg leave humbly & earnestly to
entreat & withal beging your honours to bear in mind that tho
your honours may have greater knowledge of men & things
NEW MARKET.
21
& consequently may be better Judges than your Petitioners of
the propriety of any such appointment in general yet we beg
leave to say in this particular case that no body knows so well
where the shoe pinches as they that ware it — ^The People this
way are rightly informed of the said Folsom, we fear your
honours were not which occasions our adding this to we hope
the already sufficient Number of Petitions already before your
honours that if we cant be happy in the man we esteem we
may not be unhappy in the man we do not admire
Simon Marston
James Page
Daniel Page
Benjamin Page
Joseph Ham
Jeremiah Easman
William Tirrell
Tho' Rand
Benjamin Kindrick
david Kindrick
Josiah Prescott
Robord Kelle
Clement Tackson
Jur
Tristam Cram
Enoch Robie
William Simpson
Moro X Parsons
Nath* Rolins
John Pearson
Joseph Currier
lUiiel Smith
moses Barnard
Josiah Present
David Batchelder
Sanborn Cram
John morgean
Benjamin Carr
Edw Webster
Timothy Jones
John Jones
Joseph Jones
David Jones
Benjamin Weeks
Samuel Prescut
Jedediah Prescot Ju
John Prescot
Samuel McQuer
Jonathan mccluer
Jonathan Judkins
Abraham Prescutt
Jacob Doe
Adonijah Fellows
Thomas Robie
Levi Dame
Asa marston
Cutten Cilley
William morrill
Alexander Lucy
John Wills
moses Daves
^
bsiah Clark
osiah Clark Jun'
ohn cram
Abraham Page
Gideon Ham
ohn Tirell
illiam Rand
Ephraim Cram
iohn Simpson
loses Chase
Sam" Leavitt Esq'
Josiah Chase
Henry Tucker
John Eastman
Richard Jenness
David Robinson
Nathan Philbrick
Joses Philbrick
Ezekiel Oilman
Joseph Smith
william mores
Beniamen Bean
Stephen Prescutt
Tho' Jenness
John Severince
Another petition contains the following :
iames Hill
[ubartus Neal
Richard Clark
Chas Wiggin
Edward Hilton
moses Egerley
Nathan** Lord
Zebulon Davis
Robart Barber Ju
Eliphelet Pease
onathan Sanbon
ohn Wedgwod
bsiah Burley
william Burley
willam higgens
Benjamin Stevens
Jacob Burley
Nicholas Doe Juner
Joseph meloon
Robert Pike
John Burleigh
David Wiggin
Benj' Mead
Josiah Hilton
22
EARLY TOWN PAPERS.
Sam" Baker
Charles Smart inur
Anthony Pickrein
Bening Brackett
Anthaney pickren
Jur
levy pickren
John Perkins
Winthrop Smith
Peter Drown
Stilmon Tarlton
John Marston
Jacob Pearson
Daniel Cromell
Nat ames
Edward Colcord
Samuel Dyer
Samuel Neal
Brad'' Gilman
John Bennet
Cotton Bennet
Joshua Brackett
Nicholas Hartford
Joseph Smart
thos Churchell
John tilton
Sam" Chapman
Aron kenson
ames Burley
ohnthen wiggen
ohn Tash
ob Saveg
euben Doe
Thomas Bennet
John Colcord
Robert Jackson
oseph Folsom
Valter Shute
I
David Folsom
W" Coffin
•
John Mason
Enoch Remick
John meder
David Chapman
John Cooke
Jonathan Doe
Moses Burley
John Bennett Jun
Caleb Clark
John Ames
Andrew Burley
Nat Gilman
Jos Adams
David Smart
William folsom
Nat ames Ju
Another dated Sept. 15, 1775, contained the following:
Benj Johnson
John Johnson
Increas Batchelder
ohn Batchelder
onathan Clark
ohn Smith
William Prescott
Volentine Kinnison
thomas georg
Jonathan folsom
Zabulon norris
Daniel Hil
iames Godfree
>aves Batchelder
Mason Rendel
David Davis
Robert Davis
Sawyer Chesle
Jacob Davis
Abraham knight
Samuel Gray
James Hall
Joseph Joslon
Samuel Bresey
Joseph Jackson
Stoten Tuttle
Moses Davis
Samuel Burnam
Joshua Drew
Aldad Langley
Toseph Langley
[ohn follet
[ohn Giles
John Kenson
Andrew Chesle
Charles Wille
John Brown
John Brown Ju
Daniel Young
^acob Burnum
[oshua Furbur
lamuel Dam
Several other petitions contain the following :
Robert Hill
Ham lebey
William Blake
Asahel Blake
Sherbun Blake
Reuben Morgin
Henry Sanborn
Samuel Sherborn
Jonathan knowlton
raul gerrish
Tohn mead
[osiah Burnham
lamuel Gilman 3*
Joseph Sandborn
Jacob Burley
williara folsom ir
John Harvey
Robert Avens
Will" Clark
John watson
James watson
franses kinsten
John chesle
John Lane
NEW MARKET.
23
Benj^ Hill
Samuel Johnson
Thomas Piper
William Wallace
Simon Wadley
Sherbon Derbon
Nathaniel Derbon
Joseph Garman
John Foss
William Simson
Joseph g^lman
Samuel ward
William Burley Junr
Edward folsom
Daniel wilson
Samuel Burleigh
Thomas Rowlings
Lewis Kinnison
Dudelv Smart
Elias Philbrick
thomas knolton
John Durgin
Robert Goodwin
John Doe
andrew Fulsan
Elisha Thomas
Frances Durgain
Brad** Doe
Moses da vis
Volintine Hill
Israel Randel
James kelse
Moses Godfree
abraham Batchelder
William Nelley
Samuel Daniels
Tho' m«Connell8
John Bickford
Solomon Bickford
Nathanel Randel
John m*Crilles
Abednego Leathers
Jr
Hezekiah Randel
John gile
Benjamin fox
Philip Bartlet
Joshua Hoit
Growth Palmer
Nathanael Goodhue
Andrew Nelley
Nehemiah Bartlet
Joseph Robinson
Levi Robinson
John Nelley
Thomas Odel
John Welch
Winthrop Langley
Abner Clough
Edward Bean
Josiah Watson
Zeph* Butler
Patten Simpsion
Samuel winslow
Jonathan Huckins
Jonathan Willey
[8-28] {^Relative to Militia Affairs^ ^TTS'l
To the Hon*^ Provincial Congress of the Colony of New
Hampshire —
The Petition of Samuel Baker, James Hill and Wentworth
Cheswill in behalf of the Town of Newmarkett Humbly Shews
— ^That when all America are Asserting and your Honours are
specially delegated to maintain amoung other Things; the
Rights of a free Representation, of Representitives being liable
to & bound by the Instructions of their Constituents : and of
Petitioning for Redress of Grieviances — ^We doubt not your
Hon" will vouchsafe to hear this Petition, respecting Infring-
isents on some of those Rights, by a Member of your Body —
The Exercise of arbitrary Power over Places of Honour & Pro-
fit has once we have seen overballanced free Representation and
helped to Reduce this Nation to a Civil War ; may not there-
fore appointments to such Trusts, solicited or Accepted by Del-
egates in Violation of the Instructions of their Constituents, be
justly esteemed Things of a bad and dangerous Tendency espe-
cially when such Honours fall upon Persons either of small Ac-
complishments or Low Merits — We therefore humbly Pray
24 EARLY TOWN PAPERS.
your Honours to Eye the Hand of Freedom in our present case
and preserve even in small Things the Priviledges & Immuni-
ties of Each Individual — The Town of Newmarket being the
Second in the Regiment have usually had the second Field Offi-
cer appointed there : They still humbly pray for a Continuance
of the Same Favour ; and they did specially order and Instruct
their Delegates to represent to your Honours the Desire of the
Town That Major Thomas Tash might be appointed a Field
Officer here, and themselves to use their Influence and Vote for
said Tash accordingly — tho* not with any the most distant View
of an exclusive Right to dictate to your Honours in the Matter,
but only on a Confidence founded on Evidence of his Courage
and good Conduct manifested the last War, and his firm and
generous Exeritons in Defence of the Common Cause from its
earliest rise : and from the Advantages they have from their
Situation to gain the Knowledge of the Person in this Town
most worthy of such an Office above that of many of your
Honours to whom the Inhabitants of this Town are Strangers
— And it cannot but justly alarm us that Cap* Jeremiah Folsom
one of our s** Delagates should, repugnant to such Instructions
not only neglect to inform your Honours of his s* Instructions
or even regard them himself, but Presumptiously (to use his
own Words) " crawl into the Gap " The very Place which he
by the Ties of his Word & Honour was obliged to endeavour to
procure for another — This Conduct (had his Accomplishments
as an Officer been equal to those of Major Tash or even great-
er) would we conceive have Apolligized for this Petition — it
was this amoung other Reasons that induced the Town of New-
markett at a Meeting of its Freeholders and other Inhabitants to
Vote to dismiss the said Folsom from all further Sei'vice and to
chose us a Committee to Prefer this Petition — humbly to be-
seech your Honours to reconsider said Appointment, and per-
mit this Town still humbly to recommend the said Tash to your
Honours Consideration & humbly to pray your Honours gra-
cious Acceptance and Approbation of such Choice — And your
Petitioners as in Duty bound shall Pray —
Newmarkett 5*** September 1775
Sam" Baker
James Hill
Wentworth Cheswill
NEW MARKET. 2$
[8-31] [Relative to Military Officers^ ^77S'^
Colony of N. Hampshire
To the Honourable Councel & House of Representatives for
Said Colony —
The Petition & Remonstrance of us the Subscribers, non
commission Officers & Soldiers in the north Company of Meli-
tia in Newmarkett — Humbly Shews —
That Jeremiah Folsom under pretence of acting as Lieut.
Col, of this Regiment, has as we humbly conceive, deprived us
of the Liberty of Choosing our own Officers ; agreable to the
Resolution of the Hon**** Continental Congress ; by assuming, &
wantonly exercising, the Power of Moderator of the Meeting of
s^ Company : & as such to adjourn from Time to Time ; &
from Place to Place ; untill he had surreptitiously obtained a
Vote for Edward Hilton Jr to be Captain : not by the free suf-
frages of the Soldiers, which we conceive ought to have been
had ; but by a Small Majority, of some of the Company, in
Conjunction with several Commissioned Officers ; & others that
Did not belong to the Company & even some that did not be-
long to the Town —
Which Vote so obtained, he the s* Folsom afterward refused
to have reconsidered ; tho' repeatedly demanded by a far greater
Number than it was passed by and still persists in further ad-
journing the Meeting Contrary to the Sence of the Majority of
the Company Present — and other unfair, partial, & oppressive
behavour, of s^ L' Colonel, compels us Humbly to pray, the in-
terposition of this Hon**' Court ; & that s* Folsom may be re-
moved, from the Office of L' Colonel ; and We be restored to
the Previledges of Soldiers, in Common with Other Americans :
Which Previledges, we are determined to Assert, maintain, &
defend ; according to the Resolutions of the Hon** Continental
Congress — or have our Aforesaid Greivances Redressed, in
Manner as shall Seem Meet to your Hon" & your Petitioners
shall Pray —
At a Meeting of the North Company of Melitia in New-
markett March 5*** 1776 —
Peter Drown Josiah Bennett Richard perkins
John Nason Volentine Rollins Peter Hersey
^ebulon Doe 3* Willom Spriggens Frances Durgain jr
William Simson John meder Cotton Bennet
John Perkins Joseph meloon Reuben Doe
Samuel Gill Andrew Doe Nicholas Doe Jun'
William Hurley Junr Jos** Clark Zebulon Duda
John watson Jonathan Dudley Joshua Brackett
26 EARLY TOWN PAPERS.
Smith Chapman John Tash Samuel Chapman
Edward Folsom Samuel Chapman Joseph Chapman
John Bartlett Sen' James Dearborn
Joseph Folsom william folsom ir Gideon knight
Anthoney Pickering Benj* Mead Abraham Parsons
Jr Lewis Kinnison Robert Jckson
Aaron kinsten Bening Brackett Jonathan Doe
Joseph Saweige Jeremiah Foss
John Bennett Jur Jonathan Folsam
[8-32] {^Relative to Church Matters^ ^777*^
To the Hon^*' the Council and House of Representatives of the
State of New Hampshire in general Assenxbly convened 7*^
November 1777 —
The Petition of Jeremiah Folsom, Josiah Adams and Went-
worth Cheswill Agents for and in behalf of The Town of New-
market— Humbly shews
That the Inhabitants of said Town being divided in Relig-
eous Sentiments; and the Circumstances of the Town not ad-
mitting of a local Division into two Parishes at Present : They
have mutually agreed upon a Division between the Congrega-
tional & Preysbyterian Societies by Poll — In which Case nei-
ther Society having any legal Authority to call or settle a Minister
of the Gospel in any way but as Individuals, nor can they Re-
spectivly as Seperate Bodys, vote assess or collect any Sums of
Money for the Support of the Gospel nor Transact any other
Prudential Affairs of the Ministry — which obvious Difficulties
being increased by a Vacancy in the Ministry of one Society —
The Inhabitants in legal Town Meeting Assembled the 3* Ins*
mutually agreed upon a Mode of Division by Polling as by the
Journal of said Meeting appears — and appointed us the Sub-
scribers Agents to petition this Hon***' Court for Leave to Bring
in a Bill to recognize & establish said Division : and enable said
Societies respectively to transact the Prudential Affairs of their
Ministry seperatly in the same Manner the Town might do if
united — Which we humbly pray your Honours to take under
Consideration ; and grant such Releif as to your Honours shall
seem meet —
And your Petitioners shall pray —
Jeremiah Folsom
Josiah Adams
Wentworth Cheswill
[This petition was granted. — Ed.]
NEW MARKET.
27
[8-33] [^MemSers of the West Society^ ^77^'^
To the Town Clerk of Newmarket —
We the Subscribers desire our Respective Names be Entered
as Members of the Western Society in Said Town Agreeable
to Charter.
Jeremiah Folsom, Walter Bryent, Jun', Wm. Burleigh, James
Cram, Thomas Bennet, Will" Renton, Arthur Bennett, Levi
Folsom, Joshua Bracket, Aaron Kinnison, Nich® Harford, Jon*
Wiggjen, W" Burleigh, J', Zebulon Duda, Smith Chapman, Ru-
fus Ewer, Benj* Tayler, John Folsom, Josiah Burleigh, Jon*
Roberson, John Watson, David Wiggin, Joseph Smart, Robert
Gooding, Enoch Folsom, Winthrop Wiggin, Thomas Church-
ill, Mehitable Gooding, Jacob Ames, Joseph Young, Joseph
Joy, John Young, Nicholas Doe, Edward Smith, W"" Simpson,
] acob Durgan, Thomas Wiggen, Joseph Gilman, John Cook,
Joseph Clark, John Meeder, Elizabeth Folsom, Samuel Bur-
leigh, Simeon Folsom, Edward Hilton, Asa Folsom, Thomas
Kinnison, Walter Bryent, Josiah Hilton, Ichabod Bracket,
Charles Smart, Israel Gilman, Jacob Burleigh. Jun', William
Stockman, Zebulon Doe, Jun',Gamalil Ewer, Job Savage, Zeb-
ulon Doe, Liwes Kinnison, Benjamin Chapman, Jon* Doe,
Elizabeth Hilton. —
Received the lo'*' of January 1778 —
True Coppy
Attest Jos. Adams Town CI
Nathanel Gilman
Stephen Hardy
John Marster
John Neal
Zebulon Neal
Nath" Rogers
Theodore Carlton
E Mighels
William Shute
Jonathan Colcord
Tun'
John Mighels
Samuel Mighels
In behalf of Sam^ Smart )
Nath' Rogers j
In behalf of Josiah Smart )
Nath" Gilman )
Dudley Smart
Joseph Shute
^eremiah Young
eremiah Foss
ohn Mead
Levi Mead
Eliphalet Colcord
Peter Colcord
Ebenezar Speed
Michael Shute Jun'
Anthony W. Car-
penter
Stephen Li ford
Francis Durgin
George Hart
Thomas Tavler
Ede Hall Bergin
Joseph Weeks
David Gilman
28
EARLY TOWN PAPERS.
Recev'd Aprill 12"' 1779.
James Gilman. Recev^ March 31. 1782
Daniel Hilton Recv' April 5. 1782
W" Boardman
Eliz. Boardman
Vincent Tar
John Young-Ju'
Benj* Vemam
James Smith
The foregoing Names are true Coppy on Record, of those
belonging to the West Society in Newmarket
Attest Josiah Adams
Town CI
Receiv*
>• March 2*
1784-
[8-34] [Relative to New Market Bridge^ //^O.]
State of New-Hampshire
To the Hon^ Council and House of Representatives for said
State in general Assembly Conven'd at Portsmouth 24^ Octo-
ber AD 1 780—
Humbly Shew We the Subscribers, freeholders and Inhabi-
tants of divers towns in this State that Stratham & Newmarket,
Lottery Bridge so Called, is now become ruinous and almost
impassable and unless Speedily Repaired the Great Expence of
building it & Great Benefit and Convenience the Public might
Still Receive therefrom will be entirely Lost — ^As the Said
Bridge was built by Lottery for the Public advantage and as no
particular Towns are Chargeable with the Repairs thereof your
Petitioners humbly Conceive that a Lottery for the Repair of
Said Bridge would be found the most elegible way Wherefore
your Petitioners humbly Pray that your Honors would (as in
Some Cases you have) Grant a Lottery for that purpose, or
that the Same brige may be Supported in future at the Charge
of the County of Rockingham or in such other manner as your
Wisdom may dictate and your Petitioners as in Duty bound
will ever pray &c —
Walter Bryent
Tho« Tash
eremy Bryent
oseph young
oseph Young Ju'
^Benjamin Chapman
Edward Smith
Samuel Burleigh
Benj* Stevens
Jeremy pineo
Bejamin Smith
Simeon Folsom
Jer^ Fosom
Kufus Ewers
Elip* Neal
Paul Chapman
Wiggin Doe
Jon* Stevens
NEW MARKET.
29
Tosiah Parsons
tos* Clark
Nicholas Hartford
Jer* Young
^ebulon Durgin
Benj* Smith
Jn» Smith
Nath^ Kidder
James Cram
John young
Robert Hill
Enoch Stevens
Jonathan Doe
John Bennett Ju
Levi Mead
Joseph Saevy
John Cooke
David Chapmon
Benj Nudd
William Boardman
William Cram
Hubartus Neal
Stilmon Tarlton
Asa Folsom
Ich* Brackett
Sam^ Durgin
John gije
Edward foox
William Coffin
Joseph Brackett
James Burley
John young
Robt. york
[8-35] \^Proceediners of a Town* Meeting' relative to Articles
of Confederation^ etc., 1^82,']
State of New Hampshire Rockingham ss —
The legal Inhabitants paying Taxes in the Town of New-
market are hereby notified and Warned to meet at the Old
Meeting House in Said Town on Monday the 18^ Day of No-
vember next at 2 O'Clock P M. Then & there i*^ to choose a
Moderator — 2^ To Elect a Representative ; and Vote for
Councellors for the year insuing : agreable to a Precept from
the General Court of this State — ^3^"^ To take under Considera-
tion the Plan of Government proposed by the Convention of
this State, by their Resolution of the 21** of August last to be
laid before the People — and Take such order thereon as the
Meeting may think proper — ^4***^ To pass any Other Vote or
Votes, that may then and there be thought necessary —
Given under our Hands at Newmarkett this 31** Day of Oc-
tober. 1782 —
Walter Bryent Jun' \ Selectmen
Joseph Doe > of
Wentworth Cheswill j Newmarket
At a Meeting of the legal Inhabitants paying Taxes in the
Town of Newmarkett. at the Old Meeting House in said New-
market on Monday the 18*^ Day of November 1782. Pursuant
to Warrant —
!■* Voted Cap* Samuel Baker Moderator —
The Moderator ordered the Votes to be brought in for the
Choice of a Representative, the Votes being accordingly
brought in and Numbered and there were
19 Votes for Col« Hill
17 Votes for Cap* Gilman
I Vote for M' John Tash
30 EARLY TOWN PAPERS.
Whereupon the Moderator declared that the Meeting had made
Choice of Col* Hill for their Representative —
There was then an Objection made that the Proceedings of
the Meeting was not legal by Reason of the Voters not takeing
the Oath of Fidillity and after Debateing upon the Matter for
Some Time the Meeting then Voted to adjourn to Monday next
at One of the Clock in the Afternoon
This Meeting is accordingly adjourn'd
Samuel Baker. Moderator —
« ^^
Attest, Josiah Adams Town Clk
The Meeting met according to Adjournment — upon Motion
made Whether the Meeting Should Proceed to finish the Re-
mainder of the Business in the Warrant, it past in the Affirma-
tive by a large Majority — Whereupon Cap^ Samuel Oilman,
Cap* Neal, Theodore Carlton and Nath' Oilman dissented
against the above Vote by Reason the Voters not being Qualli-
lied—
The Moderator ordered the Votes to be brought in for the
Choice of Councellors The Votes were accordingly brought in
— Then Voted this Meeting be Adjourned to Monday the 9*
day of December next, at one of the Clock in the afternoon^
This Meeting is Adjourned Accordingly
Samuel Baker Moderator —
Attest Josiah Adams Town Clk
The Meeting met According to Adjournment this 9th Day ot
December 1782 — a Paper was then presented to the Meeting
Signed by a Number of Persons, Offering their Reasons for
their Dissenting against the Meeting upon the Several adjourn-
ments, in the Following Words (Vizt) —
At a Town Meeting held at Newmarket iS^ November, 1782
and Continued by adjournment, to the 25*** November 1782, and
further Continued by adjournment, 9*** December, 1782 —
From and against the Votes and Proceedings of all Severall
Meetings We the Subscribers Dissent and Protest for the fol-
lowing Among other Reasons —
I** Because when the Votes were brought in for a Repre-
sentative and an objection was made against any Persons Vot-
ing who had not taking the Oath of Allegiance to the State the
Moderator did not take care to see the Voters quallified accord-
ing to Law, but Declared Col® Hill chosen by a Majority of
only One Vote, when it was Notoriously known that many of
the Persons that Voted had not taken the Oath according to
Law. 2^^ Because after the Objection was made as aforesaid
and debated upon and the Act of the State enjoining the Afore-
N£W MARKET. 3 1
said Oath was Read and the Meeting adjourned^on that Ac-
count no Entry there of was made, but on the adjournment the
Moderator proceeded in the Vote for Councellors in the Same
Manner as before without the Voters being Quallified and fur-
ther adjourned the Meeting to Consider of the Plan of Govern-
ment without any Notice being taken of the utter illegality of
such proceeding — ^3^^^ Because we Apprehend that many Peo-
ple were misled into such undue measures by Col® Hill, pub-
lickly declaring in the Meeting that the Act enjoining an Oath
of Allegiance was not intended for the People here but only
made for the People in the upper part of the State — and there-
fore because many who were not Quallified and others that
were Quallified Conceiving the proceedings to be illegall did
not Vote either for Representative or Councellors, We as afore-
said do Dissent and Protest against the proceedings Y\sid or to
be had in the Premises — and Request an Entry of the forego-
ing on the Records —
Samuel Oilman Samuel Neal Joseph S. Oilman
Robert Pike James Oilman Theodore Carlton
Bradstreet Oilman Daniel Hilton Hubartus Neal
Andrew Oilman Nath* Oilman Jacob Fowler —
Upon Motion made Voted to adjourn the Meeting to the
Widdow Longfellows House Immediately — Met According to
adjournment, and after Reading the Plan of Oovernment and
debateing thereupon — it was put whether the said Plan Should
be Received or Not, it past in the Affirmative Ten for it, and
Three against it —
This Meeting is Disolved—
Samuel Baker Moderator
Attest Josiah Adams Town Clk
A True Coppy of the Whole
Attest Josiah Adams Town Clk
[8-37] {^Petition for a Civil Magistrate^ ^7^4*^
State of Newhampshire —
To his Excellency the President, and the honourable the Coun-
cil of the State of New Hampshire —
The Petition of the Subscribers Inhabitants of the town of
Newmarket, in the county of Rockingham, humbly Shews —
That the necessity of appointing civil Officers, of integrity,
uprightness & ability is of the last importance, & deeply felt by
32
EARLY TOWN PAPERS.
your Petitioners — That as your Petitioners wish that Persons
may be appointed in this town to the Office of Justices of the
Peace, whose lives, Abilities & Estate will not only do honor
to the town, but tend to make the government under which we
live permanent & respectable. That as a multiplicity of busi-
ness is transacted in that part of the Town called Lamper-River,
which part of the town for some time past has been, & now is,
destitute of a person in Commission for the Conservation of
the Peace — ^Your Petitioners humbly beg leave to mention to
your Excellency & honours, Jeremy Bryant Esq' as a Person
(resident in said part of the town) best qualified, in their opin-
ion, for that Important office — Your Petitioners mean not to
dictate, but humbly pray your Excellency & honours, if you
think the abovenamed Person worthy, that he may be ap-
pointed to the aforesaid important Office &, as in duty bound,
will ever pray &c —
Newmarket 5*** April 1784
James Hill
Daniel Hill
John Shute
Jacob Fowler
Edward Hilton
Sam* Oilman
Andrew Oilman
Tho' Taylor
Levi Chapman
Robert Pike Ju
William Cario
Philip Fowler
Nath Oilman
Thomas Bennett
Walter Bryent Jr
John Bennet
Winthrop Smith
Eliphalet Smith
Benj* Mead
Lewis Kinnison
Moses kinnison
Josiah Hilton
Robert Ooodwin
onath Wigens
acob Ames
oh a Watson
Cotton Bennet
David Chapman
Levi Pickreing
Dudly Smart
Richard Hilton
Samuel Ward
John Sanborn
Solomon Daniels
Edward Wells
W" French
Thomas Hanaford
Zebulon Barber
Tho« Carlton
Charles Smart ir
Joseph Saweige
Samuel way mouth
Hilton Smart
Wiggin Doe
Sam Chapman
John M. Smith
Andrew Smith
thomas wiggin
Benning Brackett
Daniel Hilton
Samuel Pickering
John Perkins
Jacob Folsom
Willam Folsom
Jacob Hersey
John Marston
WentworthCheswill John Ames
[8-38] \^Petitton for a Magistrate^ i7^4-'\
State of New Hampshire —
To his Excellencv the President and Hon**** Council for the
State of New Hampshire convened at Concord the first
Wednesday in June Anno Domini 1784 —
NEW MARKET.
33
Humbly shew the Subscribers Inhabitants of the Town of
Newmarket in the County of Rockingham and State afore*
That a Justice of the peace is greatly wanted in the north part
of said Town ; especially the district called Lampereel River —
Your Petitioners beg leave to recommend M' James Smith as a
person of good reputation, and well qualified to act in said
office; Therefore they would humbly pray your Excellency,
and Council to commissionate the said James Smith to act as a
Justice of the peace in said County of Kockingham, And your
Petitioners as in duty bound will pray &c —
March 23**" 1784.
Nathaniel Ewer
William Burley
Jonathan Robinson
Bern Taylore
Tames Cram
William Bordman
ethro Sandborn
onathan Doe
ohn Young
William Burley Jur
Sam^ Smart
John Young Jun'
David Cram
Joseph Young Jun'
George Curtis
Jonathan Colcord
Benjamin French
Benjamin Dow
Paul Chapman
John Cooke J'
Jer* Young
Ich* Brackett
Simon Dow
John Cook
Andrew Doe
Vincent Torr
Asa Folsom
David Coolcord
W. Renton
Samuel Ward
Elijah Wiggins
Simeon Folsom
Benjamin Chapman
Zebulun Doe
Joseph Smith Juner
Benjamin Varnum
John Meader
Zebedee Dude
Josiah Parsons
[8-393 \^Petition for Authority to call a Special Meetings
To the Hon^** House of Representatives Of the State of New
Hampshire in General Court Convened June S*** 1785 —
Humbly Shows the Subscribers Inhabitants of Newmarket,
That at the last Annual Meeting held in Newmarket for the
Choice of a Representative a Vote was Obtained to desolve
said Meeting without any Choice being made, Contrary to the
Minds of a great Number of said Inhabitants —
Y'our Petitioners conceiving themselves Injured they there-
fore pray your Hon" would Grant Libert}' to the Selectmen of
the Town of Newmarket, to call a Meeting to make Choice of
a Representative to Represent said Town in the General Court
the Current Year — and as bound Shall pray &c —
Newmarket, June 14*** 1785
5
34
EARLY TOWN PAPERS.
Hubartus Neal
David Colcord
John Neal
Zebulon Neal
W» Cario
Moses Burleigh
John M. Smith
A. W. Carpenter
Theod^ Carlton
Samuel Gilman Jun'
Joseph Mash
David Smart
John Shute
Josia Adams
Dan* Hill
Hub* Neal Jun'
Robert Pike
Walter Shute
W"» Odiorne
Robart Mitchel
Rueben Doe
Philip Fowler
Dan* Hilton J'
Joseph Hoage
David Hilton
William Neal
Jonathan Colcord
Winthrop Wiggin
John Colcord
Peter Colcord
William Shute
Edward Colcord
W« Badger
Stilmon Tarlton
Eliphalet Colcord
John Marster
Enoch Stevens
Robert Smart
Samuel Baker
[The foregoing petition was granted in H. of Rep., June
17, 1785.— Ed.]
[8-42] [Proposal relative to Bridge^ ^7^S'^
The Subscribers in behalf of the Petitioners for the removeal
of Newmarket Bridge beg leave to make the following proposal
If the Honorable General Court will be pleased to grant the
prayer of the Petitioners for the purpose aforesaid We will give
sufficient Bonds to build A Bridge at the NewBelds Two feet
higher than it now is the Piers with half Diamonds up & down
the River the Ship Passage Thirty One feet wide and keep it
in repair Twenty Years
Nat. Rogers
Henry Wiggin
[8-46] [^Petition to have New Market Bridge refaired^
State of New Hampshire
To the Hon^^* Senate and House of Representatives in General
Court convened at Portsmouth the i'* Day of June 1785.
Humbly shews, The subscribers, that, Newmarket Bridge,
so called, leading from Stratham to Newmarket, is, and for a
long time has been, in a ruinous condition — that, unless imme-
diate repairs prevent, the great design of building the same will
be defeated, and the public essentially injured thereby —
Wherefore, as the continuance of said Bridge would be of
public benefit, your petitioners humbly pray, that your honors
would devise some way, for its speedy Repair and future sup-
port, and they as in Duty bound will ever pray &c
NEW MARKET.
35
Daniel Rindge
W" Brewster
David Folsom
Dan R. Rogers
Nahum Ward
Sam' Storer
Edward Sargent
Aaron Hill
John Gould
J. allcock
Rob* Parker
Sam' Bowles
William parker
James Haslett
Dan' Peirce
John Lewes
Sam' Ham J'
RHart
John Sherburne
Hall Jackson
John Peirce
W- Whipple
Sam' Cutts
Jn* Tuckerman
John Beck
Win* Bennet
iames Hill
loses Woodward
Daniel Hart
Edward Park
John Cutt
Abner Blasdel
W» Sheafe
Sam Penhallow Jr
Jeremiah Hill
Ichabod Nichols
Edmund H Quincy
Samuel Hill
o Haven
oseph Champney
acob Sheafe jun'
Kic* Champney
Peter Coues
W» Morris
James drisco
W» Gardner
Nat : Sparhawk
Nath' Adams
Martin Parry
John Lebbe}'
iohn Melcher
lath" Peirce
Beng" Drowne
Joshua Brackett
John Sheafe
Kobert Gerrish
William Ham
Geo : Jaffrey
James Grouard
James Miller
Benjamin Slade
Thos Sherburne
Sam' Moses Jun'
Hunking Faxson
Danel Davis
John Dennett
Benjamin Woodbury Jacob Sheafe
Joth™ O Appleton Sam Sheafe
Alexander Ewen
Joseph Fitzgerald
Charles Waters
Titus Salter
Samuel Femald
John Reding Jur
Thomas Sheafe
Henry Sherburne
Elijah Hall
Rich' Billings
Enoch Meloon
Tobias Walker
Shackford Seaward
John Pitman
Richard Jenkins
John Howe
James Melcher
John Greenleaf
James Jones
William White
Benj* G Carter
Ephraim Dennett
Samuel Cotton
Joseph Akerman
Joseph Cotton Jur
Keuben Snell
Fames Trefethen
[oseph Clark
~)zekiel pitman
Natt? Melcher
W" Dearing
Jos'* Seaward
Gupey Studley
Eph" Ham
Amos Beck
Edmund Coffin
Paul Latghton
John Hall
Josiah Akarman
Humfry Thomas
Giles Seaward
John Broten
thomas thurber
Thomes Stoodly
Jn* Seaward
Thomas Walden
Timothy Ham
Sam' Place
Thomas Preast
Sam" Waters Jur
Rich* Harvey
Robert Neall
Daniel Lang
William Vaughan
Benia* Partridge
Nath Pitman
Joseph O Shaw
Samuel Hall
W" Cotton
Sam' Hutchings
Reuben Shapley
Joseph Moulton
James Marden
Charles Roberts
[oseph Shillaber
[on Chase Freese
Itephens Weeks
Joseph Walton
Theo' Davis
Tho Roach
Joshua L Huntress
36
EARLY TOWN PAPERS.
Jn® Shores
Nath* Thwing
Thomas Simes
Samuel Briard
Samuel Briard J'
John Peirce Jun'
Jn® Simes
W™ M'^Hard
Jonathan Warner
Samul Doe
Nath^ Dennett
A. R. Cutter
Thomas Palmer
Samuel Haven J'
Sam Sherburne
Benj Bigelow Jun'
Clement Store r
W" Wilson
Nat Tread well
Francis Borland
W" Knight
John Furnald
Edmund Roberts
Geo Wentworth
Jeremiah Libbey
reter Pearse
Geo Turner
Keith Spence
Sam Hale
Tho* Thompson
Mark H« Wentworth
Seth Walker
Nath^ Marshall
Richard Low
John Ham
Tho Bickford
John Cutt Jun'
Dan* Symes
John Marshall
John Stavers
Sam" Dalling
John Sparhawk
Dan' Huntress
John Martin
John Sherburn
William Seavy
O Whipple
Tli*^ Moses
Thomas Chadbourn
Noah Peirce
Sam" Jackson
John renhallow
&am* Drowne
Samuel Tripe
Nath* March
Tim* Gerrish
Henry Bickford
Charles B. Grace
Stacy Hall
William Ayers
William Yeaton
John Davenport
William Brotten
John Reed
George Tucker
Nathan Nichols
Jon* Shillaber
Samuel Waterhouse
Nahum Akarman
Mark Nelson
Artemas W Trusdel
George Jerry Os-
borne, jur
Sam" Jones
John Gardner
John Lord
W" Moses
George Seward
N : furbur
Solomon Cotton
W" Blunt
Sam* Rymes
John Wendell
George Freese
oseph Bass
ohn Goddard
oseph Freese
oseph Whidden
feenj* Dearborn
Sam* Langdon
George Massey
[In H. of Rep., June 4, 1785, a coromittee was appointed
on the foregoing petition, consisting of Colonels Bartlett,
Wiggin, Gilman, Toppan, and Mr. Brackett; the senate add-
ed Mr. Gilman and Mr. Atkinson. The following is their
report. — Ed.]
LM3]
The Com** on the within petition beg leave to report as their
opinion that the former Act respecting the Bridge be repealed
& that an Act pass enacting that in future the said Bridge be
repaired & supported in manner following viz that the end on
Newmarket side so far as to the hoist be repaired & supported
at the expence of the said Town of Newmarket and the end on
Stratham side be repaired and supported at the expence of said
NEW MARKET. 37
Stratham so far as the hoist and that the hoist be repaired &
supported at the expence of the Towns of Portsmouth green-
land & Rye Portsmouth to pay three quarters of said expence
greenland & Rye the other quarter for & during the Term of
ten years and no longer which is submitted
Geo. Atkinson for the Com**
[In H. of Rep.. June 17, 1785, the foregoing report was
accepted, but the senate did not concur. — Ed.]
[8-^7] [^Peittion for the removal of New Market Bridge^
/7<?/-]
State of Newhampshire
To the Hon^^ Senate & House of Representatives for Said
State in General Court convened at Concord the third
Wednesday of Oct' 1785 —
Humbly shew the Subscribers, that Newmarket Bridge is
unpassable and in a ruinous condition, that the Remaining ma-
terials of the Bridge will be lost soon unless the Bridge is re-
paired, or materials removed — that your petitioners conceive
there is no prospect of the Bridge being Repaired, and that the
remains of the Bridge were they removed to the Newiields,
would Serve to build a Bridge across the River there, where
the River is narrower and the Tide less rapid, than the place
where the Bridge Stands, if a Bridge were erected and kept at
the Newfields the Public would be better Accommodated and
the River less obstructed — And as many Persons are Willing to
Subscribe considerable sums of Money to build a Bridge at the
Newfields Your petitioners conceive there is a fair prospect of
a Sufficient Sum being subscribed for building a Bridge there
and keeping the same in repair for ten years from the building
thereof in case leave were given to move the Meter ials of the
Old Bridge to help build the new one, before the removel of
which Materials Sufficient caution shall be given for building
and keeping the new Bridge in Repair as aforesaid and your
petitioners as in duty bound shall pray &c
Jo" Cilley Isaac Prince John Ford
Sam" Dearborn Benjamin Butler Alexander Lucy
Bradb^ Cilley Joshua Stevens .Benjamin Lucy
Jon» Cilley Edward Bean Tho» Bartlet
Jon* Rawson Tho' Harvy John F^ Williams
38 EARLY TOWN PAPERS.
Thomas Jenness
Rand
Isaac fry Williams
William Simpson David Thompson
John Avery Asa Guile
oseph Nealey Mich. M'Clary
ohn Harvy Samuel Prescut
onathan Tilton Sam^ Robie
[8-48] [Remonstrance to foregoing^ i^Sd."}
State of New Hampshire
To the hon^^' Senate & house of Representatives of said State
in General Assembly convened — February i** 1 7S6—
The Answer of the Towns of Durham Newmarket Madbury,
Lee and North wood, to a Certain Petition now depending be-
fore this hon^** Court to remove Newmarkett Bridge to the New
Fields, by their Committees appointed for that Purpose, whose
Names are hereunto subscribed : who for themselves and their
Constituents, humbly Pray, that for the following among other
Reasons (which they beg Leave to offer at the hearing) that
the Prayer of the Said Petition may not be granted —
To which we object and say
i*^ That a very considerable Part of the Petitioners them-
selves, do not wish the Bridge to be removed : and were only
induced to sign the Petition upon a Misrepresentation, that
there would not be any Bridge unless it was Removed : the
Contrary of which will not so clearly appear : that we presume
to hope the hon**^ Court will consider the said Petition, as in
fact it is a Measure calculated to serve the private Views of a
few Persons about the New-fields to the manifest detriment of
the Public in general. —
2^ Because the principal Reasons therein assigned for Re-
moval of the Bridge are not True, for they say that at the pro-
posed Place the river is narrower & the Tide less Rapid than at
the Place where the Bridge Stands, the bare denial of which
we presume might be a sufficient Answer — For the River at
the Bridge being not only broader but also much deeper, conse-
quently the Tide cannot be so rapid — The very Water Courses
of the Present Bridge by their AVedth & depth afford a larger
Passage for the Water, than the whole wedth of the River at
the new fields and from which deducting the Spaces which the
Piers & abutments of a Bridge will necessarily take up, the
Course of the Water will be so much obstructed as will effect
the Navagation to a very great Degree as well as endanger the
Bridge it self — They also say that a Bridge at the Newfields
NEW MARKET. 39
would better Accommodate the Public & less obstruct the
River — neither of which facts are True, for the Contrary will
clearly appear both by the Memorials : and also by the Plan
(herewith exhibited) it will appear that for all Travellors on
the lower Road leading over said Bridge the way by the pro-
posed Bridge is a Mile & three quarters further than by the
Present Bridge and a much worse road especially for Carriages
— And even the Western Road thro* Epping Nottingham,
Deerfield, Epsom &c the lower Road is 154 Rods nearer — so
that upon the very moderate computation of only 50 Persons a
Day passing said Bridge by each of said Roads such Removal
will Occasion the Public more than 36,000 miles Travel in a
Year ; besides more than a quarter of a Days work for every
Team passing to and from Portsmouth that Way ; which will
be a Cost far exceeding the Repair of the Bridge ; so that the
Public cannot (with any Propriety) be said to be Accommo-
dated by a Measure which will be detrimental to more thou-
sands than it can really Benefit single Persons — The same we
must still object & say with Respect to the Obstruction of the
River, untill we hear upon what new Principles they will prove
That, the Smaller the Passage the same Body of Water
passes through in the same Time the less rapid the Stream —
3'^ Because a Work of such Importance as a Bridge over a
Navag^ble River, in its own Nature ever is should be done not
only in such manner & Place as would best Accomodate the
Public in passing over the same, but also be the least detri-
mental to the Water Carriage ; and which in that River is of
considerable Consequence-r-And accordingly the Place where
the Bridge now is was fixed upon for that purpose by a Com-
mitte of both Branches of the Legeslature, accompanied by an
approved Engeneer^ sent on Purpose to view & examine the
River before the Bridge was built and now many Years tryal
clearly shows that the Place was well chosen : Whereas it is
uncertain whether a Bridge could be made to stand at the pro-
posed Place where the current is quicker and the Botom
sandy —
4**^ Because there has been more than a Mile of Road laid
out on purpose to accomodate the Present Bridge, which upon
Removal thereof, if continued open will be a needless burden
on the public : and if shut up, will leave those Persons who
upon Confidence in the public Faith have purchased or divided
their Estates in Conformity thereto, to purchase Roads for them-
selves : some of them thro' the same Land, which their Ances-
tors generously gave the Public : — And several Miles more of
New Road, must be purchased by the Public —
jifc^jr Yf^ object & Answer that all the other Reasons by them
assigned for the Removal of the Bridge ; either opperate as
40 EARLY TOWN PAPERS.
forcably for the repair of the same where it now is ; or are
mere Suggestions without the least Foundation —
All which we are ready, to Prove to the hon** Court on Trial
and for which amoung other Reasons, We humbly pray that
the Prayer of said Petition may not be granted —
And that Lieave may be given to bring in a Bill to regulate
the Repair of the Present Bridge & prescribing the Method in
which the Same shall be supported in future by Subscription,
agreable to a proposal of your Memorialists herewith exhibited,
or otherways as to your Hon'* in Wisdom shall seem meet :
And your Memorialists as in Duty bound shall pray —
Lee, 30*** January 1 786. —
n
Eben' Thompson I ^''Surhanf''^
Geo : fTrost
Eben'Thoi
volenti ne mathes
Sam* Oilman ) ^^^-^^^ fr^
Joseph Young I Comm.tte for
Wentworth CheswiU ) Newmarket
John Demerit ) Committe for
John Wingate ) Madbury
Reuben Hill 1
Joseph Sias >- Committe for Le<
Robert thompso )
John Harvey ) Committe for
Jon* Clark j Northwood
[8-51] [Remonstrance of Citizens of EpfingJ\
To the hon^* the Senate and house of Representatives of the
State of New Hampshire in General Court Assembled Feb-
ruary 1786 —
The Humble Petition & Remonstrance of the Subscribers,
Freeholders & Inhabitants of Epping and places adjacent in
said State, Shew, as causes why the Prayer of a Certain Peti-
tion now depending before this hon^** Court to remove Stratham
Bridge to the New Fields, should not be granted, the following
among other Reasons —
i*^ Because, upon survey of the River, and adjacent places a
former Committee of the general Court, Accompanied with
approved Engeneer, sent ou purpose to examine the Premises
then adjudged, the . Place where the Bridge now stands to be
NEW MARKET. 4 1
die best if not the only convenient place, to accomodate both
the Land and Water Carriage —
2^ Because the said Bridge being built by a Lottery many
Adventurers undoubtedly, risqued their money soly with a
view of having the Bridge established where it would best ac«
comodate them, which would not be the case were the same
U> be removed as is now proposed —
^ Because there is already a Subscription, which we con-
ceive will be full sufficient, to put the Bridge in good repair
much sooner than it could possably be removed —
4*"y Because we conceive the great Utility of the Bridge will
ever be more likely to procure Subscriptions to keep it in
Repair in the Place where it now is, where it so well Accom-
odates the Public in general, than if it was removed where
(excepting the Present projectors, who may not always happen
to be so warm) it can Accomodate but very few —
Wherefore we humbly & mostly earnestly pray that the said
Petition may be dismissed —
Natiianiel Wiggin Levi Franch Lyford Dow
Moses Davis Josiah Clark Benj Dow
David Folsom Samuel French J^^" Parsons
Winthrop Folsom Josiah Tilton Stephen Clark Jur
David Folsom Ju feenj Straw Job Parsons
Nath^^ Ladd Daniel Dow Zebulon Dow
[8-49] \_Depositton of Huhartus Neal relative to the
BridgeJ\
The Deposition of Cap* Hubartus Neal of Lawful Age Tes-
tifies and says, that he the Deponent has been well acquainted
with Exeter River for many year's, more particularly with
them Parts of said River, where both the Ferries were formerly
kept between Stratham & Newmarket, and says that at the
lower place where the Bridge is now built the Bottom is very
hard, & firm, and about Ten feet deepth of Water in the Chan-
nel at low Water, and the River is about four hundred feet
wide — ^The Deponent also says that at the Newfields Landing
the River is about Two hundred and ninty ^v^ feet wide, &
from three to Six & half feet Deep and the Bottom, Sand &
loose Bottom —
And the Deponent further saith, that he viewed the said
Bridge last week & upon Examination the Deponent found the
Stone Abutments of said Bridge which extend about two hun-
dred & fifty feet, to remain almost intirely firm and good as
42 EARLY TOWN PAPERS.
when first built, and also all them parts of the Piers below half
Tide.
Hubartus Neal
Feb. 6, 1786—
[Sworn before Samuel Gilman.]
[8-50] [Deposition of Captain Woodman relative to tke
BridgeJ\
The Deposition of Cap* Archelaus Woodman of lawful
Age testifies & says that he the Deponent has been well
acquainted with the building Bridges many Years, & that
he the Deponent did last week at the Request of Commit-
tees from Divers Towns Examine & survey the Bridge over
Exeter River, & also the said River at the Newfields land-
ing— And says that almost all the Stone work of the Abut-
ments, & the Piers below half Tide is sound & good and
Appears to stand very firm & solid and the Deponent says he
found the Bottom there to be very level, & exceeding hard and
firm, and the Water about Ten feet deep at low water — ^And
also the Deponent says that he found the Bottom of said River
at the Newnelds to be very uneven, and soft — and appeared to
the Deponent to be Sand or loose Gravel — and the water from
three to Six & half feet Debp —
Archelaus Woodman
Feb. 6"» 1787—
[Sworn before Samuel Oilman.]
[8-53] [^Deposition of Walter Bryent.']
The Deposition of Walter Bryent aged about Seventy five
years testineth & saith that y* Deponant (with roessers Hubar-
tis Neal & Archelaus Woodman) on the 4**^ Instant measured y*
Bridge & took the Depth of the water below Low water mark
in the passages for water through said Bridge over y* River
from Newmarket to Stratham and found the warfe there Built
on the northwest Side of said River to be from the upland to
the first passage way one hundred Seventy & Six feet then a
passage for watter thirty & five feet & one half foot y* a peir
twenty three & one half feet then a passage thirty four feet
Broad Six feet & nine Inches Deep below Low watter mark
then a pieir Sixteen feet Broad on which the highst Stands then
the passage for Vessels twenty nine feet Broad & Eight feet
NEW MARKET. 43
Deep on the top of the timber there which is more then two
feet high from y* Bottom of the River then a peir Sixteen feet
Broad then a passage forty five feet & one half Broad & Eight
feet & one half Deep below Low watter mark (for Rafls &c to
pass in) to the Butment on the South East Side of the River
which Butment is Seventy feet to the upland & the Deponant
finds by Calculation that the passages for watter below Low
watter mark where the Bridge Stands is by multipliing the
Bredth by the Depth Contains nine hundred Eighty & three
Square feet then the Deponant & Company moved to the new-
fields Landing & found the watter passages that may be there
may Contain below Low watter mark Seven hundred & nin-
teen Square feet the Difference is two hundred Sixty four
Square feet according to the Best of my Judgment the Bottom
at the Bridge is Level & hard the Bottom at the newfields is
more Sandy & Sofl
Walter Bryent
[Sworn before Samuel Gilman.]
[Documents numbered 54, 55, 56, 57, 58, and 59, in the
manuscript volume, are petitions for the appointment of
Went worth Cheswill as justice of the peace ; and number
60 is a petition for Eliphalet Smith. — Ed.]
[8-63] [Relative to Church Matters^ ^793'^
At a legal meeting of the west Society in Newmarket held
at the New meeting house in said town the 29*^ day of may
1793 by adjournment
oted Cap* Joseph Young be moderator P T
Voted M' Ichabod Hilton Doc Nathaniel Kidder & Cap*
Andrew Gilman be a Committee to join a Committee of the
east society in said town to Petition the General Court for a
Repeal of an Act passed the 21*'' Day of November A D 1777
dividing this town into two Societies —
Joseph Young moderator
A Copy examined by James Smith Society Clerk —
[8-63]
At a legal Meeting of the East Society in New market held
at the Newmeeting House in s* Town May 29*^ i793» by Ad-
journment—
44 EARLY TOWN PAPERS.
Voted that M' Ichabod Hilton Docf Nathaniel Kidder, and
Cap' Andrew Gilman, be a Committee to join a Committee of
the West Society ; to Petition the General Court for a Repeal
of Act passed the 27**^ Day of November 1777, dividing this
Town into Two Societies —
A true Extract from the Minutes of s'' Meeting
Examined per Wentworth Cheswill Clerk
[8-64] [^Petition relative to Church Matters^ ^793*^
State of New hampshii
To His Excellency the Governor, the Hon**^ Senate it House
of Representatives in General Court convened at Concord
the first Wednesday of June 1793.
The Petition of the Subscribers Agents appointed at a Meet-
ing of the East and West Societies in Newmarket Notified
according to Law — humbly sheweth that in the month of No-
vember A D 1777 an Act passed the General Assembly of
said State dividing said Town into two Societies — The Opera-
tion of which . from Experience has been found to bo very
in convenient & prejudicial to the Intrest of the parties con-
cerned,— Wherefore they pray in behalf of said Societies that
the aforesaid Act may be repealed — And as in duty bound will
ever pray &c —
Ichabod Hilton
Nath^ Kidder
And Gilman
Newmarket June .5*** 1793
[The act was repealed June 13, 1793. — Ed.]
[8-65] [^Relative to Soldiers who died of Small-Pox^ ^7^1 •^
To His Excellency Benning Wentworth Esqr Governor &
Commander in Chief in and over the Province of New
Hampshire the Hon^** His Majesty's Council and House of
Representatives for said Province in General Assembly Con-
vened the Eighteenth Day of February 1761
The Humble Petition of the Select Men of Newmarket in
said province Shews — That Lieu* Samuel Baldwin and David
Doe Returning Home from the Army was taken Sick of the
NEW MARKET. 45
Small Pox of ^hich they Both Died which has been Vary Ex-
pensive to the parish of said Newmarket Lieut Samuel Bald-
win in his Sickness Cost the parish three Hundred Ninty four
pounds twelve Shilling and Six pence old tenor
and David Doe* Expence is one Hundred twenty Eight
Pounds three Shillings old tenor
Wherefore your Petitioners Humbly Pray that in your Great
Wisdom and Goodness you would Remitt the above Sums to
the Parish of said Newmarket and your petitioners as in Dutey
bound Shall Ever Pray &c
Hubartus Neal")
John Burleigh >■ Select men
Peter Folsom )
[The town was allowed ;£20, i8, 2 J sterling. The fol-
lowing is a copy of the bill for necessaries furnished in
Baldwin's case :]
[S-€6]
Dec' 22 1760 The Select men of Newmarket Dr to John
mead for attending Samuel Baldwin Sick with the Small pox
to Quait of wine and Butter at 6qs 6d JC3- 9-6
to meat Sass and Butter at 108^ od 5- 8-6
to Candels at 32^ 1-12-0
to Rum Suger and Sider at lois 5-1-0
To meat Brad and Sass i Lb of Suger at 7- 8-0
To 2 Quarts of Rum 3 Lb of Suger at 104^ 5- 4-0
To Bread Honey and Rum at 335 1-13-0
To 2 Quarts of Rum meat and Bread 1105 5-10-0
To 2 Lb of Suger 2 Lb of Butter at 52^ 2-12-0
To pork and Turnops 20s i- 0-0
To meat and Sider at 140^ 7- 0-0
To Rum and Suger at 91^ 4-1 i-o
To wine tea Sope and a Laman at 1 26s 6- 6-0
To Rum Suger and Sider 5- 0-0
To meat Bread and Sass 935 4-13-0
To jlb of Suger at 36^ 1-16-0
To Rum and Biscak at i- 5-0
To Rum and Suger at 103^ 5- 3-0
To Beaf pork and Sass at 1305 6-10-0
To Beef pork and Sass at 365 1-16-0
To Suger and Sider at 36^ 1-16-0
To Bread and milk at i- 4-0
To Sope Candels Cider and Rum at 91J 4-1 i-o
To meal Sider and Sass at 25^ i- 5-0
46 EARLY TOWN PAPERS.
To Rum Suger and Sope at 1075 5- 7-0
To meat Bread Sass Cider &c at iiSs 5-10-0
To Suger and Cider at 36^ i-i6-o
To Cheas meat Bread Sass and Suger 6-
To wood Rum pork and Beef at lo-
To Suger and Butter at 2^os i-io-o
Febeuary 14**" 1761 old tenor £122-16-0
Errors Excepted
per John Mead
[Sworn to before Thomas Young, Justice of the Peace.]
NEWPORT.
The township was granted, Oct. 6, 1761, to Nathaniel
Fish and others in sixty-eight equal shares. The grantees
were residents of Killingworth, Conn., and vicinity, and the
first settlers, six in number, came from that place in I76s>
cleared some land, sowed it with rye, and in the fall re-
turned and spent the winter in Connecticut. They came
to Newport again in June, 1766, five of them bringing their
families, and made permanent settlements. Not being able
to fulfil the conditions of the grant, the grantees applied
to the governor and council for an extension, which was
granted Feb. 2, 1769.
Newport was made the shire town on the formation of
Sullivan county in 1827, and has so remained ever since.
Mrs. Sarah Josepha (Buel) Hale, a writer of distinction^
and for many years the editor of a magazine called Godey's
Lady^s Book^ published in Philadelphia, was a native of this
town.
Newport did its full share in the Revolution, and in the
war for the suppression of the Slaveholders' Rebellion, and
is at present one of the prosperous towns of the state
[8-75]
The Names of the Men Sojourning and Residing at Shugar
River and their Improvements
NEWPORT. 47
Benjamin Davis 4 acres
iames Powers 5 acres
Tehemiah McNeill 6 acres
John mash 6 acres
Moses Sparford 6 acres
John Lines 7 acres
By His Excellencys order
Nehemiah M'Neill
[Moses Spafford afterward resided in Clareroont. There
is nothing in the original to indicate what town these men
belonged to. — Ed.]
[8-763 [Petition for a new Grant of the Townships ij68.']
Province of New Hamp'
To His Excellency John Wentworth Esq' Captain, General,
Governor and Commander in Chief in and over his Majest}'s
Province of New Hampshire and Vice Admiral of the Same
in Council —
The Petition of Stephen Wilcox of Killingsworth in the
Colony of Connecticut Gentlemen, unto your Excellency and
the Hon"* Council Humbly shews —
That your Petitioner and the other Grantees of the township
of Newport, have been at incredible Expence in bringing for-
ward the Settlement of said Township, which is well known
to the Neighbouring Settlers; Your Petitio" have laboured
under such Discouragements for want of Roads and the Neces-
saries of Life &c that they have scarce been able to withstand
their Troubles, which Y' Petitioner sett forth in his Petition
exhibited the 5* of October 1768 in behalf of Himself & the
other Grantees & prayed that they might be assisted by the
Nieghbouring Towns in laying out Roads: To his & their
great Surprize they have heard that Reuben Kidder Esq' of
New Ipswich, hath preferr'd his Petition for obtaining the Non
Residents Rights in said Township, which Petition we beg
Leave to represent unto your Excellency & Honours is both
unreasonable and unjust especially in said Kidder who already
owns more Land than he can conveniently settle, and would
strive to enrich himself with the Monies expended by many
poor People who have cheerfully contributed & payd their
Taxes and Labour in forwarding the Settlement — They hope
greater Indulgence and from your Excell^ known Candor to-
wards Encouragement of Industry they doubt not to obtain
48 EARLY TOWN PAPERS.
your further fav" by regranting to all the former Grantees y*
Continuance of their Rights under a New Charter, Your Peti-
tioners will readily pay the Expences of the Survey, when
they are duely informed of the Cost thereof: They rely on
Your Excellencys Favours and as in Duty bound he and they
shall ever pray —
Portsm* Dec' 3* 1768.
Stephen Wilcocks in behalf of Himself & the other Grantees
of the Township of Newport
[The time for complying with the conditions of the char-
ter was extended Feb. 2, 1769. — Ed.]
[8-77] \^Return of Ratable Polls.']
Agreeable to A request Sent us by General Assembly of
Sending them the Numbers of Male Polls of Twenty one Years
of age And upwards that Pay for them selves apolle Tax Wee
have Proceeded agreeable to said Request & Wee find the
Number to Be Eighty Nine Male polles that pay for themselves
A polle Tax Test-
Ted** Reynolds lei*. r
izra Parmele [ Sele<^_t "\«J? ^^
Jesse Willcocks ) Newport
Newport December the
8*^ day 1783
[Sworn to before Moses Whipple, Justice of the Peace.]
[8-79] {^Petition to haDe the Proceedings of a Town^Meeting
legalized^ lySj."]
State of New Hampshire —
To the Hon^*' the Council and Assembly Convien'd at Concord
on the 2* Tuesday in June 1783 —
May it please Your Hon"
Your Petitioners in behalf and at the desire of the Inhabi-
tants of the Town of Newport in full Town Meeting Assem-
bled humbly Shew that thro' their inadvertence and other rea-
sons concuring they are in an unhappy situation with respect
to their Collecting the remaining part of the Taxes due to the
State which we Suppose tis in your hon" power and yours only
to grant us relief, for true it is y^ Petitioners did not know till
NEWPORT. 49
Litely that there was a Necessity for Town Inhabitants to take
the Oath of Fidelity in order to their being legally quallified to
Vote in Town Meetings, and as they have of late so if it is
Necessary in future they are willing to Conform but as some of
the Inhabitants in this Town Excuse themselves and refuse to
pay the outstanding Taxes, by reason our Town Meetings were
not warned according to Law i : e : our Select Men had not
taken the Oath of Fidelity and consequently our Town-Officers
were not Legally Chosen, We therefore pray Y^ Hon" to Estab-
lish all our Town Meetings untill this time which would have
been legal in case the Oath of Fidelity had never been Enacted
and that they may be held legall to all Intents and purposes
whatsoever as they might or could have been before said Oath
of Fidelity became a Law of this State, or Otherwise in your
wisdom as it may Seem meet Enable your Petitioners to Col-
lect the remaining part of the Taxes due by this Town to the
State and Y' Petitioners as in Duty bound Shall Ever pray
Ted** Reynold ") Select Men in behalf
Ezra Parmele >• & for the
Jesse Willcocks J Town of Newport
Newport May 29"* 1783
[8-78] \_Remonstrance to the foregoing, '\
To the Honourable the General Assembly of the State of New-
hampshire Convened at Concord the Second Tuesday June
Instant
The Remonstrance and Petition of the Under-signers Hum-
bly Sheweth that the Proceedings of the town of Newport
have for a Considerable time past been Illegal and Unjust.
Illegal because they have Acted directly Opposite to an Act
passed by the General Assembly of this State : which Act im-
poseth an Oath of Fidelity upon the Subjects of this State.
Unjust because of Votes that have been passed in town-meet-
ings, by a Small partt)f the Inhabitants of s* town, in particu-
lar their proceedings in Calling and Settling a minister ; and
thereby disp>osing of publick Land, (for the particular Circum-
stances of the matter we would refer your honours to a certain
Objection Laid before the Rev** Council Met at Newport for
the purpose of Ordaining M' John Remele the 2\^ day of
January Last herewith presented) We your Humble Petition-
ers therefore think it Expedient for the Peace and welfare of
the town to lay the Matter before your Honourable Body hum-
bly Praying your Interposition on our behalf that the Late
6
so
EARLY TOWN PAPERS.
Illegal and Unjust proceedings of this town may not be Estab-
lished by your Honourable body and we have that trust and
Confidence in our Legislators as not to think they will confirm
any proceedings So unreasonable and unjust ; and that no peti-
tion for that purpose may be granted — We would inform that
at a town-meeting after a Considerable debate, the body of the
people considering the meeting of no Validity withdrew ; after
which about Nine or ten Voted to send a petition to the gen-
eral Assembly for the afore"* purpose of Establishing their
proceedings, —
but we would Submit the Whole Matter to your Candour
and Uprightness —
We humbly Request that your honours would give us direc-
tions for a Regular town-meeting that we may again Enjoy
peace and good Order —
Dated at Newport this ^^ day of June 1783 —
Abijah Windes
Bejamin Bragge
Reuben buel
Robert Lane
Benjamin Miller
Thomas Lane
Stephen Parry
Jonathan Comstock
Gorden Buel
Jeremiah Kelsey
Signers to the Abov<
Benajan Church
Samuel Church
Richard Goodwin
Aaron Buel
Phinehas Chapin
^ohn Lane
esse Lane
ohn Megregory
Daniel Chapin
James Church
Giles Kelcey
William Haven
Elias Metcalf
Jonathan Wakefield
Nathan wardwell
Jeremiah Jenks
Daniel Buel
Simon Buel
Solomon Davis
[Rev. John Remele. was ordained Jan. 22, 1783, and dis-
missed Feb. 10, 1791.-^— Ed.]
[8-8 1 ] [^Action relative to Pafer Money ^ 1 786 J]
State of New-Hampshire Cheshire County ss.
Newport Nov* 20*** 1786
Agreable to a requisition of the Hon'" Assembly of said
State bearing date Sept' 14*^ 1786
The plan drawn by a Sub-Comm** for Emitting Paper Money
&c, being read in a Legal Meeting appointed for the purpose
that the Inhabitants of said Town may shew their minds re-
specting the same, when for farther consideration after Choos-
NEWPORT. 5 1
ing a Comm^ to consider and make report the Meeting was
Adjourned to the 4 day of Dec' Met according to Adjourn-
ment, and
Voted Unanimously not to Accept the report above referr'd
to, but reject the whole thereof, the Number of Voters N* 96
The report of the Comm"
But we are Humbly of opinion that if the Hon^ Assem-
bly in their great Wisdom should grant, that the Possessors
of State Securities may draw out of the Treasury office if
they see cause, Certificates equal to the Amount of their
demand or any part of the same, and that said Certificates,
shall be Accepted in the Treasury at all times for State Taxes
it would be an Advantage to the Inhabitants of the State in
general but we Humbly Submit to Y' Superior Wisdom this
and all other Matters belonging to the Legislature.
Benj* Giles
Toshua Warner
[esse Lane
feremiah Tenks
)zra Pamley
" Comm*
Voted that the report of the Comm^ be accepted and it was
Voted Nem : Con :
the Number of Votors N* 96
Certify P* us—
Aaron Buel
Samuel Church >
Select men for
jr^Tane"*^" j Newport
[For action of the legislature, see Vol. XI, p. 130. — Ed.]
[R. 3-57] [^Concerning' Service in the Revolutions^
State of New Hampshire
The Hon^** the Council and House of Representatives at Exeter
Convened April the 14''* i784>
Benjamin Giles in behalf and at the request of the Select-
Men of the Town of Newport Humbly Sheweth
Your Petitioners ever since the opposition by the United
States against Great Brittain have willingly and readily com-
plied with all the requisitions made by Government for Sol-
52 EARLY TOWN PAPERS:
diers, and were at great Expence beyond their ability being an
infant Town that Early in the year 1778, the Town had their
Quota of Men Enlisted some for three years and some during
the War. James Doud one of said Number was Enlisted
during the War, as may appear by Lieut. Will" Hutchins Cer-
tificate Exhibited herewith, when the Regiments were reduced,
the Quota of Newport was four Men. We immediately upon
the requisition hired three Men, and said Doud made the
fourth, and we never knew nor had the least Suspicion of being
deficient, untill an Extent came against the Town for our whole
Quota upon which sending to the Com^ on Claims, found said
Doud turned over to the Town of Weare Altho the town of
Newport was at considerable Cost to get said Doud Enlisted
and paid him £^0 beside, and as said Doud was Enlisted by
Newport, and they never having any knowledge of Claim made
by any other Town, Except as above recited. Your Petitioners
Pray Y' Hon" to grant such relief as you in your Wisdom Shall
see Meet, and suBer not the poor Town of Newport to be op-
pressed, who comply'd with their duty and never had opportu-
nity to make good their just and honest Claim
And as in Duty bound shall : &C
Benj Giles in behalf of the
Select-Men of Newport
[R. 3-58]
White Plains September ^^ 1778
These may Certify all persons whome it may or shall Con-
sern that I James Doud for and in Consideration of Fifty pounds
to me in hand well and truly paid to me in hand by Constant
Hart of Charlestown in Behalf of the town of Newport in the
County of Cheshire and State of New Hampshire for Ingaging
as a Soldier in the" Continental army for said town of New-
port— These are Therefore to Certify that I have Inlisted in
Capt. Nathaniel Huchins Company in Colo. Cillies Regiment
Newhampshire forces Dureing the war for the town of New-
port as above said and will Indevour Faithfully to Serve as
far as is in my Power untill Legally Discharged as witness my
hand the day and date as above said
In presence of James Doud
Gilbert Caswell
Will" Hodgkins
[In H. of Rep., April 16, 1784, the town was credited for
said Doud. — Ed.]
NEWTON. 53
NEWTON.
This town was granted Dec. 6, 1749, in answer to a peti-
tion from the inhabitants, and named New Town, the deri-
vation of which is obvious. Capt. Joseph Bartlett was
appointed by the governor and council to call the first
meeting. Documents relative to the formation of the town
may be found in Vol. IX. The southern boundary of the
town as chartered was to begin at the south-west corner of
South Hampton, on ** the Curve Line that is the Northern
Boundary of our Province of the Massachusetts Bay and
bounding on the Said Curve Line & running on the same
South West nine degrees West one mile then South 28*
West (by said Curve Line) one mile to Haverhill Line at a
Place called Brandy Brow."
The boundary line between this town and South Hamp-
ton was established by an act passed Jan. 4, 1772.
July 2, 1845, a tract of land was severed from East Kings-
ton and annexed to this town.
July 10, 1846, the name of the town was changed from
Newtown to Newton.
[8-84] [^Tkomas Walter Powers ordained^ ^TSS*]
To all Saints of every denomination even the whole Family of
the faithfull & unto all in Civil Authority whom it may
Concern wishing all Increase of Grace, and all Temporal
good —
Know Ye that we the Subscribers elders of Several Churches
of Christ in this Land of the Baptis denomination &c, upon
the request & desire of Thomas Walter powers of New town
in the Province of New Hampshire and a number of Saints
with him in that place, & the neighboring towns have by our
elders, & Messengers Examined their articles of Faith, &
Church Constitution, as well as the Gif^s, & Qualifications of
the said Powers and finding their faith & principles sound &
Aurthodox, & the said Powers endowed with gifts and Qualifi-
cations required for a Gospel minister we have after Seeking
to Almighty God by prayer & as we apprehend obtained divine
Light in the Case sit apart & ordained the said powers unto the
Pastoral ofilice in that place, & do receive that people with their
Pastor into our Communion, & Fellowship, & have injoined
to watch over them as members of the mystical body of Christ
with our selves, & do declare them an Organnick Church in
this Community believing that in whatsoever measure the said
54 EARLY TOWN PAPERS.
Power hath been entangled with any error or with any errone-
ous Persons in any evil Conduct that the Lord hath Graciously
delivered them from the same, & we hereby do recommend
him to God, & the Power of his grace as a fellow Labourer in
the Kingdom, & patience of Jesus Christ praying that he & we
may be more & more delivered from all evil, and enabled to
walk in the truth of the Gospel &c —
Given under our hands this lo*** day of June AD 1755 —
Steph*^ Babcock pastor of the Chh of Christ in Stonington,
& Westerly in Union
Tho' Wells Pastor of the Church of Christ, in the Town of
Westerly in Kings County & Colony of R Island
James Rogers pastor of the Church of Christ in South Kings-
town in the County, and Colony aboves* Peter Werden pastor
of a Church of Christ in Warwick in the County of Kent &
Colony aforesaid, Benj" Peirce Pastor of a Church of Christ in
Warwick in the County aforesaid —
A True Copy att* H Wentworth CI'
Copy Examind per Geo : Jaffrey Clr
[This was the first Baptist church established in New
Hampshire. — Ed.]
[8-82] [^Boufids of a Highway^ ^747-2
The Return of A Highway Persuent to a Petison to us
Directed Signed by Gidien Bartlet and others to y* Number of
Twenty Wee Have Bounded a Highway as foUoweth viz be-
gining at y* Countery Road leading from Sweets ferry to kings-
town on tlie north west Side of a Farm laid out to Jarrett
Hadden Said Way Being Bounded With a Stake and Stones
on y* South east Side ajasent to s^ Farm thence Runing North
Easterly four Rods in wedth ajasent to s*^ Farm till it Comes to
a Stake and Stones Standing four Rods South weste of a White
Pine which is y* westerly bounds of a Farm laid out to George
martin y* s* Pine being a bound on y* north east of s* Way
and thence the said way Runs South easterly four Rods in
Wedth ajasent to the Farm laid out to George Martin till it
Comes to a White oak at y* South Corner of-y* s* martins Farm
Dated October y* 29*** 1747
Richard Collins ) Select men for
Samuel Collins § South Hampton
District
A true Coppy taken of South Hampton District Book of
Records
Attest Richard Collins Clerk for y* District
NEWTON. 55
[&-^3] {^Relative to Road laid out, 1699.^
To the Select men of Salsbury and almsbury District Namly
m' Samuel Collings Richard Collings and william Rowell the
Petition of us the Subscribers humbly Sheweth that in the year
1698/9 a committee of the town of Almsbury layd out and
Bounded a lot or farm to one Garret Hadden Being the 18^ lot
in number and S** Committee then Bounded the S* lot on three
Sides on high ways that is northwest north East and South
East and the S^ lot or farm have always Been under Stood to
be So bounded and the S* ways to Remain as a privelidg to
the S* lot or farm and your Petitioner Gideon Bartlett having
Bought the north East part of S^ lot and Settled himself ajoyn-
ing the way on that Side pleased himself that he Should have a
way to pass and Repass in But So it is that henary Bagley and
david Bagley haveing lands on the opposite Side of Sd way
have presumed to joyn their fences to the fence of your Peti-
tioner Gideon and their by for these Seven years last past De-
prived your petitioner Gideon of that Privelidg of a way which
he and all man kind ought to have wherefore your Petitioners
pray that you will as soon as may be Proceed to bound out
Peticuearly the ways on the northwest and north East Sides
of Sd lot or farm that your petitioner Gideon may be in away
to take eney further Regular Steps to have an open way to pas
and Repass two and from his dwelling house and your Petition-
ers as in duty Bound Shall ever Pray &c dated at Salsbury and
almsbury district April the first 1747
Gideon Bartlett Eliphelet ho3rt J^^^ martin
Joseph Bartlett Jeames Paslee Stephen martin
Daniel kelley Peter Colby Thomos davis
Thomos Beedle Nathan Peaslee Moses Sanders
David Paslee Moses Carlton amos davis
John Peaslee iP^^ Paslee Tuner Moses Davis
Joseph Peaslee Samuel Hadly
moses Peaslee Enoch Brown
f8-863 ^Action of Town-Meeting relative to Highways^
monday November the 3* 1755 the Inhabitants of Newtown
being mett at the meeting House the meeting was opened and
mr Moses Charlton was Chosen modrator of s^ meeting at the
-same meeting the foregoing Return was Red and it was put to
vote to see whether the town would allow of and accept of the
fore mentioned Highway and Return as now Red to them and
voted in the affimetive and the meeting was adjourned till tues-
$6 EARLY TOWN PAPERS.
day y* Eighteenth day of november instant at one of the clock
after noon at the meeting house in said town tuesday november
the Eighteenth 1755 the Inhabitance of Newtown being mett
upon adjournment at the meeting House at the same meeting-
Timothy Lankester Enters himself Contridicent to and decent-
ing from the fore going vote at the same meeting it was voted
to see if the town would Give up in Exchange to Capt Moses
sargent & Capt Stephen sargent that part of a Reserve of a
High way Lying between their Land and chads sargents Land
for the fore mentioned two Rod way through their Land and
voted in the affimetive at the same meeting Gideon Bartlet
Esqu' and Joseph Bartlet and Gershom Bartlet Enter them
selves contridicent to and decenting from the Last foregoing
vote at the same meeting it was voted to see if the town would
Give up in Exchange to Andrew Whittier and Timothy Whit-
tier that part of a Reserve of a High way Lying Between their
Land and charls sargents Land for satisfaction to them for the
fore mentioned two Rod way through their Land and voted in
the affirmetive at the same meeting it was voted to see if the
Town would give up in Exchange to Henry Bagley and Corn"
Jonathan Bagley & to Ens David Bagley two Rods in wedth of
that High way that Lyeth Between their Land and Land of
Gideon Bartlett Esqu* (that is two Rods in wedth on the north
side of said way next to their Land from the white oak bound
next to Samuel Jewells Land up to the white pine) for satis-
faction to them for the fore mentioned two Rod high way
through their Land and voted in the affirmetive at the same
meeting Gideon Bartlet Esqu^ Joseph Bartlet & Gershom
Bartlet and Stephen Bartlet and Timothy Lankester Enter
themselves Contridicent to and decenting from the Last fore
going vote at the same meeting it was voted to see if the town
would Give up in Exchange to Charls Chase that part of a
Reserve of a High way Lying Between his Land and Land of
Samuell Jewell in Satisfaction to him for the fore mentioned
two Rod High way through his Land and voted in the affirme-
tive at the same meeting Gideon Bartlet Esqu* Joseph Bartlet
and Gershom Bartlet & Stephen Bartlet Enter them selves
Contridicent to and decenting from this Last foregoing vote
at the same meeting it was voted to give to Joseph Bartlet
and Gershom Bartlet twenty pounds (old tcner) for the fore-
mentioned two Rod High way through their Land voted in the
affirmetive at the same meeting it was voted to alow and give
to Timothy Lankester forty pounds (old tener) for the fore men-
tioned two Rod High way through his Land voted in the
affirmetive
a true copy taken out of Newtown Records as attest William
Rowell town Clerk
NEWTON. 57
[8-85] \^Relattve to Highways^ ^7SS*li
To His Excellency Benning Wentworth Esq' Captain General
& Governour in Chief in and over his Majesties Province of
New Hampshire — and to the Honourable his Majesteis Coun-
cil and the Honourable House of Representatives for said
Province in General Assembly Convened Decern**' 1755
The Petition of Joseph Peaslee William Rowell & Aaron
Currier Selectmen of New Town in Said Province in Behalf of
Said Province Humbly Sheweth —
That Some years past when Said Town was Cald & Ac-
counted part of Amsbury the Said Town of Amsbury Granted
& divided y* Lands now Called New Town to & amongst a
Number of their Proprietors & in laying out & dividing the
same some Lands were left or Reserved for highways — and
those Reserves were never Viewd &, marked out Nor used
for highways but were left between lots as their lines run
through Low Sunken lands and Swamps where there is no
Possability of having Good roads and the People of y* town
used to pass and repass upon upland More Convenient for
highways. And the Town of New Town finding it Necessary
have laid out Suitable & Convenient highways near as may be
to ye other & in Such manner as that no mans Lott is Cutt off
from a Convenient Public Road & have Ordered the Persons
whose lands are taken up for highways to have Some part of
y* lands reserved as before Mentioned for highways in Recom-
pence for their lands now taken which is to y" General Content
and Satisfaction of y* Town & Neighbourhood & Injury to no
Man but much more Commodious & Beneficial for y* Public —
But So it is that Gideon Bartlet Esq' Joseph Bartlet Gershom
Bartlet all of Said Town who own lands Adjoyning to a Cer-
tain peace reserved as aforesaid for away where it is hardly
capable of being made Good & where they themselves cannot
be Proffited by it but rather hurt by it, Do unreasonably Op-
pose the Towns proceeding herein altho^ their lands are not
thereby Cutt ofTfrom Some public open roads & high ways by
what y* Town has done yet great uneasiness & disturbance to
the Town is Occasioned by their Opposeing y' Towns proceed-
ing as aforesaid and it is likely that more Troubles May arise
thereby — wherefore to Prevent the Same — your Petitioners
humbly pray — That Some Good & Suitable Persons understand-
ing Such affairs May be appointed and Directed by this Hon^**
Court to repair to y* place and View the Several highways &
the lands reserved for high ways as aforesaid and report thereon
to this Hon*'* Court as they shall find y* Truth relating to y*
Premisses and that this Hon"* Court will be pleased to Ratify
58 EARLY TOWN PAPERS.
and Confirm what the Said Town of Newtown have done about
& Concerning the Same — & yo' Petit" shall Pray &c
Joseph peaslee
William Rowell
[In H. of Rep., January 14, 1756, Joseph Smith and
Thomas Westbrook Waldron were appointed a committee
to " view the several highways and report" The senate
added John Downing. Their report follows. — Ed.]
[8-90] \_Report of the Committee,']
We the Subscribers a Committee appointed the fourteenth
and fifteenth of Jany Last by both Houses on the Petition of
the Select-men of Newtown to View the Highways Reserves
&c* — therein refer'd to have in consequence of Said appoint-
ment been at Said Newtown taken a View of Said Roads &
Reserves Also heard what the Said Select-men (Gideon Bart-
let Esq') & others mentioned in Said Petition had to offer on
the affair & having considered of the Same together with the
Papers relative thereto laid before us —
Do report as followeth viz —
That 'tis our opinion that it will be for the interest & con-
veniency of the Inhabitants of Said Town that the prayer of
Said Petition should be granted which is Submissively offered.
Portsm* Feb 24 1 756 By
John Downing 1
Joseph Smith > Committee
Tho-W^ Waldron 3
[The foregoing report was adopted by the legislature,
Feb. 9. 1758.— Ed.]
[8-87] Petition for opening- a Highway. '\
Province of Newhampsher
Newtown Deer the 4'* 1755 to mesurs Joseph Peasley Will-
iam Rowel, and Aaron Currier Selectmen for Newtown in Sd
province the Petisian of us the subscribers humbly sheweth
that whereas there are divers highways or Reserves of land
between the ffarms or Lots of several persons within Sd Town :
Left or reserved for the use of the inhabitants and others for
travelling &c as a highway or reserve beginning at the Coun-
try road Leading from kingstown to Swets ferry so Cald at the
South end of the Long Casway so Cald : and running easterly
between the farm origenelly W"* Bams on the north and Land
NEWTON. 59
now in the possession of David Peasley and Charles Sargent on
the south till it Corns to a pine tree at the west Comer of the
fTarm origenelly Georg martin now in possession of the Baglys
and then Sd way runs S® easterly between the (farms of the Sd
martin on the N* east and the ffarm of Garret Hadden on the
S* west till it Coms to another highway or reserve running N*
east between the ffarms of Sd martin on the n® west and ffarms of
waiter tailer and Gove on the S® east till it Coms to a white
oak tree at the East Corner of Sd martins ffarm where the Sd
way Coms nere South hampton line and meets with an other
highway that leads N" easterly to an open road leeding to the
trickling fals so Cald as also an other highway or reserve that
runs from the highway between the farm of Sd martin on the
n* west and the farms of waiter Tailer and Gove on the
S* east S* easterly between the ffarms of Sd gove on the
n^ East and the farm of waiter tailer on the S® v/est till it Coms
to an open road nigh the meeting house in Newtown above Sd
all which ways or Reserves have for several years past been
incumberd Shut up and Stopt to the grate dameag of the Pub-
lick in general as well as your humble petitions in perticuler
wherefore we humbly Request that you will as soon as may lay
open and Clear all Sd ways or Reserves within Sd toun as
above mentioned and youl oblige your humble Petitioners as in
duty bound shall Ever Pray
micah Hoyt Cuting feavour Daniel Goodwin
John Eliet iur Gideon Bartlet Nathaniel Colby
Philip Challis Joseph Bartlet Abraham Kimball
Gideon Colby Garshom Bartlet jeams George
Jonathan kimball Stephen Bartlet
Zebulou ferren John Elliot
[8-88] [This document is a crude plan of the highway,
with the names of residents on it. Commencing at the west
end, at the '' Contry Road," the names are John Challis,
Joseph and Gershom Bartlett, Moses and Stephen Sargent,
Widow Merrill, Charles Sargent, Timothy Whittier, An-
drew Whittier, David Bagley, Jonathan Bagley, Henry Bag-
ley, Samuel Jewell, Charles Chase, and Timothy Lancaster.
At the east end is the " Meeting hous." — Ed.]
[S-89] ^^Inhabitants consent to action of the Selectmen ,^
i755^'\
Newtown January 2 — 1755
We the subscribers here by shew our consent to and accept-
ence of what the select men of sd newtown have Lately done
60 EARLY TOWN PAPERS.
in Respect of the new high way Lately Laid out and also our
Consent to what the town has done in giving up in Exchange
some reserves of high ways in satisfaction for said new way
Andrew Whittier Jacob Rowell Samuel jewel ju
david bagley i^ir ^ n u Thomas Bedel
6 fc(f Thomas X greenfield y , Pe«slee
Zaccheus X Colbv "*^ J^"" r-easiee
.iljfc ^ Timothy Whittier Moses Carleton
Nathan Peaslee nathaniel ash Nathaniel Peaslee
C leb V h bbs Charles Sargent David Peaslee
^ henry bagley Nathan Hoag
James Peaslee Reuben hoyt Enoch Brown
Christopher Rowell Samuel Jewel Moses Peaslee
[8-91] [^Petition of several Baptists to be exempt from being'
taxed for the support of the Congregational Church.']
March 28 1 764 To the inhabitants of Newtown met at the
annual Meeting we whose names are hereunto annexed do Re-
quest that you would Exempt us from being taxed for the Sup-
port of the Congregational minister in this town for as much as
we have attended the worship of God and the preaching of the
Gospel in the Baptist Society and Paid our part for the Support
of the Gospel there for a number of years Even from before the
time that any Congregational Minister was Settled in this town
and are Still bound in concience to do the same
ffrancis Chase Timothy Whittier Bennjamin Carter
Robert Stuart Josiah fowler Josiah fowler inner
Andrew Whittier John Carter thomas Carter
at the annual Town meeting of the Town of Newtown Held
at the meeting House march y' 28 1764 this petition was Laid
Before the Town and Considered of and voted to see if the
Town would Grant the petitioners their Request and the vote
past in the negetive and the petition not granted
[8-92] [ Warrant for Town-Meetings iy68,]
Province of New Hampshire
To John Peaslee Jur Constable for New town — Greeting —
You are hereby Required to warn the Inhabitants of said
town Qiialified for voteing to meet at y* Congregational meet-
ing House in s* Town on monday y* 15 : of august at 3 of y*
NEWTON. 6 1
Clock in the after noon then when met: ily to Chuse a mod-
rator : 3ly to see if the Town will (Exclusive of frinds & y*
Church *" . V ^ ., ^ . . . . . , , ^
the
y^ East of the town Belonging to South Hampton and with
the people on y* north west of the town Belong to kingstown
and petition to y* General Court to be Enext to Newtown :
4ly to See if the Town will agree to Devide the town : 5ly to
See if the Town will approve of what the Select men have
Done in Stakeing out to Charls Chase two Rods of the way by
y* Wd Jewell Land for a way across s^ Chases Land : fail not
make due Return to us of this woran : with your doings at or
before the Date above mentioned
Dated at Newtown agust y* first 1768
Joseph Peaslee ) Select men
Francis Chase ) for Newtown
[Proceeding's at aforesaid Meeting'.']
Province of New Hamp^
Persuant to a warant from y* Select men to me Derect I have
warned y* Inhabitants of newtown as within mention* per me
John Peaslee Jur Constable for Newtown Dated at new town
august y* 15 : 1768
Province of New Hampshr
at a Leagal meeting y* Inhabitants of Newtown being met at
y* Congregational meeting House on monday y* 15 : of august
A D 1768 the meeting being opened Cap David Bagly be mod-
rator at the Same meeting the town appointed a Committee to
See if they Could agree to Devide the town and y* meeting was
adjourned to y* i : of September y* i : 1768 the Inhabitants of
newtown being met according to adjournment Cap David
Bagly being modrator at the same meeting the Committe
Brought in their Report that they Could not agree at the Same
meeting it was put to vote to petition to the General Court to
Devide the Town and the vote pased in y* affirmative Instantly
Joseph Peaslee James Peaslee moses Peaslee Francis Chase
Nathan Hoag John Peaslee Juner Entred their decents against
the Last vote its not being according to the warrant
a true Coppy taken out of Newtown town Book of Records
as attest —
William Rowell town Clerk
62 EARLY TOWN PAPERS.
[8-93] [^Proceeding's at Town- Meetings ^769^
A meeting of the Inhabitants of the town of Newtown Held
at the Congregational meeting House in ^ Town on monday
y* 16*"* Day of October 1769 at the Same meetine voted that
Captain William Rowell and Aaron Currier be a Committee to
prefer a petition to the Great and General Court of s' province
in the name & Behalf of the Town Humbly to Request the
said Court to Resolve and finely to Settle the afiaire Respect-
ing those persons in this town who Call themselves by the
name of B aptis that it may be known : whether all those per-
sons or any of them are by Law Exempted from paying toward
the Support of the Congregational minister in this Town voted
in the affirmative.
at the Same meeting voted that y* said William Rowell &
Aaron C urrier be a Committee to prefer a petition to y* said
General Court in the name & Behalf of the Town for those
persons who Live to the East of this Town (Belonging to
South Hampton) who have a desire to Come to us that they
may be annexed on to Newtown and the said Bowell and Cur-
rier are here by Impowered & Authorized to do the Same ac-
cordingly voted in the affirmative.
A true Coppey taken out of Newtown town Book of Rec-
ords as attest —
William Rowell Town Clerk
[8-97] [ Trouble concerning a Town-Meetings ^7^*^
[Petition of Moses Carleton and Gideon Bartlett, addressed
to the General Assembly.]
The Petition of us the Subscribers for our Selves, and in be-
half of the Major part of the Inhabitants of the Town of New-
ton in the s* Province
Most Humbly Sheweth That at the Annual Meeting of the
Inhabitants of the said Town on the 29^ of March last for the
Choice of Town officers, Matters were transacted by a Minor
obstinate Party in such an Illegal Unjustifiable manner as was
never heard of before in any Town in this Province, nor (per-
haps) in any other on this Continent, to Convince Your Excy
and Honors of the truth of which your Petitioners beg leave to
relate (very briefly) the proceedings at the said Meeting — Vizt
The Meeting was opened by the Constable M' John Peasley
Jun' who nominated M' Nathan Hoag for the Moderator who
was Negatived, then the said Constable named, M' Joseph
NEWTON. 63
Peasly to be Moderator which also passed in the Negative It
was then motioned and Seconded by numbers that the Consta-
ble should Nominate M*" Aaron Currier or Lieut Carleton, but
he refused to do it and Nominated M' Moses Peasley, who was
also Negatived, a number then again Insisted upon the said
Carleton or Currier's being put up for Moderator but the Con-
stable a Second time refused to Nominate either of them — That
after some time the said Constable again Nominated the said
ioseph Peasley who is his Father and declared him to be chosen
foderator without putting the Negative Vote — which proceed-
ing caused such a Tumult and Confusion that the vote was not
recorded. Then it was Insisted upon that the officers should be
Chosen by written votes — that the Select Men then declared
they did not care who was Chosen for Moderator provided they
would Chuse the Select Men as follows vizt One Quaker One
Baptist and One Congregationalist — but that if they did not
Choose 'em in that manner they would purge the House — after
which Esq' Bartlett Nominated Lieut Carleton for Moderator
and desired that those who were for him would draw to the
fore door w^ as they were doing the Constable again suddenly
nominated the said Joseph Peasly and declared him chosen
Moderator and he took his Seat accordingly altho' besides those
within there was near 30 at the Door who held up their hands
in the Negative and would have made a Majority had they been
Counted but this was not permitted — Then the Select Men
read the names of those who they said were qualified Voters —
and said they would not allow of any others to vote — the Peo-
ple not contented with this rule put their votes into the Hatt,
but those that were suspected not to vote as the Select Men
would have 'em, had their votes thrown out of the hatt Thus
the Meeting was purged of the Major part of the Qualified
Voters in the Town while persons of little or no Substance
but in the same side with the Select Men were by them de-
clared Qualified Voters — whereupon the Major part of the
Town greatly displeased at these violent Arbitrary proceedings
left the Meeting, which was carried on but by few of the In-
habitants consisting Chiefly of Quakers & Schemers who if
suffered to go on in such Tyrannical measures will entirely
Subvert and Destroy the Peace and Quiet of the s* Town
Your Petitioners therefore most humbly request that your
Excellency and Honours would be pleased to make a Strict
Enquiry into the proceedings at s*' Town Meeting, and if (as
we doubt not but they will) they shall appear Illegal and Unjust,
that you will as such set aside all the Votes and proceedings of
the said Meeting, and Impower the Town to convene together
for the Choice of their Town Officers for the Present Year and
7' you would be pleased to appoint some Indifferent Person for
64
EARLY TOWN PAPERS.
a Moderator — ^And your Petitioners as in Duty Bound shall
Ever Pray &c
Portsmouth April 3* 1769 —
Moses Carleton
Gideon Bartlett
[8-98] [ Committee appointed to Petition the Legislature. "]
We the Subscribers inhabitants of Newtown in the Province
of Newhampshire Being Dissatisfied with the Proceedings of
the Select men & Some Other of the inhabitants of s'' town at
our Annual Meeting held March 29*** 1769 — Do Hereby Con-
stitute & appoint Leut Moses Carleton & Gideon Bartlet as a
Committee to make Aplication on our behalf to the General
Court of s* Province that we may have a redress of our Gre-
vencies by Being Restored to former Prevelidges —
Newtown March 30"* 1769 —
David Elliot
Benj* Hoyt
Stephen Bartlet
Samuel Hoit
Nicholas Colby
acob Rowell
ohn Currier
Thomas Gould
Joseph Elliot
Thomas Elliot
Nathaniel Colby
Jonathan ferrin
aquiler ferrin
Daniel Colby
David Currier
Aaron Currier
moses Currier
mathias Bartlet
Richard Bartlet
David Bagly
abraham Colby
Ruban Hoyt
Zacches Colby
Ephriam Colby
Timothy Gorge
Jonathan Kimball
Roger Esman
Stephen Esman
Jonathon walson
Timothy Elliot
Thomas Colby
Thomas Colby Juner
David Goodwin
Samuel Goodwin
Gideon Bartlet
EUifelet Bartlet
micah Hoyt
Thomas Greenfield
Joseph Bartlet
Timothy Favour
Phinehas ash
Nathanel ash
Isaac Elliot
zebediah Hoyt
William Rowell
Junur
John favour
Daniel morss
Noah Seargent
Samuel Seargent
Philip Seargent
Barzella Colby
David Sargent
Cutting favour
[8-96] {^Deposition of Benjamin Morse ^ relative to a Town^
Meetings i^dp.']
The Deposition of benjamin morss of amesbury of Lawfull
age testifieth & saith that he was at y* Anuel town meeting of
the town of newtown in y* province of Newhampshire march
y* 29"* 1769 for the Choice of town ofHcers & on oppening y*
meeting there was two Strong partucs one partue was m'^ Ames
NEWTON. 65
hearers the other partue y* Quakers & Churchmen & m' hov-
«ys herers & the Constable John peaslee who was on y* Qiiak-
ers partue nominate Nathan hoag for a moderator for s* meet-
ing he was nagatived by a majority of voters then Joseph peslee
"was nagatived as a moderator and several others of that partue
wear nagatived as moderators & wear all nagatived by a ma-
jority of voters then I heard Some of mr ames partue desire y*
Constable John peslee to put up Som of their partue namly
Leut moses Carlton for a moderator and others of that partue
he Refuse or neglects to do it & further y* Deponant says he
heard Som of mr ames partue Desiere the house might vote
for a moderator Soon after I herd Esq' bartlett Desire y' people
who ware for having Leut moses Carlton to be moderator to
go out at y* fore Door of y* meeting house & on that I See y*
people Rushing out of y* Door hastily & before they wear all
out I turned my hed tords y* Quakers & y* other partue & See
their hands up which I thought was for a moderator on that I
heard a grate Storr abrod & See y* peopl of mr ames partue
returning in to y* meeting house apace & holding up their
hands as I So posed against y* other partue vote for a mod-
erator & I heard y* Quakers partue Declare Joseph peaslee
moderator on that I Se Joseph peslee take y* Seat as a mod-
erator & further I heard Sum of y' Quakers partue ask mr
John peaslee who was a Quaker why he Did not vote amongst
them he Replyed Like an onest man tho he was a Quaker &
on their partue he Replyed to them he thought y* meeting was
not Reguler he would not vote till they ware more Reaguler
the Deponant further says he dont Remember he Ever Saw so
Ereguler meeting & further says not
Benjamin Morss
[Sworn to before Isaac Merrill of Amesbury, April 20, 1769.]
[8-99] [Depositions relative to Illegal Proceedings in Town'
Meeting,']
The Depossien of Enoch Chase & Ebenezer Sargent both of
Amesbury of Lawfull age Testify & say that they Being at y*
Town meeting in Newtown in New hampshire on y* Last
Wednesday of march Last Being y* 29 Day of s* month & when
we first wint into y* meeting house where y* people ware gath-
ered together & they preposed two men for a moderator &
agreed to Devide y* house & one part to moove out at y* fore
Door & y* other to goo out at y* west Door and a great part of
y* people who Belong to mr ames went out at y* fore Door and
as soon as they ware out and a going out y* other party Staying
in y* meeting House some Body y^ s* Sargent says it was John
7
66 EARLY TOWN PAPERS.
peaslee son to Joseph peaslee put up Joseph peaslee for a
modrator while y* other party was out and ^oing out of y*
meeting house and y' party that was within Chose s* peaslee
moderator as they Declared Contrary to y* Minds of y* other
party and s^ peaslee took y* place of moderator and ordered y*
people to Bring in there voats for a Town Clark those who
ware Qualifyed to vote for they had goot a List of who ware
Qualify ed and as y* peaple were Bringing in their votes mat-
theas Bartlet ofTere his vote and y* modrator Drew Back his hat
and Refused his vote and Several others who offered their vots
and WMS Denied by y* modrator and y* s* Sargent farth Sayeth
that y* modrator turned up his hat wherein y* votes ware with-
out asking whether they ware all in and Some of them Sayd
that they had not put in their vote and perticuler Joseph Bart-
let Esq*" and they further say that y* modrator took out sevarall
votes out of y* hat Layd them on y* table and after he had
Counted them he said that Francis Chase was Chosen Town
Clark and as he Lifted up his arm we saw several I votes which
was unted his arm not Counted and further sayeth not
Dated april 15 : 1769
Enoch Chase
Ebenezer Sargent
[In H. of Rep., April 21, 1769, the proceedings of the
aforesaid meeting were declared illegal and void ; and Me-
shech Weare was authorized to call a meeting and act as
moderator of the same until the business was finished. —
Ed.]
[8-100] \^Relattve to Trouble between the Churches^ ^770»']
[Petition of William Rowell and Aaron Currier, addressed
to the General Assembly.]
The humble Petition of William Rowell and Aaron Currier
both of Newton in said Province as Agents for said Town
Shews —
That a number of the Inhabitants of said Town have sepe-
rated from the Congregation of public Worship in said Town
as settled by Law of the Province and have gathered a sepe-
rate Assembly with the assistance of some Persons from other
places and built a Meeting-house calling themselves Baptists
and refuse to pay the Taxes made for the support of the Min-
ister of said Town pleading the exemption by tlie Province
Law — On which many Lawsuits have been prosecuted which
have had various issues and been very expensive — That the other
NEWTON. 67
Inhabitants of said Town have offered to set them off or to con-
sent to it that they might be a seperate Parish or District and
have no connection with the other part of said Town which
they refuse and they joining with the Qiiakers make a Majority
so controul the pubh'c Affairs of the Town that they are often
put to difficulty to get a Vote for raising the Charges of their
Minister's Support
Wherefore your Petitioners humbly pray that the said Bap-
tists may be set off entirely from said Town and have nothing
to do with them or that they may by a Law for that purpose
be rated according to their abilities to all charges as well to the
support of the Minister as any other and the part they pay to
the latter be given to them to support their own mode of Wor-
ship or grant such other relief to your Petitioners and their
Constituents as in your great Wisdom and goodness you shall
judge proper and they shall ever pray &c
William Rowell
Aaron Currier
[Petition of Phillips White, Abel Brown, and Moses French,
addressed to the General Assembly.]
The Petition of us the Subscribers being a Committee chosen
for the Town of South-Hampton most humbly sheweth
That the said Town of South Hampton suffer great Incon-
veniencies for want of a Line settled and established between
the said Town of South Hampton and the Town of Newtown
there being more than twenty persons in said South Hampton
which claim to belong to Newtown part of whom might be
as well accommodated by being joined to South Hampton and
a number more of South Hampton that might be as well ac-
commodated by being joined to Newtown. Your Petitioners
therefore pray a Line may be settled between the said Towns
in such a manner as not to enlarge the one at the ex pence of
the other but to make both equal to what they now are and that
a Committee may be appointed to enquire into the circum-
stances of the case and report such a Line as may effect the
purposes aforesaid. And your Petitioners as they are in duty
bound will every pray &c
Phillips White
Abel Brown
Moses French
[In H. of Rep., Jan. 3, 1771, the parties were heard on
the foregoing, and a committee, consisting of ** Daniel
Peirce Esq. Capt. John Giddinge & Doctor Ebenezer
Thompson" was appointed to "settle the line between the
68 EARLY TOWN PAPERS.
said Towns in such place as shall appear to them proper."
The following is their report : — Ed.]
Province of New Hampshire, April 24*** 1771.
Pursuant to the within appointment the subscribers have
viewed the Towns of South Hampton and Newtown and heard
what each party thought fitt to offer on the subject matter of
their dispute and after mature deliberation and consideration
do agree to report that a line fixed in the manner hereafter de-
scribed will be Equitable, and more satisfactory to both Towns
than any other that can at present be established, and therefore
beg leave to recommend to confirmation of the same which
is as follows Viz. Beginning at the Province line at a place
called and known by the name of Pond Brook thence westerly
on the North side of the Highway that leads to Philip Curriers
dwelling House until it comes to said Philip Curriers land
thence Northerly on the line between said Philip Currier and
Challis Curriers lahd to the Highway that leads towards said
Challis Currier's House. Thence Northerly on the westerly
side of said Highway until it comes to land belonging to Lieut.
Thomas Tewksbury thence Southerly and westerly by said
Tewksbury land and land of the said Challis Currier and land
of the Widow Judith Currier until it comes to the Highway
near Charles Collins House Thence Northeasterlv on the East
side of the Highway that leads to Bugsmore Hill (so called)
until it comes opposite to the Northeasterly corner of Jonathan
Kimballs Land thence across said road westerly between said
Kimballs Land and land of the afores* Lieut. Thomas Tewks-
bury and between said Kimballs land and land belonging to
the heirs of Timothy Bagley Deceased until it comes to the
road that leads to Aspen hill (so called) thence Northerly on
the Easterly side, of said road until it comes opposite to the
Northeasterly corner of Aaron Curriers Land thence across
said road and running Northwesterly by s* Aaron Curriers
Land until it comes to Kingston line.
The charge of the Committee to be paid Equally by the two
Towns.
D. Peirce \
John Giddinge > Committee
Ebenezer Thompson j
[The foregoing report was adopted, and the line estab-
lished by the legislature. — Ed.]
[8-103] \^Relative to the Assessment of Taxes ^ -^777*^
Att a Leagall meeting held at Newtown at the Cong^ega-
NEWTON. 69
tional meeting on the third Day of February y* i777 ^^ ^^®
same meeting voted that the Select men Do Essess the inhabi-
tants of said town agrable to that part of the Presept Reciv'd
from Nicholas Oilman Esq' tresuery to thevelleu of Seventeen
pounds five Shillings as Demanded by s* Presept aly voted that
the twelve pounds mentioned in said presept under the pre-
tence of its Being a Debt Deu from this town to a former Con-
gress in our oppinion is unjustly Charged against said town
therefore : 3ly voted that the Select men of said town are hear-
by forbid assasing the inhabitants of said town for the s** twelve
pounds or any part of the same and that the inhabitants of this
Town will vindecate and bare harmless the Select men of said
town in their obedience to these orders —
The above votes being Severill times Red and after Metuer
Deleberation ware put and they past in y* affarmative by a
Grate mejority at y* same meeting y* town voted that the Select
men should aquant Nicholas Oilman Esq' Tresuery the pro-
seedings of the above Resolves —
A True Coppey Samuel Hoit Town Clerk
[The twelve pounds was for the payment of services of
Joseph Bartlett, as representative, whose right to a seat the
town had contested. They succeeded in unseating him.
See following : — Ed.]
[a-105]
To the hon**** the House of Representatives for the State of
New-Hampshire now sitting at Exeter Humbly Shew —
The Subscribers Inhabitants of the Town of Newton in
said State, that at a late meeting held in said Town, for the
Choice of a Person to represent said Town and Southhampton,
in the Oeneral Assembly of said State the ensuing Year— One
Stephen Bartlett was by a very small Majority, of the small
number of Voters present, chosen to said Important Trust and
has taken his seat accordingly ; That for many Reasons we
esteem him unqualified for that Place — more especially because
he is not possessed of an Estate of the Value of two Hundred
Pounds Lawful Money, as we understand each Member of said
House should be — Wherefore we pray that his Seat in 'said
house may be declared Vacant and that a Warrant may issue
to said Towns, for a new Choice and as bound shall pray &c
Newton December the 19*** 1776
Moses Carleton Richard Bartlet
Mathias Bartlet Ephraim Carter
thomas Carleton J°*^" Elliot
matthias heath Sargent Heath
70 EARLY TOWN PAPERS.
[R. 3-59] {^Soldier's Order ^ ^7^4.']
Newtown December the 14, 1784
To the Paymaster of the New Hampshire Six months men in
1 781.
Sir, Please to pay Jn^ Nicholls or order all that is due to me
I having been a Six months man for the Town of Newton in
in year 1781. Value Received Witness my hand
Attest
Dony Harris *^^"^^« ^ ^^'^^
NORTHFIELD.
The township was set off from Canterbury, June 19, 1780,
and incorporated by its present name probably because it
comprised the north part of said town. This was done in
answer to a petition from the inhabitants (see Vol. XI,
p. 270), and in accordance with a vote of the town of Can-
terbury, passed March 18, 1779, which vote also provided
that " Cap* Josiah Miles, David Foster, Cap' Edward Blan-
chard & En"" Archelaus Miles be a committee to run a Line
of division." The inhabitants met July 17, 1780, and elect-
ed their first town officers. Settlements were made here in
1 760 by the Blanchards and others, and the town contained
349 inhabitants in 1786.
A portion of this town was severed by an act approved
Dec. 24, 1828, combined with portions of Salisbury, An-
dover, and Sanborhton. and incorporated into the town of
Franklin ; but the same territory was reannexed to North-
field by an act approved July 3, 1830. The same territory
was again severed from Northfield and annexed to Franklin,
June 26. 1858.
June 27, 1861, lands of Samuel Heath and Edward Leigh-
ton were severed from this town and annexed to Franklin.
[8-106] {^Relative to first Town-Meetingy i/So.']
Agreable to the Order of the Hon**** the General Assembly I
Notified a Meeting of the Inhabitants of the Town of North-
field on the seventeenth of July last past when they met &
chose Town Officers as the Law directs.
Portsmouth Ocf 30*** 1780 Abiel Foster
NORTHFIELD. 71
[R. 3-60] \_Petition of Thamas Lyford^ Soldier,']
To the Hony Council and house of Representatives Now Sit-
ting at Concord —
The Petition of Lieut Thomas Lyford of Northfield Humbly
Sheweth that your memorialist early entered into the service of
this State in the year 1775 — and by order afterwards in the year
1777 was appointed Lieut in Major Whitcombs Core of Ran-
gers and served in the same untill January 1781 when General
Washington ordered the officers of said Core should Retire on
half pay for life that your memorialist was ordered by said
Whitcomb to march said Whitcombs men to head Quarters
whereupon the Soldiers were mutinous and would not march
when ordered thereto and your memorialist proceeded to head
Quarters from Haverhill to the North river and mad report of
the Same to Gen* Heath the commanding officer then at west
point. • ♦ ♦ ♦
Thomas Lyford Lvt
Concord June the 21"* 1782.
[R. 3-61] ISoIdters' Orders.]
Northfield Jany 6"* 1785
To the Treasurer of the State of New Hampshire
Sir Please to pay Gilman or his order all that is due
to me I having been a Soldier in the ist New Hampshire Reg-
iment.
Value Rec* Witness mv hand
Attest John Nichols William X Rhines
{R. 3-62]
Northfield December 12, 1785
To John T. Gilman Esq Treasurer for the State of New
Hampshire
Sir Please to pay Colo Ebenezer Webster all the wages and
Bounty Due to me for serving six months in the army under
eaid Webster for the State of New Hampshire,
as witness my hand
£ 10. 7. Edward Diah
£R. 3-63] Northfield August 5*** 1 792
M' Treasurer Sir please to pay Joshua Pickering or bearer
72
EARLY TOWN PAPERS.
whatever wages and Rations which may be do to me for my
Cervice in the New Hampshire Line it being value Received
Witness my hand
W Benjamin Kimball
William Stevens
Benning Pickering
Edward X Smith
[8-107] [Relative to Civil Magistrate^ ^7^S'^
march 7 y* 1785 Northfield
it is our Desire whos name are under writing that thomos Gil-
man Asq' should Be continued as a Just of the peace
Jonathan wodly william kenston William Gliens
Stephen Haines
Nath* Dearborn
John Cross .
thomas Cross
James Shapord
Joseph Call
[8-1 10]
Northfield March the 2 1785 it tis our minds that Esq glman
shall Be continued as Justes of the peas
William witcher
Nathaiel Perkines
John Perkins
Robart purkines
Aaron Stevens
Jonathan Sanborn
Reuben Witcher
James Muchmore
Jonathan Oilman
oamuel T. Oilman
Nathaniel witcher
Abraham dearborn Oidebn Leavitt
Thomas Lyford
fiiield liford
Jonathan Witcher
Jonathan Leavitt
Wadligh Leavitt
Arch" Miles
John Simons
william Dyer
Richard Blanchard
william williams
William frest
ohn Forest
acob Heath
eremiah McDaniel
l^zekiel Clough
Thomas Clough
Jese Cross
James Simons
James Sherburn
Daniel Randel
James L. Perkins
Aaron Stevens Juner
Jonathan Sherburn
[8-I081
[^Relative to a JRerry^ ^7^S'l
To the Honourable the Senate & house of Representatives of
the State of Newhampshire Now Setting at Concord we the
Subscribers Inhabatents of the Parrish of Northfield & the
Neighbouring Towns have for many years Labourd under many
Inconveniances for Want of Som Person to keep a ferry a Cross
Merrimack River Between Northfield & Salsbury & now un-
derstanding that Rob' wise has Petitioned your Honours for a
grant of a ferry acros S** River for three miles half up & half
NORTHFIELD.
73
doon we Pray that he may have it where he has Petetiond for
& your Petitioners as in Duty bound Shall Ever Pray
Northfield Oct* 24^ 1 785
James Hersey
John Samborn
Jeremiah Sanborn
Jacob Tilton
Lewis Haines
Samuel Hunt
Stephen Gale
Dan^ Sanborn
Philip Hunt Jun'
Tho' Critchet
Ton' H. Sanborn
James Cate
ban* Sanborn J'
James Sanborn
Mathew Thomson
John Sanborn 3*
J' Nath* Tilton
Jacob garland
Nath» Chandler
Josiah Miles
Elijah True
ioseph Burley
lathiel Burley
William Burley
Nethenel Burley
inur
Benjamin Robinson
J'
Moses Tom son
James Asgood
Jacob Tomson
Jonathan Cate
Simeon Cate
otham Sawyer
onathan Sanborn
ohn Thorn
ohn Clark
oseph Clark
eremiah Samborn
John Samborn Jur
James Shepard
[8-109]
\^Petttion for a Ferry ^ ^7^S'^
To the Honorable the Saneat and Representativs of the State
of New Hampshire Now Seting at Concord
we the Subscribers inhabitants of the Parrish of Northfield
have for maney years Labourd under maney inconveniences
for want of Sum Parson to keep a ferry across merrimack River
Between this Place and Salisbury and Now understanding that
Robart wise has Pettion** your Honors for a grant of a ferry a
cross Said River Pray that he may have it whire Pettioned for
and your Pettioners as in Duty Bound Shall Ever Pray
Northfield October 23-1785
Samuel T Gil man
James Blanchard
William ad Perkines
Robort Curry
David Blanchard •
Nathaniel witcher
John Parkins
Danford
Benaiah Sanborn
Reuben Witcher
Robart Parkines
Jonathan Oilman
William witcher
Danford
Jonathan Darbom
William Dyer
Nathaniel Cross
James Cross
John Cross
Jacob Heath
Jonathan Wadlegh
Abraham Dearborn
William Williams
Benjamin Glins
James Simons
Wm Glines
Willim kinston
William forest
James muchemore
thomas Gilman
Aaron Stephens Jur
Jonathan Sanborn
James forest
willam keniston
Jonathan thomson
willam gibson
William thomson
Daniel darling
Elisha Cate
John Morrison
Jeremiah tilton
Ebenezer Darling
74
EARLY TOWN PAPERS.
Frases Sanborn
Nathaniel Perkines
Joseph Hancock
Sanborn Sanborn
Nathaniel Darborn
John Cross Jur
Ezekiel Clough
fi field Liford
Beniaman Blancherd
Jeremiah mManiel
Jonathan Kineston
Nathaniel Brown
John kineston
Jonathan Leavit
Richard Blanchard
Aaron Stevens
Franes Durgin
Edward Chase
John Perkins
Simeon Robinson
Stephen Haines
Robert Foss
Moses Foss
Reuben miles
Jacob blanc*
Thomas Lyford
[8-1 1 1] \_Petition of the Inhabitants for a Magistrate: ad--
dressed to the President and Council,']
Northfield Sep' 8* 1 786
whereas Thomas Gilmon Esq' is about moving from this
Parish & we Shall be Destitute of a Majetrate we Pray that
Archelus Miles of this Perish May be Put in as a Justice of 3^
Peace for sd Northfield and we as in Duty bound Shall ever
Pray
Thomas Cross
Jesse Cross
nathan Cross
John Cross
James Shepard
Nathan Colby
Joseph hancock
Georg hancock
John forest
David kinston
Aron Stephens
John Dearbon
Jonathan Dearbon
Nathanaeal Dearbon
Wiliam Glines
Wiliam Rines his X
mark
Gideon Sawyer
Henery Danford
James Blanchard
Jonathan Wodligh
Jonathan Leavitt
George Jones
Elisha French
ohn Simons
illiam Glines
Wiliam Wiliams
Wiliam forest
Wi
Andrew french
Jonathan gile
Richard Blanchard
David Dolor
William Dyer
Aaron Stephens
junr
Richerd Gliens
moses Danford
Daniel kandale
Thomas foos
Thomas SherBon
John welch
[8-1 1 2] \^Petition of the Inhabitants for a Magistrate: ad--
dressed to the Governor and Council ^ ^7^7*]
Humbly shews — the Petition of the Subscribers Inhabitants
of the Town of Northfield in said State, that the said Town is
destitute of Justice of the Peace, and that it is a considerable
distance to the nearest Justice in any Neighbouring Town :
They therefore. Pray Your Excellency & Hon" that some suit-
able person may be appointed to that Office, and they beg
leave, with submission to recommed Archelaus Miles as a per-
NORTHFIELD.
75
son Agreeable to their wish — ^And as in duty bound will ever
pray
Samuel *■ gilmon
Abraham dwyer
James Simons
William ad Perkines
Joseph Hancocke
Gideon Leavitt
Aaron Stephens
Aaron Stephens
Junr
Jonathan gile
James Shepard
Joseph ash
Daniel Randel
John welch
tbomas foss Juner
Job forest
James Gilson
Jonathan Leavitt
Joseph Leavitt
thomas Clough
Junr
Richerd Ellison
David Dollof
Richd Smith
hanery Danford
John Roen
william hancock
Ezekial Davis
Nathan Colby
George hancock
Shubel Dearborn
Juner
Nathanieal Dearbon
John Dearbon
£zekiel Heath
Nathaniel Perkins
James L Perkins
Wilh'am Glines
George Jones
John Simons
Jonathan wadleigh
John Cochran
Gideon Sawyer
Jotham sawyer
moses Danforth
Edmund Shepard
James fores
Samuel Davis
thomas foss
Benjemin Collins
William Williams
William Glines
William Rines
william glines Juner
Benjamin Welch
Nathaniel Brown
Morrill Shepard
Bill Clement
Elisha French
andrew frenche
Jonathan Keneston
[8-1 13] \^Petition of Inhabitants for a Magistrate: ad-
dressed to the Governor and CouncilJ^
We the Subscribers, Inhabitants of the Parish of Northfield,
County of Rockingham, and State afores' do humbly Petition,
and pray that Lieu* Charles Gliddin of s** Parish, shou'd be
Appointed as a Justice of the Peace for s* Parish ; being fully
convinced, he is a Suitable man for that office, and as in duty
bound shall ever pray &c
Northfield April 2^^ 1887—
Elisher french
Richer Blanchard
Jacob Blanchard
John Perkins
Will- H : Bowles
Geo : Jones
Edward S \>yer
hanaiy danford
Benjamin Welch
Jonathan Wodleigh
eben Blanchard
Reuben Blanchard
Nathaniel witcher
John Cross
Iseck boen
Jemes gibson
John Wellch
James Sherburn
Willam Rines
willam glinds
Jonathan Leavitt
Juner
Richard glines
Daniel Randel
William forest
James L Perkins
Rich** Smith
Richrd Ellison
Nathaniel Perkines
Benjamin Glines
76 EARLY TOWN PAPERS.
William Turrell william glinds Jur Shubel Dearbon
Joseph Man Nathanieal Dearbon Tuner
James forest Shubel dearbon John Dearborn
William witcher Jonathan Dear Bon Jonathon Kinestone
William Samborn Abraham Dearbon thomas foss
Joseph Leavitt Junr Jonathan gile Jonathan Witcher
Edmund Spezar Isaac Tracy Thomas Clough
Levi Morrill Jonath" Welsh Saul french
Reuben Whitcher Wadleigh Leavitt William Adams Per-
Robert Curry Jonathan Sanborn kins
Edward Blanchard Joseph Ellison John forrest
Benjaman blanchard
NORTH HAMPTON.
The township was formerly a part of Hampton, from which
it was separated for parochial purposes, November 17, 1738,
and went by the name of North Hill Parish until November
26, 1742, when it was incorporated with full town privileges
by its present name, the derivation of which is obvious.
Documents relative to the parish may be found in Vol. XH,
pp. 1 17-122.
A dispute concerning the line between this town and Rye
was settled by the adoption of a report of James Hill of
New Market, Jeremiah Batchelder of Kensington, and
Joshua Weeks of Greenland, a committee appointed by the
legislature to run the same. Their report, dated January
17, 1793, may be found in manuscript charter records, Vol.
4, page 257, in office of secretary of state. Said report was
to be final and conclusive.
Little Boar's Head, situated in this town on the Atlantic
coast, is a pleasant summer resort, and is visited by those
who desire to enjoy the cool and invigorating sea air quietly
in preference to the more populous places.
[8-1 16] \^Petttton of Inhabitants for a Divisional Line : ad-
dressed to the General Assembly^ ^74^*^
The Petition of Sundry Persons who live in the Northerly
part of Hampton in Said Province whose names are hereunto
annexed most humbly sheweth, That sometime since the Gen-
eral Court of this Province by an act made and erected a Parish
NORTH HAMPTON.
77
in the northerly part of Hampton afores** by Polling off sundry
Persons and their Estates but not by any metes & bounds
That there are sundry others who live convenient to attend the
publick worship of God at the meeting house in said Parish,
who are desirous so to do, That the old Parish of Hampton is
an able and large parish and can without being burdened Spare
sundry persons and their estates to another Parish — wherefore
your Petitioners pray your Excellency and Honours to take this
Petition under Consideration and in your great wisdom and
Goodness to ratify establish and ConBrm the said Parish in the
Northerly part of said Hampton by a divisional line between
the old Parish of Hampton afores* and the said Northerly Par-
ish whereabouts your Excellency and Honours shall see meet
and proper or to Cause that the Ministers of the said Two Par-
ishes be paid By one Rate or otherways as may be Judged Just
and equall and your Petitioners as in Duty bound shall ever
pray &c
June the 7**" 1742
we the Subscribers of the north part of Hampton desire to
put in to this Honarable General Cort to see If they will grant
us a Line between the parishs in Hampton or order to maintain
the two ministers together or any other way by there Consid-
eration
John Derborn
Samuel derbon
Thomas marston
John Wedgwood
Job chapman
Daniel samborn
Jonathan marston
Simon Dearborn
John leavitt
daniel marston
Benjamin marston
wintrop marston
Joshua Winget
Timothy Dalton
henrey X Darbon
Benjamin Marston
Sen
ohn Marston
bshua brown
onathan thomas
David Jewell
Jerimiah darbon
Stephen Batchelder
Abner Fogg
Sam** bachelder
hanrey bachelder
James Godfree
Jacob liford
William godfree
Bngman Hobs
John godfree
Stven bchalder Junr
Ebnezer Samborn
John phelbreck
John godfree
\^Action of the Legislature on the foregoing J\
In the House of Representatives 9** 24th 1 742
The within Petition & others relating thereto Read & the
Parties heard and the House having considered thereof, voted :
That there be a line Setled, viz' to beging at a Great Rock in
the High way that Leads from Portsmouth to Hampton over
North Hill between y* dwelling Houses of Caleb Marston &
Joseph Tole Jun' and is the first Great Rock in y* High way
78 EARLY TOWN PAPERS.
to the Southward of the Widow Levits dwelling House & from
Said Rock to run on a Strait Line to the Sea at the mouth of
the Little River where it now Empties itSelf into the Sea.
And then to begin at the Great Rock aforesaid & then to run
on a Straight Line to the Corner Bounds Between Stretham &
Exeter at Hampton Line And That the Estates in the old par-
ish y' belongs to the Poles in the new parish Shall pay Rates to
the north parish & the Estates belonging to y* Poles in the old
parish that lies in the north parish Shall pay Rates to y* old
parish and whereon the owner o^ the land Lives there he & his
Estate Shall pay Rates, Notwithstanding y* Line Setled. & if
any Strangers purchase land in Either parish, he Shall pay
where the Land Lies : & Its always intended that Every person
in Each parish pay his Proportion of the Grant to M" Dorothy
Gookin as usual :
and that the Rates for the present yeare be paid as they are
already made & that the Petitioners have liberty to Bring in a
Bill accordingly
And y' y* Select men of Each parish Joyn in y* makeing y^
Province Taxes, as also y* both parishes Joyn in Choice of
Representative until further order —
Provr N Hamp' Nov : 25*** 1742
In Council read & Concurrd
Eodem Die Assented to
James Jeffry Cle' ass"
Theod' Atkinson Sec'''
B Wentworth
[8-1 1 7] [^Petition of Inhabitants relative to Church Affairs z
addressed to the General Assembly September 14^ ^74^']
The Humble Pititiori of us the Subscribers Most Humbly
Sheweth that the houses and habitsitions of your Pititioners are
in the northly Part of the town of Hampton and where as Sev-
eral of our Neighbours were Some years ago Poled of from the
town to the Support of a gospell minester at North hill and now
Several others Joining with them they are Pititioning for a line
which If granted will Probably take the houses and habitations
of your Pititioners in with them and so Contrery to our Inclina-
tions we shall be forced of from the Minestrey the Church and
Congrigation in the old town and (with out the aid of your Ex-
cellency and Honours) Shall be Compelled to Pay to the Sup-
port of the minestrey at north hill If your Excellency and Hon-
ours Should in your Grate wisdom See meet to Grant them
their Pitition and give them a line we Humbly and Earnestly
Pray your Excellency and Honours that your Pititioners and
NORTH HAMPTON.
79
their Estates may be Exampted from Paying to the Support of
the Minestrey at north hill and that we may still remain under
and be taxed to the Support of the Minestrey and the other
Publick Chargs of the town as we used to be and your Pitition-
ers as in Dutey bound Shall Ever Pray
John Smith
-William Moulton
Simon knowles
Richard tayler
Abraham JDrake
moris hobbes
Josiah hobbes
John Shaw
Bengman Smith
William palmer
John Smith Jun
John tayler
Joseph knowles
Daniel fogg
Samuel Fogg
Thomas Robie
Zachariah towl
Ruben darben
Thomes darben
Samuel darben
Bennony fullor
nathanil moreton
Samuel Bachildor
Jun
franis Page
William Moulton
Benj: Lampre
Jona*" Knowles
Benj" Johnson
onathan Palmer
oseph Page
oseph Moulton
feenj Johnson
James Thomas
[8-1 1 8] {^Petition of y onathan Palmer and Daniel Pogg:
addressed to the General Assembly^ ^744'^
The Petetion of us His Majestys Subjects Inhabetants of the
North Parish in Hampton within Said Province
Humbly Shueath
That we Labure under Grate Difelicte our houses Stand-
ing jest upon the Line & our Land being Devided y* one part
in Rye & the other in the North Parish in hampton there being
no way Nearer then about four miles to Get to the meeting
house in y* north Parish & Living with in about two miles of
Rye meeting house the Place where we Generly Go to Devine
worshep & most Convenent for Sending our Children to Scol
May it Please your Exc* and The Honourable Council &
house of Representatives your Petitioners Humbly Pray that
we and our Estats where we Live may be Set of to Rye and
your Peti toners Shall Ever Pray as in Duty bound
Jonathan Palmer
Daniel Fogg
[In H. of Rep., Aug. 23, 1744, '^ Voted that the petition
be Dismist for so long time as the opposers to the peti-
tion shall keep an open and passable way in such place as
has been directed by Col. Wingate, to North Hill meeting
House, to and from the Petitioners Dwelling Houses." — Ed.}
80 EARLY TOWN PAPERS.
[8-1 19] \_Petition of Inhabitants for a Grant of Land: ad"
dressed to the Governor and Council,^ ^75^*\
the Humble Petition of us the subscribers Most Humbly
Shewcth — that where as a Considerable number of the Inhabi-
tants of the town of Hampton Did signe their names in a Piti-
tion to his Excellency and the Councel about eight years since
Praying that they might have land Granted to them for one or
two townships on some Part of Pemigawasset River
which Pitition is not as yet Granted and where as a Grate
Part of said Pititioners never had any land Granted to them by
the Government — the town of Hampton in General have had
but a Very small Matter of lands Granted to them by the gov-
erment to what other towns have had — we Humbly Pray that
the said Pitition may be Granted according to the Prayer of it
and If the land Cannot be had where it was asked for — we Pray
that it May be granted as near to us as Possable near the south-
ern boundrey of the Province — as your Excellency and Honours
In your Grate wisdom shall See meet and your Pititioners as in
Duty bound shall Ever Pray
Dated at Hampton Januery y* 22"** 1749/50
Samuel Palmer Junr
Teremiah Moulton
[osiah Moulton sener
Iphraim Marston
William Moulton
Benjamin Dow
Jonathan Tuck
Gershom Griffith
[8-120] \^Petition for Land Grant: addressed to the Gov*
ernor and Council^ i'/4g*'\
The Petition of Daniel Marston & John Leavit of North
Hampton in said Province Humbly Sheweth That your Peti-
tioners together with their Associates to such Number as your
Excellency & Hon" shall please to appoint are desirous & will-
ing to cultivate & improve & render profitable to our Selves &
Posterity some of the wast Lands of His Said majesties Said
Province as well as to increase the Number of the Setlers &
Subjects of Said Province &c —
We therefore Humbly pray your Excellency & Honours
would be pleased to grant to us & our Associates as aforesaid a
Township (of such Dimensions & under such Restrictions &
NORTH HAMPTON. 8 1
Limitations together with Such Priviledges & Advantages as
you grant to other of his majestie's good Subjects of S** Prov^
ince) — Bounding & lying upon Connecticut River & the Boun-
dary Line between New -Ha nips hi re aforesaid & the Province
of the Massachusetts-Bay or as near that spot as your Excel-
lency & Honours in your great Wisdom shall think it may con-
veniently be done
And your Petitioners as in Duty bound shall ever pray
22" Jan' 1749, Dan^ Marston
John Leavit
[^List of Associates,']
Simon Nudd Nath* Mason Benjamin Marston
Simon Marston Junr Benj* Thomas Benjamin Johnson
Abner Fogg Junr Daniel Samborn Benjamin Hobbs
Bengman Leavitt Sam* Marston Samewell Shaw
Jonathan Moulton Zachariah towl John Johnson
Joshwe Wengate Jonathan Wedge- John godfree
Jun' wood Abraham Tilton
D. Peirce Abner Fogg Wintrop marston
Nath^ Sargent Esq. Edward Shaw Willam moulton
Saml Marston Jun' Eben : Samborn John marston
Thos. Leavit Timothy Dalton Joshua Brown
Dan' Marston Joseph knowles thomas marston
John Leavit hanrey Batchelder Joshua Brown Jur
Thomas Bell Esq. Abraham Drake David marston
Joseph Towl Jonathan Marston Stven Brown
[8-122] \_Petitton relative to election of Representative: ad"
dressed to the House of Representatives ^ iys8J\
We Your most Humble Petitioners the Select Men of the
Parish of North Hampton for the present Year not having been
notified to joyn with The Town of Hampton in the late Choice
of Representitives which priviledge was Granted to this Parish
by his Excellency the Governor and HonoraW* the Counsel and
house of Representitives Therefore humbly conceive the said
Meeting was illegal and that those Members then chosen in the
Town of Hampton have no right to set as Members and pray
they may not be Accepted And that there may be a new Choice
And Your Petitioners as in Duty bound shall ever pray
Novemb' 28*** 1758 Reuben Dearborn \ Select Men
John Leavitt >- for North
Levi Dearborn ) Hampton
[Petition dismissed. — Ed.]
8
82 EARLY TOWN PAPERS.
[8-1 23] \_Petition relative to Election of Representative :
addressed to the General Assembly^ ^75^ -\
We Your Humb** Petitioners being Granted off into a Sepa-
rate Parish (by the Name of North Hampton) from the Town
of Hampton with all Parish Priviledges excepting in Chusing
of Representitives in which Choice we are to Joyn with the
Town but in as much as there are Sundery differences between
the Town of Hampton and North Hampton we are debar* from
the priviledge of joyning with the Town of Hampton in their
Choice they being superiour to North Hampton in number of
Voters and no order of Court (as in Rye & New Castle)
wheither they shall be one or both in one place neither have
we the Parish of North Hampton any Notification or Precept
when or where to joyn with them the Town of Hampton in the
Choice of Representitives and forasmuch as we the parish of
North Hampton Pay a large Province Rate of Six or Seven
Hundred Pounds new Tenor per Annum and have no one to
Represent us in the General Assembly Therefore humbly pray
we may have a Precept for Chusing one Representitive sepa-
rate from the Town of Hampton to Represent us in the General
Assembly — And Your most Humb^ Petitioners as in Duty
bound shall ever pray —
North Hampton Novemb' 28*** 1758
Eben'- Samborn ) Agents for said
Levi Dearborn J North Hampton
[8-124] [Petition of Levi Dearborn^ yoseph Hobbs^ and
Ebenezer Neal: addressed to the General Assembly,
The Petition of us the Subscribers as a Committee of the
Parish of North Hampton in behalf of the Inhabitants thereof
humbly sheweth, That in the y^M 1742 the said Parish was by
an Act of the General Assembly of the then Province set off
from the Town of Hampton at the Northerly part thereof, by
the Name of North Hampton bounded as by the said Act will
appear — And vested with all the Privileges & Immunities of
other Parishes — With this exception, that all such estates as
lay in the old Parish, which belonged unto and were owned by
persons living in the North Parish should be rated to the North
Parish, and such Estates as lay in the North Parish which be-
longed unto and owned by persons living in the old Parish,
should be rated to the old Parish, and that on which side soever
of said line any person should live in Hampton, there he, and his
estate on both sides of said Line should be rated, but if any Stran-
ger shold purchase land in either of said parishes such stranger
NORTH HAMPTON. 83
should be rated for such land where it lay said Committee far-
ther show that since the said Parish of North Hampton has
been established as aforesaid many Inhabitants of Hampton
have purchased considerable quantities of Land lying in said
North Hampton the former Owners of which land paid Taxes
for the same to said Parish of North Hampton, but the present
Owners thereof being Inhabitants of Said Hampton refuse to
pay taxes therefor to the said Parish of North Hampton con-
caving themselves exempted therefrom by said Act which con-
ception Your Petitioners apprehend is foreign to the Spirit
of said Act, And as the paying taxes for such lands out of the
Parish where they lie is very inconvenient and tend to create
Disputes and may in time by frequent transfers thereof to per-
sons living in Hampton aforesaid according to their conception
of said Act totally deprive the Inhabitants of said North Hamp-
ton of the means of paying their parochial taxes. Wherefore
Your Petitioners humbly pray that all the ratiable Estate lying
and being within North Hampton aforesaid may be subject to
the payment of Taxes there And Your Petitioners as in Duty
bound will ever pray &c —
North Hampton March 16* 1779
T ^' , XT uu ( Committee for
[8-1 25] \^Petition relative to Election of Representative :
addressed to the General Courts ^T^J-]
The Petition of a Majority of the Legal Voters in the Town
of North Hampton in the County of Rockingham and State
aforesaid Humbly Shows That the said Town is encorporated
with all the Powers Priviledges and Franchises that other
Towns in this state hold and enjoy That ever since the pres-
ent Government they have been priviledged with a representa-
tive to the General Court — ^That the New Constitution or form
of Government for this State provides that every Town Parish
or place in titled to town Priviledges haveing one Hundred and
fifty rateable Polls of twenty one years and upward may Elect
one Representative and that such Towns Parishes or Places as
have less then one Hundred and fifty Rateable Polls shall be
Classed by th& General Assembly for the Purpose of Chuseing
a representative and that when any Town Parish or Place in-
titled to Town Priviledges as aforesaid and having less than
one Hundred and fifty rateable Polls and be so situated as to
render the Classing very inconvenient the General Assembly
84
EARLY TOWN PAPERS.
may upon Application of a Majority of the Voters in such Town
Parish or Place issue a Writ for their Electing^ and Sending a
Representative to the General Court. That Your Petitioners
humbly conceive that they fall within the Last Discription not
being one Hundred and fifty rateable Polls and being so situated
as not to admit of being Classed vsrithout Great inconvenience
That Your Petitioners are Clearely of Opinion that the Present
Legislature have every Power and Authority necessary for in-
troducing the new Constitution or form of Government.
Wherefore they Pray that in the new Arrangement for the
next Essembly a Precept may issue to the Town of North
Hampton for Electing and Sending a Representative under
such regulations as other Towns and Destrects in this State
And Your Petitioners as in Duty bound shall ever Pray —
North Hampton December 1783 —
Ebenr Samborn
Levi Dearborn
Benjamin Leavitt
James wedgwood
Thomas Samborn
Benjamin Page
thomas Leavitt
John Robey
John Robey Junr
Sam* Jenness
Phinehas Dearborn
Levi marston
thomas haines
David Page Juner
David marston
Zachriah Towl
Thomas Marston
Benjamin Brown
William Samborn
John Porter
Dearborn Fogg
Joseph molton
Josiah Hobbs
Joseph Hobbs
Dudley Page
Samuel Smith
Jamiah Fogg
Simon Ward
]
Joseph Molton
ohn wedgwood
osiah wedgwood
Stephen page
Jonathan Page
Simon Page
Josiah Neal
Walter Neal
Abraham Drack
Jonathan Drack
Nathaniel Drack
Simon Levitt
Samuel Robey
John Dearborn
John Dearborn Junr
Samuel Dearborn
Jermiah Dearborn
John Tayler
Abraham Tayler
Morris Hobbs
thomas Hobbs
Nathaniel Batchelder
Levi Dearborn Ju'
hb
Samuel X Davis
Bwrk
Ebnezer Lovrin
Ebnezer.Lovrin Jur
Simon Lovrin
thomas Lovrin
John Winket
John Lovering
Reuben gove Dear-
born Ju
thomas marston
Beniamin marston
Joseph Palmer
Benjamin Mason
Ebnezer Neal
Abner fogg
Abner fogg Jun'
Simon Lamper
Ruben Dearbon Jr
Samuel Molton
Isaac Jenness Ju'
Isaac Jenness
Samuel Robey
Simon Brown
Samuel Chapman
James Godfree
William Koves
John Nudd
Joseph Taylor
William Godfree
Jon' Wedgwood
[In H. of Rep., Dec. 31, 1783, the petition was granted,
Senate concurred. — Ed,]
NORTH HAMPTON. 85
[R. 3-64] \_Petition of Stephen Brawn ^ Soldier^ ^7S9'2
[In a petition to the general assembly, dated May i6. 1759,
said Brown stated " That your Petitioner was an Inlisted
soldier in the Government service In the Last Campaign, in
Capt Thos. Tashes Comp* that your Petitioner bought a
Gun of Capt Abner Fogg to carry with him in s** ser-
vice." He further stated that the gun burst the first time
be fired it, and he thereby lost two of his fingers. He
asked to have doctor's bill paid, which was granted to the
extent of £6, 8 sterling. — Ed.]
[R. 3-65] \_Petttion of yonathan Wedgwood^ ^7^^^\
To the Honourable the House of Representatives now setting
at Portsmoth —
The Petition of Jonathan Wedgwood of North Hampton
humbly sheweth — That Sam^ Wedgwood the son of your Peti-
tioner did enlist in the year 1760 into the service for the total
reduction of Canada and went accordingly in the Company of
Capt George March and on his return was taken sick at Crown
Point and convey* by Albany home which created some ex-
traordinary charges which your petitioner prays may be allow*
him by the Honourable House of Representatives and your
Petitioner as in duty bound shall ever pray
North Hampton Febr^ 4th 1761
Jon* Wedgwood
[He was allowed 32 shillings sterling. — Ed.]
[R. 3-67] [^Petition of Samuel Davis^ Soldier : addressed to
the General Assembly ^ 176J.']
The Petition of Samuel Davis of North Hampton Humbly
Sheweth that your Petitioner being out in the service of this
Province in the year 1758, in the Company of Capt Jonathan
Swett, and being wounded at No. Four * * *
his
Sam^ X Davis
murk
[The wound was in his leg. He was attended by Dr.
Levi Dearborn ; he asked to have the doctor's bill paid, —
[Ed.]
86 EARLY TOWN PAPfeRS.
[R. 3-68] ISoIdter's Order, 1778.']
Dated at North Hampton febrey 6*^ 1778
To Nickles Oilman Treas Sir please Cap* Moses Leavitt all
my Rations Deue to me the Last Campaign your Compliance
will greatly oblige your Humbell Sev*
Radmund Moult[on] Ens
[R. 3-69]
[In a petition dated Feb. 12, 1778, Abraham Marston
stated that he was a "Soldier in Col. Abraham Drake's
Regiment the last fall in the Service of this State." He
was taken sick of fever in New York state, and asked to
have the expense of his sickness paid. Allowed ;£2i, 6, 2.
—Ed.]
[R. 3-70] [^yames Wedgivood, Soldier. "]
[In a petition dated Jan. 9, 1781, James Wedgwood stated
that he was *'a Lieut in the third New Hampshire Battal-
ion/* and was "engaged in the Service of the United States
in Nov' 1776, and continued in Said Service until the 13th
of Sept' 1778." He asked to have the depreciation of his
pay made up. He petitioned again (R. 3-71) in 1784, and
then succeeded. — Ed.]
[R. 3-72] [^Account for Supplies to Mrs. Green."]
Due to the Parish of North Hampton for supplying Rich-
erds Greens wife for the year 1782 Five pounds Four shillings
& Four pence Lawful Silver Money £^ -4 •4'
North Hampton Febuary 24*** 1783.
Fr Morris Hobbs
In behalf of the Selectmen
[Sworn before Levi Dearborn.]
L'^' 3-73] {Soldier* s Order.]
North Hampton May 30*** 1785
To John taler Gillman Esq Sur be plesed to pay unto Coll
NORTH HAMPTON. 8/
Moses Leavitt all the wages Due to my Son Jorge Long Due
to him for Serves in the Armey
Yourn to serve [torn] en Long
[R- 3-74] \^Petiiion of Daniel Gookin^ Soldier ,^ addressed
to the General Courts ^7^5'^
Humbly shews Daniel Gookin of North Hampton, in said
State — That your petitioner early in the year 1777 went into
the army of the United States as a Serjeant and continued there
in that capacity till the 19'** march AD 1779 at which time he
received a Brevit from this State to rank as Ensign — that he
was afterwards on the 16* Day of June A D 1779 commis-
sioned by Congress to take Rank as Ensign from the 6^ Day
of May 1777 — that this State has made up to him the Depre-
ciation of his Wages in the Capacity of Serjeant for said Term
of time, Wherefore he prays that your honors would be pleased
to grant him the Depreciation on the difference of the Wages
of Serjeant and Ensign and empower him to receive the same
& your petitioner as in Duty bound will ever pray &c
Dan^^ Gookin
[Petition granted Feb. 17, 1786. — Ed.]
[R. 3-75] \^Relative to the Town's ^uota of Soldiers,^
State of New Hampshire —
To the Hon" General Court for the State of New Hampshire
Now Sitting at Portsmouth in said state
Humbly Sheweth Moses Leavitt of North-Hampton in Said
State in behalf of Said Town of North-Hampton that an
extent was Issued against said Town for a Large Sum of
Money for the Dificiency of Soldiers which is yet unsatisfyed
and that by Som Neglect by the failer of said Town Returning
Sum of said Soldiers they have Not been credited for four Men
that they had in the field which Sarved faithfully during the
war Viz Samuel Trickey John Weeks Samuel York & Joseph
Avery wherefore your Petitioner Prays that this Honourable
Court would take the Same into there wise Consideration and
order that the said four Men may be Credited to said Town
and deducted from said Extent and your Petitioner as in Duty
Bound Shall Pray &c
Portsmouth March i** 1786.
Moses Leavitt
[The foregoing petition was " granted in full." — Ed.]
88 EARLY TOWN PAPERS.
NORTHUMBERLAND.
The township was first granted, Oct. 20, 1761, by the
name of Stonington, to John Hogg and others. Settlements
were made in June. J 767, by Thomas Burnside, with his
wife and three children, and Daniel Spalding, with his wife
and son Edward. It is said that Mrs. Spalding was a de-
scendant of the celebrated Hannah Duston.
It was re-granted Jan. 25, 1771, to Daniel Warner and
others, by its present name, and incorporated by the legis-
lature Nov. 16, 1779, with full town privileges. John Brown
was authorized to call the first meeting.
By an act approved Dec. 27, 1799, Jeremiah Eames,.
Joseph Peverley, and John Moore were appointed a commit-
tee to assess a tax of three cents per acre on the lands in
the town, for the purpose of building a bridge over Ammo-
noosuc river.
Jeremiah Eames was a surveyor of land, and was employed
to survey and make plans of several towns in the vicinity, to
comply with the act of December, 1803, which required plans
of all towns, grants, etc., to be filed in the office of the sec-
retary of state.
[8-126] \_Petttion of Inhabitants relative to a Road from
Conway: addressed to the General Courts ij8o.']
Humbly Shcweth —
that wheras their is a Road cut and Partly Cleared and
Bridged Leading from uperCoos to Conway So to Wolfbrougb
and Portsmouth which is through Considerable unapropriated
Lands unlikely Soon -to be Seteled at or near the white hills
where if Some Expence was Properly Laid out would Shorten
the travel from Connecticut River to the Seaports and Prevent
the People at uper Coos being under Necessety of taking the
tedious Rout of Lower Coos of at Least forty or fifty miles
farther And wheras it is now a time of war and the People at
uper Coos being the frontier of this vState or the Continant in
this Northern Qiiarter Exposed to alarms and attacks by the
Enemy from Canada and having no Resorce for help or way of
Retreat but by the way of Lower Coos (which think themselves
Equaly Exposed) wherefore your Petitioners beg the Interpo-
sition of the Hon*** Court that thev would order the above Said
Road way imeadiatly be made Passable with horses or Car-
raiges through Said unapropriated Lands at the Cost of the
NORTHUMBERLAND.
89
State and through the apropriated Lands at the Cost of owner
that So Releif may Soner be had from the Interior to the Exte-
rior Part of the State which will be of great importance to your
Petitioners and of advantage to this State and the Publick in
general and Your Petitioners as in Duty bound will Ever Pray
Northumberland May 25"* 1780
thomas Burnside
ohn Holbrook
ohn Gamsby
ames Blake
oshua Lamkin
ames Curtiss
David Lamed
Elijah Blogget
Luther Richardson
Nathan Barlow
Archippiis Bloggatt
Toseph Barlow
fames Brown
tenj' Byron
Ward Bailey
Abner Osgood
Benj* Sawver
Tim« Nash
John Sawyer
Dill Sawyer
George Wheeler
Sam*^ Nash
David Hopkinson
David Page
moses page
Jonas Wilder
[See following document. — Ed.]
[8-127] \^Report of Committee relative to building a JRoadj
1780.']
State of New Hamp' In the House of Representatives June
14*** 1780.
The Committee on the Petition from Northumberland Re-
ported their Opinion that they Recommend the passing an Act
appointing & authorizing some person or persons to sell at pub-
lic Vendue One Thousand Acres of the Confiscated Land of
William Stark adjoining to Conway & lay out the money aris-
ing by said Sale in making a good & passable Road through
the Unappropriated Lands Mentioned by the Petitioners &
make Return of such doing to the General Court as soon as
may be which is Submitted in behalfe of the Committee, by E.
Thompson, — Which Report being Read & Considered, Voted
that it be Received and Accepted —
Sent up for Concurrence
John Langdon Speaker
In Council June 15*** 1780, read & concurred
E. Thompson Secy.
[8-128]
[Return of Ratable Polls ^ /7<?7.]
State of N Hamp* Grafton s' —
An Exact Account, of the number of Male Poles from twen-
90 EARLY TOWN PAPERS.
ty-one years of Age & upwards, in the Town of Northumber-
land, paying A Pole Tax, s* number being Seventeen
Northumberland 2* Dec' 1783
[Sworn to before Edw** Bucknam, Justice of the Peace.]
[8-129] \^Petition of the Selectmen of Northumberland and
Guildhall^ Vt,, for Authority to raise Money by Lottery:
addressed to the Senate and House of Representatives J\
Humbly Sheweth —
That Whereas Connecticut River Divides the Towns of
Northumberland and Guildhall and there being a very conven-
ient Advantagious place for the purpose of erecting a Bridge
over what is called the little Falls on said River which would
be very advantagious to the Public in general as well as to the
Inhabitance of s* Towns as that is near the Centre of the In-
habitance of the Upper Coos — We therefore for our Selves and
in behalf of All who are travilers in and thro' this Country
Humbly Beseech your Honours to grant us Liberty to raise by
Lottery the Sum of One thousand Dollars which we concieve
to be sufficient together with what Subscriptions we can pro-
cure to erect a good and perminent Bridge over s** Place and
we your petitioners as in Duty bound will ever pray —
Dated at Northumberland this 25*** Day of May 1791 —
Benoni Cutter
Eben W. Judd
Joseph Peverly
Antipas marshall ^
Select
Men
[8-130] \^Petition for a JFerry^ ^7^S'^
State Newhamp'
To the Honourble the Seneate & House of Representatives
humbly Sheweth
That Ever Since the first Setelment of this Town and Others
adjacent in Upper Coos the Inhabitants and Travelers have
been Great Suferers for want of a boat, Suitable to Carry Peo-
ple horses & Teams over Connecticute River and a branch
thereof Called amminooSuck River which Runs in to Connec-
ticute River in Northumberland and wheras Thomas Burnside
NORTHUMBERLAND. 9I
Esq' hath Proposed builduig a Suitable boat or boats if he
Might have a Charter of a ferry in Such manner that the feriy
to Cross Connecticut River might take in AmminnuSuck which
your Petetioners Supose might be without Inconveniance with
the Same boat Therefore Pray the Sole Priveltdge of Keeping
a boat or boats in Northumberland for the above Purposes may
be Granted to the s^ Burnside he being Subject to Such Regu-
lations & Restrictions as your Hon" in your wisdom Shall See
meet and your Petetioners will Ever Pray
Northumberland May 14*** 17S5
Thomas Peverly Archippas Blogget Hith Balden
Thomas Peverly j' Josiah Blogget Barnard Cole
Jer'* Eames James Brown James Blake
Daniel Spaldin Newcomb Blogget Joshua Lamkin
David Learned John Holbrook Oliver Lamkin
James Learned James Curtiss thomas Lamkin
Abel Learned William Curtiss James Burnside
Elijah Blogget Stephen Curtiss Phinehas Hodgdon
James Luther John Smith Nathan Caswell
[The privilege of keeping a ferry was granted to said
Thomas Burnside in 1786. — Ed.]
[8-13 1] [Petition for a new County^ ^79^']
To the Honourable the General Court of the State of New
Hampshire —
The Potision of the Inhabitants of Northumberland In the
County of Grafton —
Humbly Sheweth —
That your Potisioners live at The distance of neer Sixty miles
from the nee rest Shier 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 disadvan-
tages with us —
That the Road to Haverhill our neerest Shier Town Are
Exceeding bad and at Some Seasons of the year Unpassable —
Therefore we your Potisioners pray that we may Be Seper-
ated from the Said County of Grafton And be made A new
County by a Line drawn from Connecticut River between the
Towns of Concord Alias Gunthwait and Littleton and on East-
ward Taking in the Towns of Conway Eaton &-C to the
Provinc line So Call* — And we as in duty bound Shall Ever Pray
Northumberland Nov' 22*** — 1791
92 EARLY TOWN PAPERS.
Abel Bennet yntipas Marshall Anthony Clifford
Caleb Marshall Abner Barlow Thomas Peverly
Abel Bennet J' Jacob Shuff* Thomas Peverly
Isaac Meriam Daniel Rowell
Eliphalet Day Thomas Burnside
[The county of Coos was established by an act approved
Dec. 24, 1803. — Ed.]
[8-132] \^Petition for Authority to assess a Tax to build a
Bridge: addressed to the Senate and House of Repre^
sentatives^ lyQQ*^
Humbly sheweth,
That the Bridge over Amonnoosoock river was destroyed by
an extraordinary Freshet in June last, — which Bridge being on
the main road from Haverhill to the upper settlements on Con-
necticut river makes it highly necessary as well for the public,
as for the individual use of the inhabitants that another should
be built. —
That the Inhabitants being few in number, and having nu-
merous other expensive bridges to maintain, besides being at
present involved in other public expences by lately erecting a
meeting house in said town, find themselves unable to rebuild
said bridge without some assistance.
Your Petitioners therefore pray that a Tax of Four Cents p'
Acre on all the lands in said Northumberland public rights ex-
cepted may be granted, for the purpose of rebuilding said
Bridge, and that the overplus if any there should be, may be
laid out on the public roads in said Northumberland, in such
manner and under such restrictions as in your wisdom you shall
see fit. — And your Petitioners shall ever pray. —
Northumberland 7*** November 1799
Caleb Marshall James Burnside Antipas Marshal
Abel Bennet Jonathan Crawford Joseph Daniels
Daniel Spaulding J«' W" Bothwell Eliphalet Day
Zadock Samson Jolin moore Thomas Bickford
Joseph Peverly rlez** Smith Benj' Marshall
Jer"* Fames David Burnside Joel Owen
Thomas Peverly Isaac Meriam
Daniel Spaulding James Lewis
[Granted by an act approved Dec. 27, 1799. — Ed.]
NORTHWOOD. 93
NORTH WOOD.
The territory comprising this town was formerly a part of
Nottingham, from which it was severed by an act passed
February 6, 1773, and erected into a "distinct parish agree-
able to a vote of the said town *' (Nottingham).
Settlements were made in 1763 by Increase Bachelder,
John Bachelder, and Moses Godfrey of North Hampton, and
Solomon Bickford of Durham.
The first meeting of the inhabitants to choose town offi-
cers was called by Benjamin Johnson, and held at the house
of Valentine Kenneson, March 23, 1773.
Among the Northwood men in the Revolution were Ben-
jamin Dow in the first regiment ; Samuel Johnson, Wm.
Wallace, Eliphalet Taylor, Wm. Blake, Nathaniel Twombly,
Benjamin Johnson, Jr., Simon Batchelder, Abraham Batch-
elder, Joseph Caswell, Simon D. Wadley, Samuel Trickey,
William Glidden, and others.
[8-134] [^A Petition for a Magistrate : addressed to the
Governor^ yune p, 1/^4.']
The humble Petition of the freeholders & Inhabitents of the
Perish of Northwood is that Your Exelency Would Grant A
Justice of the Peace, Commision to M' Benjamin Hill of this
Perish He being A Very Capable Man, Likewise that there is
Great Need of A Justice of the Peace here there Being No Man
of that Station in Any part of this Perish Your Granting the
prayers of us the Subscribers Will be Gratefully Acknowledged
as A favour and Your humble petitioners will Ever Pray
John Batchelder Stephen Hoit Henry Sanborn
William Blaake William Prescott Asahel Blake
daves batchelder Joseph Page Levi Dearborn
Benjamin Johnson Elias Philbrick Zabulon Norris
Stephen Rawlians Simon Wadleigh Joshua Furbur
Nathanael Twombly Moses Godfree Daniel Sawyer
Joseph Holden David Page Morris Lamprey
Increas Batchelder volatin Canstan Jonathan Clark
abraham Bacthelder Nicklus Clark Kobert Hill
Israel Hodgdon John Harvey David knowles
William Wollais John Sherburn
[Ordered to lay. — Ed.]
94
EARLY TOWN PAPERS.
[8-135] {^Petition for a Magistrate: addressed to the Gov^
ernor and Council.^
The Petition of the Subscribers, Inhabitants of the Town of
Northwood, in the County of Rockingham Humbly Shews,
That a Justice of Peace is much wanted in said Town, and that
your petitioners understand that Jonathan Jenness Esq** late a
Majestrate in said Town, does not incline to renew in said
Office any more, and no, other being yet appointed, your peti-
tioners humbly beg liberty to nominate and recommend to your
Excellency & Hon" notice M' Jonathan Clark and humbly pray
that he may be appointed and commissioned a Justice of Peace
for said County & your Petitioners shall pray —
Northwood 19*** October 1785. —
Jonathan Jenness
Esq'
John Harvey
William P kelley
Volintine Kneson
Dearborn Blake
John Crockett J'
Nich Dudley Hill
ohn Crockett
on' Sanborn
oshua Hoyt
!^homas Piper 3
Nicholas Hartford
ohn Cate
acob Norris
am uel Johnson
Nathaniel Morriel
Moses Hoyt
Tayler Clarke
John Neley
Page
Moses Johnsone
James Step James
Josiah Dirgen
Thomas Piper
Willam Glitten
Samuel Brown
James Darborn
Willam Buzell
Benjaman Johnson
John Wille
James Watson
Frances James
David Page
Peeter Blasdel
Na^ garland
Ashel Blake
Sa" Bartlet
Na* Piper
Samuel S Johnson
Solomon Bickford
John Bickford Junr
Calep Clough
Moses Norris
Jon* Hill
Morriel
Joseph York
[R. 3-76] [ William Glidden, Soldier.']
[In a petition dated Northwood, October 17. 1785, Will*
iam Glidden stated that he *• Early Entered into the service
of the united States of America in the late war with great
Brittan and that he Sarved as a Soldier for the State of
Newhampshire in the Regiment Commanded by General
Hazen untill the Close of the War at which time he Re-
ceived an Honourable Discharge * * * .
Thos. Bartlet
in behalf of the Petitioner — ^""
He asked that the depreciation of his pay might be made
up. — Ed.]
NORTHWOOD. 95
[R. 3-77] \,^^l<^ttve to Samuel Trickey^ Soldier J\
The petition of Jonathan Clark of Northwood Esq' Humbly
Sheweth That tlie Town of Northwood in the year 1778 in
obedience to the orders of the general court did hire one Samuel
Trickey an inhabitant of said Town, to serve two years in the
Continental army — that when the returns of the Soldiers was
called for by the State from the several towns, the said town of
Northwood neglected to return said Soldier — that the town of
Nottingham claimed & returned him, though they paid him no
bounty & had their full quota without him — ♦ • ♦
Concord 17* June A. D. 1786 —
Jon» Clark
in behalf of the town of Northwood
[He asked to have the matter rectified, which was grant-
ed. Stolen Tuttle and Nath'I Goodhue, selectmen of Not^
tingham. consenting thereto. — Ed.]
[8-136] \^Petttion for a Magistrate: addressed to the Gov*
ernor and CouncilJ^
The petition of us Subscribers Sheweth that Whereas Jona-
than Jenness Esq' was Reappointed of Late a Justice of the
Peace in the Parish of Northwood in Said County But Neglects
or Rather Declines to be Qualifyed in Said Office according to
Law and we think it Very necessary that there Should be one
appointed in Said Parish And upon Deliberate Consideration
we Recommend to Your Notice Captain Joseph Demerit as a
Sutable Man for a Justice of the Peace in Said Parish hereby
Showing our Request that he may be appointed to Said office
as soon as may be So Desireth and Prayeth Your Humble Pe-
titioners—
Northwood November Y* lo*** 1785
Increas Batchelder Jon knight Shurbom Darborn
Natha^ Garland Samuel Batchelder Nicholas Blake
John Johnson Eliger Caswell Enoch Pilsbury
Simeon Johnson Stephen Rawliangs Joshua Furbur
Daves Batchelder Thomas Caswell William Prescott
Simon Batchelder Recherd Caswell Joseph york
abraham Batchelder Ebnezer Banack Samuel Giles
Ebenezer Dirgom Jp^" Shurborn Moses Hoyt
Simon godfree Daved Knoles Henry Batchelder
James godfree Samuel Shurborn Moses Godfree
Samuel Durgin Nickles D Hill J^^" Bickford
L' William wollais Simeon knowles Eliphalet Duda
96
EARLY TOWN PAPERS.
Jonathan Batchelder
Hanson hight
Benjamin Johnson
Junor
Daniel Hoit
Joseph Shaw
febenezer Durgin
Juner
John Dirgorn
Thomas Randel
Robert Morrison
Thomas Knolton
Jonathan Calley
Nathaniel Derborn
Tho« Piper
Nathaniel Piper
Josiah Durgin
Moses morris
Nathaniel Philbrick
Sherbun Blake
Phillip kelley
Josepn Shute
Jonathan Blake
Jacob Swain
John Batchelder
Joseph Caswell
John Kilborn
Asahel Bhake
Ebenezer knolton
Joseph Durgorn
James Stevnes James
Samuel Brown
Stephen Hoit
James Dirborn
[8- 1 41] \^Petition for an hicorporation of the Baptist So-
ciety : addressed to the General Court. "^
Sheweth that they have Regularly and Statedly Assembled
togeather for the Worship of God on the Sabbeth and other
Days Set apart by the authorty for Divine worship and accord-
ing to the Dictates of Conscience as a Church and Society have
Set under the preaching and other ordenances of the Gospel
and your petitinors further Say that they have Voluntarily as a
Society built a meating house and Have at their own Expence
ordained a minister Who has for many years past Labourd with
them as their Spiritual Guide ; your petitionors therefore Pray
that an act may be passd to Incorporate them and their Succes-
sors as a Distinct Society under the Denomination of the first
Baptist Society in Northwood and that they may be Invested with
full power to transact any matter or things which may be Nec-
essary in organizing Said Society with also of Choosing wor-
dends and a Colector or of Assessing money or any other oflicer
they may think fit and your petitionors further pray that m' In-
crease Batchelder may be authorized to notify the first meating
of Said Society after it Shall have been Incorporated as afor-
said, and your petitionors in Duty Bound Shall Ever pray —
Northwood December 5*** in the year of our Lord one thou-
sand Seven hundred and Ninety Seven
Solomon
Elijah car swell
James Pilsbury
Increas Batchelder
oshua Furbur
ohn Batchelder
ames Batchelder
James Weir
Joseph Demerit
John lesle Jun
Samuel hull
thomas knowlton
Samuel Batchelder
Zaccheus Taylor
Jonathan Taylor
William knolton
Benjamin Stokes
David knolton
John Furber
Moses Furber
Noah Hill
William Wollais
Green morrill
eleaser Watson
John Watson
huchins Watson
Daniel Hoitt
NORTHWOOD. 97
Paul Demeritt Joseph Shaw Philip Hoitt
ioseph Demerit Jun' John Dergin Benj* Hoit
loses Demeritt John Dergin Jun Thomas Furber
Eltphalet Taylor Jonathan knowlton Joseph
John Chesle abraham Batchelder Jedidiah Weeks
Richard Hull Samuel Batchelder Koland morgon
William Hull Jun
[The petitioners were directed to notify the selectmen of
a hearing at the next session. — Ed.]
[8-137] ^^Remonstrance to the foregoing. '\
To the Hon" Senate and Hous of Representatives Conven* At
Concord on the twenty first Day of this Ins* November 1798
We the Subscribers Inhabitents of Northwood Did here to
fore with a Number of our Breatherin Belonging to the Baptist
Society in Northwood Pertetion to be Incorporated As a Bap-
tist Society in Said Northwood to which it was Not granted
'we the Subscribers Understand there is now A Pertetion Before
youer Honnors by a Number of Pertetioners Belonging to Said
Society in Said Northwood to be Incorporated as the first Bap-
tist Society in Northwood —
Which youer Subscribers & Humble Pertetioners think if
granted will take away ouer Property and Priveledges In Sev-
arel Respects viz —
Mr Pilsburey who for a Number of years hath ben ouerMin-
estor and hath Bin In Fellowship with other Baptist Churches
in Sosation is now Changed his Princepels and Become what is
Called a Universlor and is not In fellow Ship with the Baptist
Churches and that tha Do Still Imploy M' Pilsbury to Preach
in the Meateing House to Which we Can not Unite with them
we youer Pertetionors being Proprietors and Holders in Part of
Said House & other Property tha Being a Majorrity of Said
Society Should tha Be Incorporated we must be Cut of from
ouer Priveledge As we Do Still hold ouer Selves members of
the Baptist Society and not Universalors
Wherefor we Humble Pray that Said Pertetion may Not be
granted
m OSes Johnson
Jon* CJalley
Samuel Cook
Daniel French
Simeon knowles
thomis Rolings
samuel Durgin
9
98 EARLY TOWN PAPERS.
[In H. of Rep., June 12, 1798, the petition for an incor-
poration of the Baptist society was granted. Senate con-
curred next day. — Ed.]
[8-138] \^Petition relative to laying out a Roady iy88 : ad-
dressed to the Senate and House of Representatives, "^
Humbly shews the Subscribers, Inhabitants of Northwood,
that by an Act of the Legislature of this State, pass'd last year,
a Committee was appointed & impower'd, to lay out a High-
way from the Province Road, (so caird) in Barnstead, to the
Country Road in Northwood, that since that time, said High-
way has been laid out, and clear'd, which greatly accommo-
dates Travellers, as well as teams passing from the North West
part of this State, to Portsmouth and many other places ; That
the Road from Northwood to the great Bridge, over Exeter
River, leading from Newmarket to Stratham, is very crooked
and in many places might by small alterations be made not
only shorter, but laid on Land much firmer, and better, for a
Highway, and that all the necess.iry alterations may be made
with out any or but a trifling expence, in purchasing Land for
the same ; if there was a Committee appointed, to lay it out
and carry it into Efiect
Wherefore, your Petitioners request, that Jonathan Clark
Esq"" of Northwood, Jonathan Cilley Esq*" of Nottingham, and
Cap^ Josiah Bartlet of Lee, may l^e appointed and authorized
by an Act of this State, 10 lay out said Highway, and execute
the same, from where the aforesaid Committee finished in
Noithwood, to the aforesaid Bridge in Newmarket, and to
make Such Alterations by changing the Highway, or other-
wise, as may by them be deem'd necessary to make the same
shorter, and better ; and to lay it out at least three Rods wide
the whole way.
And that, as soon as the Committee shall have laid out said
Highway, and served the Select Men of the several and re-
spective Towns and Parishes thr" which the same shall pass,
with a Copy of their said laying out ; That said Towns or
Parishes may become liable to such Penalties, as your Honours
may think necessary for their neglect of making the same pass-
able as soon as may be —
December 15'** 1788
Bradb^ Cilley Samuel Sherburn John Wille
Samuel Bn>wn N : Dudly Hill Nicholas Blake
Sherbun Blake John Harvey Joshua Furbur
NOTTINGHAM.
99
Asahel Blake
Eliphalet Duda
Joshua Hoit
Ebenezer Durgin
John Neley
John Crockett J'
Benjamin Hill
Samuel Crockett
Levi Meed
Abraham Batchelder
Samuel Hill
William Smith
Samuel Bartlet
John Crockett
OHmuel Johnson
Taylor Clark
Nat* Keniston
Nathaniel Piper
Joseph york
William Buzel
David knowles
Joseph Leathers
Jacob Swain
William Clough
John pile
John Wiggin
Jonathan Sanborn
Benjamin Hoit
ionathan Hill
lenry Butler
Benjamin Butler
John D. Williams
[In H. of Rep., Feb. 5, 1789, the men named in the fore-
going were authorized to make a survey and report, which
they did as follows : — Ed.]
[8-139] \_Report of Committee on the foregoing. "^
Pursuant to appointment, & in obedience to a Vote of the
Legislature, we have proceeded to survey said Road in the
Petition mentioned — & have agreed to report that said Road
might be much altered for the better, by changing it agreably
to the prick'd lines in the plan herewith exhibited, as it is much
better Ground & considerably lessens the distance.
All which is humbly Submitted
Jon* Cilleyl
Jon' Clark [■ Committee
J. Bartlet )
[The plan mentioned is No. 140 in manuscript volume. —
Ed.]
NOTTINGHAM.
The township of Nottingham, embracing the territory
now in Northwood and Deerfield in addition to that which
remains in the town, was granted May 10, 1722. The most
of the grantees were residents of Boston and Newbury,
Mass., and desired to name the town New Boston. Why it
received its present name instead is unknown.
The first proprietors' meeting was held at the house of
Maj. John Gilman, in Exeter, June 13, 1722.
lOO EARLY TOWN PAPERS.
The plan of the "centre square "was completed March
31, 1724, which was laid out substantially as it is at present.
It is known as Nottingham Square, and is one of the pleas-
antest locations in the state.
January 8, 1766, the south-west part of the town was
severed, and incorporated into a town named Deerfield.
The north-west part of the town was taken ofiE, and incorpo-
rated into the town of North wood, February 6, 1773.
Nottingham was represented in the Revolution by many
able and brave men, among whom may be mentioned Dr.
Henry Dearborn, who was at Bunker Hill, and in most of
the battles of the war. He succeeded Scammel as colonel
of the Third N. H. Reg't in 1781 ; was secretary of war,
1801-1809; major-general, 1812, 1813; in congress two
terms; minister to Portugal, 1822-1824; died in Roxbury,
Mass., June 6, 1829.
Col. Joseph Cilley, born in 1734, ^md died in 1799, was in
command of the First N. H. Reg*t at Bemis's Heights, which
was conspicuous for the bravery of its commander and men.
He was in most of the battles from Saratoga to Yorktown.
The following Nottingham men were in the First N. H.
Regiment :
James Beverly, entered January 4, 1777, discharged De-
cember, 1 78 1.
Benjamin Butler, entered March 5, 1777, discharged
March 20, 1780.
Josiah Clark,* entered May 9, 1779, discharged November
20, 1781.
Thomas George, entered January i, 1777, discharged Jan-
uary 25. 1780.
Thomas Harvey,t entered June i, 1779, discharged De-
cember, 1 78 1.
John P. Hilton, entered January i, 1777, discharged Feb-
ruary I, 1779.
Benjamin McAllister,* entered January i, 1777, dis-
charged March 7, 1778.
Paul McCoy ,t entered April 25, 1 779, discharged Decem-
ber, 1 78 1.
Bradstreet Mason,t entered January 8, 1779, discharged
December, 1781.
John Pike, entered January i, 1777, discharged January,
1779.
* Died ia the service, f Served also In the year 1789.
NOTTINGHAM.
lOI
James Rendall, entered January i, 1777, discharged
Nathan Rendall» entered January i, 1777, discharged
William Willey,* entered January i, 1777, discharged
December, 1781.
Joseph York,* entered March i, 1777, discharged De-
cember, 1 78 1.
[Rev. Papers, p. 275]
A List of the Men Now in the Sarvice that Ingaged for the
Town of Nottingham before the year 1778 Viz,
In the Cavilry
Bradbury Mills
In the Infintry
Tho- Hall
Joseph Neally
Nicholas Leathers
Moses Davis
Tho- Welsh
Nath* Randel
Joseph York
Matthias Welsh
William Willey
Jesse Clark
Paul M^Cay
Ingaged by the Town in 1779,
Jbsiah Clark John Clark
Broadstreet Mason William Simpson
Samuel Trickey
Ingaged in the year 1780
Joseph Avery Richard Sandborn
James Harvey Samuel York
Ingaged from Nottingham for Lee in 1777
Benj» Welsh
1779 for Pembrook Tho' Harvey
1779 for Nottingham Joseph Hall
Jonathan Morgin
Tho* Bartlet for and in behalf of
Nottingham
* Serred also in the year 17^2.
102 EARLY TOWN PAPERS.
•
[8-142] [^A Petition of sundry Presbyterians to be joined to
Windham: addressed to the Governor and Council.']
The Humble Petition of Joseph Caldwell of the District of
Nottingham in said Province in behalf of himself and James
Gibson John Mitchell John Caldwell James Warson Robert
Evans Daniel Dugglas Hugh Richey and Thomas Richey all
of the same Place Shews
That Your Petitioners having been Educated according to
the Principles of the Kirk of Scotland are Presbyterians by
Profession and Desireous of Communion with a Church of that
Denomination which there is in the Parish of Windham about
four Miles Distant from the Place of Your Petitioner's habita-
tion-*
That the People of the said District are Divided in Senti-
ments Respecting Ministerial and Parochial Affairs and besides
are of a Different Opinion Concerning Points of Worship and
Discipline from Your Petitioners and therefore they cannot be
Desireous of joining together in one Parish —
Wherefore Your Petitioners Humbly Pray that they may be
Poird off to the said Parish of Windham with their families &
Estates & and added to that Parish — and thereby be Exempted
from any Concern as to Religious Ministerial Sl Parochial mat-
ters with the said Inhabitants of the said District or any Incor-
poration that may hereafter be made there and your Petitioners
as in Duty Bound Shall Ever Pray &c
Joseph Caldwell
[8-144] {^Relative to Town Line^ ^7S^']
This May Certify whom it may Concern that we the Select-
men of y* town of Notting" this present year are Informed that
y* Select Men or Committee of Durham hath been Runingthe
Line between Dover and Netting" without Notifying us and
intends to have it Confirmed at y* General Court which we
apprehend Not faire for had we known we wou'd been Radey
to have waited upon them —
Nottingham January y* 12th 1756
Robert Kellse ) Select Men of
franceis Harvey ) Nottingham
[8-145] [^ Trouble at Town- Meetings I7S3 ' Petition ad--
dressed to the Assembly.]
Shews —
That at the Annual Meeting of the Inhabitants of said Town
there happened Considerable Contention & Debate among the
NOTTINGHAM.
103
Voters about the Choice of proper Officers, Especially a Town
Clerk and the old Clerk Refusing to Act after a New one was
Chosen, & there being no Justice of the Peace there to Swear
him, neither of them woud Act, and So no Entry was made
after the Choice of a Moderator of the Proceedings of the
Meeting — That this Contention & Wrangling Spent away the
time till Late in the Evening, and the meeting broke up with-
out having Chosen any Town Officer but the Clerk and with-
out any Adjournment, but the next day a Number of the Vot-
ers Casually Meeting, adjournd to the first Day of May then next.
That your Petitioners upon advisement Conceive, that ad-
journment cant be good, as the Meeting at which it was made
was a Meer accidental Assembly, not Connected with nor De-
rived from any Legal Meeting, and as none of the Officers will
be Chosen (Shoud they proceed) Agreeable either to Law or
the Charter of Said Town
That in Case their proceeding at the Said Adjournment Coud
by any Construction be Supported (which they See no Colour
for) yet as Disputes about the necessary Town affairs, are al-
ways prejudicial to the People, Especially in New Settlements,
it appears to Your Petitioners, at least to be Prudent to take
away all Grounds for the Same — Wherefore Your Petitioners
Humbly Pray that in Your Great Wisdom & Goodness, you
woud be pleased to Interpose your Authority in this Case, and
by an Actor Resolve (as Shall bejudgd Necessary) order a
New Town Meeting, & appoint Some Prudent Suitable Person
to Call & Govern the Same giving the usual time for Notifying
the End & Design as well as place for holding the Same — or
Grant Such other Relief in the Premises as you Shall Upon the
whole matter Judge best and your Petitioners as in Duty bound
Shall Ever Pray &c—
Willam raa
James morrison
Willam m^Crles
Rice Rowel
And^ Simpson
David Morrison
Daniel Davis
William Kelso
matthew neley
William Morrison
Benj* Shaw
William Nelley
Francis Harvey
John Radman
Israel Blake
Abraham Scales
David Glass
Samuel Langley
Robert kelUe
James glass
Edward Bean Juner
georg Bean
moses Blasdel
Joseph Pcner
thomas Berley
John Batlet
Caleb Burly
John masen
John Shaw
John Nelley
neniman fox
James Kelley
John Hix
Samoull Hix
James Bean
David Clittbrd
Thomas Simpson
[In H. of Rep., May 3, 1753, the petition was granted,
104 EARLY TOWN PAPERS.
and Joshua Peirce was appointed to call a meeting, of which
he was to be moderator. — Ed.]
[8-146] [ Vote of Town relative to Minister Rates ^ ^7S9'1
At a meeting of the Prop* of Nottingham held at the meeting
house in said Town on y* 3* day of July 1759
Voted That Peter Gilman & Nathaniel Peirce Esq" and
Doct' Daniel Rogers, be a Com"* To make applycation to the
Generall Court for a Tax of three pence p' acre New Tenor to
be Laid upon all the Lands in notting ham Eccepting the
Rights Granted for a Parssonage and School and to Enable the
proprietors by an act To asses, and Collect the Same, and
when the Money is Collected To be paid to Peter Gilman Esq'
Proprietors Treasurer And that he pay of Said Sum Twenty
Three hundred Pounds old Tenor To the Rev** M^ Butler, Min-
ister of Nottingham, to Discharge so much of what the Town
obliged themselves by Vote to pay Said M' Butler on his Set-
tlement in Said Town and the Remaining part to be paid for
Charges and Accoumpts as shall be allowed by the proprieters^
or by Committees appointed by them for the Settlements of
such Accoumpts —
a True Coppy from Notting" Propriet" Book of Records
attes' Peter Gilman Prop" Clark
[R. 3-82] ^Petition of Robert Mason^ Soldier^ lySo.']
[In a petition dated January 14, 1760, " Robert Mason of
Nottingham Labourer," st'ated that he " was a Soldier in the
Crown Point Expedition in the year 1756," "in the Com-
pany whereof John Shepard was Captain & as such pro-
ceeded to Fort William Henry where being out with said
Captain upon a scout was made a Prisoner & carried to
Canada where he Remained till after the Reduction of Que-
bec & was then sent back to Crownpoint with the Prisoners
that were Captivated at Fort Du Quesne in which captivity
he was stripped of all his cloathes & suffered great hard-
ships." He asked for an allowance, which was granted to
the extent of ^^172, 2, 6, out of the money raised for the
Crown Point expedition. — Ed.]
[R. 3-83] [^JPetition of Israel Blake^ ^7^^-li
[In a petition, dated Nottingham. January 20, 1761, Israel
Blake stated that his son " Israel Blake Jun' was out in y^
NOTTINGHAM. IO5
army Last Campaign/' and that be was taken sick. He
wanted pay for the expense of going after him. — Ed.]
[8-147] [ Vote relative to a Division of the Tbwn^ ^T^S']
This is to Notifye and Warn all the Freeliolders & Other In-
habitants of the Town of Nottingham Qualifyed by law to vote
in the Town Affairs to meet at the Meeting House in Said Not-
tingham on the third Thursday of this Instant april at Ten of
the Clock in the Forenoon. —
First To Chuse a Moderator —
Secondly To See if then present voters will think Proper to
set ofFthe Southwesterly Corner In Nottingham so called as a
Destinct Parish According to the Following Boundaries viz To
Begin at the Bounds between the 9th and 10th Lots In the Brst
Range And to Extend to the Head Line in said Nottingham.
Then to begin At the bounds between the 21st and 22' Lots In
the second Range and to Extend to the said Head Line of Not-
tingham and Likewise to Include the whole of the 3^ 4th 5th
and 6th Ranges of the 3** Division so called in said Nottingham
with the Lands & Settlers on the westerly side of plesant Pond
so far as the Road Extends to Epsom Line Includeing all the
Farms And Settlers on Said Epsom Road (so called) to the
Head line of Nottingham as likewise the whole of the 100 acre
lots in Bow Street on the Southwesterly side of Said Street In-
cludeing Josiah Sawyers lot being the Original Lot of Archi-
bald Macfadrix To the Head of said bow Street.
Thomas Simpson > Select
Sam" Tilton ] Men
At a Town Meeting held at the Meeting house at Notting-
ham Agreeable to a Warrant dated the third Thursday in April
1765.
Voted That Thomas Simpson Esq serve as Moderator of
said Meeting
Voted That the upper End of Nottingham be set off as a
Destinct parrish Agreeable to the above Dated Warrant. —
Cap* Joseph Cilley Appears In said meeting and offers his
Decent against the above voted parrish being set off according
to the Boundarys Specifyed In Said Warrant.
Andrew Simpson william Sanborn Moses Davis
Jun' Gideon Straw Sam*^ Danils
Volintine Hill Zepheniah Butler John Keneston
David Beverly Joseph Morrill John Morrill Jun'
I06 EARLY TOWN PAPERS.
ioseph Cilley Jun' Charles Gliddon Francis Harvy
)aniel Kelley Jonathan Crossbe Abraham Scailes
Ebenz' Paige James Been John Bartlet
James Morrison Edward pevey John Nealy
Cutting Cilley James Kelsee Benjamin Shaw
John Mills Andrew Simpson Benjamin York
Caleb Burleig Philip Bai tlett Andrew Baker
Thomas Harvy Joshua Trickey Jam' Kelsey
John Morrill Nathaniel watson
The persons above Named Appeared and made a Publick
Decent against The above said vote For these Reasons viz Be-
cause the Boundarvs Ware Unreasonable : and Because the
vote was passed before the Inhabitants ware Generally Gather-
ed as was Supposed and also Because that a Number of the
men that then voted for said parrish ware not Legal Inhabitants
nor never ware Taxed in Said Town.
A True Coppy
attest Benjamin Shepard Town Clarck
[The south-west part was set off January 8, 1766, and in-
corporated by the name of Deerfield. — Ed.]
[8-148] [ Vote relative to a Division of the Town^ ^77^-^
Province of Newhampshire
This is to Notify & warn all the Freeholders And other In-
habitants of the Town of Nottingham Qiialifyed by law to Vote
in town Affairs to Assemble and Meet at the Meetinghouse In
Said town on Tuesday the 26*** Day of March Instant at ten of
the Clock in the forenoon.
I My To Chuse a Moderator
2''ly To Chuse a town Clark, Select men, Constables And
all other Town officers as the Law Directs
3'*ly The Third article in the warrant I here Omitt
^M»iy Xhe fourth Article in this warrant I also Omitt
5«^ly To See if the Town will Set off all that Part of the
Town above Long Street So Called as a Parish Dated at Not-
tingham This 11*** Day of March Annoque Domini 1771
John Sherburn, \
To' Cilley Jun' > Select Men
Tho« Bartlet )
A True Copy attest Benjamin Butler Town Clerk
at a Legal Town Meeting held at the Meeting house on tues-
day the 26*** Day of March A. D. 1771.
NOTTINGHAM. 10/
Pursuant To the above warrant
Voted that the 5** Article in the Warrant — Respecting Seting
off all that Part of The Town above Longstreet So Called as a
Parish Pass in the affirmative a True Copy
attest. Benjamin Butler Town Clerk
Dated at Nottingham this 10* Day of December 1771.
[8-149] [^A Petition for a Division of the Town: addressed
to the General Assembly^ i^^i.']
The Petition of Sundry of the Inhabitants of the Town of
Notingham Humbly Sheweth that many of the Inhabitants of
Said Town Live at a great Distance from the meeting-house at
Notingham-Square and are not able to Travil So far to attend
the Publick worship of God there. Neither have we any benefit
of the Schools that are kept in Said Town, altho we are obliged
to pay our Proportion thereof, Wherefore your Petitioners
Humbly Pray your Excellency and Honours that there may be
a Parish Set off in Said Town, Agreeable to a Vote Pass* in
Said Town the Twenty Sixth Day of march AD 1771 Namely,
all the Land in Said Town on the Northwesterly Side of Long
Street (So Called) and So bounded South westerly on Deer-
field Line We therefore Humbly Pray that your Excelency &
honours would take our Case under your wise Consideration
and Set of a Parish as afore Said with the Power and Privi-
ledges of other Towns or Parishes in this Province and your Pe-
titioners as in Duty bound Shall Ever Pray —
Dated at Notingham December 10'** 1771
Solomon Bickford Wiliam Precut Jeremiah dow
John Batchelder thomas piper John hervie
Increase Batchelder John Sherbon necoles Blake
Moses Godfry henery Derborn Samuel jonson
William Wallace Sherbon Derborn John Bickford
Benjamin Godfry Levy Derborn nathaniel moriel
Davis Batchelder Sherborn blake Calob clough
William Blake johnathun clarke mories Lamper
Daniel hoit Joseph page
Nottingham May y* ip'** 1772
This may Certify all whom it may Concern that the Select
men of Nottingham are well Knowing in this affair Concerning
this parish Being Sett of above Long Street for I tak'd my two
Brethren a few Days ago and they Had nothing to object against
I08 EARLY TOWN PAPERS.
it being Established as a parish all I have to Say being one of
the Select men Edmund Hodgdon —
[The portion of the town referred to in the foregoing doc-
uments was set off Feb. 6, I773» and incorporated by the
name of Northwood. — Ed.]
[8-15 1 ] \^Petttion of Peter Hanson for a Divorce: ad"
dressed to the General Assembly ^ Feb. 12^ ^77^.^
Most humbly sheweth, Peter Hanson of Nottingham in said
State, that your Petitioner was born in that unhappy Quarter
of the World called Africa, whose Inhabitants have been usu-
ually Stole, transported and Sold in the Markets of America
like Cattle, notwithstanding they have but two legs, and are
formed in the Same Image as White men. In like manner
your Petitioner was bro't to this State and Sold, where by his
faithfull and diligent behaviour in his Masters Service he has
Obtained his freedom ; and humbly presumes that by his In-
dustry he is in a likely way not to be Unuseful to the Commu-
nity. He begs leave further to shew that in the time of his
Servitude he was Married to one Venus his Countrywoman
and Slave to M' Nathaniel Cooper of Dover, that by agreement
with, and Consent of said Venus he has for more than one
year past refrained to Cohabit with her as his wife, for the
following reasons viz Because he Verily believes the making
Slaves of any of the human Race is Unrighteous in the Sight
of God, and a Cruel Despotick power used by one part of
Mankind over another, and that his begetting Children to be
and remain Slaves during their lives would be very Wicked,
and for which he might deserve the Curses of such a Posterity
groaning under Bondage — Also for that in his present happy
State ot Freedom he cannot have any Comfort in the Conjugal
State with a person who is a Slave and cannot reside with him
or Even so much as Speak to him without leave from her Mas-
ter or Mistress, which he has been formerly denied and he not
Suffered to tarrv in the house with her.
Wherefore your Petitioner most humbly prays that your
Honours (who have so nobled Strugled in the Cause of
Natural Liberty) will take his case into your wise Considera-
tion, and relieve him from being tied to a Slave, under the
Temptation of begetting Slaves, and liberate him by dissolving
the Bonds of Matrimony between htm and the said Venus.
And your Petitioner as in duty bound will ever pray most fer-
vently
his
Peter P Hanson
mark
NOTTINGHAM. IO9
[In H. of Rep., Aug. 20, 1778, a hearing was ordered for
the next session of the legislature ; but the matter did not
come before the next or probably any subsequent legisla-
ture.— Ed.]
[R. 3-84] \^Petition of John McCoy^ Marine .^ 1779 '"]
State of New Hampshire
To the Hon*^ Council & Assembly of said State —
Humbly Shews John M'Coy of Nottingham in the State
aforesaid that he Entered as a Marine on Board the Conti-
nental Frigate Raleigh Capt Thomas Thompson Commander
and Continued on Board during her first Cruise That on the
4^ of Septem' 1777 in an Engagement between the s' Raleigh
and the British Sloop of War Druid he received a grape shot a
little below his hip Bone which has never been Extracted, by
means of which he is wholly rendered incapable of any sort of
labour to maintain himself hath suffered great pain, and been
at very considerable Expense to Surgeons to obtain a Cure, but
has found very little relief— wherefore he prays he may receive
the Benefit promised by Congress to persons in such Cases,
and he will ever pray —
Nottinghman June 17*** 1779
bis
John X M^Coy
mark
[R. 3-85]
[In H. of Rep., Nov. 17, 1779, "John Whitehorn a Sol-
dier in Col** Wigglesworth Regiment who was wounded at
Ticonderoga and has lost the use of his knee," was enrolled
for half pay from Dec. i, 1776, until further orders. — Ed.]
[R. 3-^] \^Pettiion of Anna Thomas: addressed to the
General Courts Jj8z.'\
The Humble Petition of Anna Thomas of Nottingham in
the county of Rockingham and State aforesaid Widdow Shew-
cth that your Petitioner's Late Husband Lieu* Joseph Merrill
Thomas Entered into the Service of the United States Early in
the year 1775 and Continued in said Service untill the Battle at
Bemoses Hights on the Nineteenth of Sep' 1777 in which Bat-
de he Lost his Life while Fighting in Defence of his Country
no EARLY TOWN PAPERS.
and left your Petitioner with a Large Family of Young Chil-
dren almost Destitute of any Support.
• • «
Nottingham Jan' 22 : 1781
Anna Thomas
[She asked for half pay, in accordance with a law of con-
gress, which was granted. — Ed.]
[R. 3-87] [^Soldier's Receipt, 1781.']
Nottingham July 5* 1781.
Received of John Chesley one of the Constables for the Town
of Nottingham Six hundred and one Pound frfteen Shillings
towards my wages as a Soldier in Cap^ Raynolds Company on
the western frontiers I Say Receivd Pr
Josiahr goodhue
[R 3-^8] \^Deposition of Aaron Hayes, relative to yoseph
Hall, 1782,^
The Deposition of Aaron Hayes of Lawful age, who Testi-
fyes and Saves that to his Knowledg Joseph Hall a Soldier in
one of the Newhampshire Regiments in the Continental army
was an Inhabitant of Nottingham for a Number of years before
he went into the army and that he lived in the Town of Not-
tingham when he Inlisted for the Town of Harrington for the
term of one year and I have heard it said by a Number of
Parsons that the Town of Harrington for sometime Refused for
to pay him his hire because he had Inlisted during the war for
the Town of Nottingham and further Saith Not
Aaron Hayes
[R. 3-89 is a similar deposition by Nicholas Leathers,
who states that he was a soldier with Hall at Reading,
Conn. Both were sworn before Thomas Hartlett. — Ed.]
[8-152] [^Petition for a Magistrate: addressed to the Gov^
ernor and Council '\
The Petition of the Subscribers, Freeholders and Inhabitants
of the Town of Nottingham in said State humbly ^hews, that
a large proportion of the Inhabitants of said Town, labour un-
NOTTINGHAM.
Ill
der a great Disadvantage in transacting many kinds of Business
wherein the aid or presence of a Magistrate is necessary ; their
detached Situation, & the length and roughness of the Way
making it very inconvenient and Troublesome, to attend on
every such Occasion, at the South part of said Town, in which
part only Justices have yet been appointed —
Wherefore your Petitioners humbly beg Liberty to recom-
mend to Excellency's & Honour's Notice, Cap' Moses Dame of
said Town, as a Person, whom we think suitable for a Justice
of Peace, and one whom we conceive is agreable to the People
in General ; and humbly pray your Excellency & honours to
take the same under Consideration, & that he may be Ap->
pointed & commissioned accordingly — & your petitioners shall
pray—
Nottingham 2** June 1785 —
Jacob Burnham
Israel Randel
Abednego Leathers
John Randel
mason Rendel
Edm* Hodgdon
Benjamin Stokes
Nathaniel Chesley
Robert Hill
Samuel trickey
Jacob Davis
Charles furnel
ham Li bey
Moses Davis
John giles
Abel Leathers
Jonathan Davis
Juner
John Davis
John keneson
Charles wille
moses Davis iuner
Job Langley
John Bowen
Daniel young
Abner Davis
Roberd Davis
Jonathan Davis
David Davis
Joseph Priest
thomas whitehorn
qui Ik preast
Isaac Spencer
Aaron Haves
Solomon hayes
Samuel Gray
Caleb Pol let
Andrew Chesley
Samuel Dam
John gile
Vowel Leather
William Lowry
John m*Crilles
Samuel Daniels
Andrew wille
Jonathan wille
Stolen Tuttle
Samuel Burnhant
Joseph Leathers
mark w hidden
John Chesley
Daniel Eikins
thomas lines
Jonathan Randel
James Kelsey
Joseph Davis
John follet
Thomas furnel
Joshua Drew
miles hodston
Thomas Welch
Nathanael Goodhue
[8-153] [ Vote relative to Paper Currency^ ^7^5 •^
Rockingham ss At a Legal Town Meeting heald at the
Meetinghouse in the Town of Nottingham on the Seventeenth
Day of October 1785 agreeable to a Warrent for that Purpose.
Voted that it is the opinion of this Town that the General
Court be Desired for to Make a paper Currency on the Best
footing that they in there Great wisdom May think best, and it
112 EARLY TOWN PAPERS.
is further the opinion of this Town that if the General Court
Should Make a Paper Currency that it should be founded upon
Real Estate and be put on a Low Intrest, and that the Town
Clark be Directed for to Transmit a Coppy of this Vote to the
General Court at there Next Sessions to be holden at Concord
a True Coppy attest — Thomas Bartlet Town Clk
[For legislative action, see Atkinson papers, Vol. XI. —
Ed.]
ORANGE.
The township was granted Feb. 6, 1769, to Isaac Fellows
and others, by the name of Cardigan, which name had been
applied to the locality some years before.
The inhabitants petitioned several times to have the town
incorporated, viz.: In 1779 by the name of Bradford ; in
1783 by the name of Middleton ; in 1789 by the name of
Liscomb, which name was crossed out in the petition and
Orange inserted. June 18, 1790, the town was incorporated
by its present name. By an act approved Dec. 13, 1804,
a portion of Orange was annexed to Hebron, and a portion
of Hebron was annexed to Orange. The last named act
was amended Dec. 2, 1808, and the line between the two
towns established.
A portion of this town was annexed to the town of Alex-
andria, Dec. 6, 1820.
[8-154] P^m^on of Simeon Olcott for a grant of Cardigan :
addressed to the Governor and CounciL"]
Most humbly Shews
That there is a Tract of his Majesty's Unappropriated Land
lying within this Province not heretofore granted, known by
the name of Cardigan, Bounded Westerly on Canaan Southerly
on Grafton Easterly on the Patent line (so called) and North-
erly on Cockermouth.
And Your Petitioner and his Associates being Desirous of
making an Immediate Settlement on the Premises which he
apprehends contains about Six Miles square,
Most humbly Pray
Your Excellency and Honors to make them a Grant of the
ORANGE. 113
same under the usual or such Restrictions Conditions and Res-
ervations as Your Excellency and Honors in your great Wis-
dom shall Judge meet. And Your Petitioner as in Duty Bound
shall Ever Pray &c^
Portsmouth September 15*** 1768
Simeon Olcott for himself &
Associates
Ordered to lay.
[&-I55] \^Petition of Isaac Fellows aud yohn Larrabee for
a g^rant of Cardigan : addressed to the Governor and
Council,']
humbly shews
That y' Petitioners, & their Associates are desirous of setling
upon some of his Majestys unimproved Lands within this Gov-
ernment and having found a Tract for that Purpose known by
the Name of Cardigan never as yet (as your Petitioners are in-
formed) granted to any Persons
And Your Petitioners humbly beg Leave to Assure y' Excel-
lency & Honours that if they can be indulged with a Township
of six Miles square on said Tract of Land, they and their Asso-
ciates will immediately apply themselves to settle the same
with a number of families as soon as the same can be laid out
— And your Petitioners as in Duty bound shall ever pray
Isaac Fellows
John Larrabee
Portsm*^ Oct' i^^ 176S
[The township was granted to the foregoing petitioners
and their associates Feb. 6, 1769. — Ed.]
[From Gen. Chasers Papers^ t(^g^ 93 ^ Library of N. H.
Historical Society,]
To Col*» Jonathan Chase Esq'—
Sir — In obedience to your orders for drafting of one fourth part
of The Malitia under My Command to Complete The Regi-
ment Raising for 2 Months &c I have Drafted Serjant Joseph
Basford and Leut. Elijah Cady & Eliheu Corlis Turned oute
Voluntaryly and have Ordered Them to March to The place of
Rendezvous fourth with — from your Humb* Ser*
Joseph Kinne Cap*
Cardigan 28*** July AD 1777
10
114 EARLY TOWN PAPERS.
[Ibid, page 151]
A return of the men who marched from Cardigan Showing
the time they were in the Service
Carracter Names
Lieu* Abel Wilder
Corporal Joseph Kinney
fifer Daniel Kinney
Private Simion Parkhurst
Ditto Thandius ornes
one Pack horse 26 days
Abel Wilder Lieu*
Time they
entered service
Time when
Returned
Duratioa
September 30
Ditto
October 25
Ditto
26 Days
Ditto
Ditto
Ditto
Ditto
Ditto
Ditto
[Ibid, page 164]
Sir you have sent to me Raise our Quoto of Contenental Men
and gave orders for y* Select Men to assist and to give the Men
two Hundred DoUors apece Now Sir I would Inform you that
this Town is not Incorporated therefore we have no Ethorety
we have no Select Men No Treasury to Draw the Money out
of — ^Nither have I one Commssion ofiser to help Me to Kaise
the Men or to pay the Money — Thairfore I Desire to be Ex-
cused— also I am ordered to Render an account of the Number
of Men in the train bandthair is thurteen that the Law Requira
to have arms and four in the alaram list —
Sir I am in the 63 year of my age and full of Infarmitys and
discouragments and not Capable of taking Care of my one bis-
ness tharfore I desire to be Excused — Sir I Resine my Com-
mision and If you think it worth it will be to any purpos to
Send to this poor place for Men thair must be a new Set of
ofisers apointed for the burden is two grait for me
from your humble Sarvent
Joseph Kinne
Cardagan August 10 1779
To Coll Jonathon Chase
[8-156] \^Petition of Inhabitants of Cardigan to he incorpo-
rated^ etc, : addressed to the General Court,"]
Humbly Shew —
That your Petitioners and other inhabitants of the afores* Town
of Cardigan have Ben Sent to for Very Large taxes time and
again and Not Being under any Capacity to Raise or Collect
the same for Want of propper authority ; we Cannot Call a
Legal town meeting nor Chuse a Legal offecer : it is true we
have presumed to Warn meeting and Chuse town officers i
ORANGE. 115
finally we have presumed to tax the inhabitants persuant to the
precepts Received in y* years 1 777 & 1 778 and Delivered the
Rate Bills to the Constables and Collectors and taken their
Receipts theirfor But all to No purpose —
Theirfore We the Subscribers your humble petitioners Pray
that your Honn" Would take it into your Wise Consideration
and Grant us an Incorporation that We might Be able to an-
swer the Demands of our Legeslature finally that we may Be
intitled to all the priveliges of the other Incorporated Towns in
This State : further We Humbly Begg that your Honnours
Would appoint us a Justice of Peace for the Wellfair and
Good order of our town Beg Leave to inform your Honn"
that the Greatest part of the town is Dissatisfied With the
Name That it Now Bears Theirfore pray your Honn" to Give
it the name of Bradford or Warwick all Which your humble
Petitioners in Duty Bound Shall Ever pray —
Cardigan Decern' y* 21*' 1779
[ohn Parkhurst Semeion Packharst Jonathan Hoyt
Foseph Kinne Jonathan atherton David Ames
lameuU Burditt Thomas Burditt Isereal Hoyt
[In H. of Rep., Feb. 12, 1780, a hearing was ordered for
the next session. — Ed.]
[8-157] \_Petiiion of the Selectmen relative to assessing"
Taxes : addressed to the General Court, y<tn. 26^ Jj8oJ\
Humbly Shew that where as About Three years agoe the
Honourable Cort was Pleas^ to Authorise Cap* Caleb Clark to
open a meeting in said Town in order to Inable us to Lavy And
Collect Taxes for s*^ State where fore we desire your Honours
would Impower the Inhabitents of S^ Town with previledges of
other Towns In Regard of Colleting ther Taxes for the Tarm
of Three years more And we your Humble petitioners in duty
Bound Shall Ever pray
Jabez B. Barney ")
W" Arwen > Selectmen
Benj* Briggs )
An Inventory of The Real Estate of the Non-resident Propri-
etors mening their Hundred acer Lots togeather With 100 acer
Lots Belonging to the Inhabitants
acer No Price
James M*Hurd Esq' 100 Lot 32 Range 7 South £14
Wath" Rogers Esq' 100 I> 25 Range 5 D*^ 14
Eben' Brown D« Lot 16 Range 2 D* 14
no EARLY
TOWN PAPERS.
acer
No
Price
Eben' Craft
DO
Lot
: II
Range i Do
H
Isaac Fellows
DO
Lot
: lo
Range i D*
'4
Jesse Spaulding Ju'
Kob* Washburn
DO
Lot
• 9
Range i Do
15
DO
Lot
: 8
Range i
15
Tho- Gray
DO
Lot
: 6
Range i
H
Will™ Ferriman
DO
Lot
' 3
Range i
12
Ale^ Miller
Do
Lot
2
Range i
14
Eben' Child
DO
Lot
1
Range i
H
Sam" Addams
DO Lot
: 37
Range 2
H
Jacob Fellows
Ephraim Jones
DO
Lot
• 38
Range 3
12
DO
Lot
• 39
Range 3
12
John Larrabe
DO
Lot
I
Range i North
H
Joshua Dunlap
Ezekiel Pierce
DO
Lot
2
Range i
12
DO
Lot
: 3
Range i
12
Elishe Payne
DO
Lot
• 4
Range i
12
Curtiss Spaulding
DO
Lot
' 5
Range i
H
Eliphalet Dyer
Do
Lot
: 6
Range i
H
Arther Morey
DO
Lot
• 7
Range i
H
Ephraim Spaulding Ju'
DO
Lot
; 8
Range i
12
Timothy Larrabe
DO
Lot
: 9
Range i
12
Daniel Ringe Esq'
DO
Lot
; 10
Range i
12
Simon Fobes
DO
Lot
: II
Range i
12
Nemiah Stevens
DO
Lot
: 14
Range i
H
Daniel Foster
DO
Lot
• >5
Range i
H
Richard Smith
DO
Lot
: 16
Range 2
15
W" Darby
DO
Lot
17
Range 2
14
George Wintworth
DO
Lot
: 18
Range
12
Wil™ Fernam
DO
Lot
' 19
Range 2
H
Tho" Stevens
DO
Lot
: 20
Range 2
12
Jabez Ensworth
DO
Lot
: 21
Range 2
12
Sam" Chandler
DO
Lot
: 22
Range 2
12
Nath" Pierce
Do
Lot
' 23
Range 3
12
Andrew Backus
DO
Lot
: 24
Range 3
12
Richard Sattington Esq'
r Do
Lot
t 25
Range 3
12
Benj» Hurd
DO
Lot
: 26
Range 3
12
Benj' Cary
Do Lot
; 27
Range 3
12
Sam" Drown
Do
Lot
: 29
Range 3
12
John Cady
Daniel Payne Ju'
DO
Lot
: 28
Range 3
12
Do
Lot
30
Range 4
H
W» Whiting Esq'
Do
Lot
• 31
Range 4
H
James Bradford
Very Roise
Do
Lot
' 32
Range 4
H
Do
Lot
■ 33
Range 4
12
John Green
Do
Lot
■ 34
Range 4
12
Joseph Shcpard
DO
Lot
35
Range 4
12
Daniel Warner
DO
Lot
36
Range 4
12
David Shepard
DO
Lot
37
Range 5
12
ORANGE.
117
Elkanah Cobb
W" Barns Esq'
John Pierce
Elkanah Cobb Ju'
Joseph Eaton
Sam" Gray
Elisha Pirkins
Zadock Spaulding
Ichabod Omsby
Tesse Spaulding
fohn Fuller
Iphraim Spaulding
Thorn* Simmes
Nathan Waldo
Abiel Leonard
James Brown
Benj^ Spaulding
Sam" Adams Ju'
John Douglass
Bery Clark
Sam" Chandler
John Windal
John Williams
David Payne
Vemy Fellows
Eben' Paine
Isaac Coit
Andrew Spaulding
George hodges
Daniel Paine
Thcodor Atkinson
Joseph Spaulding
acer No
38
39
40
4»
42
43
44
45
Lot 40
Lot 47
Lot 48
Lot 49
Lot 50
SI
I^t 53
Lot 54
Lot 55
Lot 56
Lot 57
58
61
62
63
Lot 13
Lot 12
Lot 12 South
Lot 7 South
Lot 18
Lot 21
D« Lot
D*» Lot
D« Lot
D» Lot
D» Lot
D« Lot
D* Lot
D' Lot
D«
D^
jy>
D* Lot
D* Lot
D«
D«
D*
D^
D^
D> Lot
D« Lot
D* Lot
D« Lot
D*» Lot
D> Lot
D«
DO
D«
DO
D*
D*
Range 5
Range 5
Range 5
Range 5
Range 5
Range 5
Range 6
Range 6
Ranjje 6
Range 6
Range 6
Range 6
Range 6
Range 7
Range 7
Range 7
Range 7
Range 7
Range 7
Range 7
Range S
Range 8
Range 8
Range 8
Range 8
Range 8
Range i
Range i
Range i
Range i
Range 2
Range 3
Price
12
12
H
H
H
H
H
H
14
12
12
12
12
12
12
12
12
H
H
14
H
H
12
12
12
12
12
lO*
ID*
12
H
10*
The Lots mening 100 acer Lots Number 13 : 14: 15: 17:
19: 20: 22: 23: 24: 26: 27: 28: 29: 30: 31: 33: 34: 35:
30 Belong To the inhabitants of the town of Cardigan and the
improvements Belonging to S* Lots are Carried in in the in-
ventory of S** town of Cardigan and after Deduction of The im-
provements the Remaind at £10 : o : o p' Lot Which amounts
to ^190-0-0- as Was Prised By us Comt** appointed By the
Select men of Canaan and Sworn Before Will" Ay er Just of Peace
Togeather With the other above and Within Lots as the
Stand Prised in the Last CoUoms in these Pages Test
♦ The improvements out.
^**II"'p "iST. \ Com*.
John Parkhurst )
I20 EARLY TOWN PAPERS.
[8-162] [^Petition of yonathan Hoyt^ relative to taxing Non-
Residents: addressed to the General Assembly,']
Humbly sheweth
that the Inhabitants of said Cardigan are under very great dis-
advantage Respecting makeing and Keeping in Repair our pub-
lic Roads and are unable to go through the unavoidable expence
attending the same therefore the said Agent humbly prays the
Proprietors of said Township may be ordered by this Court to
pay the sum of Nine shillings on each original right to be ap-
propriated for the purposes aforesaid — as in Duty bound shall
ever pray
Concord Decb' 20th 1783
Jonathan Hoyt agent
[8-163] \^Relative to a Road.]
Cardigan Oct' ye 19 AD 1783
We the Subscriber of the s.d Town of Cardigan Request
that there may be a Road Laid out and AsStablish' for the Use
of the publick and the Inhabitants of s.d Town Beginning at
will™ aldrich Mill in Grafton. Then Running Norwesterly by
Cardigan East Pond from thence to Jonathan Hovt's From
thence to Jonathan Sprages from thence Through Col** Dams
Goer to Cap* Robart Barbers farm From thence to M"" Ingrams
in Dogister from Thence Through Lime to Conaticut River
Which Road is loock** out and Partly Cut Through
[8-164] [^Petition of Inhabitants to be incorporated : ad--
dressed to the General Assembly,]
Humbly Shew —
That your Petitioners and other Inhabitants of the aflfore S*
town of Cardigan have Ben Sent to for taxes Very Large Time
& again and Not Being under any Capacity to Raise or Collect
the Same for Want of Propper authority in S* town We Can-
not Call a Legal town meeting Nor Chuse a Legal officer (Es-
pecially Selectmen) But Notwithstanding our inability We have
presumed to Warn meeting sand Chuse town officers Finally
We have Presumed to tax the Inhabitants Persuant to the Pre-
cepts Receiv** in 1777 & 1778 and Delivered the Rate Bills to
the Collectors and Taken their Receipts theirfor But all to No
purpose —
Ergo : Your Petitioners Humbly Pray That your Honours
ORANGE. 121
Would Take it into your Wise Consideration and Grant us an
incorjKjration that We might Be Enabled To answer the De-
mands of our Lejeslature —
Finally that We may Be Intitled to all the Previliges that the
other incorporated towns in this State are Intitled to —
all Which your Petitioners in Duty Bound Shall Ever Pray
Dated Cardicran Decem*^ y* 9*** 17S3
P : S : Would Pray your honours to incorporate the town by
the Name of Middleton —
John Parkhurst Joseph Basford David Ames Jun'
Jonathan Hoyt William Corliss Jonthan Bullock
David Ames Sayer Bullock Benjamin Brigs
Barnabas Cady Joseph gushe William Arwen
[In H. of Rep., Dec. 25, 1783, a hearing was ordered for
the next session. — Ed.]
[8-165] {^Petition of Inhabitants for Relief in the matter of
Taxes: addressed to the General Assembly, '\
Humbly Sheweth that the General assembly of S* State in
the Early Period of the Late Revolution did Lay a Heavy doom-
age on S* town of Cardigan as a Rule and foundation Whereon
to m^ke the Several assessments (With the other towns in s*
State) for the Support of the Late War &c and accordingly
Have from time to time made their Several Levies and De-
mands on S** town Both for men and money in Support of the
Wars and other Charges of Government Which We have Never
Ben able to discharge according to the Demands of S* State For
the following Reasons (Viz) —
I* That the Inhabitants of Said town Being Not more than
twenty Families at any time (and Now but Sixteen) and under
Very Low Sircumstances Just Beginning to Settle in S* Town
at the Commincement of the Late Wars have Ben Put to Great
Shifts and hardships to Support ourselves and families and Not
able to Bear any Part of the Publick charge more than What We
have Necessarily Ben obliged to do—
2"** And that We Never have Ben as yet lYicorporated With
town Previleges and theirfore under No Capacity of Levying or
Collecting any tax in S** town and Consiquently have Not Ben
Rightly Represented in S** assembly Concerning the Premices
3"* But Notwithstanding our inability have During the Late
War Ben at Very Considerable Cost and Expence in Scouting
and Turning out frequently on allarams on the Northern Fron-
tiers, all which We Expect to Bear —
122 EARLY TOWN PAPERS.
4*** That Those few inhabitants Now Dwelling in S* town
are most of them But Lately moved into Said town and having
Paid up their Proportion of Taxes in the town to Which They
Formerly Belonged Think it a hardship to Pay the Same Tax
over again : and Likewise We the Inhabitants first setlers that
have Dwelt in S^ town think ourSelves Burdned to pay the
whole Tax that is Demanded of S* town Since the Greater Part
of the first Setlers have Removed and Lefl the town — Where-
upon your Petitioners Humbly Pray your honours to take our
Cause mening only the inhabitants into your Wise Considera-
tion and Grant us Such Relief as our indigent Sircumstances
Justly Call for Which is the abatement of our Back taxes or
Such a part their of as you in your Wisdom and Compation
Shall Judge Just and Reasonable as your Petitioners in Duty
Bound Shall Ever pray —
John Parkhurst Levi hoyt Sayer Bullock
ionathan Hoyt Nath*^ Briggs Jn* W. Ames
>avid Eames Benjamin Briggs Barnebas Cady
Benjamin Sweat Stockman Sweat
Wm Arwen Joseph Gushe
£8-1 66] [^Petition of Inhabitants for Authority to Tax Non'-
Residents: addressed to the General Assembly^ ^7^S''\
Humbly Sheweth that We Labour under a Great Disadvant-
age on the counts of Rodes, the Towns being Vary Mountanus
and Rough and the Inhabitents Comeing in heare Very Poor
are not able to Rais there bread for there famileys to make them
Comforttable. we your humble Petitioners come in to Town
Expeting to have the Same previldg of other Towns the pro-
prietors promising to Settle the Town Number of them promist
to come and Settle in the town them Selves and come in and
Staid while they had Drawd in a few famileys and then with
Draw them Selves out of the Town and left their farms Disso-
iate leaving bhind them about four Setlers To Shurk for them
Selves. Sence ther is a few more added to the Number, which
makes in the whole fifteen famileys. and them Onley to work
on the Rodes. and the bridges are So bad that It is Dangerous
for a Horse to pass over them, and for the want of other Nes-
sary Rodes to Git to other Towns, have no publick travling
Through the Town. The proprietors of s* Town Cut one Rode
through the town and cut it over the mountain where it is Not
Used by the Inhabitents of the Town Nor for publick Travling
We Your humble petitioners Desire your Honours would Es-
tablish Nine Shillings on Every Original Right in Said Town
to be laid out on the Rodes to make and Repare them for
ORANGE.
123
the present Year and then fore Shilling a Year untill Said
Town is able to make and Repare there own Roades or untill
they have as many fammilys in town as other Town when they
are first Incorperated for which we Your Humble Petitioner in
Dut}' Bound Shall Ever pray —
Jonathan Hoyt
Barnabas Cady
David Ernes
David Ernes Jn'
William Arwen
William Corliss
Thomas miner
John Briant
Joseph Briant
Sayer Bullock
Tonathen Bullock
William Sprage
Jabez B Barney
Benjamon Briggs
Joseph Gushe
[8-1673 \^Petition of Inhabitants relative to a Magistrate:
addressed to the Governor and Council J^
We your Humble petioners • ♦ * beg Leave to inform
your Honers that one mr John parkhust of s'' Cardigen by his
one invention and with his one hand riting drew an instrement
to the reprsentitives to be Nomenated to your Honers for a Jus-
tee of the peas which is not sattisfactory to the Town there fore
your Humble Petioners pray that your Honers wold not apint
him to that offic as we think he wold be more the disturber of
the peas than apeas maker and as we are few in number and
near to Esq' Airs who has alwais dun our bisnes we think it is
better fror us to re main for the present as we are and that in
sum futer day that we might have liberty to nominate sum sut-
able person to your honers and as in duty bound wold ever
pray
Nathan'^ Bridges
Joseph guse
Tabes Barney
David Ames
Barnabas Cadey
Jonathan Hoyt
Enock Sweat
Beniaman Sweat
Enock Sweat Junr
David kinney
Josep Basford
Silas Harris
William Sprage
Jonathan Sprage
William Curtis
William gilman
the number of voters are twenty three and no more
dated Cardigan febuary 17^ AD 1785
[8-168] [Petition of Inhabitants relative to raising Money
to repair Roads: addressed to the General Court, '\
We your Humble Pultionars * ♦ » Do under Take To
in form your Honers the Dificultys wee ly under in Suporting
the Rhods that Leeds Throw the Town the in Habetance have
124 EARLY TOWN PAPERS.
moved out of the Town iintill thare is But abought Ten fam-
Icys left by which wee are Not able To Repair the Rhods So
that Peple Can Pase throw we your Humble Pultioners Hum-
blely Pray your Honers To take the mater in To ConsiderRa-
tion and grant That your Pultioners might Tax the Hole of the
Propriortors of S* Town to the Value of six Shillings on Each
Right in order to mend the Rhods Leding from Canan To m'
Jonathan Hoits and from Thair to grafton in which we your
Humble Pultionars Ever Pray
Cardigan June i6'** : 17S7
W" Arwen Jonathan Hoyt Jabez B Barney
Samuel Bagley Sayer Bulook Benjamin Briggs
W" Sprage Enock Swet Joseph Gushea
David Ames Jr Enock Swet Juner Levi Hoyt
[8- 1 69] \_Relative to selling L,andfor Taxes . ]
State of New Hamshire Grafton ss
to the Honered Sinnet and House of Representatives to be
Convean at pourtsmoth for the yr 1788
I the Humbl petitioner Do Desre to in form youronours that
I have ben trieng to Sel the Land in Cardigan but I find that I
Cannot Sell So as to Setle with the Treasury at present for the
people will not Come to the adurment and there by the Land
Remains that hath not paid to the amount of 148S ackers be-
sides Sevral others Small lots which 1 am in hpes to get the
taxes hoping that you will tak it in your wise Considerashon
and Let me not be hurt tor I have tryed my utermost to get the
taxes and I your Humble pietitioner in duty Bound Shall aver
pray
Jonath Hoyt Constable for Cardigan
Jabez B Barney Vendue Clark
[8-170] \_Petition for Authority to raise Money to repair
Roads : addressed to the Senate and House of Represent^
atives^ ij88.']
Seting forth the Difficulties we now lye under on the Ac-
count of Not Having Any Rode fit to travell through the Town
A great part of the people have Sold and Gone out of Town
and left A few people to do All the Labour on the Rodes and
the proprietors do Nothing to help us we your Humble peti-
ORANGE. 125
tioners Desire your Honours would Grant us the previlege of
Taxing the Town to the Value of two farthing upon an acre to
be laid out in cuting or clearing and mending the Rodes where
the Inhabitents shall think it most Convenant for the Good of
the Inhabitents in Jeneral as we have Not any passing through
the town 6ting for any persons to Ride through without being
in danger of Braking the Bones where upon if we had the
Rodes made Good it would be an advantage to the Town and
the Towns Ajoining and save Sum miles Travell for the Upper
Town to come through s^ Cardigan as we your Humble peti-
tioners in duty Bound Shall Ever pray —
Cardigan January y* 24"* AD 1788
W" Arwen Sayer Bullock
Jabez B Barney W" Sprague
Jonath Hoyt Nathanell Briggs
Levi Hoit Joseph Gushe
Samuel Bagley David Ames
Simeon Arwen Benjmin Briggs
Alexander Pigsley
[8-172] {^Petition to have the 'Town incorporated^ ^7^9- ^^'
dressed to the General Court."]
Humbly shews, that there never has been a Legall Grant of
Incorporation, made of said Town, either to the Proprietors,
or Inhabitants, thereof, altho it hath been considerably settled
for more than fourteen years and have been called upon &
taxed for State & County Taxes, as other Towns in said State,
whereby they suffer great inconvenience, in Assessing their
taxes & in doing their other business, necessary for the welfare
of said Town — Therefore pray your Honors to Grant them an
Incorporation of said Township, as by the lines and boundaries
contained in the Charter thereof; to be infranchised with all
Powers and Priviledges as Other Towns in this State have and
enjoy by the name of Orange (*) & your Memorialists as in duty
bound will ever pray.
Dated the 14* day of October 1789
Nathan Waldo W" Arwen
Cyrus Cleaveland David Ames
Nathan Waldo Jun' Nath" Briggs
Paul Knap Sayer Bullock
Nathan Fellows Elisha Payne
David Bullock Gideon Tiffany
Samuel Bagley
*Iiscomb had been written in this place, and crossed out. — Eo.]
126 EARLY TOWN PAPERS.
[In answer, the town was incorporated, June i8, 1790^
by the name of Orange. — Ed.]
[8-173] \^Petitian for Authority to assess a Tax for repair^
ing Roads : addressed to the General Court. "]
Humbly sheweth, that the Inhabitants of said Town, suffered
great difficulties, & Inconveniences for want of good & conven-
ient Highways, through said Town & the Inhabitants being but
few in number, are unable to make & repair, the necessary
highways in said Town, without some assistance from the Un-
improved Lands ; we therefore pray your Honors, to Grant us
a tax of one half-penny, upon each acre of Unimproved Lands,
in said Town annually for the term of three years, for the pur-
pose of making & repairing Highways, in said Town & your
Petitioners as in duty bound shall ever pray signed by
Nathan Waldo '\
Enoch Sweat > Selectmen
Sayer Bullock )
Orange January 8**^ 1791-
[This petition was granted by an act passed Jan. 29.
1 79 1. — Ed.]
ORFORD.
The township was granted, Sept. 25, 1761, to Jonathan
Moulton, Jr., and others. The conditions of the grant not
being fulfilled, the proprietors made an application to the
governor for an extension of the time, which was granted
Feb. 8, 1772, giving them a further time of three years.
Among the first settlers were Daniel Cross, Gen. Israel
Morey, and John Mann, about 1765. They came from
Connecticut.
The Orford Social Library was incorporated June 16,
1797.
By an act approved June 28, 1837, the farm of John Da-
na. Jr., was severed from Orford and annexed to Wentworth.
Orford was one of the towns which united with Vermont in
1778, and several conventions of delegates from towns east
of Connecticut river were held there.
Rev. Grant Powers states that John Mann and wife came
ORPORD. I 27
from Hebron, Conn., on one horse, and arrived in Orford
Oct. 24, 1765, and that Daniel Cross and wife came from
Lebanon, Conn., the June previous.
[JFrofn Gen, yonathan Chasers Papers^ p. jo.]
At a Convention of Committees from sundry Towns on the
Grants east of Connecticut River, held by adjournment at the
House of Israel Morey, Esq' in Orford June 24"* 1773 — Voted
and Resolved that it be and hereby is recommended to the In-
habitants of the Towns on the Grants east of Connecticut River
who have lately united with the State of Vermont strictly to
comply with and obey those orders which may come to them
from Authority of the State of Vermont, or by desire of any
General or Field officer on the Continental establishment or
commanding officer on this River through the hands of those
Military Officers who were latest commissioned over them by
tfa% State of New Hampshire.
Voted and Resolved that the Towns east of Connecticut Riv*
er who have united with the State of Vermont be notified that
the General Assembly of said State have passed an act empow-
ering each of the respective Towns in said State to convene on
tuesday the seventh day of July next and chuse a justice of the
peace in their Town (if they Judge proper) to continue in
office untill the next Sessions of the General Assembly, and
and that we recommend that the Select Men of the Towns east
of said River which have united as aforesaid call meetings in
their respective Towns for said purpose on the day above men-
tioned ; and that they be advised to make return of said ap-
pointment to his Excellency Tho' Chittenden Esq' Gov' of said
State agreeable to the Tenor of said Act.
Voted and Resolved that it be recommended to the Towns
east of Connecticut River who have united with the State
of Vermont that at a suitable time and place they agree in
Town meeting on some proper method whereby the Inhabi-
tants of their respective Towns may be entitled to the privi-
leges of Freemen of said State agreeable to the sixth section
in the Constitution, for which purpose we recommend that
they appoint and empower some person or persons to admin-
ister the oath therein mentioned.
Voted and Resolved that John Wheatley Esq' M' Abner
Chandler and Cap* John Young be a Committee to receive &
adjust accounts of claims for services done in preparing and
completing the Union with the State of Vermont.
N. B. The Accounts as adjusted by the Committee amount-
ed to £.6^^ 2 — of which JE)8 — was apportioned for Cornish —
128 EARLY TOWN PAPERS.
JE6, of which to be paid to Sam* Chase Esq*" and £2. — to Be-
za : Woodward Treasurer —
Whereas this convention at their meeting held at this place
last January 28 did recommend that the Towns raise the taxes
called for by the Assembly of New Hampshire & pay them
into their treasuries to be disposed of under the direction of the
Town.
Voted and Resolved to recommend that having collected
their proportion of the forty thousand pounds called for by the
Assembly of New Hampshire and the sixty thousand pounds
called for by the hon"' Continental Congress, the Towns re-
tain these sums in their respective treasuries untill some meas-
ures may be agreed on whereby the Towns east of Connecti-
cut River who unite with the State of Vermont may disburse
them in an uniform manner.
Voted and Resolved to transmit to the President of the Coun-
cil of the State of New Hampshire a Copy of the Resolves of
the Assembly of Vermont relative to receiving the Towns on
the Grants east of Connecticut River into Union with th^n
[see Vol. X, p. 277] ; together with the following Letter signed
by the Chairman (Viz)
Orford June 25*** 1778.
Honored Sir —
The Convention of Committees from the several Towns
mentioned in the inclosed copies take this opportunity to trans-
mit to you as President of the Council of the State of New
Hampshire a Resolve of the Assembly of the State of Ver-
mont relative to a Union of said Towns &c with them, by
which you will be availed of the political situation of these
united Towns and others on the Grants who may comply with
said Resolve —
We hope notwithstanding an entire separation has now taken
place between your State and these Towns that an amicable
settlement may be come into at a proper time between the State
of New Hampshire and those Towns on the Grants that unite
with the State of Vermont relative to all civil and military
affairs transacted in connection with the State of New-Hamp-
shire since the commencement of the war to the time of said
Union so that amity & friendship may subsist & continue be-
tween the two States —
I am Sir in behalf of said Convention with respect —
Your most Obedient humble Servant
Nehemiah Estabrook Chair^
Hon"* M. Weare Esq' President of the
Council of New Hampshire
ORPORD. I 29
Voted that this Meeting be and is hereby dissolved
Extract from the minutes
Attest Beza Woodward, Clerk
[8-176] [Petition for Authority to raise Money to support
a Minister: addressed to the General Assembly J\
Humbly Sheweth that a very great Proportion of the Lands
in said Town of Orford is own'd by nonresident Proprietors,
and are wild & uncultivated and of Consequence, not liable to
be Tax'd by said Inhabitants, for any purpose whatever and
that your Petitioners, notwithstanding they are few in Number,
(not exceeding twenty five families) with a vew to promote, as
well their Temporal as their Spiritual Interest, have proceeded
to Call & ordain a minister of the Gospel in Said Town at their
own Expence without the least assistance of any of the nonres-
ident proprietors of said Orford, — that your Petitioners are
poorly able to fulfill their reasonable Ingagements in the Settle-
ment & Support of their said minister, and to build a Comforta-
ble House for Divine Service and that by the Settlement of a
minister and building Such House the Value of the unimprov'd
as well as improved Land in Said Orford is and will be much
increased.
Whereupon Your Petitioners, most humbly pray Your Ex-
cellency and Honours to Enact and order that a Tax of two
pence law full money be Assess'd on Each and every Acre of
Land in said orford, as well improv'd as unimprov'd Land,
(the publick Rights excepted) Annually for the next four Years
and that Your Petitioners be Impowered to levy and Collect
the Same of the owners of Said Land, to he, by your Petition-
ers Expended Solely for the payment of their Said minister's
Settlement and Salary as they Shall become Due, and for build-
ing a House for Divine Service in Said Orford, or in Some
Other way Grant Releif to Your Petitioners, as in Your Great
Wisdom You Shall think Just & Reasonable, and they as in
Duty bound Shall ever pray
Portsmouth lo*** of December 1771.
Alex' Phelps | ^ ^^^
Israel Morey J *•
ts
[8-178] [^Proposal of the Proprietors relative to Minister's
Salary, 1773^"]
Whereas there has been a Petition preferred by the Inhab-
itants of Orford, to the General Court of this Province, praying
that a Tax of two pence per Acre, may be laid on Each Res-
11
I30 EARLY TOWN PAPERS.
ident & non Resident proprietor's Right or share of Land in
said Town, for four years to Come, to Raise money for the
Support of the ministry in said Town, and building a house for
Puolick Worship, — And as it appears to the Proprietors to be
a Larger sum than they think will be Necessary and Reasonable
they should be Subjected to, but being willing to Give all due
Encouragement for the Support of the Ministry, and building
a Meeting house, as far as their present Circumstances Re-
quire,— Therefore Voted That in Case no tax shall be Granted
in Consequence of said Petition, That the Proprietors will pay
three Quarter parts of the first and second year's Sallary for the
Support of the minister of said Town, and one half of said min*
ister's third and fourth year's Sallary,— or in Case there should
be no settled minister there, then for hiring of Preaching — ^Also
one half of the Sum that the Inhabitants of said Town agreed
to Give the Rev* m' Noble their present minister for his Settle-
ment. Also Ten pounds towards the Expence the Inhabitants
were at in Ordaining said m' Noble. —
Also one half of m' Noble's demand for preaching before he
was Ordained. —
Also That there be built in said town a proper frame for a
house of Publick Worship there of the following dimentions,
Viz* Fifty feet Long, Forty feet wide, with posts of a Suitable
heighth for one Tier of Gallary's, and to Board, Shingle, Clab-
board, Glaize, and Lay the Lower floor thereof at the Expence
of said Proprietors. —
The above is a true Copy of a Vote of the Proprietors of Or-
ford, which pass'd at their meeting, held at Hampton, by Ad-
journment the ii"* day of January 1773. —
Attest per John Moulton Prop' Clerk
[8-175] \^Proprietors^ Expenditures J\
For Cutting & Clearing Roads (in 1766)
Bounty for building a Grist Mill & Saw Mill
Bounty for 6 Settlers
Paid Dan* Tillotson Esq' for Highway Work
Paid Israel Morey Esq' for d" & cutting &
Clearing Roads, hiring of preaching &c
Paid Dan> Tillotson d«
Paid Eben' Baldwin-
Paid Israel Morey Esq' d®
Paid Thomas Sawyer
Paid Israel Morey Esq' Ditto —
JE5-
—
60.
7-
10.
3-
138.
19. 6
10.
2.
3-
6.
10.
6.
18.
67.
<3- 9
Lawf. My — ^312. 18. 3
ORFORD. 131
The Above Sum has been paid to the Inhabitants of Orford,
in the Manner, & for the Purpose as above-^
Attest Jon* Moulton Prop" Treas'
[8-177] \_Pettiton of William Simpson for a Perry: ad-
dressed to the Governor and Council.']
Humbly Shews —
That your Petitioner has been at great Expence in transport-
ing himself & family into the Interior parts of the Province and
humbly Prays to be Encouraged by Your Excellency and Hon-
ors in his Endeavours to promote the Benefit and Interest of
the Settlements in those parts, in particular where he now
Lives And as Your Petitioner humbly conceives a Publick
Ferry with a proper Boat to transport the Inhabitants of Orford
and others travelling over Connecticutt River to the Town on
the West Side of said River would be of Publick Utility he
humbly prays Your Excellency & Honors to grant him the
Priveledge of keeping & Supporting a ferry with proper Boat
or Boats, with Such further Limitations as Your Excellency
and Honors shall think proper to be used in any the most con-
venient Place within One mile and an half on Each Side of the
Town Landing in Orford aforesaid. And Your petitioner
assures Your Excellency & Honors he shall Strive to give the
greatest Dispatch and Satisfaction to the Passengers, and as in
Duty Bound Shall ever pray
July 2''* 1773 William Simpson
[Granted March 3, 1775. — Ed.]
[8-179] [^Proceedings of a Proprietors^ Meetingy 1773 *]
Whereas the Prop" at their last Meeting held the 1 1*** Day of
ianuary Ins' by Adjournment ^ 'Voted to have a Meeting House
uill in Orford for publick Worship at their Expence," as will
appear by said Vote — & it being Suggested by some of the Prop**
that they apprehended the aforesaid Vote did not clearly deter-
mine to whom the Property of said Meeting-House shou'd be-
long, 'tis therefore considered at this Meeting, & to prevent any
Dispute that might have arose on that Account. Now, —
Voted, That it was the Intent, & Meaning of said Proprietors
that as they, at their own Expence, proposed to build said Meet-
ing-House the Property of the same shou'd remain in the same—
The Prop" at this Meeting taking under further Considera-
tion the Vote which pass'd at their last Meeting, as beforemen
132 EARLY TOWN PAPERS.
tion'd, & being still willing to give all necessary Encourage-
ment for the Support of the Ministry, & building a Meeting
House, in said Town, as far as they think their present Abili-
ties, therefor, vy^ill admit they thereupon further
Voted, On the Conditions hereafter mentioned, & them only,
That if the House of publick Worship be built in said Town,
agreeable to the aforementioned Vote — The Inhabitants of said
Orford shall have, & own one half of said House & shall also
have one half of the Benefit & Advantage of selling the Privil-
edge for Pews, in said Meeting House, — Or if it shall be most
agreable to the Inhabitants of said Orford — The Prop" will give
& grant unto them. Sixty Pounds Lawr M^ towards assisting
them, in building such a House for publick Worship there, as
they may agree, & determine on among themselves — & the Prop*
to quit their Claim in, & unto Said Meeting House — on the
Condition, That the Agents for the Inhabitants of Orford do
not any further prosecute any Means, or Measures for forward-
ing the Petition which they have preferred to the General Court
as beforemention'd, Nor any Tax whatever, be granted by the
General Court in Consequence of that Petition, or any other
they may prefer for that Purpose — but that they, the said
Agents, accept the Votes of the Prop" instead thereof —
The foregoing is a true Copy of a Vote of the Prop" of Or-
ford which pass'd at their Meeting held by Adjournment at
Hampton the 15**^ Day of Jan^ 1773 —
Attest — ^John Moulton Prop' Clerk
At this Meeting Jonathan Moulton Esq' declared that whereas
he was Owner of a considerable Part of Propriety Interest in
the Township of Orford, & that from his Youth upwards he
was educated in, & always joined in the Congregational Method
of Church Government, & Worship — & that notwithstanding
the present Minister of Orford, is of a diBerent Denomination
from his, & settled on a different Plan — Yet he had Voted
towards his Support, & building a Meeting House in said Town,
which was with the View only, of the Prop" & Inhabitants
uniting therein according the Votes pass'd at this, & the last
Meeting — But in Case the Inhabitants or their Agents shou'd
not accept the Prop" Proposals & Offers to them but continue
to apply to the General Court, & obtain any Tax therefor — he
shall hold himself to be entirely free from paying any Thing
towards the Support of said Minister, or building a House for
the Maintaining a Mode of Worship &c* different from his
Practice & Profession ; & desired that the same might be en-
tered accordingly —
Attest. John Moulton Prop' Clerk
ORFORD. 133
[8-i8il
An inventory of the Poles, stock, improved and unimproved
Lands in the Town of Orford taken in y* year 1779
Number of Poles 47 Number of horses 27
Number of oxen 44 Number of cows 76
Number of 3 y' olds 14 N* of 2 y' olds 38
N* of one y' olds 42 N* acres of improved Lands 708
Value of unimproved Land JE4683 at J per cent £23-8-3.
Attest Ebenezer Baldwin ) Select
Sam^ Phelps j Men
[R. 3-90] {^Soldier^s Receipt^ ^77^'l
Rec'* of Maj' Ton" Child by the hand of Col. Israel Morey
twelve Pounds /our Shillings it being Wages & Rations, for
my service in the army at Saratoga in Col. J. Chases Regi-
ment
Obadiah Noble
Orford Jan^ 3i»* 1778 —
[R. 3-91] \^Soldiers' Receipt.']
Received From The Selectmen of the Thown of Orford a full
Satisfaction as a bounty for There Quota of Soldiers in the
Newhampshire Service under our Seperate Commanders to wit
Col* Moses Hazen and L* Col* Reed
Orford March 3** 1882
Josiah Pratt Jonathan Pratt Thomas Haseltine
Ezra Gates John Lapish Mical Salter
test Edward Clark
Paul Adams
[R. 3-92] \yohn Lapisk's Discharge^ ^7^3 •]
By His Excellency George Washington Esq' General and
Commander in Chief of the forces of the united States of Amer-
ica these are to Certify that the Bearer hereof John Lapish Sol-
dier in the New-Hampshire Regiment having faithfully served
the united States Eight years & being inlisted for the war only
is hereby Discharged from the American army. Given at
head Quarters the 7"* June 1783.
G. Washington
By His Excellency's Command
J Trumbull Jun Sye
Registered in the Books of the Regiment
J Boynton Adjutant
134 EARLY TOWN PAPERS.
The above John Lapish has been honored with the badge of
merit for six years faithful! Service 7*^ June 1783
Geo Reid L* Col* Comd*.
a true copy attest
Charles Johnston Jus* Peace.
[Similar copies of discharges were furnished by the follow-
ing named men :
Jona. Pratt, Fifer, Moses Hazzen's Reg't, 4 years' service.
Corp^ Thos. Haseltine, Hazzen's Reg't, 4 years' service.
Ezra Gates, Hazzen's Reg't, 4 years' service.
Michael Salter, Hazzen's Reg't, 4 years' service.
All of whom were *' honored with a badge of merit for four
years' faithful service." Their discharges are signed by
Benjamin Moores, Adjutant, and are dated respectively
June 13, 17, 30, & 30, 1783.— Ed.]
[8-182] [^Petition of yohn Mann: addressed to the Council
and House of Representatives. '\
Humbly sheweth
that since the Commincment of the Revolution an Inventory of
the Pols and Ratable Estate in said Orford has not been Re-
turned, agreeable to the law of said State in such Case made
and Provided that by Means thereof your petitioners have been
subjected to a Doomage which they Humbly conceive in Every
Instance considerably surmounts their Just proportion of the
Public Tax ; Notwithstanding which your Petitioners have Ex-
erted themselves so far as to pay into the Treasury of this State
a Considerable part of the same, and are still willing and Am-
bitious to Contribute their full proportion in Defence of the
Common Cause —
But think it their Duty herein to address the Lejuslature of
this State and are happy in the confidence they Entertain that
all Reasonable abatment will bee made in the several amounts
of Taxes they have been cal' upon for since the Revolution
aforesaid — and your Petitioners as in Duty bound shall Ever
pray
Dec' i"^ 1783 John Mann for said
Petitioners
[8-183] \^Petition of William Simpson and Ebenezer
Green : addressed to the General Court, '\
Humbly Sheweth the Subscribers In behalf of the Inhabi-
tants of the Towns of Orford and Lyme, that the Inhabitants
ORFORD. 135
aforesaid have at their Expence Supplied provisions, pack
horses, and forrage for the Support of the different Militia in
the defence of the frontiers, also have been at great expence in
hiring & supporting Men for Scouting, reconnoitering and
guarding, for the defence aforesaid, exclusive of their comply-
ing with the requisitions of the General Court of this Stat<
Wherefore your jpetitioners pray your Honors will order an
enquiry into their Case, & grant them such allowance as shall
appear Just & Reasonable, and in duty bound will ever orav
Portsmouth Feb^ 14, 1786
William Simpson — for Orford
Eben' Green for Lyme
[8-184] \^Petiiion of Inhabitants of Orford: addressed to
the General Court,"]
Humbly sheweth
That in September 1776 a Precept was issued by your Hon-
ors to the legal Inhabitants paying Taxes in the Townships of
Lime, Orford Piermont Warren Wentworth & Dorchester, for
the Purpose of electing one Person to represent them in Gen-
eral Assembly : also to vote for a Person in the County afore-
said as a Member of Council — That your Petitioners were then
desirous of complying therewith, but that the strenuous Oppo-
sitions of the Towns with which they connected, unhappily
prevented it. —
That agreeable to the Precept issued September 1777, the In-
habitants met ; & voted not to comply with said Precept — That
your Petitioners were then also for Complyance, but being over-
powered by the adjacent Towns in Numbers, are deprived of
that inestimable Privilege Representation
That the present Opposition fomented & subsisting in the
District make it impossible for us to be represented in General
Court.
That notwithstanding your Petitioners are labouring under
Grievances repugnant to their inherent Rights & Privileges,
they have ever been willing to contribute their just Proportion,
in Support of the present unhappy War.
Your Petitioners therefore humbly pray your Honors to take
the Matter into Consideration, & point out some Way, whereby
they may be represented in General Assembly. And your Pe-
titioners shall ever pray —
At a legal Meeting of the Inhabitants of the Town of Orford
on December 16*** 1777, warned for the following Purpose,
(viz) to see if the Town will agree to prefer a Petition to the
136 EARLY TOWN PAPERS.
Gen' Assembly of this State, praying their Honors to point out
some Way, in which they may be represented — at the same
Meeting Voted, Nem. Con. that the Hon"* Israel Morey Esq'
be an Agent to prefer the above Petition to y* General Assem-
bly— Sign'd per Order
Davenport Phelps, Moderator.
Attest. Nath** Rogers Town Clerk
[8-187] \_JRelative to suppressing' Thistles <, i/PS'^
At a legal Meeting of the Inhabitants of the Town of Orford
held on Monday the 18 day of May 1795 — Voted that the Select
men be & they are hereby directed to present a petition to the
General Assembly of the State of N. Hampshire at their Ses-
sion to be held at Hanover on the first Wednesday of June 1795
praying their honors to adopt some measures to prevent the
growing of thistles in this State
A True Coppy of Record, Attest Jared Mann Town Clerk
To the Honorable General Court of the State of New Hamp-
shire convened at Hanover on the first Wednesday of June 1795
the Petition of the Town of Orford humbly Showeth, That a
certain weed called Thistles are very destructive to this part of
the State, and do increase very rapidly by Standing till their
Seed is ripe when the Seed is carried by the wind to a great
distance ; by which means they are like to over run the whole
Country ; when the cuting of them, close to the ground in proper
Season would effectually prevent their geting ripe & Spreading
in the manner afforesaid : & the old root whose top is so cut
off, dies ; by which means the whole might be totally destroyed
out of our Country in a few Years, were it a law to Oblige
every person to cut them as afforesaid — therefore we pray your
honors to take the matter into consideration and adopt Such
measures as your honors in your wisdom shall se fit, and your
petitioners as in duty bound shall ever pray
Theod Dame ) Select men of
John Mann J' j Orford
[8-188] \^Petition for Incorporation of an Academy^ ^797*
addressed to the General Court J]
Respectfully Sheweth the Subscribers, that at a Considerable
Expence of Individuals, an Elegant house is completed within
the Town of Orford, for to Encourage the Educating youth,
ORFORD. 137
In the Several branches of Literature, and an Instructor Em-
ployed for that purpose ; for the carrying into execution and
fully completing their laudable design and Intention, they are
of opinion, that the aid of the legislature is necessary and will
be readily granted, by Indulging the proprietors of the Said
House with an Act of Incorporation, to be known by the Name
of the proprietors of Orford public School, with Similar priv-
iledges Regulations and Restrictions, as have heretofore been
granted to others by former Legislatures, in this State,
And as in duty will pray
Joseph Pratt
W" Simpson
John Mann
Orford June 1* 1797
[In H. of Rep., June 10, 1797, "Voted that the prayer of
the petition be granted, and that the petitioners have leave
to bring in a bill accordingly.'* Senate non-concurred. — Ed.]
[i— 189] \_Petition of yohn Mantiy ^r.j relative to the
School: addressed to the General Court."]
Humbly showeth — That at the session of the General Court
in June last past, Messrs Joseph Pratt, William Simpson, and
John Mann Esquires presented a petition to the Hon*'* General
Court, praying for themselves and others, an Act of Incorpora-
tion for a Public School in Orford, the Prayer of which Petition
was heard and granted by the Hon"* House of Representatives ;
Yet for some reasons which to them appeared Sufficient, the
Hon**** Senate did not concur with the same — Your Memorial-
ist therefore prays this Hon**^* Court to take into their wise con-
sideration the Substance of said Petition ; as he flatters himself
he shall be fully able to satisfy the Hon**** Senate respecting the
doubts that were formerly in their Minds — and your memorial-
ist as in duty bound will ever pray —
John Mann Jr — in behalf of the Petitioners
Portsmouth 24* Nov 1797
[Leave was granted to bring in a bill, Nov. 28, 1797.
Ed.]
[8-19 1 ] \^Petition for incorporation of the Academy : ad'-
dressed to the General Court.]
Most respectfully represents, the subscribers, in behalf of
themselves and others, that, they have for the promoting and
138 EARLY TOWN PAPERS.
encouraging Literature, within the town of Orford in the County
of Grafton ; at very considerable expence erected and completed
buildings, for that purpose and have expended considerable
sums annually, in hiring teachers, for the purpose aforesaid,
which laudable design or institution, of their's cannot, thor-
oughly, be prosecuted, without the aid of the legislature.
Wherefore, they pray that the honorable Legislature will take
the same under their consideration and grant them a chaiter of
incorporation, under like restrictions and reservations, as have
been heretofore given and granted, to Academies and public
Schools within this state. For want of such incorporation, the
design of your petitioners, is at this juncture, much retarded ;
as they cannot without it put the school under such necessary
regulations as to make the same upon a respectable footing,
with other institutions ; neither can they have the privilege of
sundry donations, which will be readily made if the act of incor-
poration can be indulged them. —
They beg leave further, to request your Honors, that, upon
perusing the article, in the Constitution of this state, granting
the power of encouraging Literature, to the honorable Legisla-
ture, they were the more encouraged to proceed and advance
money for the purposes aforesaid. And being very sensible
that former Legislatures have readily granted their aid in such
respects, to many towns in this state, they cannot harbour the
least idea, that their petition will be denied them. Therefore,
relying on the indulgence and attention, of the honorable Legis-
lature to their request, they most respectfully submit the same,
not doubting, but, with strict and firm belief in the fullest expec-
tation, that the same will be granted. —
Dated at Orford this 3"* day of June 1799.
John Mann William Butman Bethuel Cross
Sam" Morey Jon* Sawyer Icherbod Sawyer
Simon B. Bissell Alexander Storey
John Mann J' George Ropes
Committee or Trustees for the Proprietors.
[In H. of Rep., June 14, 1799, leave was granted to " bring
in a bill." The senate laid it over until the next session,
and then non-concurred. — Ed.]
OSSIPEE.
The town was incorporated Feb. 22, 1785, previous to
which the territory went by the name of Ossipee Gore. A
OSSIPBE. 139
portion of said territory, which was not included in the in-
corporation, continued to be called Ossipee Gore until it
was annexed to Effingham Dec. 23, 1820.
The name is derived from a tribe of Indians who once
resided in the vicinity of the lake, relics of whom have often
been found since its occupancy by white men.
By an act approved Jan. 13, 1837, the farm of Wentworth
Lord, together with some other territory, was severed from
Ossipee and annexed to Tamworth. A portion of the same
land was severed from Tamworth and re-annexed to Ossipee
June 22, 1859.
[8-1923 \_Petition for an Act of Incorporation: addressed
to the General Assembly, "^
The Petition of the Subscribers Inhabitants of a Place called
Ossipee Gore — Humbly sheweth that your Petitioners labour
under many Inconveniencies for want of an Incorporation ^
wherefore they pray that the said Ossipee Gore bounded as fol-
lows, Begining at the southerly corner of said Gore and runing
bounding on Wolfborough to the North Corner thereof, thence
by Tuftinborough to the north corner thereof, thence on a
Straight line northerly about two Miles to the westerly corner
of Lot Number One hundred and Eleven in said Gore, thence
North east until it crosses Bear camp River on the Northwest
line of Lot Number one hundred and Seventeen, thence turning
and runing on the line of said lot: number one hundred and
seventeen and lot number one hundred and one easterly straight
until it strikes six mile River, thence by said River to Ossipee
Pond, thence southerly and easterly by said Pond and the out-
let thereof to Leavits town northwest line, thence southerly by
said line to the westerly corner of said Town of Leavits town,
thence easterly on the southwest line of said Town to the South
east Corner of said Gore, thence Southerly on Wakefield line
to the bound begun at, may be incorporated into a Town by
the name of Ossipee and that the Inhabitants thereof and their
Successors may be invested with all the priviledges & Immuni-
ties Similar to other Towns within this State. —
Your Petitioners also beg leave humbly to show that their
Settlements where chiefly began & have been prosecuted during
the late war, the Inhabitants being most of them in low circum-
stances and subject to all the Inconveniencies and hardships in-
cident to the begining settlements in a new & uncultivated
Country under such a situation, as also having their unimproved
Lands much of which being mountains, Heaths & Ponds, taxed
at an equal Rate with Lands in other places of much superior
I40 EARLY TOWN PAPERS.
Quality, yet they have struggled through the expences of find-
ing their Quota of Men in the Army & their Beef Tax but were
totally unable to discharge their State Tax for the years 1782
& 1783 which yet remains unpaid & your petitioners humbly
conceive that they are wholly unable to pay said arrearages &
carry on their Settlements, & pay the present & succeeding
Taxes, wherefore your Petitioners humbly pray your Hon"*
Court to take their Circumstances into consideration & abate
them their Arrearages for the years aforesaid, trusting in future
under the Advantages of an Incorporation & their increasing
strength they shall be able to pay their full Quotas of all Taxes. —
And your Petitioners shall ever pray. —
Ossipee Gore October 20**" 17S4
Jacob Brown Joseph Ames Samuel
Josiah Poland Noah dow Jacob Williams
Winthrop Smith Ebenescr hall JP^^ Scagel
Andrew Folsom Nathaiel Brown Richard
John Sanderson Joseph Pitman Cornelius Densmoor
John Cooley Jabez garland
[The town was incorporated Feb. 22, 1785. — Ed.]
[8-193]
To the pay Master of Cap' Jacob Smith Company in Col®
Rolnolds Reg' in the year 1781
Sir plese to pay Daniel Cook or his order all that is Due to
me from the State of Newhampshir I having been a Soldier in
the aforesaid Company and for Value Rec** Witness my Hand
Eliphalet Sias
osseppee gore Jenury 20*** 1785
Feb 19 1785 6. S. 8.
[8-194] \_Petition for Abatement of Taxes: addressed to
the General Assembly^ iy88.'\
Humbly shew that in the year 1783 they were called upon to
pay into the Treasurey of said State £74.19.11. and in the year
1784 for £28.6.8. both which Sums to be paid in Gold or Sil-
ver, or Certificates for Interest on the publick Securities of this
State, or Orders drawn on the Treasurey At which Times the
Inhabitants of said Ossipee were under no Incorporation as a
Town, neither had any Town Officers whereby said Sums
coul'd be legally assessed, that the same yet remains unpaid &
the Town threatned with an Extent — Although said Sums ap-
pear small & the Delay long ; yet your Petitioners humbly con-
OSSIPEE. 141
ceive that there is such a Disability on the part of the Inhab-
itants to pay their parts of said Requisitions as (if known)
wou'd induce your Hon*** Court to grant Relief.
It is a fact well known that a very considerable part of the
present Inhabitants of said Ossipee were poor People put on as
Settlers by the Proprietors. —
That said Settlers were not only men unacquainted with the
new Country in General, but men of small Abilities, unable to
procure even a bare Subsistence for themselves & Families,
without the Assistance of a few Industrous Inhabitants in
Town ; — that those few have not only been obliged to relieve
the common Necessities of the Rest, but also to be accountable
for their Taxes ; — for should a Distraint for Taxes take place
upon these poorer People beforementioned, who have at most
but one Cow each : such a Destraint wou'd render a considera-
ble number a public Burden to the Town, & woud in time
deprive those who are now able, of the means of paying Taxes
in future — ^Wherefore your petitioners humbly pray that your
Hon^^ Court would abate such part of said Sum as belongs to
the Inhabitants to pay being one half the whole of said Sums ;
or otherwise grant your Petitioners Relief by Delay of Payment
as to your Hon**** Court shall seem meet — ^and your Petitioners
shall ever pray. —
Ossipee May 26. 1788
Joseph Fogg ") Selectmen
Winthrop Smart >• of
Andrew Folsom ) Ossipee
[8-195] \^JPetttion for Authority to raise a S fecial Tax:
addressed to the General Court. ^
Humbly sheweth that wharas the grater part of the land in s^
town is owned by Gentlemen living out of town and but few
inhabitants & the roads so extensive puts it beyond the powar
of the inhabitants to support them — the Main road through the
Town is Eighteen miles in length and interpersed by many
rapid streams & a large propition of healthy Lands which re-
quiars large & costly causeways and but sixteen families living
on s' road besides many crossroads allready laid out and others
nessessary to bee laid out & dun to acomidate the setlers of s'
Town & publick.
Tharefore your petitioners Humbly Pray Your Hon" would
take under consideration the bad situation of s^ Town and grant
that a tax of a penny P acor be laid on all nonresident lands
in s' Town for the tarm of two yeas for the purpos of making
142 EARLY TOWN PAPERS.
& repairing s^ roads— or grant such relief as you in your wis-
dom shall think proper.
And your petitioners as in duty Bound shall ever pray —
Ossipee May 28*** 1791 —
Levi Dearborn > Select
John Adams ) Men
[Granted Dec. 21, 1791.]
[8-197] [Petition of yohn Costelloe of JBffingham^ relative
to a Discovery of Iron Ore: addressed to the General
Court yan, 7, -?7P0.]
Humbly Sheweth —
That your Petitioner has discovered in Ossipee pond & ad-
joining a large Quantity of Iron Ore — that at a considerable
expence he has erected a Forge or Iron Works, for the trial of
said Ore — which upon trial affords Iron equal in Quality, (in
the opinion of good judges) to that imported from Philadel-
phia.
And as a Furnace in that part of the State for Refining &
casting would be of public utility, & save money in the State —
he most humbly prays your Honors for some encouragement to
enable him to erect a Furnace — ^by a Grant for that purpose —
or by loaning him a sum of money, upon good Security to be
refunded in a certain number of years without interest— or oth-
erways encourage your Petitioner as to your gp'eat wisdom may
seem politic & advisable, & he as an duty bound will ever
pray—
John Costelloe
PELHAM.
The township was incorporated July 5. 1746, and com-
prised portions of the old Dunstable grant and Dracut.
The bounds given in the charter are as follows :
" Beginning at the Boundary Pitch Pine Tree made by
M' Mitchell and runing on the North Boundary Line of the
Massachusetts untill it comes within two miles & eighty
rods of Merrimack river Then North Twenty Degrees East,
to Londonderry then by Londonderry East South East five
miles & one hundred & forty rods then South to Methuen
Line and to meet the Curve Line called Mitchells Line then
by s* Curved Line to the Pitch Pine Tree where it began.""
PELHAM. 145
The name was given in honor of the Duke of New Cas-
tle, Thomas Pelham Holies. Settlements were made about
the year 1722 by John Butler and Wm. Richardson, the lat-
ter a native of Chelmsford, Mass.
The following Pelham men were in the ist N. H. Reg't
in the war of the Revolution :
Sergeant Daniel Gage, entered December 29, 1779, ^^^'
charged December, 1781.
John Greeley, entered March 9, 1781, discharged Decem-
ber, 1781.
John Lovering, entered April, 1781, discharged Decem-
ber, 1 78 1.
The latter served also in 1782.
In answer to a petition from 53 of the inhabitants, the
town was divided into two parishes, for church purposes,
January 4, 1787, but the act was repealed in 1792, on the
dismission of the Rev. Amos Moody, and the town again
united as one parish.
Pelham was severed from the countv of Rockingham, and
annexed to the county of Hillsborough, by an act approved
December 10, 1824.
[8-198] [^Petition of Inhabitants of Pelham and Salem for
a Grant of Land: addressed to the Governor and Coun^
Sheweth —
That your Petitioners Are Inclined to venture into the woods
And make Setlements of a town, that for themselves ftfamilys,
they are not Accomodated in the towns Where they Dwell,
that the Land there is so mean and Broaken Cannot for their
Own Nor the Goverments Advantage Enlarge their Improve-
ments—
That their is in this Province Great Quantitys of his Majes-
tys Lands Unappropriated, & Lyes Wast and till Improved will
be Useless, Capable of Improvement and Enlarging — the
Strength of the frontiers. Where Your Petitioners would will-
ingly venture, And make Setlement under the Like Conditions
as other his Majestys Subjects Receive Grants —
Wherefore Your Petitioners Humbly pray that they may
Have a Grant of Land of the Contents of Six miles Square in
Some Convenient place Capable of making a good Setlement,
Within his Majestys Lands afores^ under Such Conditions &
Limitations As Your Excellency Grants to Others and that
Tho* Packer Esq may be Admitted On Our Behalf to prefer
144
EARLY TOWN PAPERS.
this Our Petition and On Our Behalf do everything Necessary
for the Claming the Same and Assertaining the place where the
Same may Lye. And Your Petitioners as in duty bound Shall
pray.
July i6: 175
William Richardson
Joseph Hamblet
John forgison
Thomas wyman
Josiah Gage
Simon Beard
amos Gage
David Jones
Ebnz Ayres
Seth Pattee
Abner Bayly
Peter merril
Henry sanders
John Merrell
Alexander Gorden
Jonathan Corlies
Pelham
Amos Richardson
Zeachriah Colburn
Daniel Gage
William Elliot
Nehemiah Jaques
abesh Gage
bhn Baldwin
ibeneser Jaques
Salem
Nath" Dow
Richard Kimball
John Hall J'
Richard Patee
Daniel Dow
Oliver Kimball
John Lowell
W» Kelly
Josiah Hamblet
Jonathan Kimball
daniel Colburn
Thomas Gage
Rice Molten
henery Richardson
William Richardson
Juner
Richard Dow
Ralph Hall
John Bayly
Edw* Bayly
Sam" Parker
W" Sanders
Tim^^ Swan
John Ober
[R. 3-100] [Petition of Phebe Gage: addressed to the Gen"
eral Courts n5^*\
The Petition of Pheabe Gage Reilick Widow To L* Thomas
Gage who Deceas** in the said province Service at Lake George
October y*: 8*: 1756: Humbly Sheweth : and Prays this Hon-
ourable Court that She may be allowed a Reasonable sum for
her said Husbands Gun : which how it was Disposed of at his
Death She hath not as yet had any account : and Therefore
further Prays that this Honourable Court would take her
Humble Petition into their Wise Consideration and Grant her
some Reasonable allowance she being Left with a Large fama-
ley of Children : your Humble Petitioner as in Duty bound
shall ever Pray ; &c
Pelham March y* : 17* : 1758
Pheabe Gage
[In H. of Rep., March 23, she was allowed £,\o. — Ed.]
PBLHAM. 145
[R. 3-101] \^Pet£tion of William Bell^ Soldier: addressed
to the General Assembly^ ^75^ »^
The Humble petition of William Bell of Pelham In said
Province — Shews — That your Petitioner was an Enlisted Sol-
dier in this Governments pay in 1757^ under the Command of
Cap* Hercules Mooney, & had the misfortune to be taken In
the Seige at Fort William Henry, & Carried to Canada from
thence sent to Halifax, from thence to Boston, & by the kind
hand of an over Ruling providence got home sometime in Nov*
Last. ♦ ♦ ♦
William Bell
[He asked for an allowance for loss of clothes, etc., which
was granted to the extent of ;£i8, 15. — Ed.]
[R. 3-103]
[In a petition addressed to the general court in 1760,
Francis Knowlton, of Pelham, stated that he *' was an In-
listed Soldier In the Provincial service In Cap^ Nehemiah
Lovewells Company, In y* year 1759. That your petitioner
Continued In s^ Servis till y® 24** of Septemb' Last." He
further stated that he was sick at Albany Flats, and came
home as soon as he was able to march. He asked for bis
wages, and was paid £7^ 10, sterling. — Ed.]
[R. 3-104] [Soldier^s Bounty^]
In Committee on Qaims July 31, 1782 —
The Bounty advanced by Pelham to Reuben Hamblet was
Twenty pounds Nine shillings which Sum was deducted from
his depreciation acc^
Ex* per Josiah Oilman Jun'
[8-199] [Petition of the Committee of Safety and Select^
men : addressed to the General Assembly."]
The Petition of us the Subscribers (being the Committee of
Safety and Selectmen for the Town of Pelham)
Humbly Sheweth —
That we your Petitioners are at all times, under an anxious
Concern for the Wellfare, Peace, & Safety, of their much In-
12
146 EARLY TOWN PAPERS.
jured Country and more Especially at this time, from an Ap*
prehension of the mischief, and Bad Consequence, which may
follow upon, So many of General Burgoynes troops Deserting*
into the Country, for they are Daily Traveling, 3 or 4 or half a
Dozen at a time, Through all these Parts, which we find,
Gives Great Uneasiness to the Inhabitants, in General, within
the Compass of our knowledge &c — and many are the Evils
that may follow — and 6rst, we are Apprehensive, that their
want of food, and Clothing, may Excite them, to Rob, & Steal,
from the Inhabitants, and z^ which is worse, that they may,
(when an oppertunity Presents) Join with, and Carry on, Some
Very Secret, and Destructive Plot, of our Domestic Enemies,
(the Ugly Tories — ) against the United States of america — and
we think it Very Unnecessary for the Continent, to be at the
Cost of keeping a Guard Round Said Troops, that Lets them
flock off, by fifties & Hundreds, and Doth not Restrain any of
them — Therefore your Petitioners Humbly Prays your Honours
Consideration upon the matter of this Petition, and (if it be
Consistent with the will of your Honours,) Issue out orders
thro' this State for all Such Deserters to be Taken up, & Car-
ried Back, to their Respective Regiments, upon the States
Cost, or to Confine them in Close Goals, or any other method
that you in your great Wisdom Shall See fit — to Prevent their
Desertion & Execute Justice to the Deserted — &c — and as we
are in Duty Bound Shall Ever Pray —
John Mussey
Aaron Wyman
Josiah Gage
Bar* Gibson
Asa Richardson
Committee
of
Safety
Josiah Gage 1
Daniel Barker > Selectmen
J. Butler Jun' )
[8-200] \^Petttion of Inhabitants of Pelham : addressed ta
the Committee of Safety^ -^77 7 '2
Humbly Sheweth
That Whereas the Authority hath made Requisition of the
Town of Pelham, for the Number of Seventeen men to Serve
in the Continental Army for the Term of three years ; In Com-
pliance to the Authority, and the zeal we have for the Glorious
Cause of Liberty now Contending for, and being sensible of
the Duty Devolving on us, the Town hath been Call* together^
PELHAM. 147
and in the first Place Voted 20 Pounds Lawful money for En-
couragement to each Soldier that should Inlist for s*^ Term, and
on making Tryal Could not obtain them — Therefore the Town
thought Proper to Vote an additional Sum of 10 Pounds for
farther Encouragement, and yet the men Cannot be obtained —
your Petitioners therefore beg Leave to Inform your Honours,
that there are Six men Engaged, on Condition that Lt Thomas
Hardy may go their officer, and it plainly appears to your Pe-
titioners that if the above s^ Hardy may be appointed ; the
Proportion of men will be Immediately obtained, otherways
they do Entirely Decline, as they have little or no acquaintance
with the officers already appointed, &c — Therefore your Peti-
tioners Humbly Pray, that your Honours would appoint the s'
Lt Thomas Hardy to be a Lieut — as your Petitioners Look
upon him to be a man worthy of that Trust— or otherwise Re-
lieve us in our Difficulty as vou in your Great Wisdom shall
see meet, and we your Humble Petitioners, as in Duty Bound
Shall Ever Pray—
Pelham April y* 21*' 1777 —
Daniel Coburn major
Asa Richardson Capt
Jesse Willson Lt
Nathan Butler Ensign
Robert Nevens Lt
Josiah Gage 1 Selectmen
Daniel Barker v of
Jacob Butler J' ) i^elham
Barnabas Gibson \ Committee of Safety
Aaron wyman > of
John Mussey j Pelham
[Thomas Hardy was first lieutenant in the third com-
pany of Gen. Stark's regiment at Bunker Hill. Abner
Gage, in same company, was wounded in that battle, as was
also Seth Cutter. Both were from Pelham. — Ed.]
[&-2013 [Petition of the Officers^ Committee^ and Selectmen
of Pelham : addressed to the Committee of Safety."]
Humbly Sheweth,
That whereas the Authority hath made Requisition of the
said Town for a Number of men, to Serve as Soldiers, in the
Continental Army, during the war, or in Case that Cannot be
done, to Raise them for One year —
148 EARLY TOWN PAPERS.
In Complyance to the Authority, and being Sensible of the
Duty Devolving on us, the Town hath been Call'd together,
and in the first Place Tryal was made to raise the men During
the War, but without effect, — and Secondly we have Tryed by
offering very Extraordinary Hire as an Encouragement to the
Men to Enlist for one Year, but Could not obtain them, the
reason Given by the men for their not Enlisting for a Year, is,
their Time will Expire so late in the year, as to Prevent their
Returning in Season, to take care of their Business, by which
Means they will in a manner loose the Next Season — ^your
Petitioners beg leave therefore to inform your Honors, that we
can Em mediately Procure our full Complement of men, in
Case they may be mustered for Nine Months, and Whereas we
Expect we Can, and are willing to replace the Same at the end
of the said Nine months — which if Truly preform'd we cannot
Concieve will be any damage to the State — Therefore your
Petitioners Humbly Pray, that your Honors, would give orders
to the Muster-master to Muster our Compliment of Soldiers for
the Term of nine Months, or otherwise Relieve us in our DefH-
culty as you in Your Great Wisdom shall see meet, — and we
your Petitioners as in Duty Bound Shall ever Pray —
Pelham, July lo*** 1779 —
Daniel Coburn
Asa Richardson
Robart Nevens
Nathan Butler
Officers
Josiah Gage ")
Thomas Hardy > Committee
Joshua Atwood )
Daniel Barker 1 o 1 ..
Caleb Butler J Selectmen
[8-202] [Petition of Inhabitants of Pelham relative to a
division of the State into Counties: addressed to the
General Assembly^ ^7^9-^
Most humbly sheweth that your Petitioners being Informed
that the Province is about being Devided into Countys for the
ease and benefit of the inhabitants in General in transacting
their business of a Publick Nature, and being also informed
that the General Assembly have Voted a small County to be
set off Adjacent to the Westerly side of Merrimack River,
Your Petitioners pray that the Towns of Bow, Chester Lon-
donderry, Pelham Plastow Salem Hampsted & Sandown,
which lay Conveniently situated to s' County may be Annexed
PELHAM.
149
thereto as it would save most of the Inhabitants of said Towns
thirty Miles travel in transacting their business with the Courts,
Judges of Probate, Register &c And no other person whatso-
ever would (as your Petitioners conceive) be Injured thereby
And your Petitioners as in Duty Bound shall ever Pray &c —
Daniel Gage
Ebenezer Palmer
Timothy Clark
John Tarbox
Nathaniel marbel
Nehemaiah Jaques
William Wymon
Eleazer Whiting
Samuel atwood
Joseph Wyman Jr
Samuel watts
Amos Gage
Hugh Tallant
William Richardson
Uriah Abbot
Joseph wyman
Simon Bard
Jacob Butler
Joshua atwood
Philip Hardy
Ebenezer Vamum
Silas Coburn
Ebenezer webster
Eri Richardson
Caleb Butler
Samuel Butler
James foster
Jesse Hardy
Thomas Johnson
Robet Nevens
Robt Noevens Jur
Jacob Butler Jun'
Jacob Hardy
John Mussey
Benjamin .Gage
oseph Richardson
onathan Kimball
osiah Hardy
John Wyman
I>aniel Butler
Asa Hildreth
i onathan Stickney
Idward Coburn
Elijah Coburn
Benjamin Coburn
Philip Richardson
jun'
David Cumings
Edmund Hardy
Edmund Hardy Jun'
Josiah gage
Richard Barker
i osiah Gutterson
Lichard Hall
Isaac Webster
James Heath
rearce gage
Josiah gage Ju'
Daniel Gage Jun'
Daniel Colburn
Joseph Butler
Eben' Jaques
Joseph Wilson
John Baldwin
Daniel Barker
bhn Gibson
ames Gibson
iarnabas Gibson
Asa Richardson
Eben' Barker
Andrew Barker
James Shearburn
Joshua Hamblet
mark Gould
[8-203] \Petition of sundry Inhabitants in reference to a
Poll Parish.']
To the Hon" Senate and house of Representatives —
This may Certify that we the Subscribers Not having any
oppertunity to Sine that Petition before it was sent to your
bonnours for a Pole Parish In the Town of Pelham we would,
wish that our Names might be as well Excepted as if thay had
Ben Put to the Petition as we are Jointly Conected in the
Same Boddy
David Johnson
Paul Tennev
James Foster
Samuel Richardson
Samuel gains
Jonas Richerdson
William Johnson
Ebeneser Richerdson
Jeremiah Gage
150 EARLY TOWN PAPERS.
[8-204] [ Vote of Town relative to Poll Parish.']
At an Ajournment of a Town Meeting Sep' the 5*** 1786
Voted not to send a man to Court in Answer to a'Protion for a
Poll Parish
John Ferguson Town Clerk
[See introduction, page 143. — Ed.]
[8-205] [^Relative to a New Parish.]
at a Town Meeting april 28*** 1783 —
2ly Voted to Excuse all those of Their Minister Rate for the
future who hath or Shall Sign their Names a Gainst the Rev^
M' Moody voted that one Month from the date here of is Given
to those who hath not Signed to Sign for or a Gainst the Rev^
M' Moody
at an Adjournment of a Town Meeting to the 27^ day of
Febuary 1786
3ly Voted to Give Liberty for a Pole Parrish in said Town
•
A True Coppy Test— John Ferguson Town Clerk —
[8-206] IPeturn of Ratable Polls ^ 1783.]
In Obedience to the Requisition of the General Court of
Octob' Last for making out the Number of Polls paying for
themselves a Poll Tax
We the Subscribers have Proceeded accordingly and find the
Number to be in the Town of Pelham — 155
Joshua Atwood^ Selectmen
Tho* Spafford [• of
Benj' Barker ) Pelham
[Sworn to before Josiah Gage, Dec. 27, 1783.]
[8-207] [^Petition of the Selectmen of Pelham relative to the
Observance of Sunday : addressed to the General Assem^
bly.
Humbly Sheweth —
That amongst the. many Sins of this land against the Su-
preame being the Breach of the Lords Day is very nottorious :
persons are So bold and Insulting that if an officer So much as
mention the Breach of Sabbath he is treated with threats &
PELHAU. 151
insults, we Beg leave to observe that if the Lords Day ought to
be kept holy we think that we have no other place to look but
to you our political fathers to make Salutary Laws for the pur-
pose— And whereas the law now in force for the Observation
of the Lords Day is insufficient to answer the purpose intended
in the first place we think it is not so Explicit as we would
Wish and Secondly the fines is not so high as they ought to be ;
and lastly that there is not officers enough impowered to Exe-
cute the Same ; For these & some other reasons that might be
mentioned — ^We your Petitioners Humbly pray your Excellency
& Hon** to take the Subject matter of our petition under your
wise & Serious Consideration and pass Such a law as may an-
swer the Salutary purpose propossed and as in Duty bound
Shall pray
To the Gen* assembly to meet at Portsmouth the 20* of oct^
1784
Benj* Barker
Josiah Gage
Jesse Smith
[8-208] JiPetitian of Inhabitants of Pelham for a Poll
Parish : addressed to the Senate and House of Represent
taiivesJ\
Humbly Sheweth that
it hath been our unhapy Lot in the Town of Pelham for a Long
Time to Live in a Broken and DisaGreable Situation with Re-
spect to our Religious Matters in Said Town as we Cannot
Receive any Spiritual Edefication from the Preaching of the
Rev~* M' Moody Now Minister in s* Town and for a Long
Time have not attended the Same, But have attended at Wind-
ham and elsewhere on Publick Worship which is Very Incon-
venient for your Petitioners & Burdenson To others Where we
attend —
We further Shew your Honnors we have Made many & Long
Trials to Conceliate the Matters or to be Set off by a Pole Per-
ish as we Pay a Very Large Share of the Minister Tax in S*
Town which we think is Very hard & not agreable to the Con-
stitution of the State as we Do not Nor for a Long Time have
not attended or been any Trouble to Said Minister or People in
there Religious Matters, & as the Town of Pelham have at a
Leagel Town Meeting Voted their Consent for a Pole Parish in
Said Town, & as we Consider your Honnors to be Guardens
for the People & will with Equal Justice Releave the Distressed
— therefore Pray your Honnors to Take our Complaint under
your Wise Consideration & g^ant us a Pole Perish acording to
the Vote of Said Town, or grant us Releaf as your Honnors In
152
EARLY TOWN PAPERS.
your Create Wisdom Shall See fit — ^and your Petitioners as in
Duty Bound Shall Ever Pray —
Dated Pelham June 9"* 1786—
Josiah Gage
John Bradford
David gage
Isaac Barker
Ebenezer Webster
Jonathan Webster
Jacob Kemp
Asa Hardy
Lot Spaulding
Daniel tenney
Eliphelet Hardy
Caleb Butler
Jesse Barker
ibenezer Barker
John Nevens
Aaron wyman
Jese wyman
Josiah wyman
Dudley Hardy
Nehe" Butler
Daniel Wyman
Isaac Barker Hatter
Joseph Baldwin
Edmund Hardy
James Hall
Jesse Willson
Daniel Willson
Timothy Davis
Zebu Ion May
David Butler
iosiah Cutterson
Lechard Hall
Abner foster
Jonathan Barker
Richard Barker
Stephen Person
Peirce Cage
P : Merrill Coburn
Asa Coburn
Abner Cage
William Webber
Jesse Smith
Phinehas Merrill
Amos Cage
[The foregoing petition was granted, and the petitioners
erected into a new parish for church purposes, January 4*
1787.— Ed.]
[8-209] \^Petition of Inhabitants of Pelham to have a Li-
brary incorporated : addressed to the General Court.']
Humbly Shew that your Petitioners with their Associates
have been at Considerable Expence in purchasing Books for the
purpose of infusing usefuU knowledge in Pelham and finding
our selves under Some Disadvantages for the want of an incor-
poration therefore pray your Honours, that they with Such
others as may hereafter Join them may be incorporated into a
body politic for the purpose aforesaid under Such Rules and
Regulations as are usual in Institutions ofaSimular nature—
and as in Duty bound will Ever pray
John Ferguson
Josiah Cage
James Cibson
Aaron Hardy
Daniel Hardy
Nehemiah Butler
Pelham November 18 1797
[This petition was granted, artd the library incorporated
December 9, 1797. — Ed.]
PEMBROKE. 153
PEMBROKE.
The township was granted May, 1726, by the government
of Massachusetts to Capt. John Lovewell and 59 others, in
consideration of their services in fighting the Indians, and
went by the Indian name of Suncook until it was incorpo-
rated, November i, 1759, ^Y ^^^ general court of the prov-
ince of New Hampshire. The petition asking for an incor-
poration stated that '* about sixty familys were settled part-
ly within the Township of Bow & partly at a Place called
Suncook & at a Place called Buckstreet." In the act of in-
corporation the town was named *' Pembrook," probably in
honor of the Elarl of Pembroke. Walter Bryant was author-
ized to call the first meeting of the inhabitants.
December 17, 1763, the town was divided into two
parishes for church purposes — Congregational and Presby-
terian.
The following Pembroke men were in the ist N. H. Reg-
iment :
Noah Emery, entered April 10, 1777, discharged January
I. 1778.
James Much more, entered January 23, 1777, discharged
January 23, 1780.
Samuel ^Phelps,* entered January i, 1777, discharged No-
vember 18, 1779.
Capt. Ebenezer Frye was first lieutenant in Capt. Daniel
Moor's Co., Stark's Reg't, as organized at Cambridge. April,
1775. He was in the service more than five years.
A dispute between the towns of Pembroke and Aliens-
town, concerning the building of bridges over Suncook
river, resulted in the passage of an act, December 24, 1798,
extending the line of Pembroke "to the Easterly and South-
erly Bank of Suncook River."
By an act approved December 13, 1804, all the territory
belonging to the town of Bow situated on the east side of
Merrimack river was severed from that town, and annexed
to Concord and Pembroke.
[8-232] {^Petition for a Guards ^747-^
The Humble Petition of Sundry Persons Inhabitants of a
Place called Suncook in said Province
* Wounded ; reported to be at Schenectady January zo, 1778 ; age 19.
154 EARLY TOWN PAPERS.
Shews
That your Petitioners live very much Exposed to the Indian
Enemy & may with truth & Propriety Say, they get their bread
at the Peril of their lives by Reason of the Sword of the Wil-
derness— there being no place within 1 8 or 20 Miles from them,
from whence they could Expect any help in Case of an Attack
from the Enemy — Whereby their Husbandry is greatly Imped-
ed & not only So but they must be Obliged to Quit their Plan-
tations & Come in to Some place or places of Greater Safety
unless Supported where they are
That the breaking up of the frontier Settlem* is a thing of a
bad Tendency & Consequence many ways, which is too obvi-
ous to need a particular mention as also that it is much better
for the Public Safety to keep the Enemy at as Great Distance
as possible, and Your Petitioners having at great Expence (to
them) bro't their Settlements to a good Degree of Improvera*
are the more unwilling to Quit them wherefore they Humbly
Pray that a number of Soldiers May be Sent to Guard & De-
fend them while they are Cultivating^ & Improving their Lands
and doing their necessary Labours of the Summer Season & be
otherways aiding & assisting to them in the usual & Customary
way & manner, & they shall as in duty bound Ever Pray &c
Samuel Smith Moses Tyler James Moore Benj* Holt David
Abbot Richard Eastman John Cochran John Nox John Fife
Ephraim Blunt Tho' M*Connell David Lovejoy John Noyce
Caleb Lovejoy Marias Whittemore William Moor W°* Nox
James White Aaron Whittemore W" Nox Sam^ Gott Andrew
Gott Joseph Brown Francis Doyn James Man —
moses foster
[The assembly ordered that "eight good effective men"
be impressed, and posted at Suncook, to be changed once
a month, until the 20th of October, 1747, if need be. — Ed.]
[8-233] \_Petition for Incorf oration^ ^757' addressed to the
General Assembly,']
The Humble Petition of John Noyce of a Place called Sun-
cook as Agent of Sundry of the inhabitants of said Place & of
Bow & Places adjoining.
Shews —
That there are near Sixty Families Inhabiting within the
Boundaries of the Township of Bow of the Said Place Called
Suncook & a Place called Buck Street which are Situated So
PEMBROKE. 155
near one another as to be Convenient for a Township but Sonne
of them are upon Lands not within any Township & others
within Said Township of Bow by Reason whereof they cannot
all join and Act as a Place Incorporated — That they have a
Minister of the Gospel Settled among them who has been for a
Considerable time Supported by Voluntary Contribution which
fall heavy on a few of them while others go free and as they
have thots of Building a Meeting House which is now Neces-
sary it will be Still a Greater Burthen on those who are Willing
to do all they can to advance the Settlement of the Lands there
than if they had Authority to Lay a Tust & Proportionable Tax
on all who may Enjoy the Benefit of it —
That the Bounds they Propose for a Township are as follows
viz on the West by Merrimack River on the North by Sou-
Cook River on the East by the Townships of Chichester & Ip-
som & on the South bv Sun-Cook River within which Limits
is Contain'd about the Qtiantity of Six Miles Square and they
are Natural & Suitable Boundaries for a Township —
That it is not Proposed that by Erecting Such a Township
the Prop>erty of the Lands should be Affected — But as part of
Said Lands fall within the Bounds of Bow wh«ch is a Town-
ship already Incorporated it is necessary the Proposed Incorpo-
ration Shoud be made by a Special Act to Disunite & Exoner-
ate the Said Inhabitants from the Duties of the former Incorpo-
ration
Wherefore Your Petitioner in behalf of his Constituents Hum-
by Prays That a Township may be made by the Boundaries
aforesaid & Infranchised with the usual Liberties Powers &
Privileges of Corporate Towns in Said Province & Exempted
from Subjection to any other Town and that he may have
Leave to bring in a Bill Accordingly And he Will Ever Pray
Ac-
John Noyes
[The town was incorporated by the name of " Pembrook,'*
November i, 1759. — Ed.]
[8-234] \^ Consent of Inhabitants of Bucks treet to foregoing^
We the In Habitence of Buckstreet who Shewed oure Desire
To be InCorperated with Suncook (So Called) ware and are
free and willing for the Same with a pervisal we might be free
from paying any Back Rates Either to Province or minester
which Thay promised us and now Refuse which we Think
156 EARLY TOWN PAPERS.
Very unresonable for us to pay their Debts Due Before we
Joyne Being Scarsely able to pay oure own
Thomas Lucas
Thomas Sincklor
John m^gaflfey
David Connor
James Luckus
James Cochran
Daniel Luckos
William FuUerton
John Sinkler
Joseph Sinkler
William Marten
Samuel Connor Juner
[8-235]
[This document is a crude plan of the premises mention-
ed in the foregoing petition for an incorporation, showing
the land proposed to be included. — Ed.]
[8-236] [ Committee relative to action of the Proprietors in
the matter of Incorporation. '\
Province of Newhamp' October y* 1 2*'* 1 759
whereas the Proprietors of Bow in Said Province at their
annual meeting held at Stratham in Said Province by adjorn-
ment on the 2^ Day of this Instant October made Chose of us
the Subscribers with others to Joyn with the Inhabatance of a
Certain tract of Land Lying between y* Rivers meremack Sun-
cook & Soucook & y* Southwest Side of Chichester or their
agent M' John Noyes to Do all that in us Lay to obtain a parish
of y* afore Said Land — Pursuant thereto we humble Beg that
your Exelency would be Pleased to grant the petition of m'
John noyes which petition is Signed by him & Dated y* 6*
I)ay of January 1758 & your petitions Shall as In Duty
Bound Ever pry &c
Israel Gilman \
Walter Bryent > Comm*^
Sam^ Lane j
[8-237] \^Petition of David Connor and Thomas McLucas
relative to Ministerial Affairs : addressed to the General
Assembly^ yan, 14^ 1763.^
Shews,
That the Rever^ M' Aaron Whittemore as Minister of said
PEMBROKE. 157
Parish by the Consideration of the Justices of his Majesty's
Super' Court of Judicature, lately recovered Judgment against
the Inhabitants of said Parish, for the Sum of near three thou-
sand pounds old Tenor, as an Arrearage of Salary for about
twenty Months from the time of bringing his Action, due to
[words torn ofT)-
That at the time said Parish was Incorporated, many of the
Inhabitants were Presbyterians bred up according to the form
of the Kirk of Scotland, who tho' they joind with the Congre-
gationalists, when they coud not obtain and Support a Minis-
ter of their Own Sentiments in these matters, yet always In-
tended as soon as a sufficient number of that Denomination
were settled in the Parish to settle a minister of their own, One
who was Educated in and professd the Principles of the said
Kirk, and accordingly for more than Seven Eighth's of the said
Time, they had such a Minister, who has continued with them
ever since, and is Ordained according to the form aforesaid—
That it has been Resolved by the Legislative Authority of this
Prov* and oAen Determined by the Executive Courts, that the
Presbyterians living in any Parish where the Settled Minister
is a Congregational! st, attending Divine worship according to
their Own Way, (either in the same Parish or Elsewhere,) are
by the Law of the Province, exempted from paying towards
the Support of such Minister, as well as the Members of the
Church of England or the Quakers —
That the sum Recovered as aforesaid is Intirely for the Min-
isters Service of which the Presbyterians in Pembroke had
not the benefit, excepting about two Months, and Many of
them who have settled there since, not so much as that, but
having a Minister of their own, all the Rest of said time, are
Clearly within the Exemption and Saving of the Law afore-
said ; and tho' the Judgment aforesaid, was Recovered agt the
Inhabitants in General, (it not being the Pla*" business to Dis-
tinguish those Exempted from the rest, for if there had been
fifty Quakers there, the Action and Judgment woud have been
in the same form against the Inhabitants, and yet in that Case
nobody woud have tho't such Quakers Liable to pay towards
Satisfying the Judgment,) yet the said Presbyterians, conceive
they Ought not to pay, for any more than that proportion of
time, while they attended M' Whittemore's Ministry, which
they are willing to do, and for more they humbly Conceive
they should not be Subjected by Law — ^but as many trials in
that way, would tend to the Ruin of the Parish, they desire to
prevent it by some more Amicable and Summary Method —
and tho Such an Equitable assessment might be made, by the
Select men, yet being parties and Interested, as it woud be ex-
tremely Difficult for them to be Impartial, so few woud be sat-
158 EARLY TOWN PAPERS.
isfied and acquiesce, with what they shoud do in that matter-
Wherefore your petition** in behalf of their principals, Hum*
bly pray, that some suitable disinterested Persons, of some
other Town or Parish, may be Authorized to Assess said Sum 9
(which is yet to be Raisd,) on the Polls and Estates of the In-
habitants aforesaid, and to adjust and Assess the proportion of
the said Presbyterians in Equity, according to the time they
Respectively sat under M' Whittemore's Ministry, after the In*
corporation aforesaid, or the time of his Settlement after it —
and that each Society may for the future be Considered as a
Distinct Parish, and Indpend* of One Another, as to the Sup-
port of the Gospel Ministry. And that your Petition" may
have leave to bring in a bill accordingly and they will as Duty
bound Ever Pray &c —
David Connor ( .
Thomas -^Lucas § *^^"^
[In H. of Rep., June 2, 1763, the petitioners were granted
liberty to bring in a bill. Council concurred with an
amendment as follows : — Ed.]
In Council June 3^ 1763. Read and Concurred with this
Amendment that the Presbiterian party pay their Proportion
of Judgment Recovered by M' Whittemore till they had a Min-
ister Settled by the Presbitery, which is three months and
whereas the Parish have Voted to Raise by Tax a Sum of
Money to oppose the Prosecution of these affairs, which waa
as it appears in favour of the Presbiterians, that what ever sum
this may amount to, the Congregational party to be exonerated
from —
T. Atkinson, Jun' Sec^
In the House of Representatives Eod"* Die
Read & Concurred —
A Clarkson Qerk
[See Vol. IX, p. 659.— Ed.]
[8-241] \^Petttion of Jonathan Dixfor a Ferry: addressed
to the Governor and Council^ ^774'\
Humbly shews —
That your Petitioner is desirous of improving a certain
Place in Merrimack River for a Publick Ferry about three
Miles below Merrills Ferry so called, at which Place Your Pe*
titioner humbly begs leaves to represent unto Your Excellency
and Honours that there will be the great passing Roads from
PEMBROKE. 159
the Towns oif Hillsborough Heneker Dunbarton and many
other Towns even so far Westward as Charlestown, That it
will not only Accomodate those Towns with Conveniency of
passing but lessen their Distance some Miles in the travelling^
to Portsmouth the Metropolis of this Province —
Your Petitioner also humbly begs Leave to assure Y' Excel-
lency and Honours that if he is indulged in this his Petition,
he will be very solicitous to provide a proper Boat or Boats to-
accommodate every Traveller in his passing and repassing s^
River and Otherways Oblige himself to fulfill and perform all
such Restrictions and Regulations as Your Excellency and
Honours may think proper to lay upon him And Your Peti-
tioner as in Duty bound shall ever pray —
Jonathan Dix
Portsmouth Jan^^ 21"' 1774 —
[An elaborate plan of the river, from a point above Horse-
shoe pond to a point below Hooksett falls, which accom-
panied this petition, may be found in manuscript vol. 2, p.
229. — Ed.]
[8-239] [^yonaiAan Dix recommended.']
We the Subscribers Inhabitants of Concord, Bow and Pem-
broke do apprehend it necessary to have a Ferry Established
across Merrimack River between Pembroke and Bow at a
place called the old Ferry place about a Mile below Garvins
Falls ; And do think that M' Jonathan Dix is a very fit person
to keep a Ferry there, and will keep a good one.
March the 22"* 1774
Peter Green
And'' M^'Millan
David Gilman
Jn<» Bryent
Sam" Noyes
Samuel Connor
Peter Robinson
Benja Norris
[8-240] [^Afeasurements relative to the Ferry ^ ^774-\
February y* 3* 1 774 —
We the Subscribers by Jonathan Dix* Desire have Measured
a part of Merry mack River Beginning att Garvins Falls So
Called Down the River on the Ice to the mouth of Soucook
River So Called and find it to be 192 Rods from thence to the
l6o EARLY TOWN PAPERS.
old Ferry place So Called 1 28 Rods from thence to the Mouth
of the Meeting House Brook So Called 60 Rods from thence to
a Large white pine tree Standing on the westerly side of the
River on Land of M' Alexanders 260 Rods Being in the whole
two Miles which is an Exact Measure by the Chain on the
Ice-
Benjamin Norris Servayor
Stephen Bartlett
[8—242] [^Petition for Ammunition^ ^776»'\
To the Honourable the Provential Congress now Setting at
Exeter, —
Gentlemen —
We being the Select men of Pembroke and haveing been fre-
quently Importuned to get a Store of Powder of which at Pres-
ent we have none and There being a number of Men Willing
to go in Order to Stop the British Troops and Canadians from
Penitrating into the back Settlements of New England Pray
Procure Some Powder & lead for us If Possible viz About One
hundred w* of gun Powder & About Half H* W' of Lead and
About Two Hundred Flints or as Much as Will Answer for the
Present Nesesity on Any Terms and Send p' favour of m'
Aaron Whittemore we have no Store amongst us and men
Would make but a Poor hand of Fiteing an Enemy with out
Ammunition pray don't fail of Sending if it Can be Procured,
we are Gentlemen Your Most Humble Serv**
Pembroke July ^^ 1776 —
Will" Cochran ) Select men of
David Abbot j Pembroke
[8-243] [Relative to Capt. McConnelL'\
Pembrook June y* 5*** 1777 —
Whereas it appears that Some 111 minded Persons have a De-
sign to Injure the Chorector of Cap' Samuel M^Connell —
we the Subscribers Committee ofSafty and Inspection for
the town of Pembrook, Do hereby Certify to all whom it may
Concearn that he has appeared to be a friend to his Country
and has all ways Been Ready both in Person and Estate to asist
and Contrebute-in the Defance of the Common Cause of Amer-
rica —
Jacob Doyne
James Robertson
David Connor
PEMBROKE. l6l
[8-245] \^Petition relative to Capt. McConnell: addressed
to the Council and House of Representatives J\
Humbly Sheweth that whereas Cap* Samuel McConnell on
the 28 of May 1777 Did by a small majority of Votes obtain a
Vote for to Represent S* town in General assembly and as we
are Consious to our Selves that he is an Enemy to the Glorious
Cause we are now Engaged in and that Such Persons being In-
troduced into our Publick assemblies will be Atended with the
Most Dangerous and Fatal Consequences — therefore pray that
your Honnours will take the Subject Matter of this our Petition
into Consideration and Grant us a Day of Hearing as Soon as
may be Conveniently had and Dismiss said m'Connell from
your hous and your Petitioners as in Duty bound Shall Ever
Pray
Pembroke June 2** 1 777
James Head Asa Foster Peter Gilman
Lovell Baker Joseph Baker Peter Gilman Jr
Jere** Wardwell Job Abbott John Carlton
John head Nath" Head Nathnel Lakman
Thomas Baker Nath" Ambrose William Carlton
ioseph Swett Jonathan Bartlet Asa Foster Jr
>avid Abbott Benjamin Holt
[8-246] [^Statement of the Moderator relative to the Pro-
ceedings of a Town-Meeting^
Pembroke December 8*** 1 777
The Proceedings of the Inhabitants of Pembroke at a Meeting
to Chuse a Representative on the Above Said day it was Al-
most Night when the Select men Came to the meeting house
and After the Moderator was Chosen it was so Dark in the
Meeting house he Could not Read the warrant til he Changed
Places with the (Clk) to have the light of a window after he had
Read the warrant Richard Bartlet Esq'^Motion'd Against Send-
ing any Representative and was Seconded by Some but he In-
sisted upon it So much that Although it was against my own
mind I put it to Vote to se if they would Chuse a man to Send
to Cort there Seemed to be Some more hands ag' it than was
for it but Several men Came forward and said it was no Vote
for Some men held up both hands then Col^ Gilman made a
Speech and advised to Send a man and then they Seemed in
General to be of a mind to Send a man then I Desired them to
bring in their Votes for a Representative and Accordingly they
13
1 62 EARLY TOWN PAPERS.
did there was 44 Votes for Col® Gilman although Some of them
I thought had no Right to Vote one of them is not of age Alth*
his father would not tell me when Asked the Question Some
Others that Never paid a Tax in the Town Neither were they
free holders which I thought had no Right to Vote for a Rep-
resentative and there was 45 Votes for Cap^ m^Connell and one
for L* Head the Clerk Spoke and Said it was a Tye and I Spoke
So after him and Some of the men Said there was a man Come-
ing that would untie it So both Parties waited with Patience
till the man Came in but Clk Bartlet went out of the meeting
house to get the man to Vote for Col® Gilman as I was after-
wards Informed alth® he Did not make out So I waited for the
Clerk till he Came in and Asked him If he had Voted and he
Told me he had & I told I had not yet So I Voted for Cap* m®-
Connell which made 47 Votes for him with the man's Vote
that Came in and Then I Told them that they had made Choice
of Cap* m^Connell for their Representative and Imediately
after that was Proclaimed Both by the Moderator and the Town
Clerk-
Several men went away and Seing that Nath** Head Came
forward and Said he was Dissatisfied with the Choice and then
they began In a Confused manner to Talk of haveing a Pole
Others Said it was not fair to Ask a pole when part of the men
was gone home Others Said they had no Right to ask a pole
when Three men was Voted for So they began to get Very
warm in Disputing it Soon grew Dark Cap* m^Connell Spoke
and Said he was willing to Throw up his Choice and let the
Meeting be Adjourned till the next Day and let the Town Try
if they Could Choose Some man that would Please them all :
Col® Gilman Spoke and Said it was little Satisfaction to Repre-
sent a Town and but little more than half the people for him
but he was for the Meeting going on and Spoke of haveing a
Candle and Instantly there was a lited Candle brought into the
meeting house and Th^n Insisted on their haveing a pole
Athough a great many of the men was gone home which I
thought was not proper at that time of Night but Intended they
Should have a pole the next Day and as there was two Other
Articles in the warrant and in the Confusion the Clerk left the
meeting although I Desireded him to Stay a little longer : so I
Advised to have the meeting Adjournd Some Appeared warm
for it Others Against it So as the Clk : had left the meeting I
thought best to Adjourn till the next day at one OClock after
noon at the Same place but the Clerk Could not be found Nei-
ther Could there be Enterance into that meeting house for the
man that had the key refused Giveing it up So I went to the
meeting house & Called the meeting and Adjourned it to the
Other meeting house and then Opened the meeting again &
PEMBROKE.
163
Some of them Desired a pole which was panted and there was
fifty Legal Voters that pol'd for Cap* M^Conncll to be Repre-
sentative then I proceeded on the Other Articles & then De-
solved so Imediately Aplication was made to Col® Gilman he
being one of the Selectmen and haveing the Precept that it
might be Sent but he uterly Refused Signing or Giveing it up
to any man So I Shall leave It to your Honours whether Cap*
mHI^naall was leg^ly Chosen to Set as a Representative or
whether your Honours will Send a precept for a New Choice
William Cochran Moderator
Pembroke January 2* 1778
The Occation of the foregoing Proceedings not been Sent
Sooner was because Some Persons gave out word that they De-
termined to Break the meeting.
[8-247 *"^^ ^* 3"" '^5] [^Petition to he annexed to Col. Stick'
neys Regiment y ^777 •]
To the Hon^** Council & House of Representatives setting at
Exeter —
The petition of us the subscribers as well the alarm List as
the training Band of the first Company of Melitia in Pembroke,
it being the Second Company in Col® Daniel Moors Regiment
humbly sheweth — That your Petitioners live at a distance from
the body of the Regiment and at a greater distance from their
Colonel which renders the situation disagreeable in many re-
spects— as we lay bordering on Col* Stickney's Regiment we
think it would much more commode us as well as being more
convenient to the public to be annexed to Col* Stickney's Regi-
ment— We therefore desire your Honours will grant Comply-
ance or point out some other Method that your Petitioners may
be remidied and as your Petitioners are in duty bound shall
ever pray — Decem' : 30'**, 1 777 —
Asa Foster
Asa Foster Jr.
Fred'' Foster
Joseph Swett
Eliph* Swett
Benj" Whittemore
Thom* Baker
Nath^ Lakeman Jr.
Sam* Lakeman
Sam' Abbott
David Lovejoy
Jn* Parker
ioseph Parker
.emuel Stickney
W"» Carlton
Benj« Mills
Rich* Head
Sam^ Kimball
Dean Merrill
Nathan Noyes
Aaron Whittemore
Peter Whittemore
Sam^ Phelphs
Nathan Holt
Jerem^ Abbott
Samuel Abbott Jr
Nath* Gilman
Peter Gilman Jr
Zeb" Gilman
ob Abbott
I
oseph Emery
Sam^ Piper
Benj* Piper
164 EARLY TOWN PAPERS.
Dan^ Holt David Kimball Daniel Noyes
Nath^ Head Benj' Tennis Joshua Kimball
Jn* Head John Carlton Chandler Lovejoy
Elias Whittemore Jer** Morgan Caleb Lovejoy
ioseph Baker Moses Forster Nath^ Lakeman
.ovewell Baker Mitchel Kimball Nath^ Ambrose
Jer^ Wardwell James Head Jon' Bartlett
Levi Carter Frye Holt
Benj' Hall Josiah Haggett
[In H. of Rep., January 2, 1778, a hearing was ordered
for the next session ; meanwhile Colonels Moor and Stick-
ney were to be notified. November 13, 1778, the H. of
Rep., —
''Resolved^ That the first company of militia in Pembroke
commonly called the English Company, be separated and
disjoined from the Regiment commanded by the said Col^
Daniel Moore, and be annexed to the regiment commanded
by Col® Thomas Stickney." — Ed.]
[R, 3-107] ISoidter's Discharge^ lySo^^
Smith Soldier in the first N. Hampshire Reg* formerly
an Inhabitant of Pembrook County of Rockingham and state of
N. Hampshire having honourably and faithfully served in the
service of the United States Three years being the term of his
Inlistment is hereby Discharged from the Army and is permit-
ted to return to the state of N. Hampshire
Jo- Cilley Col*
To whom it may Concern
West Point April 2o*»* 1780
[R. 3-108] \^Capt. HeatTs Return^ 1780J]
a return of my orders July the i y* 1 780
I have inlisted four men to serve in the Continental Servis at
Head Quarters for three months viz moses Tyler John Parker
Amos Lakeman Fredrick foster all of Pembroke also Levy Car-
ter for Coos Cam pain also of Pembroke Said Carter is ordered
to Pass muster July the 10 the other four at Amherst July 12*
Nattf Head Cap*
Pembroke July 10*** y* 1780
PEMBROKE. 165
[R. 3-109] [ Capt. Head's Return, 1781.']
Persuant to my orders I have Raised two men one by inlist-
ment and the other by Draft, Viz Aaron Kimball by inlistment
and Gideon Piper by Drafl
Pembroke Sept 22'*^ 1781
NatW Head Cap*
To Col* Tho' Stickney
[8-248] \^PetUion relative to Samuel Danielle 1782 : ad*
dressed to the General Court, ^
Humbly sheweth that whereas your Remonstrancers did pre-
sent to your Hon** Court at their session in March last a peti-
tion praying that Leu' Sam* Daniell Might be appointed to the
Office of a Justice of the peace but by being then Opposed was
postponed to their Next session when a Joint petition from the
Inhabitants of Allenstown was presented! Upon both which the
Committees of your Hon** Court Reported the prayer should
be granted Yet Nevertheless the same was opposed which pre-
vented the Report being Accepted ; though we Humbly con-
ceive the argument adduced against said petition did no ways
prove any Disqualliiication in said Daniell to be appointed as
above but it appears to us your Remonstrancers that the oppo-
sition proceeded Cheifly from a motive of private prejudice or
self Interest : therefore Depending upon it your Hon** Court
Aimes to Act from Nobler Motives then those. —
we your Remonstrancers pray & Petition that your Hon**
Court will Reconsider or Reassume the consideration of the
Repeated Reports of your committees of the Hon** Court; on
the foresaid Petitions and will Accept & Receive the same as
we Humbly conceive the same to be but Equitable Reasonable
& Just and we again Recommend said Daniell as being Qual-
lifyed to a competent degree for said Office and Your Petition-
ers as in Duty bound shall always pray
Pembrook June 17*** 1782
William Cochran will™ Knox Andrew Norris
Nehemiah M*Daniel James Cunningham John Cullimore
John m*Daniel William Fife Ezekiel Morril
Kob' Martin John White Jacob Gray
Samuel Gault James Fife William Knox,
William Martin John Fife William Knox,
Sam** Martin Moses M*Connell David Knox
Thomas Cochran John Moor Jun' Starling Sargent
Nathan Piper John man Simeon Sargent
1 66 EARLY TOWN PAPERS.
Nathaniel Piper Samuel Maa Philap Sargent
John Connor Willuam Man John Linord
Daniel lucas williammertenjuner John Linord
David Robinson Robert moor David Webster
David Connor Samuel Parker Samuel webster
Gideon Piper John Knox John Webster
Fredrick Worthen Jacob Doyne James Cochran
James man Francis Doyne James Cochran Ju'
James Knox Samuel Gault Kichard Wait
Joseph Cochran Matthew Gault David wells
William Knox And* Robertson Sam* M*ConneU
John Knox Jur William Robertson Nathan Holt
Daniel Knox And'' Gault Nathan Holt
Biley Smith william gault
Trueworthy Dudley Samuel Noyes
[8-249] [^Petition relative to electing' a Representative : ad'
dressed to the Senate and House of Representatives ^^ 1788^
Humbly shews —
That the Annual meeting of said Inhabitants for the purpose
of Choosing Town Officers by the Incorporation is fixed on the
last Monday of March Annually that it has been a Custom here-
tofore to Choose our Representative for said Town on that day
that Article was in our last Warning but it happening to be the
last day of said Month and having many Articles to Act upon
could not Choose a Representative, but adjourned the same
meeting to Monday the 9* Instant, on which day we Humbly
pray we may have the Liberty Choose s^ Representative or that
your Honors would releive us in such manner as you in your
great Wisdom shall think fit —
Concord June 5*** 1788
John Knox J' \
Stephen Bartlet >- Selectmen
Isaac Morrison j
[8-250] [^Petition of Bryant and Bartlett for the privilege
of erecting a Toll- Bridge,']
Humbly shew John Bryent of Bow and Richard Bartlet of
Pembroke in the County of Rockingham Esquires ; that a
bridge over merrimack river, near turkey river falls (so called)
would be of great publick utility — that the said Bryent is the
owner of the land adjoining said falls, on each side of said river«
PEMBROKE. 167
Wherefore they pray your honors to grant them their heirs and
assigns the exclusive right of building a toll bridge over said
river at said falls, or at any other place upon said river, be-
tween the grant of James Robinson and the g^ant lately owned
by Samuel Butters : with liberty of taking such reasonable toll
as your honors in your great wisdom shall think fit, the one
half of the toll after thirty years to be received for the use of the
state, and the other for the benefit of the proprietors — and as
in duty bound will ever pray —
Concord Jan^ 1 1 1790— In* Bryent
Richard Bartlet
[8-25 1 ] [^Afemartai addressed to the Committee on the EreC"
tion of a Bridge. '\
Humbly sheweth
That they have Joined Issue in the petitions preferred to the
Honorable Court concerning Erecting a Bridge over Merimac
River they pray the Hop"* Committee to report on the first
petition as to Securing the privelidge to their heirs & assigns if
agreeable to Your Honors
Jacob Green
Dan* Livermore
Enoch Noyes
William Duncan
[8-252] \^Petition of the Selectmen of Pembroke and Bow
for Authority to raise Money by Lottery to build a Bridge :
addressed to the Senate and House of Bepresentatives."]
Humbly Sheweth —
Whereas a Bridge a Cross Merrimack River at some Conveniet
place would be of great Service to the State, and your Humble
Petitioners beg leave to acquaint the Hon^ Court, that there is
a place on Said River a little below Garvens falls (so call'd)
known by the name of the little Falls, which we are Concious
to be the Best place upon the River, to Build a Bridge, upon
all accounts, firstly Nature has form'd the place so well with
good high Rocky Banks, that it is never overflowed, and the
River Very narrow, and a good Rocky Bottom, and So Shoal
that Men may work in the Water with Conveniency, generaly
the Summer Season, and likewise seems to be the most Cen-
teral for Roads, leading from the Exterior parts of the State,
through Pembroke to Portsmouth and Exeter, and Very little
£Eirther to Haverhill or Newburyport, than to Cross below the
l68 EARLY TOWN PAPERS.
other falls, (which we think would not be so much for the
Public Benefit of the State as to Cross higher on the River)
Therefore our Prayer is that the Hon"* Court would take this
under their wise Consideration (and if they Should think the above
Named place most Convenent) and Grant to the Perish of Pem-
broke and the Town of Bow the Privilege of a Lottery for the
Sole purpose of Building a free Bridge for the Benefit of the
Public ; a Cross Merrimack River at the aforesaid place, And
that the s^ Towns shall have the Exclusive Right upon Said
River for Building Said Bridge from garvens falls Down S'd
River to the mouth of Moors Brook So Call'd, and Your Peti-
tioners as in Duty Bound Shall ever pray.
Pembroke Jan'y y* 19*** 1791
Stephen Bartlet 1 Select Men
James Cunningham j of Pembroke
James Robertson ) Select Men
Sam^ Gault j of Bow
[8-255] \_Petition of yacoh Green and Enoch Noyes: ad-
dressed to the Senate and House of Representatives.']
Sheweth, —
That whereas a Bridge, across Merrimack River, somewhere
between the Right of Ferriage, lately belonging to Samuel But-
ters, and one mile below the Isle-Hooksett, so called, in the
same River ; — would be of exceeding advantage to the State of
New-Hampshire ; — And as it appears to your Petitioners, that
they should be able, with the approbation, of your Honors, to
erect such a Bridge within the Limits aforesaid, as will, in all
respects, be not only Convenient for every passenger ; — but of
great publick Utility —
They humbly pray your Honors, to take the Premises into
your wise Consideration, — and grant to the said Green & Noyes
— their Heirs & Assigns forever, the exclusive Right of erect-
ing— maintaining and keeping up a toll Bridge within the said
Boundaries. — And your Petitioners as in Duty bound shall ever
pray.—
Concord Jan^ 7**» 1791. —
Jacob Green
Enoch Noyes
PEMBROKE. 169
[8-253] [^Petition of WUliatn Duncan and Daniel Liver"
tnore for Authority to erect a Toll- Bridge : addressed to
the General Courts yanuary^ ^79^-^
Humbly sheweth
That your petitioners have long entertained the design of
erecting a Bridge over Merrimac River below Concord pro-
vided they could have suitable encouragement.
They are persuaded that the undertaking would be very ex-
pensive but conceive that it would be very advantageous to the
public — under the conviction that they shall have all the aid
and assistance which a work of such public utility merits &
which an enlightened and patriotic Legislature will most read-
ily bestow they are induced at this time to propose to the hon-
ourable the General Court that they will build a Bridge over
said River Merrimac about eight miles below Concord upon
such reasonable Toll as shall be agreed upon & established by
law — that after forty years from the building the Bridge shall
have expired the toll shall be one moiety to the proprietors of
the Bridge & the other to the State.
provided the State will give them the exclusive right of erect-
ing a Bridge over said River at any place within ten miles
below Butters' privilege of ferry —
And in duty bound shall ever pray —
William Duncan
Daniel Livermore
[Feb. 17, 1 791, an act was passed granting Jacob Green,
Enoch Noyes, William Duncan, and Daniel Livermore the
exclusive right to erect a toll-bridge over Merrimack river
** between one mile below Isle Hooksett Falls and one mile
above said falls." — Ed.]
[8-254] \_Petition of a Committee on the Bridge for a Lot"
tery: addressed to the General Courts convened yune 7,
i7gj.-\
Humbly shews The subscribers a Committee appointed by
the Parish of Pembroke in said state — that being very desirous
of a Bridge across merrimac River at or near Garvens falls &
that the same may be a free bridge, and it appearing to your
Petitioners that it would be of very great utility to the Public at
large, and as there is no probability of any bridge being erected
in consequence of the liberty granted by an act of the General
Court of this state at their last session, therefore pray that your
Honours would grant the liberty of raising by Lottery the sum
I/O EARLY TOWN PAPERS.
of Nine hundred pounds for the sole purpose of erecting a bridge
at said falls or within one mile & a half of said falls either above
or below the same as may be Judged most Convenient for the
public good, which sum we suppose would be absolutely neces-
sary for Compleating the same (but if said sum should exceed,
the surplus to be placed in the Treasury of this state) or re-
served for repairs as to your Honours may appear most Con-
venient, your Petitioners are of opinion that if a Lottery should
be granted it would not be injurious to the public but only pre-
vent those who wish to try their fortune in lotteries from Carry-
ing the money out of this state into the neighbouring states,
fully Confident that it will appear to your Honours that a free
& safe passage over said river would be very advantageous to
the public and that it is your desire to promote the public good,
we trust that -your honours will grant our Request under such
restrictions as may seem meet — and that you will grant liberty
to bring in a Bill accordingly, and your Petitioners as In du^
bound will ever pray
Richard Bartlet
Nath> Head
James Cochran
Daniel Knox
Sam»» M'Connell
Committee
The Committee on petition for Lottery Report that the prayer
of the within petitioners be granted & that they have leave to
bring in a bill accordingly
Daniel Emerson Jr for the Committee
[8-356] \^Remonstranee of sundry Inhabitants of Buck'
street against being annexed to AUenstown^ ^79^ •^
Humbly Shew —
The undersigned Inhabitants of that part of Pembroke in the
County of Rockingham known by the name of Buckstreet ; that
the granting the prayers of two Petitions presented to your
Honors at the last Session of the Honourable General Court
held at Hopkinton on the first Wednesday of June last past,
(the one by the Inhabitants of the town of Allenstown in the
County aforesaid, humbly praying to have annexed to said
Allenstown, a tract of land with the* Inhabitants thereof, which
they in their Petition pretend to say, was taken off from the
westerly part of Allenstown and included in Pembroke when
PEMBROKE. 171
said town was incorporated^ it being about one mile, and the
same tract of land which is called Buckstreet ; the other by a
few ofthe Inhabitants living on said tract of land praying that
the afores^ Petition of Allenstown might be granted) would be
greatly injurious and oppressive to your Petitioners ; that your
Petitioners never understood that the above mentioned tract of
land was ever at any time esteemed a part of Allenstown, or
that the inhabitants thereof had ever at any period of time any
claim upon the same, by any grant whatever, or that Allens-
town has as yet ever been incorporated, that by annexing the
abovementioned part of Pembroke to Allenstown, Pembroke
would be greatly injured, as the necessary town charges would
fall more heavily on the remaining Inhabitants, and they would
be necessitated to class with some other town for the purpose
of choosing a Representative, as the number of Inhabitants that
would then remain would be insufficient according to the Con-
stitution for the purpose That the Inhabitants of Allenstown
can with far less inconveniency support the Bridges over Sun-
cook River than your Petitioners, your Petitioners having al-
ready a considerable extent of highway to maintain, and by rea-
son ofthe fewness of their number, find it exceeding difficult
to keep the same in proper repair, for the accomodation of
travellers, and should the repairing and keeping in repair the
Bridges over Suncook River be added to what they already
have to do in regard to the reparation of public roads, they must
inevitably sink under the burthen, and the Public remain unac-
comodated. That but two ofthe persons who signed the other
Petition said to be presented to your Honors by the Inhabitants
living on the beforementioned tract of land were Freeholders in
said town of Pembroke, that in their Petition they have stated
*^ that the Inhabitants of Pembroke have refused, and still do
refuse, to render any assistance, towards building and repairing
the Bridges over Suncook-River " Which is altogether untrue :
And it can evidently be made to appear, if necessary, by a num-
ber of respectiible witnesses, that the Inhabitants of Pembroke,
altho' obligated so to do, by no Law whatever, the same being
without the limits of their town, have invariably for the space
of twenty years last past, been at more than half the expense in
keeping the aforesaid Bridges in repair ; That your Petitioners
together with the other Inhabitants of Pembroke have ever here-
tofore approved themselves true friends and lovers of their
Country, in the most difficult times, and have ever demeaned
tliemselves as good Citizens of this State, and borne with cheer-
fulness their proportion of all public expences, and are still
ready to sustain their part in whatever may conduce to the pub-
lic good. —
Your Petitioners therefore humbly pray your Honors not to
172 EARLY TOWN PAPERS.
do them so irreparable an injury as to annex the abovemen-
tioned tract of land, or any part thereof to Allenstown, by grant-
ing the prayers of the aforesaid Petitions, which can be but of
little advantage to said Allenstown or to the Public at large ; in
comparison of the vast disadvantage it will be to your Petition-
ers and the town of Pembroke : and your Petitioners as in duty
bound will ever pray —
Pembroke November 2i' AD 1798
Solomon White- Samuel Cochran Thomas Kimball
house Will" Cochran Jur
Christopher Osgood Trueworthy Dudley Joseph Emery
Robert Chase John mManiel Benjamin Piper
Jacob Emery John Ayer Nehe** Cochran
Thomas Cochran Caleb Lovejoy Sam^ Emery
Jacob Edes Joseph Emery Jun'
[See following document]
[8-257] \_Pcttfton of sundry Inhabitants of Pembroke to be
annexed to Allenstown : addressed to the General Courts
1798.
Humbly Shew —
The undersigned, Inhabitants of that part of Pembroke
which was taken off from Allenstown in the County of Rock-
ingham, that they and the public have long laboured, and still
labour under many and Great inconveniences by Reason of the
badness of Bridges over Suncook river —
That the Town of Pembroke have refused and still refuse
to render any assistance towards building and repairing said
Bridges ; Thereby, in effect, endeavouring to compel the town
of Allenstown to Build and keep in repair all the Bridges
across Suncook River, which we conceive to be very unreason-
able and unjust, considering the fewness of the Inhabitants and
the expence of making and repairing their other Roads and
Bridges — And being informed that the Inhabitants of Allens-
town are about petitioning your Honors to have that part of
Pembroke afores^ which was formerly Allenstown, Reannexed
to Allenstown for the purpose of enabling them to build and
Repair the Bridges over said river your petitioners therefore
humbly pray your Honors that the aforesaid petition of the In-
habitants of Allenstown may be granted, that they and the
public may no longer suffer for the want of safe and convenient
PEMBROKE. 1 73
Bridges over said River And as in duty bound They will ever
pray—
Pembroke June 4**^ 1798 —
John Cochran Samuel Martin
Daniel Cochran Thomas Robinson
James Cochran Junr
[John Cochran and James Cochran, Jr., subsequently re-
canted. See vol. 8, p. 260, manuscript. — Ed.]
C8-258]
Length of the Roads in Allenstown claimed by Pembrok<
M. Rods.
From Epsom line, by Capt Whitehouse's to the main
Road—
From Whitehouse's to Osgood's Mills
Dudley's Road —
Hardy's Road
Tv»ro Short Bridges-
Length of the several Roads in Allenstown —
Main Road from Deerfield to Buck street Bridge
Road from the to Candia —
Road from Bcnj* Wiggins' to Epsom line —
Road from the Schoolhouse to Epsom line —
Road from Sam^ Brown's in Epsom to the main
Road-
Road from Chester Road by M' Leonards and over
Boat meadow Brook to the main Road —
Road from the main Road to Mount Delight —
Road from Osgood's mills to Chester line —
3-
0.
60
0.
100
I.
00
4-
260
3-
206
2.
000
I.
000
4-
000
0.
240
200
16. 306
From Chester road to Bow line — 112
Length of Bridges — i. 98
Miles 17. 98
Feet.
Over Bear-Brook by Burgen's Mill — 115
Fisk's Bridge — 90
On the Road to Candia — 80
On the Road to Sam** Brown's — no
On the Road leading to Mount Delight — 50
On the Road leading by Leonards — 144
Feet— 589
174 EARLY TOWN PAPERS.
Am* of highway tax in Allenstown in 1798 $i3a29,7
Sum total of rateable Estate £69. 10,7. —
[See introduction, page 153. — Ed.]
PETERBOROUGH.
The grant of the township was made by the legislature
of Massachusetts to Samuel Hey ward and others, Dec. 8,
1737, approved by Gov. Belcher Jan. 16, 1738, and surveyed
in May following. The survey was accepted and the grant
confirmed June 14, 1738. Proprietors' meetings were held
in Boston until 1753. On the 26th and 27th of September
in that year a meeting was held in the town, at which time
the name Peterborough first appears on the proprietors*
records. It is probable that it was named in honor of
Charles Mordaunt, Earl of Peterborough. No permanent
settlements were made in this town until about the year
1749, although several attempts had previously been made,
and some land cleared.
The settlement of the province line in 1741 decided the
town to be within the limits of New Hampshire. Being
within the limits of the Masonian proprietors' claim, a set-
tlement with them became necessary, and means were used
which resulted in procuring a quitclaim to all the territory
in town but 3,400 acres.
Peterborough was incorporated Jan. 17, 1760, '* to have
continuance for two years only;" it was, however, re-
chartered in April, 1762, to continue until disallowed by
the king.
Jan. 29, 1789, a small tract of land was severed from the
south-east corner of the town, and annexed to Temple.
A nearly full list of Revolutionary soldiers may be found
in the History of Peterborough, by Dr. A. Smith. I find,
credited to the town, in addition to that list, James Moor,
entered Feb. 15, 1777, dismissed December, 1781, First
N. H. regiment. Lieut. John Taggart was in Capt. Isaac
Farweirs company at Bunker Hill, and was killed at Ticon-
deroga July 7, 1777. It will also be seen from the following
papers that Daniel Russell claimed to be of Peterborough
in 1780.
A portion of this town was taken ofE^and with other
PETERBOROUGH. 175
tracts incorporated into the town of Greenfield June 15,
1791.
Peterborough is a manufacturing town, and because of
its water-power is a prosperous community.
[8-210] \^Petition for help to build a JFort."]
To his Excellency Binning Wentworth Esq' Capt. Gen* &
Govern' In chief in and over his Maj' Province of New
Hampshire, and to the Hon* his Maj* council & house of
Representatives : assembled att Portsmouth.
The humble address & Petition, of the Inhabitants of Peter-
borough so called
Humbly sheweth
That by the Providence of God, we are Settled under yo'
happy Government, & propose to take Sanctuary under yo'
Protection, & to do our utmost in Subjecting our Selves to your
authority, upon every emergency ; and account that we have
Just reason so to do, from your Care & Clemency to other new
Settlement* ; and Considering the present dangerous situation of
Afiairs, we have been useing some means for our Safety &
Defence against the Heathen, in raising one Considerable Gar-
rison, in the South part of the Town, of pretty Large Dimen-
sions, with Square Logs, Twelve Inches thick, as the bearer can
more fully Informe. And we design to raise another more
Large & nearer the Center Contiguous to our Meeting house,
where it will best suite, that will accomodate the most of the
Inhabitants : but this we fier to undertake of our Selves upon
the accomp* of the great Expence it will amount to, we having
laid out we may Say, all our Substance in Improving our Land
for bread, com & Hay, to this purpose we have both Dedicated
our time & money. So that we Stand in need of help to build
& Erect this Intended ffort as well as assistance to Defend it
when thus built, and both with yo' Excellency & Hon" Con-
currence & assistance : fibr if we Should break up that are
Barriers to the Towns below us, that is Dunstable & Townend,
they should be as much Expos'd as we now are, so that it
would be their safety as well as our own if we be Encourag'd
to continue.
May it therefore Please Yo' Excellency & Hon'* to Consider
the Premises, & think what a ruining thing it would be to yo'
Petitioners if our time strength & substance should be lost, &
this valueable Settlem* breake up ; that has been bless'd with
Such Success, as non Such for the time, the Loss would not
176
EARLY TOWN PAPERS,
be made up in Some years, if ever in our time. The preven-
tion of which we Esteem, is in Yo' Excellency & Hon" power ;
not that we would presume to Direct, not being skill'd in Pub-
lick affairs, the good Governmen* that Providence hath Bless'd
us with, you being our Patrons ; But our present necessity &
future fears obliges us to Supplicate for help from you, in whose
power it is to Commiserate such as we fier to be, not that we
are under any Slavish fier, for. if we obtain our necessitous
Demands, your Countenance & aid, we resolve to Continue
here & by the Divine assistance acquit our Selves in the cause
of our lives & Interest like men while life is granted : now not
only Confiding, but Depending on yo' Excellency & Hon"
Compliance to our necessitous request, Yo' Petitioners as in
duty bound shall ever Pray.
Harvey
Hugh Willson
Thomas Morison
Jonath" Morison
John Swan
John Swan Ju'
William wallas
Jeremah Swan
John Smith
Samuel Wallas
Thomas Davison
John Davison
William Smith
William mCay
John Graham
John Stuard
Charles mCay
David wallas
Will" mitchell
Isaac mitchell
Will" Nay
Joseph Caldwell
John Taggart
James mitchell
Samuel Stinson
James Stinson
Hugh gregg
Thomas Bogle
Joseph Bogle
John Farguson
William Richey
Gustavus Swan
[8-212] [^Petition of yohn Sullivan relative to Rev. John
Morrison : addressed to the Governor and Council, "^
Humbly Shews That at the present Session of the General
Court a Petition was Drawn up by your memorialist at the re-
quest of Said Inhabitants and aflerward Signed by a majority
of them, Setting forth that m' John Morison was Some years
Since ordained to the work of the Ministry in Said Town <fe
that Since his ordination he had been guilty various Times of
profane Swearing Drunkenness & other Lew* wicked & Disor-
derly practices Quite unbecoming the Christian & Especially the
ministerial Character & praying that they might be Set at Lib-
erty to ordain & Support another minister & be Exempted
from paying Towards the Support & maintainance of a minis-
ter whose Life & conversation was a Scandal to the profession
— which petition being preferred a hearing was granted by the
Honourable House of Representatives for trying and Deter-
mining the Same on the third Day of the Sitting of the General
Court after the fifteenth Day of January next & being Sent up
PETERBOROUGH. 1/7
to the Honourable Board for Concurrence was Dismissed upon
a Supposition (as your memorialist was Informed) That it was
a matter more proper for the Spiritual Courts — But your me-
morialist Humbly apprehends that if the fact had been more
fully Stated & understood your Excellency & Honours would
have thought Quite Differently of the matter : for the aforesaid
Inhabitants did at first prefer a Petition to a Certain Presbitery
for Removing the said Morrison & a Committee from the Pres-
bitery was appointed for hearing the matter who after the liear-
ing Restored him to his former Standing after a Suspension of
Ten Sabbaths by w^ay of penance for the following Crimes
ivhich they Acknowledged they found him guilty of as appears
by a Copy of their proceedings herewith exhibited — viz Brstly
Intemperance at Col® Hollands, 2dly Intemperance at the
House of John Taggart. 3dly profane Swearing in all of which
the Committee were unanimous that he was guilty. 4thly pro-
fane Swearing proved by one witness. 5thly Immodest Deport-
ment at John Taggarts Evident by his own Confession. 6thly
Immodest behaviour to Elizabeth Miller proved by one Wit-
ness, ythly Immodest & obscene Discourse proved by one
Witness. Sthly Immo<iest Conversation & Deportment proved
to the Satisfaction of the whole Committee : Now your Memo-
rialist humbly apprehends that Either of those Charges which
the Committee Acknowledged were fully proved would alone
have been Sufficient Cause for Deprivation by the Canon Law
as appears by woods Institute 41. 3^ Institute 204. 2^ Roll:
Abridgement 222. 6th Report 14: nth Report 49 & 98 Ho-
barts Reports 243 & many other Authorities in point but this
Committee Notwithstanding the Law was So Express Restored
him to his former Standing and the Inhabitants can have no
Redress but from the Legislative Authority of the Government
-whose province alone it is to Redress So Intollerable a Griev-
ance & no other power Either Civil or Ecclesiastical in this
Government can Dissolve the Contract between a Minister &
his people — And Surely your Excellency and Honours must
be Sensible That Though a Presbitery may Restore a Minister
To his Standing yet they can by no means Reconcile the minds
of a people to a profane Drunken & Debauched Minister nor
Can they look upon themselves as Injoying their Religious Lib-
erties while they are Compellable To Support Such a person
in the Ministry nor while they are oblidged to Rest Easy with
the Judgment & Determination of a Spiritual Committee whose
Judgment was Directly against the first principles of that Law
by which they pretended to Act. wherefore Inasmuch as the
Said Inhabitants are thus aggrieved & having no remedy but
from the General Court your memorialist in behalf of Said Pe-
titioners Humbly prays that a hearing may be granted on the
14
1/8 EARLY TOWN PAPERS.
former Petitions & then your Excellency & Honours will un-
doubtedly be Convinced that the Said Petitioners have been
S'eatly aggrieved as well at the Determination of the Said
ommittee as at the Conduct of the Said Morrison which is
the only Reason of their Troubling your Excellency & Honours
with this matter, from which grievance if your Excellency &
Honours in your great Clemency & goodness will please to
grant them relief by Reconsidering that vote for Dismissing the
former Petition, & granting them a Day for hearing thereon
the Said Petitioners will Ever Pray
December 19th 1771
Jn* Sullivan in behalf of & attorney to Said
Petitioners
[Mr. Morryson relinquished his connection with the so-
ciety in March, 1772. — Ed.]
[8-214]
Extracts from the Minutes of the Rev* Presby^ of Boston met
at Petersburgh June 18**^ 1771
Committee Members present
Ministers Mess" David M*Gregore John Huston J Will-
iams
Elders Mess" Sam* Fisher — D Moor — Sam* Morrison
Thursd^ June 20*** Met according to adjournment
Memb" as above — opened with Prayer
The Committee proceeded respecting the Articles of Charge-
& after a solemn & serious Examination of the Evidences do
give their Judgment as followeth
1 Charge Intemperance — At Stephen Hollands Esqr Unani-
mously agreed that M' Morrison is found guilty of this charge
2 Charge Intemperance at John Taggarts of Petersburgh
unanimously agreed though this Article is not so highly aggra-
vated as the first charge yet the committee find him guilty of
Intemperance
3* Charge Profane swearing the committee are unanimously
agreed that this charge is also sufficiently proved
4 Charge Profane swearing In this Charge a Single evi-
dence appeard and for the Reasons offered the committee saw
fit to indulge the evidence not to swear
5 Charge Buying a poor mans vote Tho there was some
inexpediency yet nothing unlawful and consequently nothings
censurable
6th Charge Immodest conversation and Deportment
PETERBOROUGH. 1/9
1** Article respecting Agnes Mitchel not proved
2 Instance of immodest Deportment at John Taggarts July
1770 evident by his own confession
3' Article of Immodest Behaviour in respect of Elisabeth
Miller her testimony being Single It is the Judgement of the
Committee the two last instances would amount to a full proof
of the Charge but as they are Supported only by one witness
the Evidence come short of Judicial proof
4**^ Upon the fourth Article of Charge the two Evidences to
'witt Stone & Wilson being sworn declared nothing that
amounted to the shadow of a proof —
5 — ^That supposing M' Morrison told the story as the Evi-
dence upon oath declared the Committee are Unanimous that
considering Circumstances it was unbecoming ministerial grav-
ity but as it is supported only by one Evidence not sufficiently
proved —
6— Upon this Article from the Character of William Gil-
chrest as well as from his Evidence being wholly unsupported
by any corroborating Circumstances the Committee are Unani-
mous that they can give very little Weight to his Testimony —
7 — ^Upon the seventh Article the Committee thought proper
to sett aside the only Evidence that was produced
8 — Upon the eighth Article the Committee are Unanimous
that the evidences viz John Mitchel and his Wife being sworn
declared nothing to support the Charge —
9 — Unanimously agreed that this Article if made evident is
an instance of immodesty but is not juridically proved —
lo*** Article supported by no Evidence
11"* Article supported by no evidence —
1 2'** Article supported by no evidence
13 & 14*'' Articles supported by no Evidence — John Dicks
not appearing —
15* Article respecting immodest Conversation & Deportment
the Committee unanimouslv find him guilty —
7''" Charge Baptizing a Child contrary to our Constitution —
With regard to Baptising the Child this Committee think that
there is nothing to support the s* Charge —
Upon the Whole it is the Committees Judgment that in a
Number of Articles tho not supported by such Proof as the
Gospel requires yet some of them are attended with such Cir-
cumstances as render the facts very suspicious — they would
therefore in the bowels of Christ earnestly intreat the Rev* M'
Morrison by every consideration that is weighty with impartial
strictness to animadvert on his Conduct not only in the instances
that have been juridically proved but also in those suspected
instances &, as far as he is conscious of Guilt, to endeavour to
humble himself in the dust before a Heart searching & holy
l80 EARLY TOWN PAPERS.
God & to fly speedily to the Blood & righteousness of Jesus
Christ for pardon & cleansing —
And with respect to the agrieved the Committee would be
free to advise them with like earnestness as it is a very critical
Time in Peterburgh to take heed to their spirits & while they
are justly offended at their Ministers Crimes to beware of a
spirit of Bitterness or personal hatred'
The Presbytery further unanimously Voted on a Complex
View of the whole case that M' Morrison be suspended for Ten
sabbaths from his Ministerial Work or from all acts of Office
that He appear at the end of the s' Ten sabbaths before the
Presly The time & place of the' meeting of which is to be duly
notify'd to Him and likewise to the People that both He & the
People by Commissioners it is expected shall appear before s^
session of Presb^ who will then proceed with M' Morrison re-
proving him or otherwise as matters shall then appear to them —
Further that this committee shall use their best endeavours with
the next session of this Presb' to meet at Oakham the Week
after next that the Pulpit of Petersburgh be supplied as much
as they possibly can during the time of this suspension without
any additional Charge to the s* People —
Simon Williams Presb^ Clerk —
a true Copy
[8-213] ^Actton of Presbytery^ August^ ^77^'^
Voted — that M' Morrison be restored to full standing with
this Presb^
Voted — that M' Morrison be restored to the exercise of his
Ministry in Petersburgh
Voted unanimously — ^that the Rev* M' M®Gregore be ap-
pointed to write a Letter to the People of Petersburgh suited to
their Particular Circumstances & in particular recommending
to them a punctual Attendance on the stated Administration in
their own Parish
S Williams Presb^ Clerk
dated August 29*** 1771
a true Copy
[8-215 is another long document by John Sullivan, rela-
tive to the matter, dated December 30, 1771. — Ed.]
L
PETERBOROUGH. l8l
[8-216] [^Petition of William Scott relative to Bounties:
addressed to the General Assembly^ ^777 •^
Humbly Sheweth. —
That whereas your Petitioner is appointed by his Excellency
General Washington to raise a Company in a Reg' of Rangers,
of which Col* Guest of Virginia is Commander and your Peti-
tioner not being allowed by Orders to give more than the Con-
tinental Bounty, when other Soldiers in this State are intitled
to Twenty pounds over and above that which greatly retards the
Progress of Inlisting.
Therefore your Petitioner humbly beggs your Honors to take
this Matter under Consideration and give me an equal Chance
with other Officers in the State by granting the Same Bounty
to Rangers, as given to the Soldiers inlisting in the Service of
this State : and your Petitioner as in Duty bound Shall ever
pray.
Will™ Scott
Peterborough March 8*** 1777
[8-219] [Relative to the Town^s ^uota of Soldiers ^ ^779 >]
To The Hon^ Committee of Safety for the State of New
Hampshire
May it Please Your Hon"* —
Whereas by Resolution of Congress Dated the 15*** of March
AD 1779. Ordering returnes to be made of all Officers & Sol-
diers inlisted into the 16 Additional Battalions, and whereas
this Town hath in the Service of the United States, (and inlist-
ed for three Years and During the Warr) Twenty four Men
And Upwards which is Ten More than Our Proportion of the
88 Battalions, Therefore we begg to be Credited for those Men
and Considered in future, so that we may Not At Present be
Obliged to make up the Proportion of Other Towns who are
delinquent —
We are & Shall be Ever ready to furnish our Proportions A
Make Such Allowances to the Men returned for this Town as
Shall be Ordered Or Thought Equitable-
Permit us to Recommend The Bearer Cap* William Scott to
Your Favours, and are Gen* Most Respectfully Your most H*
Serv*
David Steel Cap*
in Behalf of Malitia Off*
Sam' Cunningham
in Behalf of Select Men
Peterborough July 23* '779 —
1 82 EARLY TOWN PAPERS.
[R. 3-1 1 1] \_Relative to Major Robert WilsonJ]
To the Hon^'* Council & Assembly sitting at Exeter for the
State of New Hampshire.
Gentlemen as Major R. Willson was by your authority Call-
ed upon to Join the Militia at Still, Water under the Command
of Gen^ Whipple & not attending .according to order these may
certify to y' Honors that his family was much indisposed at that
time
William Smith J. P.
Peterborough Feb''^ lo*^ 1778
[In R. 3-1 10 Robert Willson stated that he went as soon
as he could leave his family, joined the army, and was with
it at the time of the " Conquest of General Burgoine and his
army." — Ed.]
[R. 3-1 1 2] [^Daniel RusselPs Statement."]
State of New Hampshire
To the Great and Honourable Counsel and House of Repre-
sentatives of s^ State Convened at Portsmouth
The petition of Daniel Russell Humbly sheweth that your
Petitioner was Disabled in the Service of the united states to
earn his support and for his Releaf was enrol'd for Half pay By
the Honorable Court Last June which pay Does not support
him as there has been no act for making up Depreciation to a
pentioner. * • •
Peterborough October the 9**^ 1780
Daniel Russell
[Daniel Russell was on the invalid pension-roll in 1788
and 1789. — Ed.]
[R. 3-1 13] {^Relative to John Half penny.]
Peterborough 17"* February 1783.
This may CertiSe to all to whome it may consern that John
Halfpenny hath not Received any Bounty from the town of Pe-
terborough since' the Contest Began Between Grate Brittan and
America
asserted by William Smith ) Select
Samuel Gregg ) men
PETERBOROUGH. 1 83
£R. 3-1 14] [^Soldiers' Orders,"]
to the Hon"* John Taylor Gilman Esq' Treasurer
Sir please to pay to L' Mathew Walis the whole of the wages
due to me for serving six months in the Melitia of the state of
New hampshire and all other money that is my due and this
shall be your discharge from me
Peterb* October the 29 1784
Amos SpafTord
[Other orders to pay wages to Matthew Wallace were as
follows :
William Darrah, Oct. 9, 1784, Col. Cilley's Reg't.
Randal McAllaster» Oct. 7, 1784, Col. Jackson's Reg't
James Taggart, Dec. 13, 1784,
John Swan, Jan. 22, 1785,
Serg't Samuel Mitchell, Jan. 13, 1785, Col. Jackson's
Reg't, ordered his to be paid to Josiah Munroe. — Ed.]
f R. 3-1 19] \^Petiiion of John Toung, Soldier, 178s.']
To the General Assembly of the State of New Hampshire
The Petition of John Young of Peterborough
Shews That your Petitioner Serv* a Campaign at Rhodeiland
in the Regm* Commanded by Lieu* Col* Peabody as Surgeon in
the year 1778 and your Petitioner being informed the Gen^ as-
sembly have made allowance to officers in that Regiment of
Depreciation and Interest of their pay he therefore Prays that
An allowance may be made to him for the same according to
the Capacity in which he serv'
Dated at Peterborough Aug* 20* 1785
John Young
[8-220] [^Beiurn of Ratable Polls, 178J.']
State of New Hampshire Hillsborough ss
In Obediance to a precept directed to us the Subscribers Se-
lectmen for the town of Peterborough for A D 1783 Directing
us to make a return to the generl Assembly at their next Ses-
sion the N** Polls of 21 years and upwards paying poll taxes by
themselves viz male polls in the town aforesaid do make return
184 EARLY TOWN PAPERS.
of 133 as aforesaid as witness our hands Peterborough Decem-
ber 9th day Anno Domini 1783
John Young ) c i *.
l>homas Stewart J Selectmen
[Sworn to before William Smith, Justice of the Peace. —
Ed.]
[8-221] \^Relaiive to John Morrison^ etc.y lySj."]
State of New Hampshire.
Peterborough May 14***, 1783.
To the Hon"* General Court of New Hampshire, to be holden
at Concord, the tenth Day of June 1783.
We the Subscribers petition your Honours, that you would
grant John Mitchel Esq' of Charlestown South Carolina, and
M' Isaac Mitchel of the aforesaid Peterborough, a fair and Ju-
dicious Trial, in an old Action, that has long precided between
them and John Morrison, who was formerly a Minister in said
Peterborough, and who by the latest Account we had of him^
was a Captain of the British Forage at South Carolina, And We
your Petitioners as in Duty bound will ever pray &c
Kalso Gray Benj* Mitchel William Swan
Andrew Baley Thomas Turner Sam* Mitchel
John Swan Robert Morrison Isaiah Taylor
William Houston Adams Grag Abel Parker
Samuel Gordon William M*Nee Robert Gray
Samuel Houston William Robbe J^^" Morrison
Matthew Gray Nathaniel Whitte- Robert Smith jun*"
David Steel more Thomas Smith
Jn** Gray William Robbe jun' Thomas Davinson
John Morrison Jn** White John Taggart
Matthew Templeton James Cunningham W" M^Nee jun'
Samuel Treadwell John White James Miller
Thomas M'Clurg W™ White Rob* Holms
Charles White Robert Willson
James Taggart Samuel Miller
[8-222] [Petiiton of the Selectmen relative to yohn Afor-
rison^ Deserter: addressed to the General Courts ^7^3 -^
We the subscribers Petition your Honours would take Notice
of John morrison Who was formerly a minister in the Town of
Peterborough in this State Who in the year 1775 Enlisted ia
PETERBOROUGH. 1 8$
the American Service as a Common Soldier And Deserted fron>
there to the British army Where we was Enform^ that he Did
us much harm, and he was Returnd Only as an absentee and
not as an Enemy and we Your Humble Petitioners Begs that
Your honours Would Consider him as an Enemy and have him
Return* Acording to Law and that his Estate may Be converted
to the Same Use as the Rest of our Enemies have Been
And We your Petitioners Begs that Your Honours Would
Grant A fair and Judicious trial Between John Mitchel Esq of
Charleston South Carolina and Mr Isaac Mitchel of Peterbor-
ough in this State in an old action that has Long Persided Be-
tween them and the aforesaid John Morrison Who By the ac-
ount we have of him is now in the British Service and in So
Doing your Petitioners Shall as in Duty Bound Ever Pray —
Dated at Peterborough in the State of New hampshire May
the 14*^ 1783
Alexander Robbe ) o 1 *-«
Th» Steuart } Selectmen
[8-223] \^Petttion of the Selectmen relative to setting off"
the east part of the Town: addressed to the General
Assembly.']
Humbly sheweth,
that some time since they have been serv'd with aCoppy of a Pe-
tition Signed by some of the Inhabitants of Lyndborough pray-
ing that a Piece of land about one Mile wide may be taken off
the east side of said Peterborough & annexed to some land in
Lyndborough & be made a Parish as in Said Petition is Set
forth against which your Petitioners begs leave to remonstrate
& Shew that such a diminution of Peterborough will greatly
injure it. As the Town is only Six Miles square & a large
Meeting House built near the Center of the Town to accommo*
date the Inhabitants as well the East side as the West & to take
off such a Valuable piece as the Petition pray'd will not fail to
destroy our Center & Create much discontent & uneasiness with
the inhabitants in the West part of the Town Who will think it
hard to pay & travel in such an unequal manner as the must
should this Petition take place. Our Member in the Gen* Court
will prefer this our request who will be able further to show to
your Hon" that the prayer of the said Petition is unreasonable
& will be very injurious if the same should be granted And we
think cannot Serve them For they must a long time be a Small
Parish & altho they may hold up that it is that they may have
the Gospel Preached among them it must appear that their real
1 86 EARLY TOWN PAPERS.
<]e8ire is to pay no Ministereal Rates at all however they may
pretend otherwise. We rely on your Honors Justice and rest
assured that no alteration will be made in Consequence of said
petition And we as in duty bound shall ever pray —
Peterborough 14*** Octob' 1784 —
Jn« young
Charles Stuart > Selectmen
Tho" Steuart
I
[See Lyndeborough papers, Vol. XII. — Ed.]
£8-226] \^Relative to setting- off' the east part of the Town."]
at a meeting held at Petersborrough on the 20*** of Sepf 1784
then Voted — ^to oppose the Petition lately prefer'd to the Gen-
erall assembly of this State by a Number of Inhabtants in Lynd-
borro Praying for a Part of retersb** to be taken off and Added
to a part of Lyndborrough to make a Parrish as in the S* Peti-
tion is mentioned — and that the Select" of Said Town remon-
strate against the Said Petition and that M' Mathew Wallace
Prefer the Same and use his Interest that the Prayer of Said Pe-
tition may not be Granted —
a True Coppy of the Vote Att' Sam^ Cunningham
Clerk
^[8-2 27] [^Petition relative to setting' off the east part of the
Town : addressed to the General Assembly. "]
Humbly Sheweth that a Number of the inhabitants of Lynd-
borough and Lyndborough Strip (So called) petitioned your
Excellency and Hon's that they with a part of Peterborough and
•Society land might be Sett off as a Parish in Consequence of
Said petition your Excellency and hon's was pleased to ap-
point a Committee to view the Situation of the Several towns
and the tracts of land with the inhabitants thereof So petitioned
for that your Excellency and hon's upon their report might be
able to Judge as to the Justice of Said petition &c according
to Said appointment Said Committee went upon the premises
as we your petitioners have Since heard but without giveing us
your petitioners any previous notice Neither had we any from
Said Committee nor from those persons which requested Said
Committee which we are able to verify therefore we your peti-
tioners by order and in behalf of the Town of Peterborough
pray your Excellency and hon's that no part of Peterborough
PETERBOROUGH. 1 8/
may be Sett off as a meeting house at great Expence is built near
the Center of Said town which at present is Compact and uni*
form and any part thereof being Cutt oflTwill render it entirely
otherwise and will greatly discommode the peace of Said town,
and Setdement your Compliance will greatly oblige your Peti-
tioners and they as in duty bound will ever Fray
Peterborough January 21*** 1785
Alexander Robbe ^
Charles Stuart
John Young
thom* Stuart
Selectmen
[See Lyndeborough papers, Vol. XII. — En.]
£8-224] [^Petition for Authority to tax Non-Resident Lands :
addressed to the Council and House of Representatives, '\
Humbly Sheweth —
That your Petetioners Labour under great Difficulty in the
Support of the Present warr, and Other Town Charges — That
said Charges are very Heavy many Roads and Large Propor-
tion of Bridges to Build & Maintain on the most publick roads
in said Town, That a very Large proportion of their Able
Body'd men have Inlisted, and Volentary gone into the Service
for the Defence of American Liberty, That your Petetioners
Labour under great Difficulty in geting Labourers being Ex-
treem Scarce to be got besides the Extraordinary Wages, which
many of your Petetioners are Obliged to pay That the Clearing
& Cultivating their new Lands is much Retarded by reason of
the Heavy part of the Publeck Charge that the}' are Obliged to
Bear For Their Mutual easement Your Petetioners Humbly
pray Your Honours that the None Resedented Lands in said
Town of Peterb* may be Taxed (for a Longer or Shorter Term
as your Honnours may think best) that the Owners of Said Lands
may bear a part of the Publick Expence (in Defending them
from the Usurpation of Great Brittain) as said Lands Lye Un-
improved, & not in any Manner Cultivated & the Proprietors
Holding Said Lands at so High a price that it Discourages Ad-
ventures from purchasing & Settling them which we Apprehend
to be Unjust, Therefore your petioners pray your Honours to
Cause the Select Men of Said Town to be Vested with & have
full power & Lawfull Authority to Assess & Rate the Owners
of Said None Resedented Lands and Cause the Said Lands to
be Subject to the payment of the Tax that your Honours may
think Equitable & Just — And whereas the Late Incorporation
i88
EARLY TOWN PAPERS.
of Said Town of Peterborough By His Late Excell*^ Benning
Wentworth Esq' Did Cause your petetioners to Hold their an-
nual Meeting on the first Tuesday of January and your petetion-
ers Think the Holding of Said Annual Meeting is to great Dis-
advantage to your Petet" Therefore Your Petetioners pray your
Honours to Alter the Time for Holding Said Annual Meet' to
some day .in the Month of March as your Honours Shall think
best — And Your Petetioners as in Duty Bound will Ever Pray
William miller
James miller
Joseph Ham mill
Neal Hammill
John Willson
Hugh Willson
James Willson
Samuel willson
John miller
James Templeton
Matthew Templeton
Willam Spear
Jn» Mitchel
David Ames
Will" Moor
Sam** Hogg
William Scott
Thomas Cunning-
ham
W^illiam M^Nee
Sam* Mitchel
William Smith
David Steel
Sam* Cunningham
William Robbe
John Gragg Jun'
James Cunningham
Robert Willson
Alexander Robbe
Joth* Blanchard
John Gregg
Sam** Gregg
James Taggert
Abraham Holms
John Young
[8-229] \^Petition of the Selectmen relative to a School: ad*
dressed to the General Courts ij88.'\
Humbly sheweth. —
That the said Town of Peterborough have ever discovered an
inclination to promote the education of youth and for this pur-
pose have every year raised a large sum of money which has
been always appropriated for that purpose — That these Schools
have generally been kept by persons well qualified for the in-
struction of youth & frequently by persons of a liberal education
But that it has been thought most convenient in times past
that three or four schools should be kept during certain Seasons
of the year and of course there have been times when no School
has been kept — That in Sep' 17S7 a Bill was found against
your petitioners for one months neglect of keeping such a Gram-
mar School as the laws now in force require — your petitioners
upon Shewing all the Circumstances at the Court of General
Sessions of the peace for the County of Hillsborough humbly
hoped that the fine of ten pounds for such offences might be
dispensed with and that the prosecution might be discontinued
with your petitioners paying Costs — And the said Justices have
continued the said Indictment for consideration
Your petitioners therefore humbly pray that your Honours
would be pleased to order that the said Indictment be no fur-
PETERBOROUGH. 1 89
ther prosecuted if no Judg* is yet rendered thereon and if ren-
dered that the said fine may be remitted —
Jeremiah Smith in behalf of the
Select men of Peterborough
[The prayer of the petition was granted June 13, 1788. —
Ed.]
[8-230] [Petition of Sarson Belcher^ of Boston^ relative to
some lots of Land: addressed to the General Court J\
Humbly shews Sarson Belcher of Boston in the Common-
wealth of Massachusetts Esquire that in June 1738 a Grant of
the township of Peterborough in said State was made to certain
persons by name by the then General Court of Massachusetts
And that the proprietors of Mason's patent in 1748 released to
said Grantees their right to said Township So that the said
Grantees acquired as they supposed a complete title to said
Township — that the said Grantees or proprietors of said Town-
ship purchased a Book for recording their proceedings, in
which the same were from time to time entered And likewise
the Copies of the proceedings of the General Court of Massa-
chusetts relative to the first granting said Township — most of
which are attested by the proper Officers tho* the same at this
period of time is difficult to be proved by reason of the Records
of Massachusetts from the year 1737 to the year 1746 being con-
sumed by fire whereby Authenticated Copies cannot be ob-
tained And the Copy of the Order for calling the first Proprie-
tor's meeting is not attested by any Person & the Warrants or
Notifications are not upon record — that your Petitioner by Pur-
chase from the said Grantees has a good title to two lots in said
Township namely Lots Number 40 & 102 but by reason of the
foregoing defects in the said Proprietor's Book your Petitioner
cannot trace or establish his title thereto with that Precision
which the Law requires in Case of disputes And no remedy
can be had but from the Legislature of New Hampshire —
Your Petitioner therefore humbly prays your Honours that
you would establish by law the proceedings & records of said
Proprietors in their Book recorded so far as they respect lots
Number forty & One hundred & two in said Township And
that the said Book notwithstanding any defects therein may be
legal & sufficient evidence in Case of any dispute relative to the
said lots —
And as in duty bound your Petitioner will ever pray —
Jeremiah Smith Atty to the said
Sarson Belcher
Charlestown Sep* 27*** 1787
IQO EARLY TOWN PAPERS.
[In H. of Rep., Sept. 27, 1787, the matter came up, and
was postponed to the next session. — Ed.]
[8-231] [^Petition of sundry Inhabitants of Peterborough to
be set off: addressed to the Senate and House of Repre-
sentatives ^^ 17QO.2
Humbly sheweth, that your petitioners are at such a great
Distance from the Meeting house in said Peterborough and great
part of the road very Rough ; that they cannot attend the pub-
lic worship without very great inconveniency and difficulty —
and provided Your honnours shall see fit to grant the prayer of
a Number of the Inhabitants of Lynde borough, the Inhabitants
of Lyndeborough Gore, and a part of the Inhabitants of the So-
ciety— (whose prayer is now before your Honours for an incor-
poration into a Town) we think if we might be annexed with
them we should be much better accommodated, without any
considerable damage to the Town of Peterborough — wherefore
we pray Your Honours that we may be incorporated with the
above mentioned Petitioners ag^eable to the boundaries set forth
in the petition of the Inhabitants of the west part of Lyndebo^
and as in duty bound your petitioners will ever pray
Peterborough May 26"* 1 790
Ton' Ballard
Isaac Foster
Nehemiah Holt
Charls Cowal
The following live within the limits Petitioned for, but have
not signed on either side.
Nath^ Batcheldor Phineas Lund Hugh M'Adams
Simon Law Ezra Dutton Benjamin Burrows
William Holt Jun' William Thompson Thomas Pringel
Noah Lawrance John Thompson
Widow Balch William M^'Adams
[See Lyndeborough papers, Vol. XII, p. 528. — Ed.]
PIERMONT.
The township was granted, Nov. 6, 1764, to the Hon.
John Temple and others, in sixty-three shares. Of the
PIBRMONT. I9K
grantees twelve bore the title of "Honorable," nine had
military titles, and twenty-eight that of ** Esquire."
Settlements were made, about the year 1768, by Daniel
Tyler, Levi Root, and Ebenezer White. (See " Historical
Sketches," by Rev. Grant Powers.) David Tyler, with his
wife and son Jonathan, moved there from Lebanon, Conn.,,
the same year, and settled.
By the return of the selectmen in 1775 it appears that the
population numbered 168, of whom fifteen were in the army.
For settlement of the town boundaries, see Vol. XI, p. 730;
By an act passed Jan. 15, 1787, Thomas Clark, Daniel'
Clark, Jonathan Herbert, and Asa Boynton, with their
estates, were severed from Piermont and annexed to Went-^
worth. The same territory was severed from Wentworth
and annexed to Piermont, July i, 18 19.
C9-0
These notify the Proprietors or Grantees of the Township of
Piermont in the Province that ye Day appointed by the Charter
for the first meeting of the Proprietors is on the 24*** Day of this
Instant Tan'^ and the Place appointed there for is the Court
House m Portsm® at three o Clock in the Afternoon When &
where it is proposed to Choose all Proper ofllicers for Said
Township & to agree upon & Vote a method for Laying out the
S* Land in Lotts &** & to Vote Some method for raising money
therefor & to do any other thing authorized by Charter to be
done for the Benefit of S* Propriety —
In Pursuance of the authority in the Said Charter Granted —
Portsm* Jan^ 18*** 1765—
[See Vol. VII, p. 56.— Ed.]
[9-2] [ Committee appointed to obtain Arms and Ammuni^
tton^ lyjO."]
To Cap* Jonathan Chandler one of the Selectmen of y* town
of Piermont In Grafton County In the Colony of Newhamp-
shire, Whereas You are this Day Chosen and Appointed an
Agent to wait upon the General Assembly of this Colony Now
Sitting at Exeter in S** Colony, in order to lay Before the As-
sembly the Distressed State of S* Town in regard to y* Advice
received yesterday from Canada, viz that y* Continental forces
were Drove from their posts By the Kings troops, as far as to
192 EARLY TOWN PAPERS,
S* Johns, and Supposed that our forces would not be Able to
Maintain that place many Days, and upon that place Being
Evacuated by our forces, We must Very Soon Expect to feel
the fatal Consequence of y* Incursion of our Northern Enemies
with y* Kings troops, and as our Circumstances on Account of
Arms & Ammunition render us unable for to make any Defence
against them ; these are therefore to Direct and order You to
Supplicate the Assembly to Interpose in our Behalf in this
time of Danger and Distress, In Affording to us a Competency
of fire arms and Ammunition Equal to our present Need, as at
present we are unable to raise Money In any measure propor-
tionable to y* Expence, Shewing the Assembly the Importance
of Maintaining this part of y* Country from falling into the
hands of the Enemy, as it is an open Door into the whole
Country and of Necessity is a matter of y* last Consequence to
y* Adjacent Colonies, You will also Inform the Hon^'* Assem-
bly that Whatever of y* Arms is retained by any person Shall
be paid for, and also what of y* Ammunition is retain*' Besides
what is made use of in our Defence Shall be Accounted for by
S* Town ; You will also Shew the Assembly the absolute need
of A Considerable force Being Sent into these parts to With-
stand the force of y* Enemy if our forces are Obliged to resign
y* Fort at S* Johns into the Enemys hands ; You are also here-
by Impowered by us the Subscribers to Give Such Security as
Shall be required of You for Such arms and Ammunition in
Behalf of y* town of Piermont, holding for firm what by You
Shall be So done in the above written Affair.
As by order of us
Dated Piermont
June 26* A : D : 1776 —
bhn Patterson ") Select men
bhn Weed >■ for the town
oseph Webb ) of Piermont
[The town was granted thirty pounds of powder, July
2, 1776. — Ed.]
[9-6] \^Petition for Abatement of TaxeSj J^Sj,']
To the Hon***' General Assembly of y* State of Newhamp-
shire the Petition of y* Subscribers Select men of the Town of
Piermont in Graflon County Humbly sheweth that although
there hath heretofore Subsisted some Disputes and Difficulties
betwixt the St^te & s^ Town with respect to Jurisdiction as
has been the Case of many Towns in these Parts on the Ncw-
hampshire Grants ; whereby our aflairs are greatly perplexed
and imbarressed ; and many have been the Demands of the
PIERMOMT. 193
State on s* Town for Arrearages of Rates for Years back ; and
neglect of furnishing our Quota of men for y* Continental Army
&c to which the Town, perhaps have not paid that attention
-which they ought to have done ; and being now sensible of
having our affairs settled ; we would represent to your Hon"
that besides our inability (there being not moveable Estate in
s* Town sufficient to satisfy y* present Demands &c) we have
Reason to Suppose that we are wrongfully assessed ; and that
we have to pay a much larger Tax than many other Towns, in
proportion as their List exceeds ours as might easily be made
to appear as likewise that we have not been Creddited for what
monies have been paid by s** Town into y* Treasury, or for our
Quota of Men and y* expences we have been at, during the
late Contest ; which if allowed ; as we think in justice it ought
to be we should not be so much in Arearages as is now sup-
posed ; we have therefore sent as exact an Ace* of the several
Lists of s* Town from y* Year 1779 as we Could get to y* pres-
ent and likewise an ace* of y' Several Expenditures, In the
Defence of the Frontiers In y* late Contest ; in order to be
accepted, praying, that y* matter might be taken into your Con-
sideration ; and make such abatements, and grant such Relief
as in your Wisdom you shall think Just and Right; with which
we perswade ourselves, y* people will cheafuUy Submit; and
your Petitioners ; as in Duty bound shall ever pray.
Piermont Nov' 1783
Jonathan Chandler ")
Hez^ Foord >■ Select Men
Samuel Root j
[^Inventory of Polls and JB states^ 1780 db 1781.']
An Inventory of y* Polls & ratable estate of y* Town of Pier-
mont for years 1780 & 1781.
1780 Z781
No. of Polls ^o 50
No. acres Tillage Land 212 200
No. acres Mowing Land 218 210
No. acres Pasture Land 147 150
No. of Horses & Mares 4 y' old 17 20
No. of Oxen 39 33
No. of Cows 55 60
No. of 3 y' olds o 9
No. of 3 y' olds 9 7
No. of I y' olds 7 24
Sum of total value of buildings and unimproved land belonging
to y* inhabitants •^343 "£508
16
194 EARLY TOWN PAPERS.
value of Non-residents Lands £2984 £2774
List £81.19.0
H.Foord -» ^^^^
Jonathan Chandler >
John Richards y* 2* )
men
[R. 3-1 20] [ Soldier's Order.']
Piermont lo**' February 1786.
Sir Please to pay Major Azariah Webb all the wages due to
me as a soldier in Capt* Websters Comp^^ when keeping guards
at Haverhill & Newbury, & his receipt shall be a full discharge
from your humble ser'
John T. Oilman Esq William Maxfield
£0.11.10
[R. 3-121]
[This document is Silvanus Sawyer's order, same date
and amount. — Ed.]
[9-8] \^Relattve to the TowtCs ^uota of Soldiers.]
Humbly Sheweth the Inhabitants of the Town of Piermont
by their Agent, that the s^ Inhabitants having satisfied and paid
unto Two Several persons a bounty for their Services in the
Continental Army being a part of their Quota of the Continental
Army agreeable to the directions of the then Gener* Court of
this State, which through their inattention have never been re-
turn'd, Wherefore they pray your Honors to Grant them the
favour, through your kind Indulgence, to have Credit for the
said men, on the Extent Issued against the Select men of Said
Town — And your petitioner as in duty Will Ever pray —
Azariah webb
Portsmouth February 10, 1786
[9-9] [^Report of Committee on foregoing.]
The Committee to whom was refer'd the petition of Azariah
Webb Esq' in behalf of the Town of Piermont beg leave to re-
port as their opinion that said Town be Credited for three Con-
tinental Soldiers viz William Lurvey of Warners Reg* David
Ladd & Josiah Blodget both of Whitcombs Corps — the sum of
Sixty pounds each with the interest thereof on Settlement of
PIERMONT. 195
the amount Charged against Said Town ot Piermont for defi-
ciency of Soldiers — and that the Treasurer take Order accord-
ingly—
Fcb^ 25* 1786.
Submitted p' Nattf Peabody for the Committee —
[9-10] \^Sundry Persons to he annexed to WentworthS^
At a legal meeting held in the Town of Wentworth 28*** of
August AD 1786 Voted unanimously that Thomas Clark, Asa
Boynton, Daniel Clark, and Jonathan Herbert, should have
liberty of polling off from Piermont to this Town —
Joseph Cooper ") Select Men
John Akin v of Said
Benj* Cotton ) Wentworth
[See introduction. — Ed.]
[9-1 1 ] \_Soldter's Certificate.']
febuary 23 : 1786
this may Sartify that I have Recvd of the town of Piermont
twenty Pounds as a hier to answer for a Soldier for said town
during the war as I never Recvd any hier from any other town
and that I Served During the war as by Return may appear
Josiah Blogget
[9"H] \^Petttion for a Perry ^ i/SS."]
To the Honorable the Senate ; and House of Representatives
in General Court to be convened at Exeter on the 24*** Day
of Instant Dec* the Petition of Parker Stevens —
Humbly shews that, the subscriber an Inhabitant of the Town
of Piermont in the State of Newhampshire liveth in the North-
erly Part of s* Piermont near to Connecticut River, and within
about two Hundred Rods South of the Place where the great
Country Road comes into the River Road — and that there is
frequently occasion of People's passing accross s^ River into
the State of Vermont, when travelling into the western Country
towards the Western part of Vermont as also ; from thence into
this State ; and that there is a convenient place for keeping a
Ferry over s* River near where your Petitioner lives, and that
196 EARLY TOWN PAPERS.
the Chife and great travelling Road, into s** western Parts ; is
nearly opposite, on the other side of tiie river thereto ; and that
there is no Ferry established, where People may pass, without
travelling several miles up or down s* River, and returning
back on y* other side ; about as far ; to get into s* western Road,
&c and that your Petitioner has been requested by many Per-
sons to keep a Ferry ; some where near to the Place afors* and
at a Town meeting on the 15*** Day of instant Dec*" obtained a
vote, of the Inhabitants, (without any opposition ;) for keeping
the same. &c —
Wherefore your Petitioner prays your Honors, to make him
a Grant of a Ferry at:ross said River with the exclusive Privi-
lege extending up s* River ; as far Haverhill Line ; and down
s* River as far as to y* Ferry granted to Col : Azariah Webb of
8* Piermont, not infringing upon s* Grant, in the whole ; con-
taining about y* Distance of two miles —
And your Petitioner as in Duty bound shall ever pray
Piermont Dec' iS*** 1788— Parker Stevens
Isaac Patterson
lathan Chan<
illiam Tarlton )
Jonat
Willi
athan Chandler > Select men
[In H. of Rep.. Jan. 20, 1789, the petition was granted.
—Ed.]
[9-16] [^Petition for Authority to tax Non- Resident Lands ^
The Select Men of Piermont — Humbly Shew, That the sev-
eral public roads, leading thro' said Piermont are very lengthy,
and have been exceedingly expensive to the Inhabitants not
only on that account, but by reason of the peculiarly wet land
thro' which they of necessity pass ; to make and support which
they have under many difKculties for years past, patiently strug-
gled— that tho' they are cheerfully willing to do what belongs
to them in this respect as members of society, yet they feel a re-
luctance to labor for the benefit of the nonresident owners of
land without any compensation or assistance from them ; Your
petitioners therefore humbly pray your Honors that the said
Inhabitants may be reliev'd by being allow'd a tax on the un-
improved lands of the said nonresident owners in said Piermont
of three pence per acre or one penny per acre for the term of
three years for the purpose of making and repairing public
highways and bridges in said Piermont to be assessed and col-
PITTSFIELD. 197
lected in such way as in your wisdom may seem best — And
your petitioners, as in duty bound shall ever pray &c —
Dated Decern' 16, 1789 —
Davenport Phelps ) Selectmen of said
Hezekiah foord j Piermpnt
[The foregoing petition was granted to the extent of one
penny per acre, Jan. 21, 1790. — Ed.]
[9-17] \^Petttion for the Annexation of an Island to the
Towny iyQ4-^
To y* hon"* Senate and house of Representatives of y* State of
Newhampshire —
The Petition of y* subscribers. Select men for the Town of
Fiermont in y* County of Grafton Humbly Sheweth ; that there
is a certain Island in Connecticut River, lying contiguous to
y* Town of s** Fiermont, betwixt s* Town, and y* Town of
Bradford, State of Vermont — and is Numbr* 15 in the Range
of Meadow lots. Drawn to y* Right of Wiseman Clagget, con-
taining about Twelve Acres of good improved land And also a
profitable Ferry, Across s^ River (now occupied by John Mc-
Duffie) within y' limits of said Town —
Which said Island, & Ferry, have never as yet been taken
into y* List of Rateable Estate in s** Piermont, &c —
Your Petitioners, therefore humbly pray y' Hon" to pass an
Act, that y* said Island and Ferry may be Annexed to y' Town
of Piermont, afore* so that they may be taken into y* Invoice of
s* Town, to be taxed according to y* usual method of Taxation,
in this State, or in some other way grant relief, and your Peti-
tioner as in Duty bound shall ever pray &c
Piermont May 28* 1794
Samuel Crook ) Select
Joseph Foord j men
In H. of Rep., June 10, 1794, the foregoing petition was
granted. — Ed.]
PITTSFIELD.
The township was taken from Chichester and incorporated
by its present name, March 27, 1782. John Cram was au-
198 EARLY TOWN PAPERS.
thorized to call the first meeting of the inhabitants to choose
town officers, etc. (See Vol. XI, pp. 357 to 360.)
By an act approved July 3, 1841, school-district No. 6 in
Epsom and a school-district in this town were united and
incorporated into one district by the name of Republican
School-District.
A fire-district was established July i, 1870. The town
lies on Suncook river, and owes its present prosperity
largely to the use of that stream for manufacturing pur-
poses.
[9-18] {^Return of Ratable Polls, 1783. '\
Pittsfield December 29'** Day 1783
Per Suant to us the Subscribers by a Presept from the general
assembly of this State to make an Exact Return of all the male
Pools of twenty one years old and upwards Paying a Pole tax
for them Selves we have Cerfully taken the Exact number and
finde in Said Pittsfield one Hundred and twenty Ratable Pols
Paying a Pool tax — 1 20
Jonathan Perkins \ Select men
James Drake J for Pittsfield
Rockingham Ss Pittsfield the 24 Day of December 1783 then
the above named Jonathan Pirkins and James Drake Personaly
appearing and made Solom oath to the truth of the above ac-
ount by them Subscribed —
before me John Cram Justic Peace
[R. 3-122] \^Eben€zer Bean's Petition^ ^79^*^
To the Honb'le the Senate and house of Representatives of the
State of New Hampshire in General Court convened
Humbly Shews Ebenezer Bean of Pittsfield. That on the nine-
teenth of September 1777 he was unfortunately and grievously
wounded in the foot while fighting in the cause of his Country —
That your petitioner cannot perform the necessary labor for the
gaining of a subsistence for himself and family by reason of his
lameness which is more particularly distressing in the winter
season when his exertions are the more necessary for his fam-
ily's support. • • •
Ebenezer Bean
PLAINFIELD. I99
PLAINFIELD.
The township was granted, August 14, 1761, to Benjamin
Hutchins and fifty-nine others, the most of whom were from
Connecticut. The first proprietors* meeting was held in
Plainfield, in that state, from which this town derived its
name. Settlements were made in 1764, and the town had
a population of 308 in 1775.
By an act passed June 23, 1780, the easterly portion of
this town and the westerly portion of Grantham were united,
and erected into a parish for parochial purposes, by the
name of Meriden. (See Vol. XII, p. 59.) In 1856, July 12,
the Grantham portion of this parish was annexed to Plain-
field. Kimball Union Academy, incorporated June 16,
18 1 3, and endowed with a permanent fund of $40,000 by
Hon. Daniel Kimball, is located in what was the old Meri-
den parish, and is an educational institution of much value
to the state.
[9-32] [Inventory of 1773-']
Province of Newhampshire Cheshire ss. plainfield april 21*^
Anno Dom 1773 —
The Inventory of the Ratable Estate In the town of plainfield
Taken and made out By us the Select men of Sd plainfield
The Whole of the Ratable Estate In plainfield amounts to Sev-
enty five pounds fourteen Shillings Including Sixty one polls
Sum total JE75 : 145 —
Ben Kimball John Stevens
Benjamin Chapman Amos Stafford
[Sworn to before Francis Smith, justice of the peace. — Ed.]
[Capt. RusselVs Return: from Gen, Chase's Papers,"]
A Return of Cap* Russels Company with the Name Annexed-
Plainfield May 3"* 1777 —
Cap Josiah Russel Cor Benj" Cutler Stutely Stafford
S«* Maj John Ste- Cor Timothy Cory Beni» Gallop
vens Drum Benj* Chap- Ziba Robberts
Serg* Dannel Kim- man Rob' Scott
ball fifer Sam^ Farefield
200
EARLY TOWN PAPERS.
James Wilson
Walter Blois
Jo" Parker
Job Cotton
Elexandrew Petterew
Serg* Ebenezer
Jinne
the above Out from y* 3** of may to 20*** June in y* whole 48
Days Cald 45 do No. 14
£nsn Isaac Main Nites Cutler
Ser Thomas West Oliver Addamd
Cor Silas Gates Laben Hall-
Dannel Short Sam^ Williams
the above out from y* 3** of May to 18** June 46 Days Calld 43
Days No. 11
Cor David Gitchel Perla Robberts William Wilson
Littleiield Nash Duthan Kingsbury Joseph Kimball
Jo» Parker Jr
the above in y* Service from y* 3* of may to y* 13** of June 39
Days Calld 40 Days No. 7
Abel Stone Out untill y* 20: of May 17 Days
Josiah Russel out from y* 3* of May to y* 14*** 1 1 Days
\^PlatnJield Men at Saratoga. Ibid p. pj*.]
Lieu* Reuben Jerold Return of the men that march from
Plain6eld to Sallatogue in Col® Chases Regiment In Sep* 26
1777 with their names
Names Dayi in Service
Names Dmy< in
Senrice
Lieut Reuben Jerold
35
Isaac Williams
32
Serg* Elias Gates
32
Wilard Smith
32
Serg* William Cutler
32
Laban Hall
32
Corp^ Nathan Gates
16
Christopher Hall
32
Corp^ Nathaniel Stafford
32
Zadoc Bloss
32
Drumm' Benj" Chapman
32
Rulaf Spalding
7
John Andres
Timothy Vinson
32
Stutley Stafford
7
32
Josiah Rushel
16
James Walker
32
Return of Baggage Horses
Lieu* Reuben Jerold
I Horse 9 days
Rulaf Spaulding
4t 15 *'
William Cutler
" 15 ii
Hezekiah french
it ,^ it
Christopher Hall
tt ,5 it
Job Cotton
tt ,5 tt
Capt Josiah Rushel himself and horse 6 days each
Charles Spaulding dito 2 ** ^^
Abel Stafford
dito 3 '* "
PLAINFIELD.
20 1
Reuben Jerold paid feridges for 21 men and 6 horses going out
a /3 each . 6s :gd
Returning home for feridges for 1 7 men 6 horses 5 : 9
Reuben Jerold paid for Rum dealt out to the above men 5
quarts and i pint £^ : 6 : o
[Gen. Chase's Papers, p. 120.]
A Return of the Quota of Continental men Belonging To
Flainfield in Co^ Jon*** Chases Redgerment
Date
Regt. Enlisted
Cofsillv
Dito"
41
Capt Enl.
under
Farewell
House
K
Eiry Evans
Wilder Willard*
Negro Darock'
Lemuel Dean
Ebcnezer Ginnef
Jon*** How
Laban Hall
Walter Blois
Wills Kimball
John a wis worth
Joseph Kingsbury Bedel
among the Engians or Regelors Prisoner
May 1777
Dito
Time Enl.
for
3 vears
Dito
It
li
May 1778
it
(4
n
(4
Peabody
44
9 months
44
7 months
June
44
May 1776
Josiah Russell Cap*
k4
IS now
[Ibid, p. 136] Cap' Russels Return
A Return of the men of Plainfield in the Continental servis
Wilder Willard Darick a Neg^o Lemuel Dean in Cap* Houses
Comp
Eire Evens in Cap* fairwell Comp
Jese Roberts Ziba Roberts Simeon Short Ephraim Dunlap
Ebenezer Re in Connectticut Servis
M' Hall — with maj' waite
Asa Briggs — in the Bay State
SepL 4, 1777.
[Ibid, p. 96]
Plainfield October y* 26*** 1778
S' these may Inform You that the people appeared to Be In-
animous in the choice of Daniel Kimball for an Ensign in Cap*
Josiah Russells company and suppose he ought to Be Commis-
sioned
these from your Humble Ser* Francis Smith Maj'
To Col® Jonathan Chase
* Belonged in Hartford, enlisted for Plainfield.
t Belonged in New Grantham, enlisted for Plainfield.
202
EARLY TOWN PAPERS.
[Ibid, p. 31] [Petition from Inhabitants of Meriden.'}
To his Honour Jonathan Chase Esq Col* of y* ist Regiment in
the 3* Briggade in the State of Vermont
The Petition of y* Soldiery and Alarm Men of the Parish of
Meriden humbly Sheweth.
That your Petitioners being all ways ready to obey military
orders we with y* more boldness address your Honour on y*
following subject.
That your Petitioners being contiguously situated and desir*
ous as much as in us lies to promote Military skill and dissi-
pline are very desirous to form a Military Company in s^ Parish
which when it is considered that Plainfield being ver}* numer-
ous having upward of one hundred men of the trained band
N. Grantham very small not more than twentv-five and to
make a Company in this Parish makes it respectable and leaves
a large Company in Plainfield we hope that your Honour will
grant us our desire and issue orders accordingly — And your Pe-
titioners as in Duty bound shall ever Pray
Meriden April 30*** 17S1.
Charles Scott
W" Huntington
James Jenne
Eben' fenne
Peter King
Isaac Williams
Timothy Scott
Eben' Brown
Phillip Hopkins
Simeon Adams
Walter Bloss
Abraham Roberts
Sample Gjlkey
Samuel Pool Jur
Caleb Cotton
Tho* Howard
Phillip Spaulding
Alexander runalds
Asa Bates
John Kile
I'hillip Jorden
Wilks Kimball
Ben* Kimball
Am mi Wilson
Squier Wilson
Elijah Gleason
Hodges Cutler
Lathrop Shurtleff
Nathan Park hurst
Oliver Adams
Parley Hughes
Zadok Bloss
Pcrly Roberts
Jesse Roberts
Simeon Pool
John Packard
Nathan Draper
Tob Steven
[abez Shapley
^.phraim Kile
Isaac Rice
Rulaf Spalding
Abel Stevens
John Stevens
Nathan Young
Daniel Kimball
Abel Stafford
Isaac Jenne
Ben. Cory
Jonathan Parkhurst
Joseph Kimball
Samuel Bloss
Thomas Gallup
Ziba Roberts
John Andrews
Eliphalet Adams
Lemuel Cotton
Champion Spalding
David Shapley
Benjamin Gorden
William Kile
Nath^ Sufford
Joseph Spalding
[Ibid, p. 1 14] \^Meriden Company^ ^7^^*^
We the Subscribers Inhabitants of the Parish of Meriden do
Voluntarily form ourselves into a Company of Militia which
PLAINFIELD.
203
Company shall be called and known by the name of y* Meriden
Company And we do pawn our words and Honours that we
will freely and chearfully submit to such officers as y* Major
part shall chuse
Meriden June y^ 25"^ 1781
John Andres
Stiles Muncel
Pcrley Roberts
Thomas Gallop
Oliver Adams
Eliphalet Miner
Be" Bugbee
Elijah Johnson
Simeon Pool
Wi" Huntington
Isaac Williams
Walter Bloss
Sample Gilkey
Phillip Hopkins
Ebe'Clough
Daniel Kimball
Abel Stevens
Lemuel Cotton
Nathan Parkhurst
Jonathan Parkhurst
Jesse Roberts
Nathan Young
Ziba Roberts
Eben' Jenne
Stephen Jinnings
James Jenne
Elijah Gleason
Job Stevens
Asa Bates
Simeon Short
Zadock Bloss
Hogges Cutler
Rulaf Spalding
Be" Jordcn
Nathan Draper
Ebe» Burr
Stephen Sq Pette-
crew
Sam* Fairfield
Isaac Rice
John Stevens 3*
Wi" Kile
Thomas West
John Stevens Jur
Peter King
Be» Cory
Sam' Pool Ju'
Theophilus Howard
Joseph Spalding
Abel Stafford
Eliphalet Adams
Parley Hews
Isaac Jenne
Philip Jorden
Sam* Eglestone
Na*. Stafford
Champion Spalding
Phillip Spalding
Na* Taylor
Robert Scott
Charles Scott
Na* Delano
Peter Bugbee
[Ibid, p. 162J
Plainfield Feb' 27*** 1781.
We whose Names are under Riten Do Volantarily Inlist our
Selves as Privit as Solders In Cap* Nelsons Comp to Escort
and gard on the Fruntteers Near Conne^ River and Ingage to
obey our officers according to the Rule of war till the first Day
of April Next if not sooner discharged as witness our hands
Ephraim Dunlap James Kelsy
Job Williams Steward how
Daniel Kimball
[R. 3-123]
\^Soldzers' Orders •'^
Plainfield, Sept. i** 1784.
Sir Please to pay the bearer the whole of my wages for ser-
vice in Cap* Steven's Company at West Point in 1784
Phillips W
X7.16.4
To the Treasurer of New Hampshire
arren
204 EARLY TOWN PAPERS.
[R. 3-124]
State of New Hampshire Plainfield 24 April 1785
To M"^ Josia Gilman Paymaster General for said state S'.
please to pay the Bearer hereof the wages due to me the sub-
scriber for going into the service of s** state three months and a
half to West Point in Cap* Abel • Stevens Company in Col.
Nichols Regiment in the year 1780 and this order shall be your
Receipt for the same from your Humble Ser't
£8.19. June 14 Eben Joy
[Q-33] \_Sundry Inhabitants relative to Taxes: addressed to
the General Courts ^7^5'^
Humbly shew,
Elisha Read, Andrew Tracy, Jonathan Stevens, Walter Weld,
David Allen Jabez Balding John Osting William Chote, Darius
Spalding Benjamin Jackson Daniel Earl, Benjamin Cole Dan-
iel Cole Moses Weld Daniel Hovey, Benj' Joy Jun' Ebenezer
Sabings Daniel Joy Jesse Heath Moses Brigham Philip Spald-
ing, Chapling Spalding, Gardner Dusting John Dusting Wal-
ter Smith John Spalding Barzilla Spalding James Freeman
Elisha Herick Rosil Minor Benjamin Joy Samuel Read Daniel
Freeman, David Perry Abel Ben it Ebenezer Cole David
Steavens Abel Stone John Cole Daniel Robert Aaron Palmer,
Nathan Andrus Rufus Wheeler Ellas Bingham & Cary all of
Plainfield & Cornish in the County of Cheshire and said State
— That your Petitioners have all removed into said Towns of
Plainfield & Cornish from other States in the Union since the
year 1780 at which time many of them were under Twenty One
years of Age — that your petition" have paid all their taxes in
the several states whence they have removed up to the time of
their Removal — That the Selectmen of s* Plainfield & Cornish
have nevertheless assessed your Petitioners for all the Taxes of
said Towns from the Commencement of the late War to the
present year, thereby compelling them to pay over again Taxes
for the years they had paid for before they came into this State
and obliging Parents to Pay Taxes for their Children ever since
they arrived to the Age of Ten years — That s* Selectmen have
further endeavored to compell those of your Petitioners who
have come of Age since they became Inhabitants of this State
to pay Taxes from the year 1777 when many of them were no
more than ten years old. —
Your Petitioners are ready chearfully to pay all their taxes
from the time they became inhabitants of their respective Towns
and humbly conceive the Conduct of said Selectmen to be fla-
grantly unjust & oppressive and opposed to every principle of
PLAINFIELD. 205
Equity. Wherefore they pray that your honors would be
pleased to take their hard Treatment under your wise Consid-
eration— that you would exempt them from paying Taxes to-
wards the support of a Government, to which at the Time they
ought to have been paid, they did not belong, and which can
serve only to ease those who have refused to pay their Taxes in
season ; or that your honors would take such other Order con-
cerning the Premises as in your wisdom shall seem meet, and
your Petition" as in Duty bound will every pray. &c
John Pickering for Petitioners
[9-35] \^Petition for a Perry: addressed to the General
Courts 1785.1
The petition of Joseph Kimball of Plainfield humbly Sheweth
that Your Petitioner hath been at the Expence of keeping a
ferry across Connecticut River in Plain6eld for upwards of five
Years at y* mouth of water quecher River which ferry hath
been verey expensive to Your petitioner in providing boats to
Serve the publick for which he hath Rec* Little or no benefit,
and expecting that in some future time it may be some profit
wherefore your petitioner humbly prayeth that your Honours
may take his case into your wise Consideration and g^ant to
your petitioner the Exclusive right of a ferry begining at Lebe-
non South Line extending three miles down said River, to him
his heirs and assigns, and Your petitioner as in duty bound shall
ever pray
Joseph Kimbal
[In H. of Rep., Feb. 10, 1786, the foregoing petition was
granted. — Ed.]
[9-36] [ Tax on Gov* WentwortKs Right J\
Plainfield Dec' y« 10"* 1786 This may certify that the State
Tax against Bening Wentworths Right of Land in Plainfield
for y* years 1777, 1778, 1779, and 1780 amounts to three pounds
twelve Shilling and the county tax for y* above Years is three
Shillings & Eight pence
Att Sam" Fairfield Constable
Att David Perry ") Selectmen For
Charles Spalding j Plainfield
206
EARLY TOWN PAPERS.
[9-38] Petition for a Poll Parish^ 1788 : addressed to the
General Court,']
The Petition of the subscribers inhabitants of the Towns
of Cornish and PlainBeld, in the County of Cheshire in said
State, Humbly sheweth that the great diversity of Sentiments,
in matters of Religion, and the faring opinions concerning the
most suitable place for Buildings for Religious worship, ren-
ders it impossible ever to effect such union in either of said
Towns, as to enable them happily to settle and maintain, the
Gospel Ministry amongst them with that harmony which ought
ever to reign in Religious Societies, without a Division of said
Towns into Parishes — and whereas the inhabitants of Different
Sentiments, are so intermixed in their sentiments that Parish
lines would not effect the desired purposes. Your petitioners
therefore pray the General Court, to grant to the subscribers,
with such others as may hereafter be disposed to join with them,
such privelidges and immunities of a Poll Parish as may enable
them to erect and maintain in proper repair a place of Publick
worship and to raise and apply Money for the Support of the
Ministry among them, and with such other privileges as may
be necessary for the well ordering of Parish aflairs, — and as in
Duty bound shall ever pray —
Cornish November the i"* AD 1788-
Thomas Hall
Moody Hall
Abel Johnson
Nath" Huggins
Will" Ripley
James Ripley
Thomas Lewey
Jesse Johnson
David Read
Elisha Read
Sam" Read
Andrew Tracy
John Spaulding
Lrovil Kimball
Elisha Herrick
Reuben Jerald
Josiah Stone
James Ladieii
John Whitten
Will" Lewey
Moses Chase
Nahum Chase
Jonathan Read
Eliphalet Kimball
Jun'
Moses Barrows
Moses Barrows Jun'
Nathan Hains
Daniel Cole
John Bartlet
David Smith
Hezekiah Fitch
Nathan Whiting
Benj" Read
John Lucas
Nath" Bartlet
James Fitch
oamuel Fitch
Joseph Kinyon Jun*"
Simon Blanchard
Samuel Bartlet
James Hunter
Joshua Woodward
Joel Hildreth
Walter Foss
Abel Stone
Samuel Mackres
Abel Stone Jun'
John Cady
Levi Stone
Daniel Freeman
Chester Chapman
Joseph Smith
Jabez Spicer
[In H. of Rep., Nov. 8, 1788, a hearing was ordered for
the next session. — Ed.]
PLAINFIELD. 20/
[9"39] [^jRank of sundry Officers^ 1788.']
Elias Cady first Lieut April y« 27^ 1785, Capt May y* 8"*
17S1 under Vermont
Jeremiah Spencer Capt April y* 27*** 17S5 in this State,
Capt May 8 — 1781 Vermont, Lt 1777 in this State
Joseph Smith Capt April y« 27*** 1785 in this State, first Lt
Sep'y»5**» 1775, in this State,
Jesse Willcocks Cap* April y* 27**^ 1785 in this State i"* L*
Sep' y* 5"* 177s in this State Capt May 8*^ 1781 Vermont
Natlian Young Capt April y* 27*** 1785 in this State, Ensign
May y* 8*** 1781 under Vermont —
Daniel Chase Capt April y* 27*^ 1785 in this State, Second
Lt Sep' 5*^ 1775, first Lt Sep' 19'^ 1775 all of this State
John Cook Capt April y* 27"* 1785 in this State, Ensign May
y* 19*** 1775? Ensg July y* i** 1775 under Massach**
David Perry Capt April y* 27*** 1785 in this State, Second
Lt
May y* i"* 1775, first Lt Dec' y* 2* 1776 under Connecticut
John Qiiimby Capt April y* 27, 1785 in this State
State of Newhamp' Plainfield Jan^ y* i^^ 1788
To his Excellency the President and the Hon^^ the Council —
May it please Your Excellency and Honours I have called
on the Captains of the Several Companies of the fifteenth Regi-
ment of Militia to produce their Credentials in order to asser-
tain their Rank, which is as heretofore mentioned. The reason
of my making a Return in this manner I was adviz'd to it by
Gen' Chase and the other officers, therefore I hope to pardon'd
not makeing a Return in usual form
From Your most Obed* and Very Humble Servt
Joseph Kimbel Maj' C D
[9-40] \_JRelattve to Service in Revolution.']
Humbly sheweth the Petition of Joseph Kimbal in behalf of
the Town of Plainfield that the s* Town was called on for Eight
men for the continental Service in the Year 1777 — which they
furnished and in the Year 1781, said Town was call'd on to
furnish Eight men more of which said Town furnished two
only one of which soon deserted the other served his time out
which was during the War, Your Petitioner would further add
that y* abovesaid Proportions were made by doomage, and that
on examining the invoices of said Town in February 1786 it
appeared that in y* year 1777 Plainfields proportion was four
men only, and as their is a large demand agt s^ Town for defi-
ciency of men in y* Year 1781 Your petitioner prays that their
208 EARLY TOWN PAPERS.
overplus services done in 77, may be brought forward, and give
creadit on the deficiency for the Year 81 or otherwise grant
such relief as Your Honors in their wisdom shall see cause to
direct, And Your petitioner as in duty bound shall ever pray
Joseph Kimbal in behalf of s* Town
[In H. of Rep., June, 1791, the matter was postponed to
the next session. — Ed.]
[9-42] [^Amos Stafford for Remuneration : addressed to the
JLegislature^ i7Q5*^
The Request of your Petitioner Humbly Sheweth that in the
Cours of the war with Great Brittain in obedience to the orders
of the Legeslator of the State of New-hampshire i did Lay my
Self out to obey their orders in assisting to Raise men and aid
them in their Mach to and from tyconderago with Provision &
Pack hose and Raising thee three years men I did advance
money in the Cause to a Considerable amount and Spent my
own time as one of the Committe of Safety for the town of
Plainfield and in the time when Royaltown in Vermont was
burnt by indians I did by order of Generl Bellows Given mee
by Capt Peter Page and Co" Abel walker of Charlestown to
open my house and Stores and Delt out to A Large amount in
Provision and hors Keeping for four days and four Nights I
Nor my wife Could not get Leasur time to ondress to take Rest
for our house was full both Night and Day of men going up or
Returning back all which I did in obedience to the orders of
the State and Commanding officers of the State for the Support
of the Cause then Depending and furthermore in obedience to
the Request of the State sent out to the towns to send in theire
accounts in order frtr A Settlement with the Unighted States
Congrees I did Exhibbit my account to Sanford Kingsbery Esq'
of Clarmont who was appointed to Receive the accounts of
these towns along hear and he Exepted them as Sufficienly au-
thenticated, and as I have allways paid my Proportion of tax
to the State that has been Called for of Mee and as I have Not
Received any pay for all the afore Cited Sevice and perform-
ances I pray this Honourable Boddy to Consider the Cause of
the poor Petitioner Now humbly Requesting his part of the
Ballanc Struck in favour of this State with the United States
Congress as a Compensation for all my trouble as you in your
wisdom may think Proper and as in duty Bound Shall Ever
Pray —
As your humble Pittioner —
Amos Stafford
PLAINFIELD. 209
£9-43] \_Relative to Glebe Land^ ^795 *]
The Petition of the Select Men of Plainfield Humbly Shcw-
eth, That there is two Rites of Land Called the Glebe and
Propagating Rites Lying in s* Town which at Present are no
Benefit to the Town and Do not answer the End and Design of
Their Appropriation —
Therefore your Petitioners Prayer is that your Honours wou'd
Take the Matter under your wise Consideration & Grant the
Town the Priviledge of Converting Either or both of the before-
mentioned Rites or the use of Either or both of them for the
Support of the Gospel Ministry in s* Town or otherwise Grant,
as your Honours in your wisdon Shall See fit —
Dated at Plainfield November ¥• 25'*' AD 1 795
Zadok Bloss ) Select Men of
Chester Chapman j Plainfield
£9-44] [^Kimball and Gallup for Authority to construct
Locks: addressed to the General Courts -^79^'^
Humbly Sheweth the petition of Joseph Kimball & Peres
Gallop that there are falls in Connecticut River oposite the
Tciwn of Plainfield known by the name Waterqueche falls
which Renders the Navigation impasable with Boats which is
very Injurious to those that do Business on said River therefore
Your petitioners pray Your Honours to take the matter under
Your Wise consideration and Grant your petitioners the Exclu-
sive Right of Locking s^ falls, so that the Same be made Navi-
gable for Boats &c under Such Regulations and Restrictions as
Your Honours in Your Wisdom shall see cause to direct and
Your petitioners as in duty bound shall ever pray
Concord Dec' i"* 1796
Joseph Kimball
Perez Gallup
[Petition granted Dec. 2, 1796.]
[9~45] [^jPor Incorporation of a Library^ ^797'2
Humbly Sheweth Daniel Kimball that he with a number of
others in the Parish of Meriden purchased a Collection of Books
for a Social Library but find it necessary to be incorporated in
order to realize the advantages Contemplated — Therefore pray
16
2IO EARLY TOWN PAPERS.
that they may be incorporated with such privileges as are usu-
ally Granted in Such Cases, and as in Duty bound will pray
Nov* 2*]^ 1797
Dan^ Kimball for the purchasers
[The library was incorporated by the name of Meridea
Library, Dec. 11, 1797. — Ed.]
PLAISTOW.
The township was formerly a part of Haverhill, Mass.,
and was included in the purchase of Nov., 1642, from the
Indians. After the establishment of the province line in
1 741, it was called the Haverhill District until it was incor-
porated, Feb. 28, 1749, by the name "Plastow."
Sept. 3, 1767, the westerly half of the town was set oflf
and incorporated into '^ a Parish by the name of Atkinson,"
with all the powers and privileges of any town in the prov-
ince.
By an act approved June 28, 1831, a portion of the farm
of James George was severed from Kingston and annexed
to this town.
John Cooper of this town was in ist N. H. Reg't. En-
tered April 27, 1778; discharged Dec. 31, 1781.
[9-19] [^Relative to election of Representatives^ ^774* <^^'
dressed to H. of Rep,"]
Humbly shew The Subscribers, Freeholders in y* towns of
Plastow & Hampstead & Parish of Atkinson in s* Province,
that a writ was duly Issued to y* Selectmen of y* s* Towns &
Parish to warn a meeting of y* Freeholders of s* Towns & Par-
ish qualified to vote in y* choice of a Representative at some
convenient time & Place, to chuse some fit Person to represent
them in y* General assembly for s* Province on y* first Thurs-
day in April last — that a meeting of y* s* Freeholders was by
y* s* Selectmen appointed to be held on y* Twentieighth day
of March last at m' Reuben Harrimans in s' Hampstead being
a Private House — when & where many of y* s* Freeholders
assembled & Proceeded to make such choice — ^that Nath^ Pea-
body Esq. & capt Jon* Carlton were y* only candidates voted
for — that y* Moderator, after examining y* votes declared the
PLAISTOW.
211
S* Jon* Carlton was chosen by a Majority of Seven votes only
& return of s* writ was made accordingly that y* s** Carlton was
chosen. Now your Petitioners beg leave to shew to this Hon****
Court, that Sundry Persons qualified & who would have voted
for y' s* Peabody disliking y* place of Meeting or thinking their
vote would be received if Sent toy* Moderator, were absent at
that time — That Sundry others who were not qualified or Free-
holders, were admitted to & did vote for y* sMon* Carlton.
That they apprehend, if a fair meeting & Choice was made
in y* s* Towns & Parish, Nath" Peabody Esq. would have a
considerable Majority —
Wherefore your Petitioners humbly pray this Hon^^* court
would Set aside y* s'' Return & give them an opportunity fairly
to exercise one of their most valuable Priviledges & to come to
a fair choice & as in Duty bound shall ever pray &c* —
Plastow May 6* 1774. —
Thomas follansbe
moses ordway
Edmund Hale
Peter Dow
William Gay
Richerd Cheney
Samuel Dow
Benjamin Davis
John Tucker
Samuel Dow Jun'
Benj* Kimbell
Stephen Gile
Ezekiel Dow
Abraham Chase
Daniel Stevens
Jeuener
Joseph Smith
Bejamjmn Bly
Asaph Harriman
John Heath
Isaac Heath
Jonathan Heath
Ephraim Simmons
iacob Heath
loses Bradley
Nath° Kimball
Benj* Hale
Nath Noyes
Asa Page
Stephen Page
moses Page
James P«ge
James merrill
John Webster Jr
Benj* Stone
Joseph Knight
Daniel Poor Junr
on a Poor
ohn Knight jur
oseph french
Ebenezer knight
Joshua Knight
Enoch Noyes
Tho* Noyes
Richard Brown
Nath" Cogswell
Enoch Knight
John Dow
Benjamin Richards
Daniel Richards
Jesse Page
Benjamin Emery
John Ingalls
otephen Dole
John Dole
Stephen Dole jun
Ezekiel Belknap
Samuel Little
Benj* Little Ju'
moses Little
John Harriman
Enoch Sawyer
Tljeophikis Goodwin
Josah Dow
oshua Dow
ohn Bradly
e' Gil man
,ames Noyes
lienry Hale
John Knight 3*
Eliphalet Poor
Moses Belknap
Joseph Little
Ben Philbrick
Jeremiah Poor
Samuel Welch
Daniel Stevens
Benjamin petengiU
Nathan Gile
Jesse Stevns
John Kimball
[In H. of Rep., May 19, 1774, the petition was dismissed.
D.]
212 EARLY TOWN PAPERS.
[9-20] [^Relative to Hugh Potter^ ^77S'l
We your Humbel pettionars in behalf of the town of plastow
humbly Sheweth that one old hue potter an old Englandman
who Saith he was A Kings Solder in the Kings armey & a bout
twenty five years ago Come in to this town and was Seasnable
warned out acording to the Law of this province and is Now
be Come a towns Charge & hes' ben for Sum time parst — to the
vallye of twelve pound L m we your humble pettitonars pray
you would take our Case under your Considerations and order
that for the futer the s^ potter Shall be maintained by the prov-
ince or Countey a fore said and we your humble pettionars as
in Dutey bound Will Ever pray
Dated plastow August 28 1 775
Daniel Stevens ) Select men
Ezekiel Gile j for Plastow
This petition dismist
['9-21] \^Petition for a Settlement of Town Lines ^ ^77^*^
Humbly Shew the Subscribers Selectmen of the Town of
Plastow in the County of Rockingham, in behalf of the Inhabi-
tants of said Town — That in the year 1767 — an Act past the
general Court, erecting the westerly part of said Town, into a
New Parish & investing the same with all the Privileges of
other Towns, in the then Province, by the Name of Atkinson —
That afterwards viz* in the Year 1768, upon the Petition of
James White and Samuel Kimball & others — (whose Estates
were included within the Lines of Atkinson) to have Liberty to
poll off with their Estates to Plastow, the General Court passed
a vote in the following words, viz' " voted that two of the Pe-
titioners only viz' James White & Samuel Kimball have Lib-
erty to poll off from said Atkinson to Plastow aforesaid, with
their families and Estates, both real & personal, and shall here-
after be estimated taken and adjudged to be part of, and belong
to, the said Town of Plastow, and shall be adjudged liable and
subject to all Duties Taxes and orders of said Town, as much,
and in the same manner, as other Inhabitants of said Town, in
proportion to their Estates — saving that their future purchases
shall belong to the Town or Parish where they lay ** — That
since that Time, the said Kimball has sold his said real Estate
and removed within the Line of Plastow, — That as the said
Vote is silent, with regard to the said real Estates after the De-
mise or removal of the said White and Kimball, since the said
Sale, Disputes have arisen between the said Town and Parish
PL AISTOW. 2 1 3
concerning the Right of taxing the Estate sold, and the posses-
sor thereof — That sometimes the said Town, and sometimes
the said Parish have taxed them and collected the Tax — that
they have endeavoured to settle the matter among themselves
but without Effect —
That a Trial at Law for the Determination thereof would be
attended with great Expence and perhaps not be satisfactorily
decisive; and might be only productive of Animosity and Ma-
levolence between the Inhabitants of said Town and Parish,
pernicious at any Time, but more especially at this difficult and
unsettled State of public Affairs —
Wherefore they pray Your Honours Consideration of the
Matter — and that you would Determine and order to which the
said Estate and the possessor thereof shall in future belong — as
Mrell as the Estate of the said White when it shall fall into other
hands And Y' Petitioners will gladly acquiesce in the Deter-
mination— And ever pray &c —
Joseph Welch ) Selectmen of
David Bryant ) Plastow
[In H. of Rep., Feb. 20, 1778, a hearing was ordered for
the next session. — Ed.]
[9-23] [ Capt» Gile^s Resignation, '\
Plastow August 3** 1 780
Hon'^ Sir
As I was appointed by the General Assembly of this State to
take the Command of a Company of men raised by this State
to be stationed at PiscHtaqua Harbour for the Defence of Ports-
mouth These are to inform your Honour that as my affairs are
now Circumstanced I must beg Liberty to Resign the Trust re-
posed in me
I am with great Respect Your
Hour* most Obedt and Humb* Serv*
Ezekiel Gile
Hour" Meshech Weare Esq'
President of y* State of New Hampsh'
[9-24] \^Return of Ratable Polls, ^7^3*^
State of New Hamshir Rocking™
In Pursuant of orders Recived from the Gennariel assembly
of s^ State wee Have taken the exact number of male Polls of
twenty one years of age and upward Paying for themselves a
314 EARLY TOWN PAPERS.
Poll tax with in the town of Plastow the amount of which is
Ninty
Plastow December y* 9 — 1783
Ezekiel Gile 1 Selectmen for
John White J Plastow
[Sworn to before Peter Clement, Justice of the Peace.
—Ed.]
[R. 3-125] l^oAn PoUarcTs Petition, Soldier, 1760.']
The Humble Petition of John Pollard of the town of Plastow
in the province of New nampshir Humbly Petitioneth that
Where as my Sone Hezekiah Pollard was a Listed Soldier in
the year past in the Province Service under the Comand of
Capt Todd and Came home Sick of whicli Sickness he Died
I would beg the Honourable Comittee to take the matter in
Consideration and allow the Cost of the Docktr Bill and the
Nurses Which is herein Inclosed and you will Greatly Ablige
your Humble petitioner John Pollard
Plastow January 29*** 1760
[He was allowed ^i i, 17, 6, new tenor. — Ed.]
[R. 3-1 25^ is an itemized account of Dr. Stephen Huse
for attending John Pollard. — Ed.]
[R. 3-126] [In a petition dated June 2, 1763, John Har-
zen,as attorney for Matthew Bryant of Plaistow, stated that
said Bryant " was an Inlisted Soldier In Cap* John Hazzens
Comp*, In the year 1760, under the Command of Col** John
Goffe In the New Hampshire Regiment, & that after being
dismissed from said Regim* Came home, the second day
after I was taken sick with the small pox & lay sixty days.'*
He asked for an allowance, and was paid j£S sterling. — Ed.]
[R. 3-128] ISoldier's Order."]
Plastow April 20*^ 1778
S' please to pay Capt Benj. Kimball all the money Due to
me for Rations as an officer in Capt Pages Company in Col*
Drakes Regiment and this order shall be your full Discharge
from your Humble Servant —
To Col» Nico* Gilman
Nathaniel Little Ensign
PLAISTOW. 215
(R. 3-129] ISoIdter^s Receipt.']
Received of the Selectmen of Plastow three Pound thirteen
shillings three pence it being supplies for my familie whilce I
"wase in the Continentel army for the town of Plastow
Received by mee witness my hand
hit
Witness John X Cooper
mark
Daniel Ayer Ezekiel Gile
lodgd Octo 16 1783
[R. 3-130] An account of V
'^ife of Sam" Heath at sundy
what y* Town of Plastow Paid y*
Wife of Sam^ Heath at sundy Times
1780. December Paid in Beef jE)72.i8.o
1781 March Paid on account of wood 210. 0.0
1782 March Equil to 34 Bushel of Ind" Corn
Paid Equil to 7 Bushel of Ind» Corn
$282.18.0
Jn* Ayer ") Select men
Nat Little [■ for
David Bryent ) Plastow
[R. 3-131] \^Mrs. Sarah Heath^s Receipt.]
Plastow Jan^^ y* i** 1783
This May Certify to the Honnareble Committey on Clames
that I Sarah Heath Wife to Samuel Heath a Solder in the Con-
tenneltel armey for said town of Plastow have Rec* of s* town
Six Pound thirteen shillings Lawful money it Being for Sup-
plyes for me and Fameley the year Past
her
I say Rec* by me Sarah X heath
Test Moses Bradley James Smith
mark
[R. 3-132] {^Enlistment.]
Plastow August y* 3 — 1782
We the Subscribers Do Enlist our selves as Soldiers to sarve
at Portsmouth untill the Larst Day of December next unless
sooner Discharged and We Promis Submishion and obedience
2l6 EARLY TOWN PAPERS.
to Capt Titus Saltor and any other officer that shall be set over
us by him or any other Lawfull authority a Cording to the
Rules and Reglations of the Contanentel Armey
Trustram Ordway
Jesse Davies
The above named Jesse Davis Reed my orders to march
ameaditely aflair the date of his in List men and to Poot him
sel under the Command as mentioned above att —
Joseph Welch major
Enlisted y* 3* joined y* 16 absented y* i* Dec with 6 others
by leave from L* Ackerman house burn'd &c
[R. 3-133] \^Petition of yesse Davis^ Soldier^ who was re^
turned as a Deserter, '\
The petetion of Jesse Davis of Plastow in the County of
Rockingham in said State Humbly Sheweth — That in pursu-
ance of Orders issued from the Honb* committee of Safety of
said State, your Hon" petitioner on the 3* day of Aug' ADom
17S2. did inlist himself as a Soldier to serve, in the Company
raised for the defence of Piscataqua Harbour, from the said 3*
of August untill the last day of December then next follow-
ing—
That the petitioner, soon afler his inlisting did March and
actually Join the said Company, which was Commanded by
Capt Titus Salter, where your Hon" petitioner did continue to
perform his duty as a Soldier, to the best of his ability untill
the first day of said December, during which time he with his
fellow Soldiers were Necessitated to sustain very considerable
hardships, with respect to provision, some times having none,
at other times but scanty allowance, or else that which was-
damaged & not fit to be eaten by Man !
That on the said i"* of December your petetioner had not for
Eight days then last past received half a days allowance of
bread, and their meat had been extreamly bad —
That the Soldiers frequently petetioned their officers more
especially Lieut Akerman, as the Capt was some times absent,
to procure them some redress, but to no purpose ; as the officers,
observed that no pains had been wanting on their part, but the
provisions were not to be had —
And here your Honors Special Candor is humbly requested
while the petetioner is under the Necessity of mentioning some
disagreable Circumstances — in hopes also that Lieut Akerman^
on recollection, will not take umbrage at the rehersal — ^That
PLAISTOW. 2 1 7
Lieut Akerman gave the petetioner and others to understand ,
that ahhough it was not his business to give the Soldiers a
proper discharge yet he was fully of opinion that their further
Services were not needed, and that no inconvenience would
arise from their retireing from the Service ; in the full belief ot
which your petetioner with several others left the Company —
That the petetioner being Sick, naked, & hungry, returned to
Plastow in hopes of a little relief, but to his further distress
found that the house at which he had lived for some time before
he inlisted, and in which was all the little property he owned,
had but few days before been bum'd with fire and he left with-
out a farthing, which was the second unfortunate instance of
the like nature that had occured to him within a little more
than one year —
In this distressed Situation, being but little more than sixteen
years of age, and his father having in the Service of his Country
been most inhumanly bayoneted to death by the British troops,
the petetioner must have enevitably perished, not having a far-
thing of patrimony, or any relation of ability to give him relief,
had it not been for some persons whose circumstances are far
from being affluent who generously consented to afford him
some assistance and wait till the petetinor should receive his
wages from the public —
That on application for said wages your petetinor was in-
formed he was return'd a Deserter, and no wages due to him
which gave him the first Idea of his having Transgressed in the
affair —
Wherefore
Your Hon" petetionor Humbly prays this Honorable Court
to commiserate his distressed Setuation, and in your Great wis-
dom and clemency grant that he may receive the full amount
of his pay for the time he was in the Ser\'ice of his country, or
otherwise relieve him in such way as to your Hon" it shall
seem good and the petetinor as in duty bound will ever pray
&c —
Tesse Davies
[Sworn to before Peter Clement, justice of the peace. —
Ed.]
We the Subscribers freeholders of the Town of Plastow hav-
ing viewed and Considered the foregoing petetion of Jesse
Davis, and being acquainted with him and with some of the
Circumstances mention'd & set forth in his Petetion, do hereby
Ccrtifie that it is our Opinion the said Davis is an honest sim-
ple well meaning young man, and that in general, from the
2l8 EARLY TOWN PAPERS.
best information we have been able to Obtain, his petetion con-
tains a Just State of Facts —
Plaistow Dec' 6^ 1783—
Jo* Smith J Select men for
W» Bradly > Plastow
David Bryent ) Year — 1782
Moses Bartlet ) Selectmen for
Ezekiel Gile J Plastow for 1783
John Copp Dn Joseph Hariman
David Stevens Asaph Hariman
Simeon Peaslee Isaac Heath
Josaph colanes Job Eaton
Joshua Dow Ezekiel Dow
Moses Harriman Leonard Harriman
Daniel Stevens J^^*^ Heath
iames Smith Senj' Bly
loses Bly John Harriman
James Blye
CR. 3-134]
State of Newhamps' In House of Representatives Dec* 26*
The Committee on the petition of Jesse Davis & all Similar
Matter, Report that Jesse Davis, Nathan Berry & Paul Clarke,
who are Returned Deserters by Capt Titus Salter on his Roll
for the year 1782, be paid for the full Time they were in the
Service Sign'd Nath* Folsom for the Committee which Report
being Read & Considered, Voted that it be Received & Ex-
cepted & that the President give order accordingly —
Sent up for Concurrence
John Dudley — Speaker
In Council the Same day read and Concurred
E Thompson Secy
^9-25] \_Relative to Class for Representative^ 1786 J\
State of New Hampshire Rockingham ss
This May Certerfy that at a leagel meeting held at the meet-
ing House in the Town of Plastow on Tuesday y* 21 Day of
November 1786 after deliberating on the matter of haveing the
Towns of Hampstied Atkinson and Plastow Classed to Gether
in the Choise of Representitives for the futer it was put to Vote
and no person appeared to Vote for the same and being put to
PLAISTOW. 219
the Contirary Voted that the three towns afforesaid should not
be classed in the choice of a lepresentive for th^ futtar as Wit-
ness my hand
David Stevens Town Clark
9-26] [ Voie of Town relative to Pafer Money ^ ij86J\
State of Newhampshire Rockingham ss.
At a Leagel Meeting held at the Meeting House in the town
of Plastow on tuesday the 21"* Day of November A:D: 1786
for the purpose of takeing under Consideration the plan for
makeing a paper Currencey a Greable to the Direction of the
Hon® General Cort &c the said plan Being read and Considred
it was put to Vote to see if the town would except it — no per-
son Voted for to except ^ plan and being put to the Conteraye
13 Persons Voted not to reseve s^ plan and also Voted not to
make aney amendments or alterations &c —
Witness our hands
[os Smith '\ Selectmen
jn® Ayer >• for
Amos Sawyer ) Plastow
I
[See Atkinson papers, Vol. XL — Ed.]
[9-27I [Relative to Representative ClasSy lySd."]
The petition of us the Subscribers Inhabitance of the towns
Plastow & Atkinson in Said State and Each man paying a poll
tax for him Self tharein humbly Sheweth that whereas the In-
habitance of hampstead have petitioned the general Court Set-
ting forth their Desire to Be annexed to the fore Said Towns
plastow & Atkinson in Sending a Representative to Represent
Said Towns at the general Court in Said State we your peti-
tioners Considering the Situation of the inhabitance of Said
Hampstead they Being unrepresented in Said general Court By
Reason of their Not having a Sufficiancy of polls for that pur-
pose and it Being Disconvenant for said Hampestead to Be
Classed with Any other Towns then those above mentioned for
the purpose aforesaid we therefore freely give our Consent too
and Desire you would annex Said Hampstead with Said plas-
tow and Atkinson & that those three Towns make But one
Class for Sending a Representative for the future and your pe-
tionars as in Duty Bound will ever pray
Jonathan Sawyer Moses Bly Samuel Dow
Stephen Woodward Joseph Harriman J'^^^" Dow
Christopher Clement John Kimball Benjamin Carleton
220
EARLY TOWN PAPERS.
James Woodward
zebediah sargent
Thomas Hall
John Hall
Feter Harriman
Sam^ Heath
John Herri man
moses Jack man
David Hariman
Reuben Gile
Salvenus Noyce
Nathaniel Little
Isaiah Johnson
James Noyes
John Bradley
Benjamin Davis
moses Simons
moses Harriman
John Kelly
John Stevens
Isaac Noyes
i
on* Kimball
oseph Kimball
John Jeffers
Nat** Bradley
Jonathan Kimball
W" Bradly
Noah Jackman
Samuel Kimball
Joseph Welch
David Bryent
Samuel Harriman
William Ayer
Daniel Ayer
Wiliam farnam
Simons Follansbe
i oseph Adams
loses Bartlet
Deniel Bartlet
Nathaniel Cheney
urn'
Samuel Welch
Ezekeiel flanders
James Blye
Leonard Harriman
David Stevens
David Stevens Juner
Simon peaslee
Moses ordway
Ezekiel Dow
John Chase
Nathaneil Bartlet
Asa Kimball
oseph Ayer
ob Eatton
esse Eaton
feenj* Bly
Jonathan Heath
Joshua Dow
Nath^ Kimball
Chase Stevens
Nathaniel Cheney
[See Vol. XI, p. 93. — Ed.]
[9-28] \_Instructtons to the Legislature : addressed to the
H. of Rep. ^ 1786, '\
Whereas the Good people of this State have for Some time
laboured under Grate difficualtes for want of a SufHciantcv of
money to Carey on the Common business in S** State — and also
labouring under maney other Difficalteys which may be re-
moved to the Grate advantage of the Cytisons of S^ State thare-
fore at a leagel town Metting held at the meeting House in the
town of Plastow on the 28*** of August 17S6 — on purpose to take
under Considration the Difficalteys as aflbresaid and praying*
that the Same mav be remved — Voted firstly to recommend to
the Hon*^ General Cort to make a Some of paper money for a
Curcullateing meadem for the benefit of this State &c 2'' Voted
to recommend to s** Corte to have the infearor Corts in this State
put by for the futer as being unnesserey and ingereus to the
Commonwelth of this State 3*^ Voted to recommed to S* Corte
that the Justices of the peace be impowered to try aney Case or
Causes that is now brot to the infearor Corts &c — ^4*^ Voted to
recommed to s' Cort that if y* Excise on Spiritus likure must
be Continued to order and im power the Selectmen in thear re-
spective towns to collect the excise and return the same to the
PLAISTOW.
221
Trsurey of S* State 5'^ Voted to recommend to S* Cort to pass
an act to im power the town Clarks in thear respecttive towns
-within this State to receive all Deeds within thear towns and
record the Same— 6^ Voted to recommend to s^ Cort that the
Constabels within thear respecttive tow^ns within this State may
be impowered to Serve aney and all precepts that Shall Come
to thear hands from Lawful athoriety 7*^ Voted that there be no
Deputy Shireff Within the State afors* for the futer
David Stevens Town Clark
[9-29]
[Petition in favor of yoseph Welch : addressed to
the President and CounciL'\
We the Subscribers being freeholders in y* Town of Plastow
in said County ; whereas Joseph Welch Esq' of said Town, has
been for upwards of Ten Years past an Officer in y* Regiment
in this place, as well as Justice of y* Peace in & for said Town &
County; we understand that by the new a rangement of Officers
that 3^ s^ Welch has no appointment in either ; we your hum-
ble petitioners look upon y* s' Welch as an useful member of
Society, & therefore pray that your Excellency with y* advise
& consent of y* Council would continue y* said Welch in y*
Office of Justice in & for said Town & County. And your
humble petitioners as in duty bound, will ever pray.
Jonathan Kimball
John Hall
David Bryent
Th* Hall
Leonard Harriman
Moses Harriman
Moses Bartlet
Joshua Dow
Samuel Kimball
W* farnam
Jn« Ayer
William Ayer
Daniel Ayer
Joseph Adams
Simons Follonsbe
Amos davis
Moses Davis
Samul Dow
Nattf^ Cheney
Nathaniel Cheney in'
John Tucker
Simeon Peaslee
Samuel Dow Ju'
Daniel Stevens
Jos Bradley
Chase Stevens
moses Jackman
David Harriman
Noah Jackman
Alexander Stevns
James Noyes
Isaiah Johnson
Nathaniel Little
Sam^ Heath
Timothy Noyes
John Harriman
Moses Bly
James Bly
Benj* Bly
oseph Harriman
bhn Bradley
onathan hath
o> Kimball
[9-30] [^Relative to the Claims of Allen* s Heirs^ etc. : ad-'
dressed to the General Courts 1/86, "]
The Petition of us the Subscribers Inhabitants of the Town
of Plastow in the sate aforesaid Humbly Sheweth, That Where-
as at this Present time their is a great Commotion among the
People in said State Occationed (as we think) by Some Lead-
222
EARLY TOWN PAPERS.
ing and Designing men in said State of New Hampshire afore-
said, and to Prevent many and g^eat evils which we fear will
insue (unless Soon Prevented) we do Present this our Humble
Petition Praying your Honours to Enact the Following Arti-
cles (Viz) —
I"* That you would not allow those Persons, Purchesers of
the Allen Claim So CalH any Part of their Claim within this
State —
2*^ That not any of those Persons that are Purchesers of the
said Allen Claim hold any Commission of Profit or Honour in
said State, for the Space of One year —
3*^ That the General Court take up the Matter Respecting of
the Clame of the Masonian Property (so Call^) to Certain Lands
in this State as we Think their Title is not good & Valued and
that the said Certain Land Claimed by them be Converted to
the Use of said State —
4*y That there be a Bank of Paper money made to Redeem
this State Notes, Certificates, &c —
5^ That the General Court Petition Congress to Redeem the
Continental Paper Currency that is in the Treasury in the State
the same being more then was our Proportion —
6^ That the Ports and Harbers in this State be opened and a
Free Trade with all. Except the Refugees
Plastow June y* 2* 1786
Sam^ Kimball
Samuel Dow
Nathaneil Bartlet
John Stevens
Aleander Stevens
Jn® Ayer Chase Stevens
Simons Follansbee. Moses Bartlett
W" Farnham
Daniel Stevens
Moses Davis
John Chase
Benj* Davis
Nathaniel Little
Isaac Noyes
John Hall
Nath^ Kimball
Joshua Dow
Peter Harriman
David Bryent
n® Ayer
Hmons Follansbee
Joseph Ayer
Jonathan KimbaU
William Ayer
Daniel Aver
Stephen Heath
Joseph Adams
John Dow
Moses Jackman
Jonathan Heath
John Harriman
Benj Bly
iames Bly
loses Bly
Joseph Kimball
Thomas Hall
John Bradley
William Bradly
Nathaniel Bradley
Leonard Harriman
Moses Harriman
PLYMOUTH.
The township was granted, July 15, 1763, to Joseph Blanch-
ard and sixty-one others, and contained a portion of the
present town of Hebron.
PLYMOUTH. 223
In 1764 Zachariah Parker, James Hobart, Stephen and
David Webster, and others from Hollis, settled in the town.
By an act passed June 15, 1792, the south-west portion
of the town was taken off, combined with a portion of Cock-
ermouth, now Groton, and incorporated into the town of
Hebron. A committee was appointed by the legislature^
Oct. 27, 1780, to settle the bounds of this and other towns
in Grafton county (see Vol. XI, p. 729), and their report,
which was accepted, took off a tract of land from the north
side of Plymouth, which the inhabitants considered as be-
longing to that town and petitioned to have restored, which
was done by an act passed June 21, 1793* The same act
also annexed to Plymouth some lots of land belonging to
Nathaniel Peabody, known as "the Everett Farm and
Withey Lot."
June 26, 1845, some lots were severed from the north-east
corner of Hebron and annexed to this town. Plymouth was
further enlarged by the annexation of a portion of Campton,
June 27, i860. The State Normal School was established
in this town in 1870, and the town was connected with
Campton by telephone in 1881.
[9-46] \_Petition for a Survey of the Town^ il'/2.'\
The petition of Samuel Livermore & David Hobart two of
the proprietors of the common and undivided Land lying within
the township of Plimouth in said province in behalf of them-
selves and the rest of the proprietors of said common and un-
divided land in said town of Plimouth humbly sheweth That
the said town of Plimouth was originally granted by the follow-
ing boundarys namely beginning at the westerly side of Pemi-
g^wasset river opposite to the northwest corner of New-Hol-
derness where the line of Campton comes to the said river
from thence westerly about three miles by the south line of
Campton to the southwest corner thereof which is the northeast
corner of Cockermouth from thence south thirty degrees west
five miles and one half mile by said Cockermouth to the south-
easterly corner thereof from thence south 37 degrees west by a
tract of land called Cardigan six miles to the northerly line of
Newchester so called from thence northeasterly by the line of
New Chester about eleven miles to Pemigiwasset river from
thence up said river as the same tends to the place began at
which township or tract of land bounded & described as afore-
said was supposed to contain five miles and a half square or
224 EARLY TOWN PAPERS.
17000 Acres. The petitioners further shew that the said
northeast corner of Cockermouth was never ascertained by any
authoritative Survey excepting what was done by Robert
Fletcher Esq who by order of his majestys Inferiour Court
of Common Pleas held for said province in March AD 1767 with
two chain-men under oath surveyd so much of the towns of
Lyme Dorcliester and Cockermouth as to 6x the said northeast
corner of Cockermouth on a certain course nineteen miles from
Connecticut river by which same survey the said township of
Plimouth was found to contain more land than had before been
supposed. The said Petitioners farther shew that they have at
a very great expence laid out a considerable part of said Tract
or township into lots & made roads not only within the said
township but for the distance of twenty eight miles to the next
nearest Settlement when they began the settlement of Plimouth.
That some of their lots improved & settled do not fall within
the quantity of 17000 acres altho they are litterally within the
bounds of their charter. The Pet"" therefore pray your Excel-
lency & honours Consideration on the premisses and that a new
survey may be made of said town of Plimouth to begin at Pem-
igiwasset river opposite the northwest corner of New Holder-
ness & to run from thence on a straight line to a hemlock tree
newmarked by said Robert Fletcher Esq nineteen miles on a
certain course from Connecticut river for the northeast corner
of Cockermouth and from thence South thirty degrees west five
miles & a half to the Northeast corner of Cardigan and from
thence South 37 degrees west six miles to the southeast Corner
of Cardigan thence turning easterly & running on the same
point that the southerly sideline of Cardigan runs to the line
commonly called the patent line thence by said Patent line to
Pemigewasset river & thence by the said river to the bounds
first mentioned And that all the said last mentioned boundarys
when surveyed & marked may be established as the boundarys
of the said town of Plimouth & that all the land therein con-
tained over & above the five miles & a half square or 17000
acres mentioned in their first Charter may be granted to the Pe-
titioners to hold in proportion to their respective present interest
in the common & undivided lands in Plimouth. And the Peti*
tioners &ca shall ever pray &ca
Sam Livermore for the petitioners
November 27th 1772.
Memorandum The foregoing Petition is presented by the
consent & concurrence of the Subscriber being a patentee of
three thousand acres within the bounds aforesaid.
John Fenton
March 23 1773 This Petition was dismissed
Geo : King D. Sec'y
PLYMOUTH. 225
[9-47] \^Relative to Orders for raising' a Company of Sol-
diers : addressed to the Committee of Safety or Colonial
Congress^ 1775*1
Gentlemen —
Whereas it hath been Represented to us by M' Abel Webster
member of the Colony Congress for the Town of Plymouth in
the County of Grafton, That your Honours proposed & or-
dered one Company of Foot to be Raised in the County of
Grafton, for the Defence of the Country one half of said
Company to be raised in the Towns Scituate on Conecticut
River & the other half on the Towns Scituate on Pemegiwa-
sitte River, and that the Orders for Raising said Company
was delivered to Israel Morey Esq*" of Orford to be by him
communicated to said Webster & by them to be proportioned
upon each River, Yet Nevertheless as we Understand the said
Israel Morey Esq^ keeps the said orders to himself or from this
part of the County in order to raise the whole of said Company
on Connecticutt River as he has had no connection or advice
with said Webster or any other person in this part of the Coun-
ty concerning the same We therefore the agents of the several
Towns hereafter Mentioned beg Leave to remonstrate to Your
Honours against the proceeding of said Esq' Morey, conceiv-
ing that by his thus proceeding he has not only thwarted the
order and advice of Congress or said Committee of Safety but
also put this part of the County under a very Uneaquel footing
with the other part in bearing the publick charge in not having
the Previledge in raising our proportion of Men, We therefore
desire that Your Honours would Interpose in said affair by
pointing out to the said Esq' Morey the Path of Justice & Gen-
erosity by ordering him to Give up the orders to this part of
the County to raise half of said Company or otherwise as Your
Honors think proper
Plymouth 23* June 1775
For Plymouth Sam* Emerson
Rumney Jonathan hall
For N. Holderness Sam* Sheperd
For N Chesf Carr Huse
Thornton Ezekiel Eliot
Cockersmouth Ebenezar Kendall
For Alexandrae Jonath" Cauleys
Campton Gershom Burbanks
Read & voted to put off the consideration of this Petition till
Col* Hurd is present July i** 1775
17
226 EARLY TOWN PAPERS.
[9-48] [Relative to the election of a Representative : ad^'
dressed to the Colonial Congress^ ^775 '\
Plymouth 13"* Dec' 1775
To the Honorable Congress of the Colony of New-Hamp-
shire—
May it please your Honors —
"We your humble petitioners, beg leave to lay before you our
Remonstrances against the proceedings, at a Meeting of a Num-
ber of the Inhabitants of this Town together with a few from
the Towns of New-Chester, Cockermouth and Alexandria, held
at the Court-House in Pli mouth, the 12^ of this Instant in order
to make choice of a Delegate to represent said Towns in Pro-
vincial Congress.
We beg leave to inform your Honors, that the Inhabitants of
the Town of Alexandria, by reason of the distance of Way, and
Difficulty of Traveling at this time of the Year, convened, and
chose Men, and sent them to Plimouth to act in behalf of the
Town ; but they were suffered to act, in no other Capacity than
as Individuals, by which means they were deprived of a Share
in the Choice of a Representative — Also that a party Spirit has
much prevailed in this Town of late which we are very sorry
for — And we think sundry People have been influenced there-
by— And that the Gentleman lately elected, was chosen by a
party. And we think Things have not been fairly conducted.
We are dissatisfied with the above proceedings, therefore beg
of your Honors to condescend so far hs to grant a Warrant for
another Meeting or permit another Choice to be made, in such
a Manner, as that the whole may have a Voice in said Elec-
tion—
avid Webster Stephen Webster Jun'
Silos Brown Peter Emerson
Sam^ DerbOn Winthrop Wells
Edward Evans J^^" webber
onesiphes mash Jonas Ward
Jacob mash Amos Fish
Samuel marsh Paul Wells
Benjamin Wells Josiah Brown
Beniamin Darbon Joseph Read
Dismissed
[R. 3-136.] [Supplies furnished, 1778 and 1779-']
An account of the Money Supplied the Families of the Sol-
diers in the Town of Plymouth ingage<l in the Continental Ser-
vice—The Supplies from the Tenth day of March 177S to the
PLYMOUTH. 227
Tenth of March 1779 according to the Select Mens accounts
& Records for that year are as follows
Extra Expenses
Paid by ihc Soldier paid by the Total
Town
Tames Barns £10- 4- 9 £68-13-10 £78-18-7
Benjamin Phillips 8-1 2-1 1 50- 3-10 58-16- 9
Eklward Evins 6-4-9 39- 5- 8 45-^o- 6
£25- 2- 5 £158- 3-5 £183- 5-10
And the Supplies from the Tenth day of March 1 779 to the
first day of January 1 780 are as follows
James Barns £9-1^-9 £126-1^-3 £136-8-0
benjamin Phillips 12- 8-0 164-10-0 1*77- 4-6
Edward Evins 8-17-9 164- 7-0 173- 4-9
£30-1 9-6 £455-' 7-9 £486-17-3
Plymouth January 29'*' 1780
Sam' Emerson \
John Willoughby > Select Men
feenj» Goold j
[Willoughby and Goold were sworn before Samuel Emer-
son.— Ed.]
[R. 3-137.] [ Col. Hoharfs Resignati<m^ ^779-^
To the Honorable General Court for the State of New Hamp'
Gentlemen —
I have been Honoured with the Command of the Eleventh
Regiment of Militia in this State for some years past, which
trust I have Discharged according to the best of my Capacity —
and by change of Circumstances, it will be inconvenient for me
to serve in this Station any longer — Wherefore I beg leave to
Resign this public trust, & accordingly Do Resign this com*
mand, & beg the Honorable Court to accept the Same
I am Gentlemen yoiir most obedient Humble Servant
David Hobart
Plymouth June I4*'» 1779
[R. 3-138] \^David NevinSy Soldier. '\
This may Certify whom it may concern that John Nevins of
Plymouth in the County of Grafton and State of Newhampshire
is the only Brother to David Nevins late of s' Plymouth who
228 EARLY TOWN PAPERS.
was a Continental Soldier in Co* Scammels or Reads Regiment
or both now deceas* & that the said John is the only male Heir
to s^ Davids Estate he having besides but only two sisters &
therefore no Impediment in the way that we know of but that
he may draw the wages or what ever may be due from the
State to the S'' David or his Estate
Sam* Emerson ) Selectmen
William George J of Plymouth
Plymouth 19'** Jan'^ 1784.
[R. 3-139] [^Afrs. Barns^s Order J]
John Taylor Oilman Esq*" Treas' of the State of Newhamp-
shire Sir please to pay Joseph Senter Esq' the wages due to
me on Account of my late husband James Burns Deceas* being
late a Continental Soldier of one of the Quota of the Town of
Plymouth and you will oblige yours &c —
Plymouth 22"** October 1784
her
Submit X Bams
mark
Test Sam^ Emerson
[9~49] \_Beturn of Ratable Polls^ ^7^3 ""]
Plymouth 12*** December 17S3 —
This may Certify, that there is Ninety two Male polls up-
wards of Twenty one years of Age paying for themselves a poll
Tax in the Town of Plymouth, There is also over and above
said Ninety two, five Soldiers returned home from the Conti-
nental Service since the first day of April last belonging to said
Plymouth upwards of Twenty one years of Age on said first
day of April last
Sam* Emerson
William Oeorge
> Selectmen
[Sworn to before Samuel Emerson and Moses Dow, jus-
tices of the peace. — Ed.]
[^5|o] \_Petttion for Authority to raise Money By Lottery
to build a Bridge^ H^S"^
Humbly shew the subscribers that in travelling the main road
from Coos to the Center & Sea ports of the State, they are
obliged to cross Bakers River in Plymouth, which is so large
PLYMOUTH. 229
as to be fordable, only a small part of the year, & in cold
weather, it is often partly frozen & partly open, so as to render
it difficult to pass. That within a few years last past, several
Bridges have been built over said River in Plymouth & Rum-
ney at the expence of said Towns or individuals — which tho at
a considerable distance out of the main road of travelling, were
of great public utility, so long as they continued —
That the Inhabitants of said Towns who live near the place
where said river is generally crossed, have within two years
last past, been at great expence in building a bridge there, but
as yet have not been able to finish, or even make it passable, &
that finding the object too great for their conveniance, have given
over the pursuit —
That so far as they have proceeded in building said bridge
which is considerable, has as yet, with but a triffle of damage
withstood the attacks of the late severest freshet ever known
while all the other bridges have been swept away
That your petitioners are fully of opinion, that if said bridge
could be finished, it would stand, & render great service & be
of general convenience to the public, until the timbers thereof
should become rotten — And therefore pray your Honors to grant
a Lottery, under due regulations, to raise two hundred pounds,
which they conceive to be sufficient for the purpose, & to ap-
point suitable managers for the same
They beg leave further to suggest, in this time of general
scarcity of money, that as wheat is the produce of that part of
the County, if said Lottery should be bottomed, upon that arti-
cle, it would be most likely, to answer the end proposed
All which your petitioners, pray your Honors to consider
with due deliberation, & make such order thereon, as may ap-
pear most for the public good —
And your petitioners as in duty bound shall ever pray &c —
Concord Oct** 31 — 1785
Moses Dow in behalf & at the request of a number of
the Inhabitants of Rumney & Plymouth —
Noah Worcester David Webster Eben' Webster
Abraham Burnham Richard Jenness Robert Smith
John Young Robert Colburn
William Simpson Elisha Payne
[In H. of Rep.. Nov. 8, 1785, the petitioners were granted
leave to bring in a bill. Senate concurred. — Ed.]
230 EARLY TOWN PAPERS.
[9-51] [ Consent of Town to the severing" of the south'West
fart^ 1791 •'\
At a meeting of the freeholders and other Inhabitants of the
town of Plymouth in the County of Grafton qunlified to vote in
town a fairs, held at the meeting house in said town on friday
the second day of December AD 1791 by adjournment — It was
Voted—
To accept the report of the Committee appointed to take a
Survey of the land in the Southwesterly part of Plymouth so
far as to establish a line proper for the dividing line betwixt
said Plymouth and the land Petitioned for to set off in a new
township, which line is — begining at a hemlock tree standing
on the Patten line (so called) or the dividing line betwixt Ply-
mouth and Bridgwater one mile and one hundred and thirty
seven rods easterly from newfound pond, from thence north
seventeen degrees west two miles and two hundred and twenty
six rods to the Southwest corner of Benjamin Taylors lot, from
thence north forty five degrees west forty eight rods to the South-
east corner of lot number three in the second range, from thence
north sixty degrees west on the dividing lines betwixt the lots
Number three and four in the first and second ranges in the last
division of fifty acre lots, and so on the same course to Cock-
ermouth line, and that we are willing that all the Lands on the
Southwesterly side of said line laying in Plymouth be set off
and Incorporated into a new township agreeable to the prayer
of the Petition —
Extract from the votes of said meeting —
Coppy of Record exam* —
Sam* Emerson Town Clerk
[9-52] \^Petition of sundry Inhabitants to be incorporated
into a new Town, lygi."]
The Petition of us the Subscribers humbly sheweth that by a
late establishment of the Boundaries of the Town of Plymouth,
(of which we are Inhabitants,) Our Connection with said Town
of Plymouth is rendered exceeding difficult, as the road at pres-
ent is new & in a great Measure unoccupied, & the Length of
way from the principal part of us nearly Six miles to the now
Centre of said Plymouth, & further, that the greater part of us
have been at a great expence in Settling a Gospel minister &
Supporting the Gospel among ourselves without any assistance
of the Town of Plymouth aforesaid, & having previously ob-
tained approbation of the Inhabitants of said Plymouth by a
PLYMOUTH. 23 1
unanimous Vote herewith inclos'd & preferrd to Your honours,
Signifying that Our desires may be fully gratify'd —
Wherefore we pray that Such a part of said Plymouth as is
expressd by meets & Bounds (in said Vote herewith preferr'd
by the Bearer William Cummings) may be set ofl*, & incor-
porated into a Township by the Name of Weston, & that we
the Inhabitants of the same may be invested with Town Privi-
leges in Such way as Your Honour's in Wisdom may Judge fit
And We your Honour's Petitioners as in duty bound shall
ever pray —
Plymouth Dec' 7*** 1791 —
E*" Kendall
Josiah Hobart
Uriah Pike J^cob Perkins Jonathan Morss
James Colburn David Cheney
Ebenezer Kendall Samuel Hazaltun Jerahmeel Bowers
Ju W" Cummings Jun' Jonathan Bartlett
ohn W Kendall Evan Bartlet
acob Lovejoy Benj' Hazelton
[The territory was set off, combined with a part of Cock-
ermouth, and incorporated into the town of Hebron, June
IS, 1792.— Ed.]
£9-53] [Relative to the disputed LtneJ]
This may Certify whom it may Concern that Concerning the
lands between Campton and Plymouth (in Dispute) which Ply-
mouth protend to hold because laid out by the propriators of
said Plymouth and Settle' under plymouth which is said that
"was never Disputed till very lately until the line was Established
by the Courts Committee Nor Ever till said plymouth petitioned
Campton to be Anexed to said plymouth — which may appear
to the Contrary
In the first place plymouth knew that Campton held a Straight
line from New Holderness Northwest Corner to Cockermouth
Northeast Corner and them two Corners was well known by
the first Settlers of said plymouth —
In the second place those Inhabitants on said lands acknol-
edged themselves under the Juridiction of Campton by holding
Millitary Commitions and Offices in town affHirs which may be
made to appear and thirdly before the said Courts Committee
run said line the said Inhabitants several of them living on said
lands purchased undivided Shares in Campton in Order to
Cover their lands which they knew would fall into said Camp-
ton Afler the said Committee run said line the Inhabitants afore-
said refused to Come under the Juridicon of said Campton till
matters were Settled between plymouth and Cockermouth in
232 EARLY TOWN PAPERS.
regard to lands that were taken of Cockermouth by said Com-
mittee and in the mean time that those Matters were in adjata-
tion Plymouth Pitched for their Meeting house and built it
within one Mile of the Committees line and laid out all their
wild lands wouth Settling in to lots and picked those that they
thought worth Settling and lefl the rest for the propriators
of Campton for a Compensation for those lands that plymouth
had laid out in Campton and then petioned said Campton to
have the aforesaid Inhabitants to be anexed to said plymouth
[9-54 is a crude plan, showing the Blanchard line and the
committee's line. — Ed.]
[9-55] \^Relattve to setting off the south-west part of the
Town^ jyg2.']
This may Certify that the Inhabitants of the town of Ply-
mouth have been served with a Coppy of a Petition of a num-
ber of the Inhabitants of the Towns of Plymouth and Cocker-
mouth (respecting Incorporating a New Township) — ^and the
order of Court thereon, and have no objection provided that a
former vote of the Inhabitants of said Plymouth respeting the
dividing line betwixt said Plymouth and said newtownship (a
coppv of which vote has already been given the Petitioners) be
strictly adheard to^In behalf of the Inhabitants of said Ply-
mouth—
Plymouth June 9*** 1792
Sam' Emerson one of
the Selectmen of Plymouth
[9-56] [ Vote of Town relative to the disputed Land ^ ^79^ '2
At a meeting of the Inhabitants of the town of Plymouth in
the County of Graflon held by adjournment at the dwelling
house of Joseph Herrik in said Plymouth on friday the 29^ day
of November 1792
It was Voted, That the town Petition the General Court to
have the tract ojf land with its Inhabitants lying betwixt Blanch-
ards line (so called) and the Dividing line established by a
Committee of the General Court betwixt Plymouth and Camp-
ton annexed to said Plymouth — also —
Voted, That John Porter esq' is chosen Agent in behalf of
said Plymouth with full Power to Petition the General Court
for the purpose aforesaid, and pursue said afair in order to have
the same Compleated as soon as may be.
PLYMOUTH. 233
Extracts from the proceedings of said meeting and a true
Coppy of Record examined P'
Sam^ Emerson town Clerk
[9-57] \^Petition for the Annexation of the disputed Terri'
tory to Plymouth: addressed to the General Court y /7p2.]
The Petition of us the subscribers Humbly Sheweth — That
by the dividing line betwixt Plymouth and Campton as lately
Established by the Hon"' Joseph Badger esq' and others a
Committee appointed by an act of the General Court, a tract of
land with its Inhabitants is taken ofl'of what has been held to
be part of Plymouth and laid on to Campton, said Tract bound-
ing on the South by said Committees line, on the north on
Blanchards line so called, and on Rumney line about one mile
on the west, said lines nearly Intersecting each other that is the
Committees line and Blanchards line near Pemegiwasette river
on the east. Therefore your Petitioners Inhabitants of said tract
of Land and others Improvers and owners of Land therein
further Shew — That we have ever Injoyed our Selves and lands
under the Jurisdiction of Plymouth ever since the Incorporation
thereof, and Still desirous so to remain — That we have with
said Plymouth been our proportion of expence in Settling and
maintaining a minister and in all public buildings taxes and
expences, That it is much more convenient for us to belong to
the town of Plymouth than Campton being much connected
with and living near the center of the Inhabitants of Plymouth
and much disconnected with and living very remote from the
center of the Inhabitants of Campton — We therefore pray your
Honours to take our cause under consideration and that said
tract of Land with its Inhabitants maybe annexed to, or remain
to the town of Plymouth, and that said Plymouth have and con-
tinue Jurisdiction of the same and the Preambulation of the line
betwixt Plymouth and Campton be put of till the determination
of the General Court hereon, or otherwise act thereon as you
may think best, and your Petitioners as in deuty bound shall
ever pray &c
Plymouth December ^ 1792 —
Sam^ Emerson Jacob marsh
Jacob Merrill Samuel Marsh
George All thomas m^Cluer
Ebenezer Blodget Joshua Thornton
James Harvell Jacob Giddings
Onsyphrous Marsh Jacob Smith
Bcnj* Goold William Greenough
234 EARLY TOWN PAPERS.
Ephraim Keyes Peter Dearban
Winthrop Wells Peter Webster
Benjamin Wells David Alls
Elisha Bean
[The land in question was annexed to Plymouth by an
act passed June 21, 1793. — Ed.]
[9-58] {^Petiiion of the Town Agent for the Annexation of
the disputed Territory : addressed to the General Courts
1792.2
Humbly Shew the Inhabitants of Plymouth in said State,
that in the Year of our Lord seventeen hundred and eighty,'a
Committee was appointed by an Act of the General Court to
survey and lay out certain Townships within the Counties of
Strafiord and Grafton, the Boundaries of which had never be*
fore been ascertain'd, and, that, in laying out the Townships of
Plymouth and Campton, the said Committee annexed to the
said Township of Campton a Gore of Land about one mile in
width at the Base and ending Pemigewasset River nearly in a
Point ; which Gore of Land was originally laid out and settled
by the Proprietors of Plymouth — and whereas, in and by said
act, it was provided that no Settler shoud be disturbed in laying
out the Townships aforesaid ; but that the Proprietors, under
whom such Settler had bought and improved, shoud pay and
satisfy the Proprietors, from whom Lands had been wrongfully
taken, in other new and unimproved Lands
and whereas the Proprietors of Plymouth have since paid and
satisfied the Proprietors of Campton for the Gore of Land afore-
said agreeably to the act aforesaid — We your Petitioners hum-
bly pray that the same may be reanexed to, and incorporated
with the said Town of Plymouth and subject to the Jurisdiction
thereof; and that the Law of this State, enjoining Selectmen to
perambulate the Lines of their respective Towns, at certain Pe-
riods therein mentioned, may be suspended in its operation, (if
necessary) so far as respects the Line between the said Towns
of Plymouth and Campton, 'till a Decision may be had on the
Premises ; and your Petitioners, as in Duty bound, will ever
pray for &c*
John Porter Agent for the Inhabitants
of Plymouth
December 17* 1792 —
[See preceding document — Ed.]
PLYMOUTH.
235
£9-59] {^Petition for Authority to send a Representative:
addressed to the General Courts ^799*^
Humbly Shew
The Subscribers Inhabitants of the Town of Plymouth in s*
State, that having very nearly attained to the constitutional
number requisite for electing a Representative, wish for the
privilege of electing one — as several Towns in the State, having
a less number of voters than Plymouth, have obtained the like
privilege on petition-
that the Town of Wentworth (lately classed with Orford, &
now a remnant) hath petitioned to be classed with the Town of
Rumney, for the like purpose — wherefore, your Petitioners
(conceiving a propriety in the request) pray that you would
take the matter under your wise consideration, & grant us said
privilege — & we, as in Duty bound, shall ever pray &c
Plymouth Nov' 18, 1799 —
Henry Cumings
Fran is Worcester
Rich* Bayley
David Hazeltine
Joseph Bayley
Moses Hull
Jacob Merrill Ju'
John Porter
Tho* Harriman
John Willoughby
Jonas Keyes
Joseph Read
Benj* Goold
Sam* Emerson
David Webster
Sam> Wells
[acob Merrill
[ohn Rogers
[otham Cumings Ju'
)arf C Webster
Jon* Cumings
Zachariah Parker
Giles Merrill
James Miller
John Hull
Jeremiah Smith
Philip Wells
James Harvell
Sam* Greenleaf
Reuben Dearbon
Isreal Hoyt
W"* George Jun'
Jabez H Weld
Abner Willoughby
William Webster
Phinehas Walker
Currier Barnard
John Farnum
Moses French
Samuel Stearns
James M^Cluer
Rich* Bayley Ju'
Enoch Ward
Jon* Robbins Jr
reter M'^Questin
Isaac Ward
^ Daniel Ward
W
m
george
Moses george
King George
John Webber
Peter Webster
Peter Dearben
Amos Webster
Edmund Webber
Ebenezer Emerson
W» Currier
Daniel Currier
Jacob Fellows
James Garman
Joseph F. Cumings
Abel Chamberlain
Jon* Robbins
Nath* Emerson
Ephraim Keyes
Moses Emerson
iacob Smith
[asson West
Winthrop Wells
David Richardson
Elisha Bean
Joshua Thornton
David Alls
Sargent Bartlett
John Ridout
Joseph Cliflbrd
Simeon B lodge t
Sam* Morse
Enoch Melvin
John Keyes
Edward Senter
Jacob Draper
Jacob Draper Jun'
Gain Robertson
236 EARLY TOWN PAPERS.
G W Webster
Ephr" Farnum
Stephen Bartlett Thomas Fuller
on* Emerson Christ B Noyes
ames Ryan Asa Robbins
Joseph Cochran Aaron Stearns
Total 94
[In H. of Rep., December 10, 1799, ^^^ foregoing request
was granted. The senate concurred. — Ed.]
PORTSMOUTH.
The township was included in the grant to Mason and
Gorges of August 10, 1622, and a settlement was made the
following year at a place since known as Odiorne's Point,
now in Newcastle, by one David Thompson.
A grant was made in 163 1 by the council of Plymouth of
territory for a township on the Piscataqua river and harbor,
which covered what is now Portsmouth, Newcastle, Rye,
and portions of Greenland and Newington.
A settlement was made where the city now is, which
went by the names of Piscataqua and Strawberry-bank
until, in answer to a petition from the inhabitants thereof in
May, 1753, to the government of Massachusetts, which had
jurisdiction over it, it received its present name, which was
deemed suitable, "it beinge the River's mouth & a good
harbour."
Newcastle was' set off in 1693; Greenland partially in
1704. and fully in 1721.
Portsmouth was for many years the financial and govern-
mental centre of the province — the home of its chief magis-
trates and men of wealth and influence. It contains build-
ings, paintings, and localities of historic interest, and its
inhabitants are justly proud of the wisdom and patriotism of
their ancestors.
On the 27th of June, 1774, the inhabitants forced the re-
shipment of a cargo of tea, and of another in September fol-
lowing.
In 1775, notwithstanding the personal popularity of Gov-
ernor Wentworth prompted the inhabitants to pass a reso-
lution pledging their utmost endeavors to prevent any insult
being offered to him, yet they were as prompt to take up
PORTSMOUTH. 23/
arms in behalf of liberty, as earnest in opposition to royalty,
and contributed as freely of their money and blood for the
establishment of independence, as the people of any locality
in the colonies.
The eminent men of Portsmouth in the eighteenth cen-
tury were numerous. I shall mention but one here. His
speech in the legislature, which was in session at Exeter at
the time of the fall of Ticonderoga, when public credit was
exhausted, and the patriots nearly discouraged, ought to go
down to posterity beside that of the patriotic Henry. Aris-
ing from his seat in the house of representatives, of which
he was speaker, John Langdon said, — " I have one thou-
sand dollars in hard money. I will pledge my plate for
three thousand more. I have seventy hogsheads of Tobago
rum, which will be sold for the most it will bring. They
are at the service of the state. If we succeed in defending
our firesides and our homes, I may be remunerated : if we
do not, then the property will be of no value to me. Our
friend Stark, who so nobly maintained the honor of our state
at Bunker Hill, may safely be entrusted with the honor of
the enterprise, and we will check the progress of Burgoyne."
The result of this, as is well known, was the victory at Ben-
nington, and the subsequent surrender of Burgoyne. John
Langdon held many public positions in the state, and was
the first presiding officer of the U. S. senate.
Portsmouth adopted a city charter in 1849, and ranks fifth
in population of the cities of the state.
[R. 3-140] Portsm': Acco'*' 1696
A General] List and acco" of Sould** & Wages ; Imprest by
Cap* Redford : and Cap' Langdon for his Majest' Service att
Dover & Oysf River from Aprill to this 13*** November 1696
Who Served
Where
What Time
Anth* Lowden
Dover
m
I
w
2
a
I
£i-i6-io
Miles Thomas
do
I
2
1
1-16-10
John Thomas
Jh* Putman
do
6
I
0
2-10-00
8-13-08
do
6
3
2
James Rawlings
Luke Wells
do
0
2
2
0-18-08
do
6
0
4
7-07-04
John Miller
do
I
I
4
1-13-04
238
EARLY TOWN PAPERS.
Thomas Whidden
Dover
6
I
3
7-12-06
Jn« Roe
Rich* Dore
do
3
3
2
4-1 1-08
do
2
o
o
2-oS-OO
W"> Rackliff
do
I
o
2
1-05-08
Rich* Clay
do
2
o
o
2-oS-OO
Rich* Webber
do
r
o
o
1-04-00
John Bicford
Sam> Hill
do
I
o
o
I-04-oa
do
2
o
4
2-1 1-04
Geo : Snell
do
I
I
o
I-IO-OO
James Norway
Sam' King
do
6
I
3
7-13-06
Oy'R'
I
o
o
1-04-00
Sam' Weeks
do
I
o
o
1-04-00
Nath' Huggins
do
o
o
8
0-06-10
Tn* Johnson
do
2
2
2
3-01-08
Joseph Holmes
Sam' Snell
do
3
3
3
4-12-06
do
I
I
o
I-IO-OO
Laz : Noble
do
o
o
8
0-06-10
Alex' Kenistone
do
o
3
o
0-18-00
Jn*' Bartlett
Dover
2
2
3
3-02-06
Rich* Tree
do
6
I
o
7-10-00
Rob* Bryant
do
o
3
o
0-18-00
Arnold Brick
do
o
3
o
0-18-00
Nich* Walden
do
I
2
o
I-16-OO
Rich* Sloper
do
o
O
o
0-4-2
Thomas Edgerly
do
6
O
2
7-05-8
Tn« Plaisted
Peter Fogg
do
o
o
1-04-00
do
o
o
1-04-00
Jn* Downing
W» Shackford
do
o
o
1-04-00
do
o
o
1-04-00
I-IO-OO
Rich* Davis
do
o
o
W"" Pumerie
do
3
2
2-03-08
Jn* Clarke
do
5
o
3
6-0*2-06
£112-00-08
Hugh Banfield
do
I
lO
o
I-IO-OO
JEI13-IO-08
Acco** of Sundryes to whom the Province is Indebted ; as apears
to the Committy November 13 1696
To m' Morse for former Touchelling Gunns and Casting
321 *** bulletts for the Soiild" i- 6-0
To Zackrie Trickey for Ferridge 0-12-0
To Damadge for Toogoods Gundeloe : due to him ^
when Imprest to Carry over Massachusetts > o-
Sould" j
PORTSMOUTH.
239
To the D Sheriflffor Warming the assemhiy and Coun-
cil 8 times &c 2- 0-0
£ 4-13^
Brought over 1 1 2-00-S
i:ii6-i3-&
Portsm* Novemb' 13*^ 1696
Approved and Examined by
Kinsley Hall Henrv Dow John Woodman
John Tuttle Theodore Attkinson W" Redford
of the Comitty
A List of Souldiers Names : and Time they Served att her
Majesties ffburt W"* and Mary : at New Castle in the province
of New Hampshire New England 1708.
[The following is a list of the Portsmouth men only;
those from Hampton were published in Vol. XH. — Ed.]
Portsm* men : May 18 to May 31.
John Foy Sam* Snell
June 18 to June 28.
Tn» Cotton
Jn* Alexander
Rich^ Davis
James Moses
Nath* Gerrish
Tom : Berry
Daniel Condrick.
Peter Abbott
Nath* Jackson
June 28 to July 7-
Rodger Thomas Jn* Hardison
Nathaniel Adams oam* Spinney
Jabez Pittman
June 31 to July 14
Jn' Johnson Daniel Condrick
June 7 to July 17.
Tho : Leatherby
Shiper Lunt
Lange
Gideon Frye
June 14 to July 28.
Arnold break Jn® Hinkson
Rich* Waldron
John Cocks
W» Philbrook
Jn* Ross
W» White
Sam* Pittman
Moses Paul
Matthew Nelson
John Dockham
240
EARLY TOWN PAPERS.
June 17 to July 28
Sara^ Thompson Sam* Whaterhouse
Clem' Hughes Jn° Phickatt
Joseph Miller Tho Mathus
June 28 to July 8
Jn* Walker
Sam> Hill
Abraham Jones
Edward Toogood
June 29 to July 1 2
Robert Gose Sam* King
July 8 to July 19
Richard Martin
John Savage
Sam* Hains
Cap* Hull
George Pierce
iohn Preston
[ugh Candfield
July 1 2 to July 26
Sam* Noel
July 19 to July 29
Cap* Wincoll
Henry Seward
July 26 to Aug^ 9
Tom : Row Daniel Davis
Jn* Neal Jn** Peverly
July 29 to Aug* 9
M' Henry Slooper Oip* Wybird
M' Mead M' Calfe
Aug^ 9 to Aug^ 19 M' Booth
Nath* Tuckerman Watt Abbott
Aug* 9 to 23 Tho : Pickrein
Aug 23 to Sep* 6 Jude Allen
Jn* Philbrook Sam* Foss
Aug* 19 to Aug* 30.
' Gidens Jn* Mead
Peter hall Lazarus Homes
Aug* 30 to Sept 10.
Rawland Thomas Tho : Greely
Edward Wells W» Gotten
Th« Beck
Jon* Whiden
Rich* Waterhouse
Richard Davis
James Hobbs
Tho : Starboard
Sam* Davis
Jn* Pope
Phillip Pike
Jn« Bly
Christopher Kenistone
Jn* Fox
Cap* Pickrin
James Gray
Jer : Miller
Tom : Crocker
Jn" Bourn
Charles Brown
M' Door
Benj' Pudington
Henry Sherburne
George Huntress
Walter Neal
Nlch« Follett
Jer: Libbey
Ja : Moses
Richard Toby
Jn» Shackford
PORTSMOUTH. 24 I
Sep* 6 to Sept 3i W" Furber Jethro Furbcr
Sam^ Wheden Ja : Leach Joshua Beek
Sep* lo to Sep* 20
Alexander Miller W" Lewis Rodger Swain
Cap* Tho : Phipps Jn* Woodman Geo : Marshall
Sep* 20 to Sep* 30
Nattf Pike Tim* Davis James Libby
Thorn : Row Alexander Hodsdon Joseph Moses
Sep* 30 to Oct? 12
W- Gotten Sam* Glark Wallace Knight
Oct* 5 to Oct* 18 Joseph Barry Tom : Every
Oct* 18 to Nov* I Nath* Peverly Steven berry
Shadrach Walton Gap*
[R. 3-141] [ Warning to the Militia^ ^^97*^
Province of To y* Gap* and the rest of militia ofisers of
New Hamshr the towne of Portsmo*
Pursuant to a warrant from Liutenant Govern' John Ushir
Esq' to me directed from Hampton bearing date y*
[l. s.] 1 1'** of this instant Decemb' you are hearby required
in his majesties Name to muster y* foot Gompany
und' youre Gommand that they apeare on tuesday next being
y* 14*^ instant Gompleately in arms Acording to law at ten of
y* Glock in y* forenoone in order to Gompliance with such or-
ders as L* Governor John Usher has Receved from white hall
bareing date y* 27*^ of octob' last heare of faile not at youre
utmost perill as you will answer y* Gontrary
given und' my hand and seal this 13*^ of Decemb' 1697
Thomas Packer Lf* GoUon^
[9-72] \^Preceft for Election of Assemblymen^ ^793 •\
William and Mary by y* Grace of God of England Scotland
fifrance and Ireland King and Queene Deffend' of y* ffaith To
y* Gonstable of Great Island In y* town of portsm* In ye Prov-
ince of new Hampsher
Whereas in Persuance of a Presept from his Hon' y* Left :
Govern' for y* Galling of y* freholders of y* Abovesaid towne to
Gether for y* macking Ghoyse of too men for Representatives
for s^ town there was Returned maj' Elias Stileman and m'
18
242 EARLY TOWN PAPERS.
Sam" Keeas ; but it not Appearing by s* Returne that they
were duly Elected by y* fTreholders of ye s* Towne or that ye
ffreeholders were Duly summoned thereunto ; ye sd Returne
was and Is Adjudged Illegall and voyd These are therefore In
there maj^ Names to Requier y* forth w*** to Cause ye free-
holders of ye Above s** towne to meeat at Strabry-Bank Meting
House one Munday next att Eight of y* Clock In y* fibre noone
to Elect and Chuse too fitt and discreat men of y* s* Towne
(Being freeholders thereof) w*** full and suficent power for
them selves and y* Community of y* s* towne to Be Represent-
atives to seet foarth w*** In y* Genarall Assembly now setting
att Great Island and y* are allso to mack y' Returne forthw**^ to
me w*** y* Persons Chosen
march 4^ 1692/3 in y* ffifth yeare of there maj*^' Reigne
Richard Joses SherP
New Hamps'
Portsmouth y* 6th of March 1692/3
According to y* within warrant to me directed in obedience
thereunto I have Summoned the fireeholders of this town within
my precincts Accordingly they did meet at time and place ap-
poynted & then and there they have made Choyce of Maj' Elias
Stileman and M' Samuel Keise to be Representatives for the
said Town —
James Booth Cunstable of great-island
[9"73] [^Return of Assemblymen^ •^^94'2
To the shriff":
according to youer warrant Richard weber [Wibird] Cun-
stable warned a town meeting of y* freeholders of this towne of
portsm® for makeing choice of three descreet men for Repre-
sentatives : which was done on y* 29*^ Instant the persons freely
Chosen for that end was m' georg Jafirey John pickrin seen' &
John plasteed : the Cunstable being sick desiered mee to take
Care of preserving the voats (which I did) & signifie the same
to you
dated 29*^ of October 1694
James Levitt Deb^ Shreift
[9-74] IDtlto, iSgS'l
provinc of Newhampshir portsm* may y* 14*^ 1695 — m' Ad-
kison shrift this may sertefy you that by vertue of your warrant
to me directed have Called A townmeeting of y* free holders of
PORTSMOUTH. 243
the above sd town for y* Chuesing of Assemblemen : for his
maf" servis: At new castle on y* fifleenth Instant: sd free*
holders met & mad chois of m' georg Jaffrey : m' John plas-
teed & John pickerin sen' for these Representatives to serve as
above s*
Per John Chevallir Constable of portsm^
[9-75] \^Precept for JBlection of Assemblymen^ -^^P/-]
Province of Newhamp'
William by the Grace of God of England Scotland france &
Ireland King deffender of y* faith sc* To the Constable or
Constables of Portsm**
By vertue of a Precept from the Honorable W" Partridg
Esq' Leut* Gove' & comand' in Cheiffof the Province of new-
hamps' to gather w*** the Counsell to me directed these are to
require you to give notice to the freeholders of the Towne of
Portsm* that they conveaine togather upon fryday the 24* day
of this Instent December att twelve of the clock of the same day
at the meeting hous at Portsm** freely & Indifferently to Elect CL
Chuse three 6tt & discreit men of s" towne (being free holders
therof) with full & sifficent power for themselves & the Com-
unity of 8* Town to be of a ginerall Assembly for s* Province
to be held at Portsm^ upon the twenty eight of this Instent De-
cember by tow of the Clock in the after noone, and the persons
soe elected by the majo* part of the ffreeholders to be sumoned
to attend his maj*** Sarvice at time & place above perfixt and to
Retume the names of the persons so chosen togather with this
precept to me one day at least before the Sitting of the Assem-
bly given under my hand & seale this 17*** day of December in
the ninth yeare of his Maj*^ Raigne Anny Dom : 1697
Richard Joses Sherff
By vertue of the within written order I receivd the votes
and person thatt are chosen are Cap*" John Pickerin m' Sam"
Case & M' John Playsted, and I have warned them to appeare
next tuesday being the 28 instant att Porf"^ by 2 a clock
by me Thomas Beck
[9-76] \Retum of Assemblymen^ i6p8,']
portsm* In Newhamshir desember y* 29*** 1698
at A publick town meeting of y* freeholders of y* towne Le-
fally Convened there was mad Choice of Samuell penhalloo
amuell keas& John pickerin Sen' for Representatives to serve
244 EARLY TOWN PAPERS.
In y* genrall Assemble held at newcastle on thirsday the fifRh
day of January & s^ persons warned to attend there at nine of
the Clock in y* fore noon on y* day affore said by mee
John Johnson Cuns*
[9-77] [^Relattve to Dealers in Strong' Drinks -^701.^
Whereas the multiplicity of Retailers of Drink In the Town
of Portsm® within this Province Is Greatly Detrementall to the
Publick,
Principally lying in the hands of Shopkeepers and Tradsmen
who noe wayes Advantage the Publick trade and benefit of the
Province
Voted That An Act be passed that noe Shopkeeper be per-
mitted to keep A Publicke house nor Retail Any Maner of
Strong Drink, And whearas Several Shopkeepers Alredy ly-
cenced by The Qarter Sessions who have laid in Some quantity
of Drink that from this Day they Shall be Allowed thre months
and noe longer the 18 July 1701 to Sell what they have laid in
notwithstanding Any law Custom or Usage to the Contrary
by order of the Representatives
Theodore Attkinson Clr :
lo*^ July 1 701 read at the Councill Board & past The Coun-
cil!
Cha. Story Secretary
[9-78] \^Relative to Parochial Matters^ ^7^4'Ji
The Petition of Sam" Hart, Ephr* Dennett, & Geo : Jeffrey,
Selectmen ; of Portsm* Humbley Sheweth
that whereas (S> a sessions of the Gen" Assembly of this Prov-
ince held May 1714: It was thought Resonable Considering y*
grat Increase of Inhabitants in the Town or Parish of Portsm*
that there should be two Ministers, to Sarve, in y* Town ; one
(a) y* Newmeeting House, y* other at y* old, & accordingly was
ordered y* two hundred pounds, should be Rais'd by the whole
Parish, in order to Support y* two Minis'* & to be Divided
Equally between them ; upon Condition y' the Minister (a) y*
Old Meeting-House be Chosen by the ffreeholders of y* Parish
in a Legal Town Meeting; and whereas it was also ordered
that y* New Meeting House Should be finish^ & the old Re-
paired, and a Parsonage House provided for the Minister on
the South Side of y* Milldam /S) y* Charge of y* Town or Par-
ish ; w**' order those of v* South Side of the Milldam have Re-
fused to Comply with : we your Petitioners humbly pray that
PORTSMOUTH. 245
these mentioned acts or orders may be Repealed & become null
& Void, as being grevios to y*far greater part of ye Inhabitants
of this Town ; or Parish : we also humbly pray that y* Com-
plaint exhibited to His Excellency y* Gov'' Ag^ y* selectmen for
y* overplus of y* Province Tak in y* year 171 2 & 1713 be dis-
missed, for y' y* acco"" for Each year were produced (S) y* Last
Generall Town meeting, where it was unanimously Voted that
they were well satisfyed ; w"* every article in S* acco"' and yo'
Petitioners
and Subscribe Yo' Excellency's and Honours
Most Humble and Obed" Serv**
Geo : JaflTrey
Sam" Hart
Ephraim Den net
Read in Councill
[9-80]
13 May 1710
Voted
That An Act be pased for A free Scool In the Town of Ports-
m* to be paid by A Tax on the same town by order ot the
House of Representatives
The : Atkinson Cler : pro tem
[9-83] [Cofnplaint relative to Taxes ^ etc,^ iyi6*'\
portsm** In New hampshir
to y* honrabell y* Lef* govener Councill & gen rail Assembly :
the humbell petteshon of sundry of his maj*' good subjects
Inhabatants in portsm® in be ha Iff of themselves & sundry greved
Inhabatants &c*
most humbly sheweth that wheare as there has bin within
fouer or five years past great taxes & Rates made & Collected
in this towne under culler of province & towne Charges wee
beleve above too thousand pounds mony & as wee are humbly
of openyan wrongfully desposed of to Say great part thereof &
y* Inhabatants many of them Impresoned their Estats taken
away by force for payment therof nether haveing Any account
for what or how desposed of that all accounts of y' s** Rates &
taxes mad by s** sellectmen & assesed yearley as they Say al-
lowed by y* Comishoners Chosen by unfaire methods soe that
what one projects or saith y" other Conferms & y* Inhaba-
tants kept In Ignorance how their monys are desposed of which
is A great grevance & Intollerabell burden to his maj*" Loyall
subjects Contray to y* usedge In Englad i y* prevelidg of Eng-
lesh men all y* s^ sellectmen Assesors & comeshoners chosen by
246 EARLY TOWN PAPERS.
oposet party s & consequently by unfair methods so that what
sum of s^ partys does y* Rest of s* partys conferms & y* Inhab-
atants kept Ignorant & know not how their monys are desposed
off which is a great Agrevance and untorabell burden to his
maj^ Loyall subjects contray to y* usidge of England & y*
berth right prevelidge of engleshmen wee therefore humbly
pray that y* severell Select men for y* severall years as afore
said & for y* time being be ordered that A yearly fair account
of the taxes [illegible] : how much taxed how payed to whom
& for what in the town buck in y* Clarks hands that he enter
y* same so that evry Inhabatant may Iff he pleas or sees Caus
take Copys thereof which will be g^eat Tustis & faver to y*
greved party : so prays youer honers most humbell subscribers
in behalflf of themselves & y* agreved partys
dated aprill y* 5*** 1716 John pickerin
James Levitt
Geo : walker
W" Cotton
John Abbott
W"» Cotton 3
Solomon Cotton
[R. 3-142] [/V/^r Greeley^ relative to kis Servant^ ^7^^*\
To the Hon"* Jn** Wentworth Esq' L* Gov' and Command' in
Chief in & over His Maj**** Prov* of New Hamp' and the
Hon*^^* the Council & Representatives now setting in General
Assembly
The Humble Petition of Peter Greely of Portsm* in the Prov :
of New Hamps' afores* — Cordwainer — ^Most Humbly Shew-
eth—
That yo' Petitioner about Eight months Since Bought an
Irish man Servant named Gilbert Ashe, for whom I gave Thir*
teen pounds, and have been at Some Charge to Cloath him, he
was Some time Since Imprest, but upon my aplication to Cap*
Sam* Hart, I gott him Released Since which he hath been to
the afores^ Cap' Hart and Inlisted himself a Volunteer to go as
a Soldier to the Eastward, which will be much to my Prejudice
if not Releeve'd by yo' Hon", and Incouragement to others to
do the Like w'** will have an Evill Tendency — Your Petitioner
therefore most humbly prays that yo' Hon" will be pleased to
take the matter into Consideration, and order the afores^ Ser-
vant to be Dismist and yo' Petitioner as in Duty Bound shall
Ever pray
Portm' oct 5"* 1721 Peter Grele
PORTSMOUTH. 24/
In y* House of Representatives Read and y* Prayer of y* Pe-
tition is Granted
Dan^ Greenough Clerk Ass :
[9-61] [^Act relative to Salaries of Ministers <, 1720.']
An Act for the Settlement of the Parishes of the Town of
Portsmouth.
Be it Enacted by His Honour the Lieu* Govem-
our Council and House of Represen, that the
Salaries for the Several Ministers of each Parish
in Portsmouth for defraying the charges thereof,
be annually raised according to vote of the Gen-
eral Assembly of the eighth of October 17 17^
and as is therein provided —
(viz»)
That the Salarie for the Reverend Mr. Rogers be rais'd by
an Annual tax upon all the Inhabitants of the Town in Equal
proportion, except Greenland and Newington, Except also
Such as Shall be the hearers and Subscribers to Mr. Emerson,
who are hereby obliged to give in their names to the Select
men of the Town, at or before the twentieth of November next,
and that three Persons be chosen annually being freeholders be-
longing to the Bank, by that part of the Town, to lay Said tax
on the Inhabitants that belong to the new Meeting House, and
that three Persons be also chosen on the South Side of the
Mill Dam annually, by and Amongst themselves, to tax the
Subscribers to Mr Emerson, and Such taxes laid & Signed by
Each of the three Persons that Shall be Chosen, or the Major
part of them, together with a Justice of Peace, Shall be Com-
mitted to the Constable of Each part of the Town, who are
hereby directed & impower'd to Collect the Same, and pay it
in According to their warrant, to the Said three men for the
Support of the Ministry, and in case of failure to be dealt with
as the law directs for not collecting other Town rates, and also
that the present Assembly Shall chuse three men for the Bank,
and three men for the South Side of the Mill Dam to lay the
Tax for the first year, [torn] will and the twenty fifth of
March next, and all Persons concerned are hereby obliged to
pay his or there several tax to the Constable appointed to col-
lect the same, on the {.tenalty as in case of non-paying other
rates as provided, and that all Persons who shall hereafter Set-
tle in the Town, Shall within one Month after their Settlement
give in their names to the Select men for the time being, to
which part of the Town they will joyn themselves.
248 EARLY TOWN PAPERS.
And for the Continuance of Peace in S* Town, Be it further
Enacted, That it Shall not be in the power of the Town of
Portsmouth at any Town meeting to make any Vote or order
to the Contrary of the Vote aforesaid, and that all affairs relat-
ing to Either Parish or Meeting House Shall be transacted and
order'd by Each Parish at their Parish Meetings respectivly,
any Law Usage or custom to the Contrary notwithstanding
May 27*"* 1720
Read three times in the House and Pass'd in the House —
Josh Peirce Speak'
Read three times and Pass'd at the Board
Richard Waldron Cler : Cou
I Assent to the Enacting this Bill
J. Wentworth
True Copy
Per Rich* Waldron Sec^^
[9-60] [^Relative to Parochial Matters^ ^7^3-^
An Act in addition to the Act, Entituled an Act for the Settle-
ment of the Parishes of the Town of Portsm*
Whereas an Act was made and pass'd by the
General Court or Assembly *on the twenty sev-
enth day of May 1720
Entitled,
An Act for the Settlement of the Parishes of the Town of
Portsmouth —
Wherein among other things it was enacted that the Salaries
for the several Ministers of each Parish in Portsmouth, for de-
fraying the charge thereof, should be annually raised according
to vote of the General Assembly of the eighth of October 171 7>
(vizS)
That the Salary for the Reverend Mr Rogers, be raised by
an Annual tax upon the Inhabitants of the Town in equal pro-
portion, except Greenland & Newington, except also all Such
as shall be hearers and Subscribers to Mr Emerson, who are
hereby obliged to give in their names to the Select men of the
town, at or before the twentieth of November next ; and that
three Persons be chosen annually being freeholders, belonging
to the Bank, by that part of the Town, to lay Said tax on the
Inhabitants that belong to the New Meeting House &c* — But
PORTSMOUTH. 249
since the demise of the aforesaid Mr Rogers, (there being no
mention made of his Successor or Successors in the office of the
Ministry in the aforesaid Act) that part of the Town have no
power, by virtue of the aforesaid Act to lay any tax upon the
Inhabitants as heretofore, for the Support of a Gospel Minister
or Ministers. —
Be it therefore Enacted, by the Lieu^ Governour, Council
and representatives, convened in General Assembly, and it is
hereby enacted by the authority of the same, that the Inhabi-
tants of that part of the Town commonly call'd the Bank, be
hereby impower'd to chuse three Persons, conformable to the
aforesaid Act, to Levy a tax on the Inhabitants belonging to the
New Meeting House for the Support of their Minister or Min-
isters from time to time and that the same be levyed as is Ex-
pressed in the aforesaid Act — And that the Inhabitants of that
part of the Town commonly call'd the Mill Dam Parish (upon
the death or demise of the Reverend Mr Emerson) be also alike
impower'd to do the same any law Usage or custom to the
Contrary notwithstanding. —
[The foregoing act was passed Dec. 13, 1723. — Ed.]
[9-S4] [ ^^'* e/" "^^'^^^ Parish, 1728."]
Portsm* In N-Hampsh'
Att a Publick meeting ofy* first Parish In Portsm** afores*
Duly Notify* 4"* of March 1727/8
Vot* y» all y* Poles & Estates on y« Westerly & S- Westerly
Side ofy* Road from Newington to Islington & from thence to
y* Easterly Corner of y* Land y' Joshua Bruster Bought of
Coll : Westbrook & from thence along by Cap* BanfiUs till it
Comes to Coll : Westbrooks Land on y* South Easterly side
said Road & from thence Down Sagamores Creek so as to
Leave all Coll : Westbrooks Land on y* Westerly or S- Westerly
side of s* line be hereby Absolutely freed & Exonerat** from any
tax or Charge towards y' Support ofy* Gospell Ministry or any
Parish Charge at y* Bank for y* future Provid** they have fre-
quent Preaching more for Accommodation then at y* Bank y*
Parish Reserveing y* Gleeb at y* Meadow to y* Parish use as
heretofore — this Vote is not to be Constru* to Extend to set of
any on y* Westerly Side ofy* Line afores** but such as have or
Shal Desire it —
Henry Sherburn Mod'
the above is a true Copy from y* 3* Book of Records for
Portsm** foil : 66 : Exam* this 20* of feb'y 1732/;^ —
Per Josh : Peirce Town Cle'
250 EARLY TOWN PAPERS.
[9-87] [Relative to a Bridge over the Mill-Dam^ ^73^*^
Pro\'* of New Hamp'
At a General Town Meeting held in Portsm* at the new
meeting House march 25^ 1732
Vof* That Thomas Pickering be Paid five pounds per annum
for and Dureing his Natural Life out of the Town Stock and
his Town & Province Rates abated Dureing Said Term Pro-
vided & upon Condition that the Said Tho* Pickering make
keep & maintain a Suffecient Bridge over the mill Dam well
Railed in Dureing his Life & that an ag^ement be made Signed
& Sealed by & between the Select men and the Said Pickering
& that Fifteen Pounds be Raised by the Town & paid Said
Pickering this Present year for and m full for the first Three
Years & to be paid no more till the Year 1735 —
New Book page 79
Tho* Phipps. moderator
A True Copy
att : H Wentworth, Town ac*
{[9-^] [^South Parish Petition: addressed to the General
Court, 1737.]
The Petition of the South Parish in the Town of Portsmouth
in the Province aforesaid Humbly Sheweth
That when the meeting House at the North End of the Town
was first Erected, a Number of Persons among us, (tho' they
had been taxed to the Charge of building that House,) thinking
it might be for the Interest of Religion, for the Good of them-
selves, & of their Posterity, for the Public worship of God to be
continued In the Same place, where it had been formerly
carried on, determined to be at the Expence Necessary for that
End.
That in this affair we met with much difficulty, and among
other things which conspired to Enhance the Charge, a Law
was Enacted, which is Still in force, (tho' not Printed & So un-
known to most People,) by Virtue whereof all Strangers that
come to Settle in the Town, & Young men, as they Arrive at
full Age, that do not within the Space of three months, present
themselves to the Select-men of the Town & make a Declara-
tion that they Will join with this Parish, are Deem'd as belong-
ing to the other, & obig'd to pay to the Support of the Ministry
there ; whereby this Parish has been Prejudiced & the growth
thereof very much Retarded. —
PORTSMOUTH.
251
That when our Old meeting house was So far decayed as to
be past Repair, & we thereby necessitated to build another,
tho' we had no return from our neighbours of the assistance we
had formerly afforded them, yet (with difficulty) we Accom-
plished the Same, and Sundry Persons that could not be So
well accommodated with Seats for themselves & Families in
the North meeting house, as with us, being Disposed to join us,
are notwithstanding obliged to pay to the other Parish Charges
tho' they attend the Public worship with us.
That the afores^ Law is So calculated as lays an unequal
burden on this Parish, & has an Immediate tendency to Op-
press them, & Create disturbances and Law Suits between the
People of the Town —
Your Petitioners therefore Humbly Pray this Hon'*** Court,
to take the Premisses under your Consideration to repeal the
aforeg' Law, & give Liberty to the People to attend the Public
worship at either of the Said Meeting Houses as they Shall See
fit, & to pay where they do So attend, or pass Some other Act
which Shall Set the Parishes on an Equal foot, or Provide
Such other Remedy as you in Your Great Wisdom & Good-
ness Shall think proper —
And your Petition" as in Duty bound Shall ever pray &c —
John Sherburne
Samull Tapley
John Hooper
Elias Tarlton
Stephen Lang
James Sherburn
John X Lang
John Cotton
David Cate
Joseph Lang
Peter Shore
Samuel Lang
Jeremiah Larey
JefTery Ja ckson
Caleb Deck
Jona Partridge
John Brown
Robart Lang
^ohems Barnes
ohn Deverson
ohn preston
ames abbott
^ach Leach
John Peirce
Thomas Hart
Jn° Frost
J Harrison
W» Hooker
Richad Evans
Henry Beck
Thomas Cotton
Joshua Cate
Wath" Lang Junr
John Jones
James Jones
William White
Richard Shortridg
Nathaniel Lang
John Jackson
John Will
Peter Mathes
Samuel mills
Samuel Beck
John Savage
I Rindge
Mark Langdon
Matthew Livermore
Sam* Sherburne
Daniel Moulton
Mark Hunking
D Peirce
iosh* Peirce Jun'
lath' Peirce
James Clarkson
Evans Drun
William Partridge
Edmon Weaber
John feackit
John Bickfoord
Jethro furbur
thomas Pickrin
David Horney
Timothy Davis
Tho Beck
Damans lose
Benjaman lewes
John mills
Ichabod Clark
John Noble
feenj" Dockem
John Bush
252 EARLY TOWN PAPERS.
Jeremiah Homes Jethro ffurbur George hunttess
Thomas Lang Bern" Levsey Stephen Noble
Samuel Lang W" Cotton Henry Bickford
Daniel Jackson jun' Geo : walker SamL Lear
George Marshall Sam^^ Banfiell Thomas Bickford
Obadiah Marshall Thomas Wright Jonathan Low
Sam*^ marshall George Walton
Samll waters Step*' Greenleaf
[The matter was several times before the legislature, and
in the H. of Rep., August 18. 1737/' Voted that the parties
be heard on the Petition as soon as possible/' The senate
concurred. — Ed.]
[9-65] [^ Answer of Committee of the First Parish^ ^737'^
A Petition being preferred at the last Sessions of generall as-
sembly, by Sundry Persons of the Town of Portsmouth in the
Province aforesaid, desiring y* repeal of a certain Law, hereto-
fore made for settlinor y* Parishes in said Town &c and an order
being made upon hearing y* Said Petition, on y* 30*** of March
last past, greatly to the detriment of y* first Parish in s*" Town ;
and where as the S^ Petition contains Sundry things, which we
take to be g^oss Misrepresentations, not only of the S* first Par-
ish, but of y* Conduct of y* Goverment at the Time when y*
Law complained of was made. We therefore humbly beg
leave to answer the S* Petition in its Severall particulars. — In
the first and third Paragraphs of the Petition, it is Suggested
that the S** first Parish was guilty of great Injustice, in taxing
them to the building the North-Meeting-House in the Town
afores<* & not repaying them when they built theirs : in answer
to which we say, that, at y* Time when the North-Meeting-
House was built, there was no Distinction of Parishes in the
Town, as there is now ; That it was built by Vote of y* Major-
ity of the Town, present, & voting at a meeting called for that
purpose ; and that being the only Rule in such Cases, it was no
ways unjust for them to be taxed towards building the S** North-
Meeting- Ho use, any more than towards building a School
House, or any other Town-Charge ; and inasmuch as the House
was large enough for the whole Town at that Time; if they,
for their own Conveniency or any other Reason, had a mind to
build one, or ten Houses for pubiick Worship, it was but rea-
sonable that they Should do it at their own Expence : But How-
ever just it might be, yet the first Parish did not insist upon
their Right, but, having taxed them, (as we Suppose) with
Expectation that they would attend y' pubiick worship at the
then New-Meeting-House ; when they found that that was not
PORTSMOUTH. 253
agreable to them, the S^ first Parish left them more in value
than they had taxed them, towards building the North-Meeting*
House. The Rates of y* South part of the Town for y^ years
1709 1710. & 171 1 were at a Medium £Sj.oo per an. nearest
Those of y* North Part JC2i3.o,o In the year 1712 when the first
Rate for building the North-Meeting-House was made, the Rate
of the North Part of the Town was £5 1 1 .6.0, that of y* South
Part was JC 1 57.6.0. In the year 1713 The Rate of y* North
Part was £547, 18. o. That of the South Part £87.2.0 And
in the Year 17 14, the whole Town-Rate was not £200. So
that they paid only one Rate towards building the North-Meet-
ing-House, viz in the year 1712, & that was but £76. 6. o. more
than they had paid at a medium for three years before. In Re-
turn for this, the first Parish left them, the Old-Meeting-House,
which Served for a place of publick worship about Twenty
years, & was then sold for about £60 — and the Bell which we
Suppose could not be bought under £1 5-^0. o Sterling. Be-
sides this there are Severall pews in the North-Meeting-House,
now held in the right of those, that paid part of the S^ £76. 6. o,
So that the Privelidges held in the North Meeting House by
Some of them, & what the first Parish left them, was certainly
much more in Value than what they recieved by the Tax afore
mentioned. — As to the Law complained of, the first Article is,
that it is not printed, & so unknown to most of them. As to its
not being printed, we Suppose it to be y* Case of many of the
Laws of this Province, & indeed of most private Laws ; But as
to its being unknown (if really so) it must be Supposed to be
the fault of those, who from Time to Time have had the Care
of their Parish Affairs ; a Copy being at any Time demandable
of the Secretary, by which they might as easily have informed
all Persons concerned therewith as if it had been printed. As
to the Law it self, we take it to be in the room of a Dividing
line, (which without manifest injustice was at that Time im-
practicable) but with this advantageous difference, that it left
every man to his Liberty, which dividing Lines between Par-
ishes do not always do. As to the Time given for any Person
to Signify his intention to belong to y* South Parish, viz three
months, we Suppose it to be, because any Person that has been
So long an Inhabitant is then rateable, & if so, it must be
esteemed the most Suitable Time. As to that part of the Law,
that deems all to belong to the first Parish, unless they expressly
declare their intention, within the Time limited, to belong to
the other, we Suppose it to be according to the constant Rule
in Such Cases. Those who do not expressly dissent, are reck-
oned with the Majority. To this it may be added that the form
of the Law was Such as was agreable, to the Principal, if not
to all of that Parish, that had the Care of that Affair in the Time
254 EARLY TOWN PAPERS.
when the Law was made. In the third Paragraph of the Peti-
tion, it is represented as a hardship occasioned by the aforesaid
Law, that Sundry Persons who could be better accommodated
with Seats, for them Selves & family, with them, Since they
have built their New-Meeting-House, than with y* first Parish,
are yet obliged to pay to the S^ first Parish : In answer to which
we acknowledge, that, their New-Meeting- House being built
much nearer, the North -meeting-House, than their former
House was, without Doubt many may be better accommodated
there than in the North-Meeting- House, that being always Sup-
posed to be a great part of their Design in building it in the
place where it now Stands : But we humbly presume it will by
no means follow, that because a man can be better accommo-
dated in another Parish than in his own, he Shall therefore be
excused from paying to that he first belonged to, unless they are
willing to release him : For if this Should be laid down for a
rule, what would become of y* Contract between a minister &
his People? If one man for the Conveniency of a Seat, may
withdraw, they all might, for that or any other reason, & it may
be Supposed that there are many much more weighty than the
conveniency of a Seat. The First Parish is now under Con-
tract, & as to all concerned in the making that Contract, with-
out Doubt they are obliged to fulfill it, & as to those that have
come into the Parish Since, we Suppose that by their so doing,
they become Partners to the Said Contract, & have no just Pre-
tence to be excused from payitig their Proportion to it, unless
they can induce the Parish to Consent Thereto : However, we
make no Doubt, but that the First Parish would, upon proper
application made to them, have released all those that had Pews
in y* Second Parish House, & none in the First ; as they have
Severall already upon their requesting it, alltho' the Second
Parish Still tax Some, who constantly attend at the First Par-
ish-House. And here it may not be improper to mention, that
the first Parish are so far ft'om being disposed to oppress the
other, (were it in their power) that they are always ready to do
them any act of kindness, that can be reasonably desired ; one
Instance whereof they have lately given, in voting their right
in a Piece of land in the Town, to the minister of that Parish
during his continuance in the ministry with them. Towards
the Close of y* Petition the Law is represented as laying an un-
equall Burthen & as to which we Say, that it is unequall, only
in that Sense wherein the Majority in any community ought
always to have the preference, that it has no tendency to op-
press any, nor to create Disturbances & Lawsuits between the
People of the Town, (as is Suggested) unless they will Suppose
some Persons to be so unreasonable, as to quarrel with others
for their own Carelessness, or because they have changed their
PORTSMOUTH. 255
mindfi. The last Paragraph of y* Petition contains an intima-
tion that Some Persons in the S' Town of Portsmouth, are de-
nied the Liberty of attending the Publick worship where they
See fit, & of Supporting a minister to carry it on, the contrary,
to which is So notorious, that we cant but Suppose it, to be
Some mistake in writing the Petition ; We humbly therefore
pray, that the order aforementioned may be repealed, & the Pe-
tition dismissed ; & in as much as we have been put to consid-
erable charge by the Petitioners, we farther pray for liberty to
bring in a Bill of Cost against them, as we understand is usuall
elsewhere in the like Cases
Tho Peirce '\ Com*** of y«
John Pray > First Parish in
Nath»» Rogers J Portm*
[In H. of Rep., July 20, 1737, a hearing was ordered for
the next session. — Ed.]
[9-66] [^Statement relative to Parish Matters <i 1737 >']
Gentlemen
The General Assembly of this Province at theire late Ses-
sions at Hamptown upon hearing a Petition of the South Par-
ish in Portsmouth Ordered that the said Petition lay for farther
Consideration Until the Third Day of the Next Sessions & in
the Mean time that those persons who have been Claimed by
both Parishes and were rated at both the last year Shall not be
rated by the Wardens of Either of the Parishes this Year butby
the Select men &c And in the Mean time recomended the
Whole Affair to be Ended by an Agreement of Said parties
Whereupon we the Church Warden's of the South Parish
Afores* for and in behalfe of the same do Assure You y' Noth-
ing Shall be wanting on Our part to Comply with so reasonable
a Motion.
We cannot but think Considering we were originally of the
Same Society And never sought A Separation but would gladly
have avoided it, as far as we judged it consistant with the Spir-
itual Interests of us & our Children And Seeing we are at pres-
ent Intermixed one Among Another as to the places of our
Abode that in reason & from that temper which Christians are
directed to Express one towards Another We might Expect A
Share in the Beni6ts of the Glebe. But not to insist on this at
present Any otherwise then as Your having all Along Enjoyed
this and a great many other Advantages we think Should in-
duce You to grant us our Small And reasonable Demands
256 EARLY TOWN PAPERS.
And when we Petitioned that we might be Set upon an
Equal foot with your Parish which we Understand has been
censured by Some as a piece of unpardonable Ambition, we
had no such Aspireing thought as i mediately to bring ourselves
to consist of Equal numbers of the persons of the same Superi-
our quality. But all that we meant was that we might be upon
an Equal foot, as to Any Countenance or Law of the Govern-
ment— And we know of no Just Claim, that one Parish Can
have on this Account of Any preheminence or Advantage over
Another And as for the Law that is Subsisting that Declares
that all Young Men that are of age & all Strangers that do not
give in there Names w'in Six Weeks to which of the Parishes
they will belong. Shall be reckoned as belonging to Yours A
great many by Vertue of this Law have been without theire
knowledge included Among You so far as to be obliged to pay
to the Support of the Publick Worship, with You tho they have
Generaly atended with us Now what we propose is
I** That the persons before mentioned And all others who
Constantly Attend upon the Publick worship with us that at
present are rated with You be released & have the liberty of be-
ing Taxed to us. We at the same time being ready to Quit all
Such persons as pay here who Constantly Attend the Publick
worship with You —
2^ That all Such as have . been at Considerable Charge to
Acommadate themselves with Seats in our Meeting House that
have no interest in Any Pew or Pews in Yours May have the
liberty of paying only to us conceiveing that there being Obliged
to pay to Each Can have no other tendancy in time but to Drive
them from us both. —
3***^ That all Young men in town that are lately Arrived to
the Age of 21 Years & all Such as Shall hereafter be of full
Age & become Rateable by Law with all Strangers that are
now in Town or Shall hereafter Come to town & become rate-
able by Law That have not as yet paid rates to Either of the
Parishes as they have the liberty of Chooseing in which they
will Attend upon the Publick worship So they may have the
liberty of paying wheresoever they See meet to Attend. —
Tiiese things we imagine will Conduce to our Mutual Har-
mony which we are very Desireous to promote, And think it
our Common interest to do it. We are Sure that the granting
of them will be but A doing to others as You would in alike
Case that others Should do to You And in the Exercise of a
Christian Spirit cannot be refused. But if they are denyed us by
the Parish And the Government does not See meet to give us
Redress we must wait with patience not doubting but that
Providence which ordinary returnes upon Men the Severitys
PORTSMOUTH. 25/
they Exercise upon Others will in time give us an Opportunity
of Relief-
Portsmouth Octo' 3* 1737
Gentlemen Yours at all Respective Obed**
To the Church Wardens of the North Parish
In Portsmouth
[9-68] IJ^irs^ Mart's A Rates ^ ^73 7 -l
A List of Sundry persons to be Rated by the Select Men for
this Present Year 1 737 according to an order made by the
General Court at Their Session at hampton
£ S D
Cap* mark Hunking i — 4 —
mark Langdon 2 —
Francis Gammon o— ]
John Griffeth x —
John Peirce o— J
Samuel Waters i —
Cap* John Cate i — o-
Cap* Phillip Reed i— 5-
Josiah moses i — 15-
Henry Terrel o— 8-
matthew Livermore i — k
Cap* Sam» Cutt i—
Ebenezer Odiorne 0^1
Daniel Peirce 0^15-
John Willy o— 7-
Sam* Lang Tailor o^ 7-
Peter Cow o— 9-
John Picket o— 7-
The above is a true Copy from the List of Rates for The first
Parrish in Portsmouth in the year 1736 —
Portsm* Novemb' 23* 1737
A Copy Examined per
Tho' Peirce 1
John Pray v Wardens
Nath" Rogers )
19
Sam" Hart
W» Parker
Joseph Langdon
}
258 EARLY TOWN PAPERS.
[9-69] [List of Rates y 1737.^
To the General Select Men of the Town of Portsmouth
A List of names to be Rated by the Select men of the Town
of Portsmouth agreeable to an order of the General Court at
their Sessions at Hampton Falls in August 1 737 —
£ S D
Cap' Mark Hunking
I— 15— 0
Mark Langdon & Sam^ Waters
2 — 0 — 0
Francis Gammon
0—15—
John Griffeth
0 — 17 — 6
Ueorge Marshall & Brothers
I— IS—
John Peirce
Cap* John Cate
I— 15—
I— IS-
Henry Terril
O—IS—
matthew Livermore Esq'
I — 0 —
Cap* Ebenezer Odiorne
0—12 —
Daniel Peirce
I — 0—
Peter Cow
0 — 12 —
Tosiah Moses
John Willey
I — 0 —
0— 10—
The above List with the Sums Annexed to their names Is a
true Copy taken from the Book of the South Parish in Ports-
mouth According as they were Rated in the year 1736
Novemb' 22* 1737 —
Geo : Walker \
I Rindge > Church Wardens
James Clarkson j
A true Copy Examined per
Sam" Hart )
W" Parker \ Selectmen
Joseph Langdon )
[9-89] \_Action of the Legislature on the foregoing^ ^73^*^
In the House of Representatives —
The Petitioners in the Annex'd Petition : and the delegates of
the North Parish of Portsmouth was heard by their Council,
The House having considered thereof, voted.
That all the Inhabitants belonging to both Parrishes that hath
been rated to their respective Parrishes shall continue to pay as
usual, Except those which have been rated to both, all those to
have one month (if in Town) or after coming into to Town, to
PORTSMOXTTH. 259
give in their names to the Church Wardens of both Parrishes
declaring to which parrish they will belong, and then all per-
sons now Inhabiting in the Town to pay for their Poles & Es-
tates to where they belong (Except those that have Pews or
Seats in both Meeting-Houses they to pay to Each Parrish ac-
cording to their interest in Each)
And for young men, or Servants that shall hereafter Settle
upon the Estates of their fathers & masters shall pay their rates
to the same parish that the person did on whose Estate they
dwelt, And for such young men that come of Age that do not
settle on the Estates of their fathers or masters, as aforesaid^
and all Strangers that may Come into Town shall have the
libberty of three months to Enter their names with the Church
Wardens of both parishes with a declaration to which parrish
they will pay their rates to and they when so Entred shall con-
tinue there, and if any person coming of age, or into the Town
as aforesaid shall neglect to enter their Names in the Manner
before directed, then they shall be liable to pay to each parrish
'till such time as they do enter their names and this to be a final
Settlement any Law usage or Custome to the contrary notwith-
standing, and that the Petitioners have liberty to bring in a Bill
accordingly, and the money lodged in the hands of the Select-
men, of the Town of Portsmouth, collected by order of Gov-
erm* from the Persons rated, by both Parrishes be paid, one
halfe to the Church Wardens of the North parish, the other
halfe to the Church Wardens of the South parish, for the use
of the Parrishes.
9' i^^ 1738 James Jeffry Cle' Ass"
[9-90] \^Petttion of sundry Inhabitants for the Grant of a
Township : addressed to Gov. belcher and Council '\
The Petition of Sundrj' of his Majestys subjects, mostly In-
habitants in the Province of New Hampshire humbly shcweth
That if there were more Inhabitants on the Frontiers of the
Province and more land cultivated and Improved the Province
would be better able to defend it self, if there should be a war
with the Indians, the public Taxes would be easier and Pro-
visions more plenty and cheaper —
Wherefore your Petitioners humbly pray your Excellency
and the Honorable the Council to make a Grant in fee of that
tract of Land lying within the Province of New Hampshire
comprehended and contained with in the following Bounds,
viz' begining at the south easterly Corner of Barnstead and from
thence to run upon the same Course as Barnstead easterly side
line runs to Winnipisseokee Pond from thence upon a Right
^
26o
EARLY TOWN PAPERS.
Angle till it comes to the Boundary Line between the Province
of New Hampshire and that which was formerly called the
Province of Main, from thence as tlie said Boundary Line run-
neth to the Northeasterly Corner of the Town of Rochester from
thence on a Streight Line to the bounds first mentioned with
such conditions as to your Excellency and Honours shall seem
meet unto your Petitioners and their Associates in all to make
the Number of Sixty including your petitioners and your peti-
tioners as in Duty bound shall ever pray &c &c &c
William Parker
Benj* Walton
Thomas Wright
Nath" Rogers
Tho Peirce
[oseph moulton
[ohn Ayers
fohn Cutt
Solomon Cotton
Dan" Jackson jun'
Sam* Sherburne Tun'
Hen Sherburne Jun'
William King
John Sherburu ©f
litell harbor
Joseph Sherburn son
of Joseph Sher-
burn Eqr
Nath" Mendum
George Rogers
Tho* Newmarch
John Kennard
Henry Sherbon Jun'
of the Plains
John Den net the Son
of Eph" Dennet
Esq'
Moses Dennet
Joseph Langdon
Sam" white
George Pierce
Joseph Jackson
Moses Noble
Joseph Whipple
John Ross
Cha : Frost of N
Castle
John Shackford ju'
John Wood
Matthew Livermore
W" Frost N Castle
Benj* miller
Danel Moulton
Benj* Gambling
John Pray
Sol- Pike
Sam" Hart
Mech* Whidden
John Fellows
Thom* Westbrook
Dannell Rogers
Samuell Sherburne
In holder
Elliot Vaughan
Peter Greley
Ichabod Plaisted
Eleazer Russell
[9-92] [Relative to some French Prisoners^ ^745^
The petetion of Fran' Tucker of Portsmouth in the Province
of New Hamp'* Prison keeper Most Humbly Sueth that on the
ji** of August their was Committed to his Care by the High
Sheriff of said Province by his Excellencys order fourteen
French Prisoners and that two of them lay Sick Twelve Days
which Required Considerable Trouble and no Supply has been
made therefore your petitioner prays your Excellency and Hon-
ours would take the Case of your petetioner under Considera-
tion and make him such Allowance as may be judged reason-
able and your petetioner as in Duty bound Shall ever pray Ac
Fran* Tucker Pris* Kep'
PORTSMOUTH. 26 1
[R. 3-143] [^Benjatnin Thomas ^ Louisbourg Soldier: ad'
dressed to the General Assembly^ Nov, 20^ i'/4§.'\
The Petition & Memorial of Benjamin Thomas of Ports-
mouth in said Province most humbly Shews — That your Peti-
tioner was one of the Volunteers in the pay of this Province at
the Reduction of Louisbourg — that your Petitioner at the at-
tacking of St Peters some time in the month of April last past
received a wound in his left arm by a small shot whereby he
hath not only suffered great pain lost his time and been at much
expence but also has lost the use of that arm and hath grounds
and reasons to think he cannot recover the use thereof. ♦ * ♦
Benj* Thomas
[He asked for an allowance, which was granted. — Ed.]
[R. 3-145] \_Petition of the Wife of CoL Moore: addressed
to the General Assembly <t 174s *^
The Petition of Mary Moore the wife of & attorney to Samuel
Moore of Portsmouth in said Province Esq' and who now is at
Louisbourg in the service of his King and Country — Most hum-
bly Shews — That the said Sam* Moore hath advanced consid-
erable sums for the Benefit and advantage of the Soldiers at
Louisbourg under his Command.
Sep' 27*^ 1745 Mary Moore
[She further stated that her husband had drawn on her
for ;£i,ioo, old tenor, which she wanted the province to
help pay. — Ed.]
[R. 3-146] \^Dr. Joseph Peirce^ Louisbourg: addressed to
the General Courts May^ 1746,^
The Memorial of Joseph Peirce of Portsm® in the Province
afores** Esq ; Humbly Sheweth —
That on y* 16"^ of March 1744. the Hon"* Committee ap-
pointed in this Province to Manage the affairs of y* Expedition
lately form'd against Cape Briton under the Conduct of Lieut
General PepperelL Did Influence & agree with yo"^ Memorialist
to go on s** Expedition to take the care of such of the Soldiers
in the pay of the Province of N. Hamp' as might be Sick or
262 EARLY TOWN PAPERS.
wouned, And did promise to pay yo' Memorialist the Sum of
twenty pounds per month for s^ service, and to accept and pay
such draughts as he should make for the Nessisary Supply of
y* Medicine Chest for tlie use of y* afores** Sick & wounded.
Jos** Peirce
[He further stated that he was in the service eleven
inonths and twenty days, arriving home Feb. 6. 1745 ; that
his account for service and medicines amounted to £2^$,
5, 4, of which £Zo had been paid to him by the committee.
In H. of Rep., July 31, 1746, "Voted That y* Ballance
this account of Doc' Joseph Peirce Esq' amounting to
^165, 5, 4, be allowed & paid out of y* money in y* Treas-
ury for y* use of y® Expedition against Louisbourg, that it
be in full for his services as Chirurgeon-general to y* New
Hampshire Regiment including y* 150 men in Pay of y*
Prov* of y* Massachusetts Bay & that y* Treasurer charge
y* Massachusetts with their proportion of this & y* other
Doctor's Bills." Council concurred. — Ed.]
[R. 3-148] [^Louisbourg- Soldiers.'\
[In a petition dated Portsmouth, Aug. 11, 1746, Israel
Hodgdon stated that he was " a Soldier in the Company of
which William Cleaward was Captain in the New Hamp*
shire Regiment at Louisbourg," that he was sick and wanted
an allowance, which was granted to the extent of £2, 10, o.
—Ed.]
[R. 3-149] [" Spencer Colby of Portsmouth," in a petition
dated May 12, 1747, stated that he '*was Shipt a Mariner
on Board the Sloop Abigail under the Command of Capt
John Furnald in the Late Expedition against Louisbourg &
performed the duty of a Mariner the whole time of the
Siege & afterward Saving only when he was Sent on Shoar
to perform the duty of a Gunner in one of the Batteries."
He stated that he was allowed no more than the soldiers,
and '^ yet in dividing the plunder among them he was Ex-
cluded under the Notion of & as being a Mariner and not
Intitled to a Share of the Plunder belonging to the Sol-
diers." He asked to be allowed mariner's wages. — Ed.]
PORTSMOUTH. 263
[9-93] {^Relative to the Establishment of a Workhouse : ad"
dressed to the General Assembly^ Dec. /, /75-?.]
The Memorial of Thomas Walling^ord Daniel Peirce and
William Parker Esq" Humbly Shews
That a Society of Gentlemen Considering the Great Advan-
tage which a Work House Well Accommodated with Apart-
ments and other Conveniences and a Competent Stock for Em-
ploying the poor and such as might be properly placed there,
would be, both to the persons so Employed as well as to the pub-
lic, projected a Scheme some time since to raise Money to be
Applied towards the Building such an House within and for
the Town of Portsm*
That they have Carried their Scheme into Execution so far
as to have raised about Eleven Hundred Pounds old tenor for
that purpose and were about to Consult Measures for the Ap-
plication when it was suggested that such a Design might be
more Generally useful if the House was Accommodated for the
use of the Province and all such persons (as afors^) were to be
received from every Town and there Employed : who under
proper care and regulation woud in a Little time instead of be-
ing a Charge, become Serviceable — that such a House would
be better for the whole, than to have one in every Town, as all
the Valuable Ends of it would be more easily as well as more
efiectually attained than those of a More private kind — as also
that it might be of Service to such places as were in no Con-
dition to undertake any thing of the kind —
That your Memorialists were Chosen & Instructed by the
said Society to make a Representation of the premises to the
General Assembly, and that the money afores* in Case they
undertake the Building of such an House for the use of the
province and put the same under proper Regulations shall be
applied to the Same use under their Direction all which is
Humbly Submitted, Your Memorialists only praying the Reso-
lution of the General Assembly hereon that they may Report to
the said Society & they Consider what is further to be Done by
them —
Tho* Wallingford
D Peirce
W" Parker
[In H. of Rep., April 17, 1754, a committee was appointed
to take the matter into consideration. — Ed.]
264 EARLY TOWN PAPERS.
[9-94] \^Road through yohn Pickerings Land^ ^^S^'2
Prov : of New Hamp'
At a meeting held at Portsmouth by the Town July 7*** 1651 —
It is agreed on at the Town meeting that whereas there hath
been a foot path useally made Viz' over John Pickerings ground
from over his Dam and from thence along by the mill path unto
his next path and so nearest as Convenient way towards the
present meeting House to be Continued for the more Ease of
the Inhabitants and others as shall have Occation to travel that
way at all time and times hereafter without Leave of the said
John Pickering or Any man Elce to be Continued for Ever —
A True Copy taken Out of the Old Town Book for Ports-
mouth this 21' Day of March 1753 page 13
att' H Wentworth Town Cle*
[9-95 is a plan of the division of George Jaff rey's estate. —
Ed.]
[R. 3-1 so] [Petition of Samuel Penhallow for pay for his
services as commissary to the expedition against Canada.
He says he was in the service from July 15, 1746, until Oct.
31, 1747, and that his pay amounted to ;£^i69. In H. of
Rep., May 18, 1748, "Voted That there be allowed ^1^30
more to M*^ Samuel Penhallow in full for his wages as Com-
missary for y^ intended Expedition against Canada." — Eo.J
[R. 3-153] [ William Racklij^Ts Petition: addressed to the
General Assembly^ April jo^ I7S9'^
The Petition of William Rackliif of Portsmouth Labourer
Most Humbly Sheyveth —
That your Petitioner was a Soldier in the Canada Expe-
dition in the year 1757 in the service of the Province afore-
said, in the Company whereof Hercules Mooney was Cap-
tain and as such proceeded to fort William Henry where
after the Seige he was taken and made a prisoner by the En-
emy and Carried to Canada where he remained four months
during which time he had the Small Pox and from thence he
was Transported to France where he remained for eleaven
months and in that time had a Violent Fever and from there he
was sent to Falmouth in England where he took passage for
New York in the packet & traveled from New York to New
Haven on foot & from thence he took passage for Cape Ann &
from there he traveled on foot to Portsmouth, arriving in March
1856— • • ♦ W» Rackliff
PORTSMOUTH. 26$
[He was allowed ;^8s, new tenor. — Ed.]
[9-^6] [ Objections to granting New Castle the privilege of
building a Bridge over Little Harbor: addressed to the
Assembly May /p, I1S7*\
The Objections of the Inhabitants of the Town of Portsmouth
in said Province against Granting that part of the Prayer of the
Petition of the Inhabitants of New Castle, in Said Province
which Relates to the Application of the Money they Propose to
Raise by a Lottery, (if they may have Liberty to set one up)
which they say is for building a Bridge over the River Call'd
Little Harbour — As Liberty is Granted to any Person or Persons
to Shew why this Petition ought not to be Granted, the said
Town of Portsmouth have Chosen & Instructed us the Sub-
scribers, as their Agents for that Purpose And therefore We
Pray your Attention to what on this Matter We would Humbly
Remonstrate — viz That the Petitioners Ought not to have Lib-
erty to Apply any money at all, whether rais'd by Lottery or
otherways to the building of said Bridge, Because they have
not ask'd for leave to build it This is a thing they have no
Right to do without Special License for it from the Supreme
Authority, all Rivers, and Especially those which are Naviga-
ble, Ought to be Open the Passage free, neither Impeded or
incumbered, it is like the use of air or Light which all men have
an Equal Right to Enjoy the Benefit of, without Impediment,
and therefore whenever any Such thing has been done it has
been by Such Liberty as aforesaid, which has been Granted
only on this Principle, That a Lesser evil may be Sustained to
procure a greater good. The Advantage Procured by Such
Liberty has appear'd to be greater, and more general, than the
Injury Sustained for it has always been Deem'd an Injury to
some by depriving them of a Natural Right, a free unmolested,
unimbarrass'd Passage, — whether the Framing this Petition in
this Manner, so as to pass over, or Beg the main Question, &
have it taken for Granted that they have a Right to build a
Bridge where they Propose, was done by Design or otherways
is Submitted, but if it is taken that it is Implied, in what they
Petition for that they ask also for Leave to build the Bridge, we
beg leave further to Observe that every Petition for any thing
of a Publick Nature, ought to be Explicit — This Petition ought
not only to have been so but they ought to have Set forth what
kind of Bridge they proposd to build, for by this it wou'd have
Appear'd More Easily whether & how far it wou'd be Detri-
mental to others — If they can Suppose it Practicable to build
an Arch from Shore to Shore, & of such a Diameter as will
266 EARLY TOWN PAPERS.
admit any Vessell that can come into that Harbour to pass
under it, & lay their Bridge on that they will meet with no Op-
position from us, it is certain a Bridge in one form, wou'd be
much more Prejudicial with Regard to passing up and down
the River than in another & therefore the whole Plan ought to
have been Shewn in the Petition or there can be no just judg-
ment, past on the Merits in favour of it. But That a Bridge
built in any way which the Petitioner can carry into Execution
wou'd be of more Damage than Advantage We Apprehend
will appear by many considerations — It is a Fact well known
that Several Vessells of considerable Burthen have come in this
way & thereby Escaped the Danger & Damage of Ship Wreck,
and the Loss of one Ship of an hundred Tons, woud be greater
than the advantage of a Bridge there, wou'd have been in a
Century past besides the use of that branch of the River is. daily
increasing as the number of Inhabitants above Increase, — and
if We may Judge from the Experience of the last forty years
past, the Inhabitants on the Island are & will be daily decreas-
ing so that the Reasons for building a Bridge taken from the
accommodating a considerable number of People grow weaker
every year, — They were perhaps on every Score Seven times
more and Stronger, in Qiieen Ann's War than now, on the
other hand, those who will be in some Degree (Some more
than others) Damnified & hurt by it have long been & Still are
yearly increasing, and therefore the Argument in favour of this
Proposal, Drawn from the ballance of Advantage Resulting
from it utterly fails these Petitioners. It has been Suggested
by Some that Such a Building in the way which We can Sup-
pose Feasible by the Petitioners wou'd have a very considera-
ble Tendency to Affright and Drive out the Fish from that
Branch of the River by which many of the Neighbouring In-
habitants there are Supplied & Supported which is no small
Objection against the Scheeme, as to the Reasons given to In-
force this Petition either in that or what their Committee have
given (which is little more than dividing & Repeating what is
Suggested in the Petition) they are all Reducible to these, that
as New Castle is a Barrier by Sea, & the Fort is there, a Bridge
in time of War in Case of an Attack by an Enemy wou'd be
Convenient both for Supplying them with Men & for a Retreat,
as also it wou'd be a Probable means of the Inhabitants Re-
trieving their Decay 'd Circumstances — As to the first of these
there is no manner of Weight in it but what was Vastly greater
in Queen Ann's War, and besides if there shou'd be a sudden
call for Men on Such an Occasion, they cou'd be transported in
Boats from this Town sooner than they cou'd Travel thither by
land even with the help of a Bridge, for there is no doubt the
greater part wou'd go from hence if the men came out of the
PORTSMOUTH. 26/
Country, and if any came out of Hampton & Rye, they woud
soon be ferried Over so that it woud hardly be worth while to
Incumber the River with a Bridge, for Such a Precarious &
Uncertain Advantage, add to this that the Supposed Advantage
of a Bridge, to Pour in men when wanted is fully ballanced,
by giving a more favourable opportunity for Deserters to Es-
cape as to the hopes of Retrieving the Circumstances of the
Inhabitants there seems to be Little Weight in this, there is no
Prospect of an Increase of Inhabitants & Trade there, the expe-
rience of more than half a Century is against it — and as there
was more Reason for it so it was more Feasible Fifty years ago
than now — it is true the Trade and Riches of some particular
men there may, as it has for some years past Increase, who might
possibly reap some advantage by a Bridge as tliey woud doubt-
less draw the custom of some of the Eastern part of Hampton
& Rye by it more than at Present, but there particular Emolu-
ment is not a very Weighty Argument in favour of an Increase
of Trade, in General, nor of Inhabitants in the Place — The
Experience of all Countries Proves, the most thriving. Increas-
ing Towns af\er the first Settlement, is within Land or at a
considerable distance from the Harbours mouth — Upon the
whole it is Humbly Submitted whether if the thing was Sup-
posed to be reasonable it ought not to be ask'd, for that no such
Power or Right coud be granted according to Law by their
Charter, whether the Supposed Advantages to Accrue from it,
are not few & Serve but few in Comparison of the Prejudice
arising from it if done both in Respect to Weight and Numbers
for that Vessells coming in must necessarily go out again in
order to come up the River if a Bridge was there, besides the
other Damages aforesaid, — Whether the Growing Numbers of
Traders and other Inhabitants above even to the Heads of Riv-
ers and even all the Inland Towns who have any concern with
the Salt Water or any thing Transported by it or living in it
that passes by or in Piscataqua River woud not be in some de-
gree Affected by this Matter, and whether any consequences
Resulting from it can come within the Rule aforesaid, & Pre-
ponderate, all which with what may be farther Offered upon an
Hearing is humbly Submitted and will be judged as We humbly
hope of Weight Sufficient to obtain a dismission of this Petition.
John Sherburne *) Agents for
Andrew Clarkson > the Town of
John GrifTeth ) Portsmouth
John Dennet >
Sam* Penhallow > Select Men
William Knight )
[For New Castle petition, see Vol. IX, p. 566. — Ed.]
268 EARLY TOWN PAPERS.
[9-98] [Complaint against Market'Men: addressed to the
General Courts Nov. /p, i^Sj,']
The Humble Petition of the Subscribers Inhabitants of the
Town of Portsmouth in said Province sheweth —
That your Petitioners have long labored under the Burden of
an oppressive, unreasonable and destestable Custom, which,
as it is in its operation destructive to the Properties of the Sub-
ject, calls aloud on the Legislative Authority to enact such
Laws which shall discountenance, abolish & prevent the same
for the future, as being a Public Grievance & having a tendency
to subvert the present good order of the Government in general
& private Societys in particular.
Your Petitioners beg Leave to present their Complaint to y'
Excell*^ & Honours without impeaching the Characters of any
Individuals in this Town, but only in the general to say, That
it has been usual and customary for many Shop Keepers to
purchase of our country Brethren who come into town, great
quantities of Provisions of all sorts by way of Truck and vend-
ing the same again to y' Petitioners & others with an advance
of 20 per Cent up>on the first Purchase, by which we are grev-
iously treated, for if these Monopolizers were once prevented
from purchasing other than necessary supplies, as may serve
their own family Consumption every Member of the Commu-
nity would then have an equal Benefit of the Markett.
The Consequences resulting from this Custom is at first
View so manifest that your Petitioners think a further observa-
tion thereon would be insulting & reflected upon the Judge-
ment of y' Excellency and Honours they therefore leave their
Complaint, not doubting but the Equity thereof will produce
such relief on the Premises as the Wisdom of your Excell^ and
Hon" may seem meet to determine
Your Petitioners as in Duty bound Shall ever pray —
W" Shackford Wiliam Warner Ebenz' Dearing
Monseiur Bunberry William Jones Caleb Beck
Edw* Butler Richard Woods J®^" Peavey
^ohn marshall Simeon Akarman Thom improy
ohn Moflfatt Tobias Banfill George Jackson
ohn Wentworth Josiah Akarman John Hunking
Sam' Grifilith Nahum Akarman John Mendum
William Yeaton Richd. Servans William Marshall
Rich* Champney George Marshall Jun Richard Chids
"ohn Wendell Jos. Allcock Thomas Palmer
onathan Warner Thomas Palmer Samuel Beck
Jam. Warner Michael Whidden Moses Wingate
Pierse Long Jun' John Cutt
PORTSMOUTH.
269
Geo Wentworth
John Phillips
John Churchel
George Marshall
Sam*^ Ham
W" Hunt
Richard Polly
John how
Joseph Welch
W" Gunnison
W» Welch
John Pendexter
Sam" Dalling
John Nelson
George Seaward
Giles Seaward
W Clagett -»
Gregory Purcell
Sanr Cutts
Samuel Moffatt
James Stoodly
Geo : Jeffrey
Hugh Hall Went-
worth
Sam' Appleton
Josh. Wentworth
D. Sherburne
Sam" Sherburne
ohn Beck
ohn Noble
In® Langdon
Odiorne
In® Bartlett
James Marden
Joseph Hixon
Rob' Gibbs
George Hart
Thomas Chadbourn
Elisha Briard
Daniel Hart
Richard Shortridge
John Dennett
Mark Fernald
Geo* King
Samuell Treadwell
Henry Sherburne
Rich Hart
Nath" Shannon
Joseph Simes
Benj* Mack ay
James Dwyer
Perkins Avers
Charls Banfill
as Gilmor
Brackett
Geo Boyd Jun'
George Dame
Will"* Pearne
Samuel Hall
iames Grouard
lath" Sherburne
Joseph Walker
Thomas Sherburne
Nath" Jackson
Tho* Dalling
John Lindsay
James MDonogh
N : furber
J
georg fearnald
Tho' Landell
William furnel
Tho» Richard
Samll Barnes
Tho* Hatch
W" Rose
William Fullerton
Ebenezer Odiorne
Joseph Moulton jun'
Paul Laighton
W" Jenkins
Henry Nutter
Epes greenough
James Whitaker
Sam" Waters Junior
Edward Gale
John Wheelwright
Tobias Melcher
Jonath Rawlings
Thomas Goldthwaitt
Samuel Greenough
William Gibbes
Nath" Mendum
John Furnald
Ezek^ Russell
Eph" Dennett
Zech' Foss
Peter Man
Mark Nelson
John Kennard
John Loud
[In council, Nov. 27, 1765, read and sent to the assem-
bly.— Ed.]
[9-99] \^Petition for the erection of a Light-house : ad"
dressed to the Assembly^ June 14^ ^7^5*^
The humble Petition of Sundry Merchants & others of Ports-
mouth and other Adjacent places Concerned in Trade Shews
That the Necessity of a Light house at Some Suitable place
near the Mouth of Piscntaqua harbor has been a long time
acknowledged and desired, and is Obvious to every One,
270
EARLY TOWN PAPERS.
acquainted with the Situation — For Building of which, Provi-
sion was made by the Act commonly called the Loan Act,
above twenty years ago, which woud Probably then have near-
ly Effected the thing, considering the Price of Labour & value
of the bills Emitted by that Act. But if Such a building was
then Estimated of such Importance, to the Safety of Navigation
& benefit of Trade it is much more So now by the Increase of
both — That the burthens & Difficulties now attending Trade of
which every One is Sensible more than when said Act was
passd is as Your Petitioners humbly Conceive a very weighty
Additional Motive to countenance any lawful Scheme that car-
ries a favorable Aspect towards it, and the Events of the last
Winter & Spring are strong presumptive evidences that the
Light house proposed woud be such, and Prevent in a few
Years many heavy losses. — That there is a Society of Gentle-
men in Portsmouth aforesaid formd under the Name of the
Marine Society who are more Intimately acquainted with the
Circumstances and Incidents attending the Navigation of this
River than others, who if consulted would more Particularly
Demonstrate the Necessity & Advantage of this matter and
might be of Service in their advice in the Premises —
Wherefore Your Petitioners humbly request that this affair
may be taken under Consideration what was formerly done
Considered and such further Measures Determined on and Pur-
sued Especially Such additional Sums Granted as shall best
Carry the proposal Into Execution and Your Petitioners Shall
ever Pray &c
George Boyd
John Pen hallow
Jonathan Warner
Temple Knight
James Stood ly
oseph allcock
ill" Torrey
Rich* Hart
^
Members of the Marine Society Viz* —
Gregory Purcell
Sam* Appleton
Hugh Hall Went-
worth
Daniel Rtndge
Titus Salter
Nat Sherburne
Sam* Warner
James M'Donogh
(3eorge Turner
Geo : Janvrin
~ I® Parker
[oseph Hixon
lamuel Moffatt
John Leye
W» Whipple
Thomas Wentworth Samuel Tripe
Tho« Packer Thomas Hatch
John Sherburne Richard Salter
D Peirce John Wendell
Sam*^ Dalling
Giles Seaward
W- Knight
Nat Barrel!
W' Langdon
Pierse Long
Nath* Adams
Edward Emerson
i oseph Mead
>* wamer
Ja* Nevin
Hall Jackson
Peter Shores June'
John Griffeth
Mark Duckett
PORTSMOUTH.
271
John Newmarch
Charles Treadwell
J : Tufton : Mason
Nattf Treadwell
A R Cutter
W Clagett
John Shack ford
Daniel Rogers
Paul march
H Wentworth
Samuel Wentworth
Mark H« Wentworth
Sam* Cutts
Jos: Whipple
John Stavers
John Moffatt
Tobias Lear
John Beck
Richard Childs
Zeb Foss
James Guppy
Josh* Wentworth
Joseph Simes
Geo: Wentworth
Joseph Cotton
Stephen Batson
n^ Blunt
ohn Hug^tt
ohn Salter
\V« Shackford
in* Bartlett
lark Fernald
Daniel Sherburne
Batt Staves
Sha<^ Bell
Clem* Jackson Sen'
Tim^^ Mountford
W" Odiorne
E Russell
William Parker
Tho* Wibird
Philip Hooker
Noah Parker
Jno. Sullivan
Sam Hale
W«Hart
John Noble
George Marshall
John marshall
Eph' Ham
W» Gibs
Ebnzer Dearing
John Wheelwright
Joseph Tapley
[In council, June 18, 1765, the foregoing petition was
" Read Recommended & Ordered to be sent down to the
Hon^« House" In H. of Rep., June 19, 1765, "This peti-
tion being Read — Ordered that the petitioners have leave
by Mess" Jn® Sherburne, Jon* Warner, Daniel Rindge,
Sam* Cutts, Thomas Wentworth, Gregory Purcell, Titus
Salter and George Janvrin to take a view of Odiorns Point
& any other place w** they may think more suitable to erect
a light house on that they prepare a plan of the building,
make an estimate of the cost thereof & y® annual expence
of supporting it consider what materials will be most suit-
able for such a Building & make report to the General As-
sembly as soon as may be " Council concurred. — Ed.]
[90-100] [Petition relative to Stamp Act Riot : addressed
to the Governor and Assembly ^ yuly lO^ 1^66,']
The Petition of Us the Subscribers a Number of the Inhabi-
tants of Said Province of New Hampshire and Loyal Subjects
to his Majestie King George and Peaceable Members of the
Province under your Excellenceys Administration, humbly
Sheweth
That whereas on the first Day of November last a number
of People were Assembled together in a Riotous manner in the
Town of Portsm* in profess'd Design to oppose the Stamp Acts
takeing place, and in said Riotous manner did Damage Break
A
2^2
EARLY TOWN PAPERS.
and Spoil a House Built at our Expence for the Purpose of
Worshiping God agreeable to his Word and our own Con-
sciences.—
And whereas his Majestie has Publickly made known his
royall Pleasure by a Letter from the right Hon**** M' Conway
to his Excellency to make good the Damage Sustained by his
Loyal Subject thro the means of Mobs and riotous Assemblies
about that Affair
Therefore we most humbly Informe your Excellency and
Honors that We have suffered a great Loss in the Damage
done said Building, whereby it was rendered Useless to Us full
Six months, and altho We have done our best to repair it in as
frugal a Manner as Possible to the Expence of no small sum, yet
it is Considerabely marr'd with many marks of Violence. And
We most Earnestly Implore y' Excellency and Honors in your
wonted Attachment to the Honor of his Majestie and your own
Generosity and Humanity To take our Case into your Wise
Consideration, and Order Us such Redress as your Excellency
and Honors shall think Meet ; and your Peititoners as in Duty
bound shall every Pray —
Nat Barren
Benj* Hart
Moses Noble
Colb- Barren
NatW Bogers
William Fullerton
[In council^ July ii, 1766, the foregoing was read and
sent down to the H. of Rep.-^ED.]
[90-101] [Relative to Hogs going at largeJ^
We the Subscribers Inhabitants of the Town of Portsmouth
Pray that the Act for Preventing the Hogs going at Large in
this Town may pass if possible this Session.
W Clagett
Hy Appleton
ohn Furnald
ames Grouard
n* Parker
oshua Brackett
W- Whipple
Jos. Whipple
Sam Penhallow
Samuel Moffatt
Benj* Parker
Benjamin Slade
H Wentworth
Zeb Foss
Peter Man
George King
Josep Walker
Geo Turner
iohn New march
Lobert Robertson
Neale M'Intyer
Rob* Train
George Boyd
Dan* Fowle
Gregory Purcell
Sam* Cutts
Th« Martin
Jos Allcock
G Wentworth
W- Knight
John Penhallow
Kath* Adams
James Dwyer
E Russell
Paul march
William Marshall
W^ Langdon
Benjamin Bigelow
Richard Trusdel
John Clark
Thomas Wentworth
Ja' Nevin
PORTSMOUTH. 2/3
William Hart Will" Torrcy Henry Rust
Daniel Rogers Is : Rindge W" Shackford
Peter Pearse Thomas Chadbourn Peter Johnson
Mark Nelson A R Cutter
[90-102] \^Petition for the passage of an Act to oblige TaX'
Payers to give in their Property under Oath : addressed
to the General Assembly^ Feb, 21^ ^7^p0
The Petition of us the Subscribers, Inhabitants of the Town of
Portsmouth in the Province aforesaid Most humbly Sheweth
That the Trade and Business of this Metropolis is so greatly
Decayed that the Inhabitants are filled with the most Gloomy
Apprehensions Espeacially the Middling and Poorer sort who
look upon themselves to be greatly Distressed and Aggrieved
by the weight of the Public Taxes which by the present method
of Assessment falls exceeding heavy on them, when they are
scarce able to provide provisions for their Familys — for the
Remedying of which Grievance and that all the Inhabitants
may be equally Taxed ; which at present they are not, the
Select Men of the Town having no Certain Rule of Law to
Proceed by as they have in the other Provinces on this Conti-
nent.
Your Petitioners humbly Request That your Excellency and
Honors in your great Wisdom and goodness would be Pleased
to Pass a Valuation Act Obliging every Inhabitant of the Town
to give in to the Select Men or Assessors a Just and true Valu-
ation upon Oath, of All his Estate Real and Personal under
Improvement, that so each Member of the Community may
bear his equal Proportion of the Publick charges of Govern-
ment, Or that you would be pleased otherwise to Relieve the
Distrest Inhabitants of this Town, relative to the Premisses in
such other Method as to your Exc'^ & Honors in your great
wisdom shall Judge Meet —
And your Petitioners, as in Duty Bound shall ever Pray &€**
Portsmouth March 31 1769 —
Jacob Tread well Sen William Hart Rich* Champney
Nath* Treadwell John Hart Jun' Giles Seaward
Sam* Griffith John Penhallow Benjamin Bigelow
Nath* Treadwell Jun'John Newmarch Geo Turner
Daniel Hart Josh Blanchard Jacob Mills
Peter Man John Beck Henry Sherburne
Joseph Brewster W" Blunt James Dwyer
Michael Whidden Jn® Clapham J Brackett
Jun' W Appleton Benj' Mackay
20
274
EARLY TOWN PAPERS.
Sam" Dalling
Nath" Sherburne
Geo Wentworth
George Marshall
Geo : Janvrin
John Stavers
Feter Pearse
Supply Clap
Charls Baniill
Geo Gains
William Furnell
Sam* Gerrish
Benj' Parker
Joseph Allcock
GregOT3' Purctrll
Th* Martin Josh. Wentworth
John Sparhawk Joseph Leigh
Kich' Cutts ShannonEdmund Coffin
Geo : King Clem* Jackson
James P* King Hall Jackson
Dan^ Lunt George King
Nehemiah Wheeler Dan* Fowler
James Haslett
Edward Hart
Joseph Bass
Sam* Cutts
George Boyd
Neal Mclntyer
Rob* Robertson
Ric* Hart
ohn Furnald
ohn Adams
n** Jackson
William Fullerton
John Langdon
Joseph Day
W" Cario
[9-104'] [^Petition relative to Market^ Fire- Wards ^ Taverns^
Small'Pox^ etc. : addressed to the General Assembly^ iyy2J\
The Petition of us the Subscribers Selectmen of Ports-
mouth in said County, and as a Committee in behalf of said
Town, pursuant to the Vote thereof at their legal meet-
ing for the current Year — Humbly Sheweth, That some per-
sons with a view to monopolize, forestal and engross the
market of provisions, have made it a practice to buy all, or the
major part of the same before they were brought into the Town,
or immediately upon their being brought to market and to
retail the same at an exorbitant price, whereby every person
inclined to purchase at first hand is prevented therefrom & the
Poorer sort of People greatly oppressed and the good design of
establishing a fix'd market in said Town, frustrated — That the
Law for extinguishing, fires in said Town is deficient in that it
lays no penalty on any person refusing to obey the firewards in
Case of Fire, and also in that it does not im power the firewards
to pull down any Buildings they shall judge necessary to pre-
vent the spreading of Fire in the Town — That the great num-
ber of Taverns in said Town naturally tend to the corruption
of the morals of the Youth, To promote Idleness, drunkenness,
& Debauchery and a chain of other vices very detrimental to
the well being of the Town, — That said Portsmouth being a
Sea- Port Town hath continually been, and yet is, at vast Ex-
pence in defraying the charges, and in preventing the Small
Pox & other contagious distempers from spreading thro' this
province, and for that purpose have, within Twenty Years last
past necessarily expended Eight hundred & forty Pounds law-
ful money. — That the proportion of the Province Tax paid by
the said Town appears to them unequal & disproportionate to
PORTSMOUTH. 2/5
what the rest of the Towns annually pay, and as the Trade of
s^ Town hath long been declining & the Burthen of Taxes in-
creasing, while the other Towns in the Province have been
growing Richer, & while many new Towns have been incor-
porated & settled (since said proportion was made) which are
now able to pay a dividend of the Province Tax. — Your Peti-
tioners therefore Pray, in behalf of the Inhabitants of said Ports-
mouth that they may have Liberty to bring a Bill for prevent-
ing the forstalling & ingrossing of Provisions — To limit the
number of Taverns in said Town for the future, & to amend
the Act concerning Fires. — That Your Excellency & Honors
would reimburse and allow to the said Portsmouth the whole,
or such part of the monies by them expended for preventing the
spreading of such Contagions as may appear to you Equitable,
and that there may be a new proportion of the Province Tax.
And your Petitioners, as in duty Bound will ever Pray. —
Portsm** May 22* 1772. —
Benj* Akarman Geo Gains Geo Hart
Sam^ Cutts William Langdon
[In council, May 26, 1772, the foregoing petition was
read and sent to the assembly, recommended. — Ed.]
[9-1 19] \_Relaiive to a Market^ etc,']
Whereas we the Selectmen of Portsmouth, have in a general
way, prayed leave to bring in a Bill against Forestalling and
Ingrossing the market of provisions in Portsmouth, We hum-
bly beg leave to suggest to your Excellency and Honors, in a
more particular manner the proposed contents of s^ bill which
are that the house built and improved by the Town for a mar-
ket house in s^ Portsmouth, be established as such. That there
be a Clerk of the Market chosen annually by the Town, who
shall not suffer any unwholesome or putrid Meat, or other pro-
visions unfit for Sale to be sold there, and if any such be offered
for Sale in said Market he shall be obliged to prosecute the
Offender, that said Clerk shall not be allowed to buy any Pro-
visions in said Market but for his own family use, and upon
conviction thereof the Selectmen shall displace him and appoint
another Clerk in his stead, which Clerk so appointed shall con-
tinue in his office (except he shall offend as aforesaid, in w^^
case the Selectmen may remove and appoint as afores^) until the
next annual Town-Meeting, when a new one shall be chosen.
That every day in the year excepting Lord's days and days set
apart by Government for Religious Service shall be a market
day, the market shall be opened at Sunrise, and kept open until
one oClock in the afternoon and every Saturday afternoon, and
276 EARLY TOWN PAPERS.
every other afternoon preceeding any day set apart by Govern-
ment for religious services as aforesaid shall be esteemed Market
hours — that no Steelyards be allowed in s* Market nor any other
than sealed weights. — That all disputes in the market between
buyer and seller concerning things bought and sold in the Mar-
ket shall be determined by the Clerk — that no person before one
oClock in the afternoon shall buy any provision in s** Market
with intent to sell the same at a greater price, nor sell any pro-
vision so bought at a greater price than given on penalty of
twenty shillings for each offence One half thereof for the use of
the informer and the other half for the poor of said Town, that
no Huckster, or any other person shall, before one oClock in
the afternoon, in any part of said Town, buy any provision
brought to said Town either by Land or water for sale with
intent to sell the same again at a greater price under the. pen-
alty of Twenty shillings for each oftence one half to the informer
& the Other half to the poor as aforesaid —
[9-105] \_Protest against Theatrical Performances^ etc.:
addressed to the General Assembly^ yan. 11^ ^773 »'\
The Petition of a number of his Majestys Dutyful and Loyal
Subjects Inhabitants of the Town of Portsmouth whose names
are under written humbly Sheweth —
That your petitioners apprehend great inconvenience to this
Town and Province from the Toleration of public Plays and
Theatrical Exhibitions that such Theatrical Exhibitions tend to
an unnecessary expence both of time & money, of more fatal
consequence at a time when the Low State of Trade and con-
tinual & just complaint of the scarcity of money, call for the
greatest. Diligence and good Economy in the Inhabitants of
the Town — that such Exhibitions by exciting the Curiosity of
the poor draw them off from their necessary Labours and in-
duce them to spend that in gratification of their Curiosity which
ought to have purchased Bread for themselves and Families —
That therefore they have a tendency to increase the number
of the poor and accordingly add to the burden of the Town
which already is nearly insupportable — that such plays and ex-
hibitions under a pretence of Ridiculing & Correcting have
been found in numberless Instances greatly to increase Vice in
those places where they have been in use, and have been com-
plained of as a grievance by many of the Wise and Virtuous in
the Nation —
That if encouraged in this Town they will increase the means
of Dissipation among us which are already observed with con-
cern—
That they will so engage the attention of our youth as greatly
PORTSMOUTH.
277
to impede their Progress in the most important parts of Learn-
ing both in our Schools and among our Handicrafts —
That they expose our youth to many Temptations and youth-
ful Lusts that especially We apprehend they are by no means
favourable to the great cause of Christianity but have a Ten-
dency to divert from a diligent attention to the Holy Scriptures
and a serious concern to be prepared for Death and the World
to come — That your petitioners have accordingly observed with
concern the Encouragement one M' Morgan has obtained in his
Weekly Exhibitions in this Town, and apprehend that some of
the abovementioned ill Consequences resulting from the free
Toleration of such Theatrical Exhibitions are already too plain-
ly seen among us —
That if he and his Fellow Actors after having attempted to
set up their Business in other parts of New England and being
universally refused should settle themselves in this Town in
said Business, We may Expect beside the great Expence of
maintaining him and them, We shall have others of like Char-
acter and for the same purpose Crowding in upon us to the no
small Detriment of the Town and the State —
Your petitioners therefore from a deep concern for the Hon-
our of God, the Cause of Virtue and the Welfare of the Town
and Province Humbly Pray your Excellency and Honours that
they may have Leave to bring in a Bill to Prohibit such Ex-
hibitions—
And your Petitioners as in Duty Bound will ever Pray &ca
Arthur Browne
Samuel Langdon
DD.
Samuel Haven DD
Sam* Penhallow
John Hurd
Samuel Hale
Joshua Brackett
H Wentworth
John Newmarch
Charles Treadwell
A R Cutter
John Moffatt
Tho» Hart
John Pickering Jun'
Peter Pearse
ohn Penhallow
ames Clarkson
ames Clarkson Jun'
Mark Langdon
George Marshall
John marshall
Eph"" Ham
Geo. Marshall Jun'
Reuben Snell
Sam" Dalling
W"* Cario
Dan" Jackson
John Griffeth
James Stoodly
Jos : Whipple
Benj' Mackay
W" Knight
Mark Nelson
Geo. Hart
Mark Seveay
Rich* Hart
William Langdon
Nath* Treadwell
Joseph Cotton
Geo : Jerry Osborne
Perkins Ayers
Joseph Day
Abraham Elliot
Theodore moses
Samu* Moses
Isaac Williams
Jonathan Ayers
Geo Gains
Samuel Bowles
John Grant
Peter Man
John Nelson
W" Cotton
Joseph Walton
Temple Knight
Sam* Cutts
Jos. Allcock
George Dame
Joseph Leigh
Pierse Long
John Beck
278 EARLY TOWN PAPERS.
[In H. of Rep., Jan. 13, 1773, voted unanimously that the
petitioners have leave to bring in a bill. — Ed.]
[9-106] \^Relaiive to taking the Small-Pox^ ^773'^
May it please your Excellency & the Hon^** His Majesties
Counceli —
The Selectmen of the Town of Portsmouth being under fear*
full Apprehentions of the Small pox spreading in this Town,
from the dayly practice of Numbers of the Inhabitants of this
Town & Elsewhere ; who without propper Regard to, or leave
from the Town, throw themselves into the infection upon the
Pest House Island, and thereby make it Necessary for us to
suffer them to be inoculated, least they should spread the in-
fection the Natural way
And whereas we now hear of a Number who intend to take
the same unjustifiable Method of having the Small pox, and
that we have no Authority to prevent, or at least it is out of our
power to keep them from the Island by laying any penalty for
such a great Transgression — We therefore Humbly aske your
Excellency & the Hon^** His Majesties Councells Advice and
direction in this important matter —
Portsm® June 27*^ 1773
Sam* Cutts ^
Geo. Hart > Selectmen
Geo Gains)
[An act to prevent the spreading of the small-pox was
passed Jan. 29, 1774; and another, which prohibited inocu-
lation for smallpox without permission from the authorities,
was passed Dec. 13,. 1776. — Ed.]
[9-107]
It is the opinion of the Selectmen, & as farr as they under-
stand the Sentiments of the Inhabitants of the Town, that ^ of
the people think it much less resque of having the Small pox
spread the Natural Way ; to have the following Method Estab-
lished for y* present — viz
I to have the pest House used for a Hospital for inocula-
tion—
2' that a Committee of 5 respectable persons be Appointed to
regulate the pest House & Establish the following Rules
3* That a Doctor of fidelity be Appointed, who must reside
at the Island during the pleasure of the Committee —
PORTSMOUTH. 2/9
4** That two or three persons be chosen and Sworn to con-
form to the directions of the Committee, to Attend upon y* or-
der of the House —
5*** that no person be Admitted upon the Island without
Written leave from the Committee —
6**^ That if any person Clandistantly goes upon the Island in
order to have the Small pox, shall be. Subject to a penalty of
30JC Lawful! money —
7'** That any & Every person that chooses to go down to the
Pest House to be inoculated, must Apply to the Committee, &
pay them £ Lawful money for the Charge, & then obtain a
certificate from said Committee to the Doct^ of his having
Agreed to the Terms of inoculating —
Sam^ Cutts Selectmen
[9-1 10] [^Departure of Gov. Wentworth^ ^77S-li
Portsmouth Aug 25 1 775
Sir—
We beg leave to inform the Hon**** Provincial Congress that
yesterday his Majesty's Ships Scarborough & Canso sailed from
this Harbour 'tis said for Boston with Governor Wentworth &
his Family on board & that we doubt not the Hon**** Congress
will in their Wisdom pay due attention to the request of this
Committee signified to them yesterday by Mr Morrison
We inclose a Vote of this Committee relative to Shipping ofl
Fish & M' Champney who carries this will inform the Hon****
Congress fully as to that Matter —
lam
by order of the Com** of Safety
Sir
Your most hble Servant
H Wentworth Chairman
To the Honorable The President of the Provincial Congress
[In provincial congress, Aug. 28, 1775, the committee of
safety of Portsmouth were earnestly recommended to use
all prudent methods to prevent the exportation of fish from
Gosport. — Ed.]
[9-1 1 2] \^Portsmouth Committee of Safety to the Provincial
Congress^ 1775'\
Comm** Hall Portsm* 9*** Nov 1775
To the Honorable Provincial Congress —
The Committee of Safety for this Town, having been favored
280 EARLY TOWN PAPERS.
with a Sight of the Votes of the Honorable Congress, relative
to enlisting 200 Matrosses & 300 Soldiers, for the defence of
the several ports, at the entrance of this Harbour, intreat the
consideration of the Congress to their Petition that a larger
Number of Men may be employed for that purpose —
So many reasons concur, in favor of this our request, that
We would not trouble the Congress to enumerate them all, but
we just beg leave to mention, that the Port being the key to this
Province, and a great part of Kittery, it was the Opinion of
Generals Washington, & Sullivan, that a thousand Men were
requisite, & they have accordingly thrown up Works to cover
so many
That if so small a Number as 500, are posted there, the
Enemy, from whose late behavior, we can expect nothing but
Treachery, and Surprize, in case they can obtain by such
means, either of the ports, will make use of those very works
to dispossess us of the rest, which as they have a plenty of Am-
munition, of which We are Short, We fear they may too easily
do — That the Harbour of Boston being liable to freeze, which
is not the case with this, an Acquisition of this kind would
be of vast importance to the Enemy, while it would strike a
general Damp on the Inhabitants of this Colony, an Event
carefullv to be guarded against at this critical Season of the
War
We beg leave only further to say, that our own personal Se-
curity, is not the only consideration, that prompts us to prefer
this Petition, We consider the Matter in a much more exten-
sive view, and doubt not the Hon**** Congress will do the same
— Our Harbour is in a manner now defenseless the Men whose
Inlistments are out being mostly gone. We have certain In-
telligence that the Fleet under Morrels command, with some
other Men of War are now at Boston. We therefore intreat
that one thousand Men may be forthwith posted at the Works
aforesaid for one Month to be under the command of the same
Field Officers who have formerly had it of whose Abilities we
entertain the highest respect & confidence And your Petition-
ers as in duty bound will ever pray &c
By order of the Com*' of Safety
H Went worth. Chairman
[9-1 14]
Ports Mouth the 30 Day 1 776
Gentlemen this to Beg the favour of you of Liberty of going to-
work att my trad with Gorge hart or Noah parker Ither of them
gentlemen will Be my Bonsmen and Gentelm fourder I hav
Sarved five months in the provcsel Sarvis
POKTSMOUTH, 28 1
I hav Sind all Sociation a cording too the act of Congres and
Gentelmen fiirder I hav no Close to my Back taking in Such a
maner that 1 cude not help my Self and I Should Take it a
grate favour to hav the Liberty to work and
So I am your well wishers
John Carpenter
To the Onnerable and Ginneral Commyty aft Exeter
[9-1 16] \^Instructions to Assembly'- Men ^ ^77^-]
Portsmouth December 18*** 1776 At a Public Town Meeting of
the Freeholders & others Inhabitants of said Portsmouth p' ad-
journment the following Instructions were given to the Gentle-
men Elected by them to serve in General Assembly —
Gentlemen
The free Suffrages of your fellow Citizens have Elected you
to the betrustment of their dearest Rights & Privi ledges ! They
have chosen you to represent them at the General Assembly of
this State from a Consciousness of your Abilities, Integrity
& attachment to the Public Weal ! And also they can safely de-
pend upon your firmness, yet they presume it must be more
agreeable to you, to know their Sentiments on some Public
Matters, which they cannot but think to be very Interesting to
the Community ! We therefore take leave to give you the fol-
lowing Instructions —
i"* We desire you would use you utmost Influence to procure
an Act of Assembly ! That no Person should hold more than
One Place of Profit Civil or Military under this Government at
the same time ! And that no Member of the Assembly should
hold any Place of Profit while he retains his Seat in the House
as it is of the greatest Importance to the Public Interest, that no
Placemen or Pensioners should hold a Seat in the House ! We
have seen a too selfinteresting Principle prevailing in former
Assemblies & the observation has been general ! We think the
Public Favours ought not to be confined to a few, but extended
to many, by which our Union will be more strongly cemented !
Merit ought to be more consider'd & when Gentlemen of Abil-
ities are chosen into the Public Service they ought to be pro-
vided for agreeable to the Importance of their Offices —
2di7 We desire you would take the greatest Care that our
Soldiery are not neglected as they have been, by suffering
the Sutlers shamefully to enrich themselves by their Extortion,
with the spoils of those worthy men who have jeopardized their
Lives in the defence of their Country & its sacred Rights every
382 EARLY TOWN PAPERS.
encouragement should be given to quiet their Fears & appre-
hension of the like base treatment in future —
^dij "^^ jj,.g conccrn'd to see Monopolies Extortion & Op-
pression so predominant in Town & Country by which the
Poor, the Widow, the Orphan the Fatherless & many other
Classes of People are suffering under every discouragement, &
IS more Instrumental of Proselyting many to the side of our
Enemies, than even the most open Bribery & Corruption for
while we are Complaining of Oppression from the British Gov-
ernment & flying from the Efiects of such Oppression, we are
made doubly miserable under the disguise of Friendship. The
Hon*^* Continental Congress have recommended the Consid-
eration of these apparent Evils to all the States & we earn-
estly solicit you to prevent this dreadful Calamity, which threat-
ens disunion, discord & perhaps more dangerous consequences
than the Arms of our Enemies.
4^ We desire your attention to the State of the Public
Funds & that you do not Consent to the making of more Money
by this State, but that you would Consult with the other States
upon an effectual method to sink the Monies already issue'd
•whereby the Currency may be preserved from depreciating &
the Public Faith more secured, There are not wanting many
within Ourselves, who would wish to see the depreciation in-
creased as they well know this Circumstance alone, would have
a Tendency to weaken our opposition more than any other
jtij We desire that you would pay a great attention to any
Causes of Complaint subsisting in many Towns on the Western
part of this State & to quiet any uneasiness which they feel
from Real or suppos'd Injuries by Partial Representation, these
Complaints if they are not seasonably redress'd may ripen into
an open disaffection to our Cause as the Right of Taxation
wholly depends upon that of Representation, & is the Basis of
our present Controversy with Britain, & if we withhold this
right from our own Brethren by an unequal Classical Repre-
sentation, we shall split upon the very Rocks, we are striving
to avoid, We pray you would preserve this Inherent Right to
the People Inviolate & sacred as it is their dearest Priviledge —
The better to make Representation equal & general (as the
Congress recommended) Let it be determined what number of
Voters shall be Intitled to a Representative not exceeding Fifty,
& that every Town should have as many Members as that
Number will admit of & send as many (if they think proper)
provided every Town pays its own Members, for we do not
think it equitable that the whole Representation should be paid
out of the Public Treasury, for perhaps many Towns may not
incline to send any Members & it would be unreasonable that
they should be Tax'd for one, when they don't send him —
PORTSMOUTH, 283
ffhj \yg enjoin it on you that all Persons who have had the
public Monies should Account for the same that the general
Accounts may be forwarded to the Continental Congress, &
especially that all such monies as now are or which hereafter
may be lodg*d in the Maritime Court, may be Accounted for
Quarterly by the Judge of said Court & paid into the Public
Treasury & to be Borrowed by the Assembly untill the Pro-
prietors shall Claim the same or be otherwise dispos'd of by
the Assembly for the Public Good —
ytty We desire you would procure a support for the Poor
of the Isle of Shoals out of the Public Treasury, to ease the
Burthens of this Town which has been at great Ex pence on
their Account, & at a Time when we are unable to Maintain
our own —
gthj ^g would advise you to procure a Tax to sink the
Money already Emitted & that Money be hired for the Contin-
gencies of Government rather than Consent to another Emis-
sion—
pthy YVe desire you would encourage any Persons who would
undertake the Manufactories of Salt Hemp, Malt & Bloomeries
for the Casting of Cannon & Pot Iron of every kind, also to the
raising of Wheat Flax & any other Beneficial Commodity' of
Domestic Consumption —
iQ^j y^Q would wish to see some Laws made for preserving
the Morals of the People & for every purpose for the Safety
Honour & Welfare of the Community —
A True Copy
Attest
John Penhallow Town Clerk
[9-1183 \_Relative to having' a Price Jixed on Certain Com'-
moditiesy 1777 »^
To the Honourable the Council and House of Representatives
for the State of New Hampshire
The Petition of the Inhabitants of the Town of Portsmouth
who are desirous of quiettingthe minds of many as well to pre-
serve an Unanimity in the Common Cause —
Sheweth,
That notwithstanding the many sore Distresses this unhappy
Country is now suffering by the wanton Cruel and unrelenting
hand of Britain's King & his minions ; Yet there are among
ourselves (both in Town & Country) many who for want of vir-
tue (that inestimable Jewel) have lost sight of the Grand object
which they ought to have in view by oppressing the Industrious
a84 EARLY TOWN PAPERS.
Tradesman Labourers & others in their Exorbitants & unheard
off demands for ahnost every Commodity that by the Dispen-
sation of Divine Providence thev are favoured with ; which will
prove a Curse rather than a Blessing, unless a speedy reforma-
tion takes place, at present it appears doubtfull as the fear of
God & Love for their Country seems not to dwell in them and
no other prospect for redress presents then for your Honors in-
terposeing therein by assertaining & Limiting by Law certain
prices for the common necessaries of Life (without takeing no-
tice of superfluous Articles) as in your Wisdom may be thot con-
sistantwith sound policy for the better secureing peace & unan-
imity among the people in General as many appear discour-
aged thereby which at this Critical time ought to be wisely Con-
sidered in order to prevent evil Consequences attending which
may not at present be foreseen — Your petitioners at the same
time beg leave to observe that they view the present Era big with
the greatest importance respecting the political Event of this
New World and have no doubt by the blessing of God, we
shall finally come off Conquerers provided we hold ourselves
United which may be effected by viewing the publick Cause
our private Concern and despiseing a sordidness of Gain ex-
torted from our Neighbours at this day of puplick Calamity —
And your petitioners in Duty bound shall ever pray —
Portsmouth January 6^ 1777 —
In Publick Town Meeting the petition being read a second
time —
Voted
That it be preferred to the General Assembly of this State for
their Consideration. —
Portsmouth January 7* 1777 —
a True Copy
Attest John Pen hallow Town Clerk
[An act fixing the prices of the necessaries of life, etc.,
was passed Jan. 18, 1777, and an additional one the tenth
of April following. — Ed.]
[9-121] \^Letter from yohn Langdon relative to the Enemy
at Penobscot^ ^779*\
Portsm** June 30*** 1779 —
Gen*
there Seems to be great Exertions, to procure Sufficient force
to go against the Enemy Penobscot, and as it Seems a Duty to
PORTSMOUTH. 285
Assist a Sister State, I could wish that we may Not be behind
hand. I have therefore taken the liberty to mention it to HonW
Committee of fiting out Some Ship from this port to Joine
those from the Massachusetts, in Destroying or Driveing the
Enemy from our Coasts, We have the Ship Hampden now
here that might be got Ready in Short time, She partly belongs
here, partly at Boston. — the State must take here, and have her
Appraised, and fited at their Risque — I should be Exceding
happy if Such a Matter Could be Bro't ab* and would give every
Assistance in my Power. —
I am Gen* your most Obd S'
John Langdon
[9-123] \_Peittion to jit and send the ship Hampden against
the Enemy ^ ^779*\
Respectfully Shew The Subscribers Inhabitants of said State
That they are alarmed by a late descent of the Enemy on the
Eastern Shore of the State of Massachusetts-Bay, That we are
informed Said State of Massachusetts are exerting every Nerve
to oppose the progress of the Enemy in that quarter —
And as the Situation of this State exposes us to the Attacks
of the Enemy should they establish their Power at Penobscot,
We humbly concieve it highly for the Advantage of this State
as well as for the general Benefit of the United States of Amer-
ica that immediate opposition should be made, & that we shoud
heartily Joyn with our Neighbour State by furnishing what lit-
tle Assistance may be in our power to oppose the Common
Enemy— For which purpose we would propose that the Ship
Hampden may be Commissioned, Fitted & Man'd (which we
concieve may be imediately done by Volunteers) with all ex-
pedition, to joyn & Coopperate with our Brethren of the Massa-
chusetts—
We hope that our honest intentions to promote the public
good will apologize for our forwardness in suggesting this Mat-
ter to the Honorable Committee of Safety —
Portsmouth 28"* June 1779
Joshua Brackett Theodore Atkinson Samuel Fernald
Joseph Simes John Sherburn Thomas Sheafe
H Wentworth John Penhallow Rob* Jenness
ohn Parrott Josh. Wentworth E Russell
oseph Bass Thomas Palmer Samuel Briard
^onathan Warner Sam" Dalling John Wendell
Geo Wentworth Nath Folsom Henry Sherburne
286
EARLY TOWN PAPERS.
Moses Woodward
Neal Mclntyer
John Cutt
A R Cutter
James Grouard
Feter Man
Jacob Treadwell
Jeremiah Libbey
H Appleton
Benjamin Slade
Giles Seaward
James Whitaker
Edward Sargent
Sam* Hutchings
Henry Nutter
Pierse Long
W" Cotton
Geo : King
Samuel Hill
James Gooch
Tobias Warrener
Daniel Rogers
Nath» Treadwell
Sam* Pen hallow
Nahum Ward
James Haslett
Rob* Parker
Sam* Gerrish
J. Whipple
[9-1 22J \^Statemeni of the Condition of Matters in Town^
State of New Hampshire. Rockingham ss.
At a Town-Meeting Warn'd and held at the West-Chamber
in the State-House at Portsmouth by Adjournment October i"*
1779—
The Report of the Committee represent* g the distrest State
of this Town being read.
Voted, That it be Accepted, And a Copy thereof be given to
the Representatives of this Town, to Lay before the General-
Assembly at their next Session.
The Committee Appointed to prepare a representation of the
distrest State of the Town, beg leave to Report that upon Ex-
amination they find that out of Twelve Thousand Tons of Ship-
ping, which prior to the present War were owned here An-
nually, there are not more than Eight Hundred Tons now^
That Trade of all Sorts hath lessen'd in the same Proportion,
That on the 27**^ of July last, there were no more than 383 Men
upon the Train-Band and Alarm-List, The rest of the Men be-
longing to the Town were in the Navy Army or Captivity, ex-
cept a few Persons in Privateers belonging to other States —
That all the Current Cash in the Town is insufficient to pay the
Taxes the present Year — That early in the War a resolve pass-
ed the General-Court of this State, order* the Inhabitants of the
Isle of Shoals to remove from thence, to prevent any Intelli-
gence which might otherwise be given to the Enemy. In Con-
sequence of which this Town has been burthen'd with the poor-
er Sort of them since that Time, which is a great Addition to
the Expences thereof — That the Annual Expences of this Town
for the Support of the Poor Amount to near Thirty Thousand
Pounds — That the Lodgment of the Enemy at the Eastward,
hath deprived the town of its Principal Resources and greatly
PORTSMOUTH. 28/
increased the Price of Wood and otherwise very much ob-
structed the little Trade it had left — That the Town being con-
stantly exposed to sudden Attacks and Depredations of tlie En-
emy render it unsafe was it in its Power to furnish Men to be
remov'd to any considerable Distance, all which distressing Cir-
cumstances considered must make it appear to every Impartial
Person That the State and Continental Taxes for this Town
ought to be reduc'd in Proportion to the Reduction of their
Trade and Augmentation of their other Distresses —
Portsmouth September ***• 29"* 1779
A. R. Cutter
John Parker
John Pickering
reirse Long
Portsm* Octob' 5*** 1779 —
a True Copy Attest
John Penhallow Town Clerk
[9-124] \^Relatzve to Town Affairs^ 1780: addressed to the
General Court, '\
The Freeholders & Inhabitants of the Town of Portsm* at
their Annual Meeting held this day by Adjournment taking into
their consideration the very large and disproportionate Tax laid
on them by Government, for the present Year, and being fully
Conscious of their utter Inability to discharge it, beg leave to
lay before your honors a true State of their Present unhappy
Scituation, and leave it with your honors to Judge how, & in
what manner you can best Alleviate & redress their suflfrings. —
This being a Sea-Port Town, the Inhabitants depend intirely
on Trade & Navigation for their Support ; — when this fails
them, they must soon be reduc'd to Poverty & want. — How far
this has been the case will appear. —
In the Year 1774 the Shipping belonging to this Port
amounted to twelve thousand Tons, — this by a gradual diminu-
tion from that Period is now reduc'd to about five hundred
Tons. — This has not only been a Loss of so much Trade to the
Town — of employment to the Mechanic & Labourer — ^but a to-
tiil Loss of so much Property to the several Individuals. — at
least ^**" of the Shipping (by an exact estimate lately made)
which sailed from this Port since last fall, has since been taken
or lost. — The Depreciation of the Currency and high price for
the necessaries of Life, have been another source of misfortune
& Loss to this Town which has been necessarily Ondebted to
the Country for the chief of such supplies, for which the bulk
of the People have had nothing to pay but money — whilst the
288 EARLY TOWN PAPERS.
former has been supplied within himself, — his chief Stock that
is, his Lands, remaining whole — nor has this Town sustain'd
greater Loss, in what its Inhabitants have purchased than
in what they have been forc'd to sell — Many suffered extreamly
& some were ruin'd by the Regulating Act — Vast quantaties
of Rum & other Merchandise were sold atthe Stipulated Prices,
while in a month or two afterwards five times the sum would
not replace the same Articles. — And what added sorely to this
misfortune — there was an Act, or Order of this State Compell-
ing People to deliver up Particular Articles at the Stated Price,
on pain of having them taken from them by force — And these
were not Paid for by the Publick till the Articles had risen in
value — Ten-fold. —
The Act pass'd in the begining of the War obliging the In-
habitants of the Isle of Shoals to remove from thence, has
thrown the Poorer sort of them upon this Town, and added
greatly to the expences thereof. — The Annual charges of which
for the support of the Poor the present year, being like to
Amount to at least Eighty thousand Pounds. — The Lodgment
of the Enemy at the Eastward — hath amazingly increased the
Price of Wood & otherwise much Obstructed the little Trade
we had left — Another very great Loss has been sustain'd by
Persons in the Town who have had large sums of money at In-
terest in the Country, who have sunk ^**" of such Estates — by
being forced to receive their several Debts at the Nominal
Value — Add to all this the Great Loss the Town sufTer'd on the
Alarm about 3 Years ago, in being Oblig'd so suddenly to
remove with their Efiects out of Town, the Expence of moving ;
the Damage & loss of Such Effects ; & the Charge of keeping
them so long in the Country. —
These, and many other causes which it would be tedious to
mention, have reduced this once flourishing Town, — to its
Present low & distressed Scituation — A Scituation — more deplor-
able than that of any Sea-Port Town on the Continent, that
has not been Actually in the hands of the Enemy — Multitudes
are reduced from easy Circumstances, to want & beggary, and
half the Inhabitants at least have frequently been without Bread
or Fuel —
From this Account of our Scituation, your honors will Judge
whether we are in a Capacity to pay such a Tax as we are As-
sess'd. — We lejive it wholly with your honors to admit what
part thereof you think Just, and we doubt not it will be no In-
considerable part thereof —
State of New-Hampshire Portsmouth
At a Town meeting held the 13*** day of June 1780 by ad-
journment Voted, that the above Report be accepted — and that
PORTSMOUTH. 289
John Pickering & J M Sewall Esq" be a Committee to enforce
the same at the Gen^ Court in behalf of y* Town
John Penhallow Town Clerk
To be considered by the Com" of the Whole
[9-125] [Instructions to Representatives^ i^So."]
Att a legal Town Meeting held at the West-Chamber in the
State-House in Portsm® by Adjournment Nov 27*** 1780 —
Voted, that the following Instructions be given to the Repre*
sentatives of this Town Viz
To William Whipple John Langdon and George Gains
Esq"
Gentlemen,
Your re-election at this important crisis, is a fresh testimony
of the affection of your Constituents and of our confidence in
your abilities and integrity ; but as we judge you desirous to
find yourselves supported in the faithful discharge of the high
trust reposed in you by our suffrages, we have thought fit to
give you the following Instructions while we depend upon your
best exertions to carry them into effect.
It is not to be expected, amidst the various and important
objects which must demand your consideration in the present
situation of public affairs, we should pretend to point out any,
but such as ought to engage your earliest attention : of which
kind we esteem the filling up this State's quota of the Conti-
nental army during the war ; providing every thing necessary,
& convenient for officers and privates, establishing their pay
upon a certain and unfailing basis, and punctually complying
with all promises made them. The least inattention to this
momentous object, we consider both impolitic and criminal.
At a time when our obstinate foes are pluming themselves on
their skill in financing, building their fond hopes of conquest
upon our want of experience in that art, and the failure of our
paper currency ; while our agriculture, alliances and resources
are increasing, with pungent sorrow, we behold our medium of
trade, the nerves and sinnews of our defence labouring under
the loss of public faith ! Without enquiring into the policy of
former administrations, or faulting them for not providing funds
adequate to its support, or for taking other measures to prevent
its depreciation, which have had a contrary effect; realizing
that public and private credit must ever be supported by integ-
rity and honour ; we instruct you to revise all the laws now ex-
isting respecting our paper-currency, and to use your influence
for the repeal of any inconsistent with those principles ; and for
21
290 EARLY TOWN PAPERS.
enacting such as shall give credit and permanency to the cur*
rency, rescue the widow and orphan from the hand of oppres-
sion and injustice, and fix a lasting criterion for commutative
justice between the subjects of this state, that none in future
may have just cause of complaint.
Convinced from reason and experience, that all embargoes-
and restrictions of trade between the States, are anti commercial
and tend to destroy the harmony and friendly intercourse which
the principles of the american constitution are calculated to en-
courage and cherish, we recommend it to you not to consent to
any such embargoes and commercial restrictions but on the con-
trary that you upon all occasions strive to preserve the most in-
timate cordiality and friendly intercourse between these states,
ever emulous, with care and caution, to nurture and bring to-
maturity a plant of such nice contexture.
The protection of our Seacoast and frontiers is so necessary &
will so naturally come under your consideration, it would be
needless to instruct you about it.
The frequent and almost constant alteration in the number of
inhabitants, and quantity of property in many of our towns,
evince the expediency of making a new proportion of public
taxes annually. — We need not mention to you, the Representa-
tives of this once commercial flourishing town, its present im-
poverished, distressed condition as a forcible argument for the-
alleviation of our public taxes.
Acting in the legislative department, you will not be unmind-
ful of the judicial ; but studiously endeavour, to render the
courts of law independent of ever}' kind of undue influence,
while you provide salaries for the justices of the superior court
of judicature, adequate to the arduousness and importance of
their office ; the final decision of property and life.
With deep concern we notice, the almost unbounded juris-
diction given by many acts of the state to Justices of the peace,
whereby the trial by jury is curtailed, and the grand palladium
of our liberty and security endangered, wherefore we instruct
you to use your influence for the repeal of such acts or clauses
therein and to prevent the like in future
Agreeably to the desire expressed in the precepts for chusing
members of the General Assembly, we impower and instruct
you to vote for calling a convention for the purpose of forming
a new and permanent plan of Government.
Pleased to see the last General Assembly sitting at the an-
tient seat of government and present seat of intelligence in the
very house built and designed for that purpose we reasonably
expect you will solicit the General Assembly of which you are
members, to sit here also, in which we entertain the pleasing
hopes of your success, as their sitting here abstracted from other
PORTSMOUTH. 29 1
motives, will be as convenient for the members in general, if
not more so, than the place where they are to convene
The proper security and humane treatment of prisoners of
war, at this unhappy period, is an object which merits your at-
attention, and for which purpose, places more suitable for their
reception and confinement should be immediately provided.
We wish an enquiry into the State of the treasury as well as
frequent adjustments of all public accounts.
In fine encourage cherish and protect literature and the sci-
ences, virtue and piety— conform all your measures to the eter-
nal rule of rectitude and you cannot fail of the applause of your
fellow citizens and of the approbation of your own con-
sciences.—
Portsmouth November 29*"* 1780 —
Attest John Penhallow Town Qerk
[R- 3-159] \^Memorial of Maj. Samuel Sherburne: ad^
dressed to the General Assembly^ i^So.']
The Petition of Sam^ Sherburne of Portsmouth in the state
aforesaid sheweth. That on or about the last of July 1778,
your Petitioner in compliance with a recommendation of the
Honb^ Committee of Safety, to the Militia of this state, voluntari-
ly turned out & put himself under the command of Gen^ Sulli-
van on an expedition against Rhode Island. That he was
there appointed to the office of Brigade Major and in y* action
of the 29*** of August [1778] lost his left Leg by a shot from
the Artillery of Enemy. He therefore requests to receive the
benefits appointed by Congress in such cases, and to be put on
y* half pay establishment to commence from y* day of his being
wounded — and that y* surgeons Bill may be allowed — and your
Petitioner as in duty bound shall ever pray
Sam^ Sherburne
[In council, June 16, 1780, he was allowed ;^890 for his
doctor's bill. — Ed,]
[R. 3-160.]
[Simeon Fernald, under date February 3, 1780, stated
that when the expedition was formed against Penobscot he
enlisted and went on board the ship Hampden, but escaped
in a boat when the ship was captured. He was sick, and
died three days after, as certified by Dr. Hall Jackson, Feb-
ruary 12, 1780, at which time his widow, Margery, applied
292 EARLY TOWN PAPERS.
for relief, stating that she had six small children, and was
destitute. — Ed.]
[R. 3-163.] [^Petition of Mrs, Lewis for an Allowance^ jySo.']
To the Honourable the Councile and the House of Represent-
atives for the State of New Hampshire Now Convened at £xe*
ter for the Dispatch of Business. The Humble Pition of Eliz-
abeth Lewis of Portsmouth, Humbly Sheweth to your honours
That when it was the sovereign Pleasure of the suprem Direc-
tor of all Human Events to Permit a Spirit of Timidety to Seize
the Bulk of the British Nation in Suffering their Rulers to Pur-
sue such a Systim of Policy Disgracefule to them as a Nation
Inasmuch as their Conduct was Unjustifiable by the Fundamen-
tals of their own Constitution and when it Become the Indis-
pinsible Duty of the Inhabitants of these States for the Preser-
vation of their Own Libertys as well to Guard the sacred Dis-
port the Natural Rights of Posterity to embody a Number of
its Freeman to Counteract the Flagitious and Sanguinary
Disigns of Evil & Disingning Men — That John Lewis the only
Son of your Petitioner Engaged in the Service of his country in
troops Raised by this State for the Preservation of American
Liberty as Early as the year 1775 That on the 6^ Dec**' 1776
he Inlisted into the Company of Cap* Benjamin Titcomb Dur-
ing the Present war That on the 26'^ following at the battle of
Trenton he served the Sacred Cause & paid the Last Trible
Due to his Country by Breathing his Last in its Service. * *
• • «
her
Portsm® June 10* 1780 Elizabeth X Lewis
mark
[9-127] [^Relative to Parish Bounds: addressed to the Gen^
eral Assembly^ Dec, 18^ 1^82."]
Humbly shew the subscribers Wardens of the North and
South Parishes in Portsmouth in the county of Rockingham
and State aforesaid inbehalf of the parishioners of said parishes,
that the parishes aforesaid not being bounded by any lines, the
parishioners of the respective parishes cannot be ascertained
without great difficulty and trouble, and when ascertained &
taxed to the parochial charges, the collection of a considerable
part of the taxes, is often rendered impracticable, by reason of
many such parishioners being absent at sea & elsewhere.
The arrearages so incurred and increased from year to year
either remain unpaid or are paid by such as have before paid their
PORTSMOUTH. 293
quota. The difficulties and burdens aforementioned your peti-
tioners, conceive, would be in great measure removed & the
collection of the taxes facilitated, were the parishioners of the
respective parishes impowered to assess and lay such parochial
taxes on the Pews in the Meeting-houses in each parish, or on
the pews, polls & estates of said Parishioners, as might be
found most convenient & equitable ; and were the Collectors
also of each parish impowered to sell at public vendue the pews
of the delinquent owners for non payment of future taxes, which
may be laid thereon, with incident charges, returning the over-
plus money, if any, to the owners of the pews so sold : Where-
fore your petitioners humbly pray, that, the parishioners of
said parishes respectively may be impowered to assess, lay and
collect such parochial taxes in manner aforementioned and that
your petitioners may be permitted to bring in a Bill for that
purpose and your petitioners as in duty bound will ever pray
&c
John Sherburne 1 Wardens
Sam^ Penhallow V of the North
Benjamin Akarman ) Parish
Pierse Long ") Wardens
John Pickering > of the South
Thomas Sheafe ) Parish
[R. 3-166] \_Richard Sherman* s Petition : addressed to the
General Assembly ^ 1^82.']
The Petition of Richard Sherman of Portsmouth Humbly
Sheweth — That your petitioner enlisted in the Continental
service in the year 1777 — that at the retreat from Ticonderoga
he was wounded by the enemy in the hip : that afterwards, at
the Capture of Burgoyne, he was wounded in the arm — and
lastly with Gen^ Sullivan, at Susquehanna, he was wounded in
the body the ball passing, after entering the breast, thro' the
shoulder ;
* * * Rich* Sharman
Portsmouth Dec' 25*^ 1782
[R. 3-167] ^Soldiers' Order.']
Portsmouth August 28*** 1782 —
Sir —
Please to pay The Town of Portsmouth the whole of wages
due to James Lock & Theodore Marston as Soldiers in Cap^
294 EARLY TOWN PAPERS.
Parsons Company in Coll^ RunAells Regiment Last year for
Said Town Being for Value Rec* by their Orders —
Simon Marston
To the Hono" Meshack Weare Esq'
[R. 3-168] [Supplies to Soldier^ JFamilies.']
The Town of Portsmouth To Jeremiah Libby D' for Sup-
plies to the Continental Soldiers Familys Since Jan^" i, 1781
Viz'
1 781 William Russells 804.6
Noah Allards 182.16
Edward Goatham 154*10
Rich* Sheerman 213. 6
Tohn Jones 4SO""
fohn Shute 284. o
[ohn Humble 210.14
"^homas Shaw 341 —
1836 14
2641. o
Commissions (a) 10 per c' 264 —
Portsmouth March 21, 1781
Errors Excepted
Jeremiah Libbey
£2905.—
the truth & Justice of this Ace* was Sworn to by Jeremiah
Libbey
Before Geo Gains Jus Peace
[R. 3-169] \_Supplies to Soldiers^ JFamilies,']
The Select Men of the Town of Portsm® To Jeremiah Libbey
— D'
for Supplys to the Following Soldiers Familys Since April i ,
1 78 1 Viz*-—
1781 Richard Shermans 100.16
John Shutes 65. 8
John Humbles 37. 4
Noah Allard for his Mother 60 —
Thomas Shaw's 252.12
PORTSMOUTH. 295
John Jones's 243.12
£dward Goatham 138. 1 1
898. 3
Commissions (a> 10 per c* 89.16
Liawful m^ of the Old Emission £987.19
Portsm* May 20*** 1781
Errors Excepted
Jeremiah Libbey
1781
May 25 By an Order on Coll^ Akerman for the Above Sum
JC987.19 Jeremiah Libbey —
the truth of this Acco' Was Sworn to by Jere** Libbey
Before George Gains Jus Peace
[R. 3-170]
The Town of Portsmouth To Supply Clap.— D'
For Supplies to the following Soldiers Family's in the Con-
tinental Service to June, 17S3, — ^Viz* —
John Jones JE7. 1 6.6
Jon* Shute 5 —
Edward Goatham 5. 2
James Jones 3 . 1 6 —
George Abbott 3 . 1 8 —
iSamuel Odiorne 4.16 —
£30.8. 6
To my Com" on d* ^ 10 per Cent — 3.0.10
^33-9- 4
Portsmouth June 1783 Errors Excepted, —
Supply Clap.
£R. 3-171] \^Bounties to Soldiers,']
John Collins in 1778 5»i5> 7 Thomas Shaw 24, 2,7
PToah Allerdi78o& 1781 4,13, 9 William Busull 19,10,0
John Jones 58,19, 3 Abraham Senter 5, 4,3
Edward Gotham 23,18, 2 Robert Stockle I)i4i2
David Duncan 7,4,11 Stephen Swetser 4)i6,8
Philip Cooper 9>*3» 6 Thomas Waters 5» 3»5
296 EARLY TOWN PAPERS.
W» Gale
4i 3»io .
28,19,10 ^
[oseph Hull
3»^6i^
Rich* Sherman
[ohn Shute
28, 4,0
Geo Abbot
24, 4, 6 ^
ohn Humble
8,16,0
Solomon Abbot,
i»»5' 3 J
ames Jones
4t 8,3
Benj* Cross
2, I, 9
276,19,2
Philip Cooper D' to Selectmen Portsmouth 19,3.
277ii8,5
In Committee on Claims
Portsmouth 13, 1785 The above Sums (amounting to Two
Hundred Seventy seven pounds eighteen shillings & five pence)
advanced by the Town of Portsmouth for Bounties & supplies-
have been deducted from the above Soldiers depreciation
Ex** per Josiah Gilmaii
Portsm^ June 14"* 1785 —
Reed an Order on the Treas' for the above Sum
In behalf of Selectmen —
Geo Gains
(4 (( ((
(4 44 44
\_Portsfnouth Men in the Revolution — Copied ^rom Revolu-
tionary Papers in Secretary" s Office, '\
[P. 49] Jedediah Nock, age 25, Cilleys Regt in 1778
Edward Smith, age 40, '' " "
[P. 53] Samuel Johnson, age 45, " " '*
[P. 55] George Yea ton, age 17 Nathan Hale's Batt.
George Abbott, age 36
Abraham Senter, age 27
John Davis, age 22 " " *'
Roberts Stockels, age 31 ** " "
The 6 following enlisted in Capt. James Carr's Company and
received each JC20, bounty
Age Enlisted
[P. 265] John Wright 21 Feb. 11, 1777
John Rawlins 22 " 17, "
Thomas Quint 19 " 17 '*
Thomas Warren 21 Mar. lo "
Abraham Senter 28 Feb. 17
John Mehon 47 "17
[P. 63] John Archibald, & Samuel Lear, Cap. Carr's Co.
[P. 295] Soldiers enlisted for the Town of Portsmouth for three
month, Sept 1781 —
44
44
PORTSMOUTH. 29/
Sam^ White Gate James Lock Jon* Blue
John Clark John Mills Joseph True
Solomon Rundlett Enoch Butler Ezekiel Knowles
Wm Marden Theodore Martin Benj* Page
W Y. Ham Jer^ Avery Tho" Ayers
rP. 325] [Men in 2d N. H. Reg't, Camp New Hampshire
Village, Feb. 14, 1781 : Noah Allard, Matthias Welch. The
latter belonged in Portsmouth, but enlisted for Rochester.]
[9-130] [ Vote on the Eighth Article of Confederation J\
At a Town Meeting of the Freeholders and Inhabitants of
Portsmouth held October 23, 1783
The Recommendation of Congress for making an Alteration
in the Eighth Article of the Confederation being taken into
Consideration —
Voted—
That the Representatives of this Town be not Impowered to
Comply with said Recommendation, but on the Contrary be &
hereby are Instructed to Oppose it
Portsmouth October 27*** 1783
A True Copy
Jeremiah Libbey Town Clerk
[See Vol. XI, p. 318.— Ed.]
[9-133] [Petition of the Wardens of ^ueen^s Chapel: ad-
dressed to the General Court ^^ JFeb,^ ^7^5']
Humbly sheweth
The Wardens of the Parish of Qiieen's Chapel in Portsmouth
in said State in behalf of the Parishioners
That it hath been the constant practice of said Parish to tax
the pews in said Chapel & the polls of the parishioners for the
Support of the Ministry, repairs of the Church and other Ex-
pences of the Parish — that many of the Owners of pews in said
Chapel have been greatly delinquent in the payment of the par-
ish Taxes and some of the parishioners have been obliged to
advance considerable Sums more than their proportions of the
necessary Expences of said parish, that the said parish conceiv-
ing this an unreasonable Burthen have voted that their Church
Wardens petition your honors that your honors would be
pleased to pass an Act to enable and impower the Church
Wardens for the time being to make sale of the pews of the
Owners who are delinquent as aforesaid for the payment of their
298 EARLY TOWN PAPERS.
Taxes now in Arrear and unpaid & for any Delinquency that
may be hereafter and your petitioners as in Duty bound will
ever pray, &c —
Geo : Jaffrey ) Church
Geo : Turner ) Wardens
Portsmouth October 17*^ 1785 —
[The foregoing petition was granted by an act passed
March 2, 1786. — Ed.]
[9-138] [Relative to the laying' out of a Road: addressed to
the General Courts June^ 1^86. "]
Humbly shew the subscribers, Selectmen of Portsmouth in
the county of Rockingham & State afores' in behalf of the in-
habitants of said Portsmouth, that Willam Weeks, Ephraim
Pickering & Joseph Dow, Esquires, as a Committee appointed
by the Court of General Sessions of the Peace for said County
to lay out a road from that which runs by Rye Meeting House
to Long Lane so called, did on the 5*^ day of May 1784 lay out
and make return of the same in the following words viz. ^' We y'
subscribers appointed by the hon*^** Court of General Sessions
of the peace to lay out a road from that, which runs by Rye
Meeting House to Long Lane, so called, have done the same
in the following manner viz Beginning at the Southeast corner
of land of Samuel Rand and Benjamin Marden. thence running
on the Easterly Side of said Land, North about 3 1 degp'ees west
80 rods, thence North 15 degrees west through a corner of
Samuel Dowse Foss's land, leaving as much off a comer of said
Rand and Marden's land into s^ Foss's land on this point 11
rods — to be fenced by the Parish of Rye, thence Northwest
about 40 degrees 180 rods to Portsmouth Line — which road we
have laid out two rods wide and have estimated the land being
two acres and twenty two rods at ten pounds ten shillings to be
paid to y* said Rand and Marden by the Parish of Rye — the re-
moving and building 171 rods of fence to be done and paid by
the said Parish of Rye — From the said Portsmouth Line we
proceeded North about 47 degrees West on the Easterly side of
Mark Lang's land 173} rods, thence on the same course on the
Easterly Side of Sherburne's land 121 rods to the said Long
Lane road — It appeared to us, that, there was a privilege of a
road three rods wide from said Long Lane to Newcastle and
Portsmouth Line, nearly in the same place where we have laid
out said road, and we have Estimated the making 173^ rods of
Fence at thirty pounds to be paid to M' Mark Lang by the
Town of Portsmouth and the making of 121 rods of fence at
PORTSMOUTH. 299
twenty one pounds three shillings to be paid to said Sher-
burne by said town of Portsmouth — ^Your petitioners further
shew ; that said Committee did by mistake report that they had
laid out said road from Portsmouth to Newcastle Line on the
Easterly Side afs' Lang's and Sherburne's lands, when the s'
ancient road does not run thro their lands, but thro' the lands
belonging to other persons, said Committee did also awarde
large damage to said Lang and Sherburne to compensate them
for making the number of rods mentioned in s^ report when in
fact their fences then stood on the Westerly bounds of said an-
cient Road, that running by the westerly side of their lands,
which Road your petitioners, conceiving to be laid out as it was
anciently reserved for that purpose, have actually laid open and
expended large sums of money in making the same passable,
which must be entirely lost and the public greatly injured unless
Sroad as actually opened and made as afores^ should be estab-
ihed. Wherefore they in behalf of s* Inhabitants, pray, that
the return of the said Committee, so far as it respects the laying
out of s' road by them thro' said Portsmouth and the proceed-
ings of the General Sessions afores^ thereon may be vacated and
nullified, and that your petitioners may be enabled to get the s^
ancient Road established as the law directs, and they as in duty
bound will ever pray &c
John Noble *) Selectmen
John Sparhawk f of
W» Gardner ) Portsm^
[In H. of Rep., Jan. 4, 1787, the petitioners were granted
leave to bring in a bill.]
[9-139] \_Relative to Duties on Imported Goods: addressed
to the General Courts yune^ ^7^7 *\
Humbly shew the subscribers, that they have been taxed in
common with the other subjects of the State towards the sup-
port of government, which they have always chearfully paid —
besides which your petitioners being concerned in trade & nav-
igation have been and are subjected to a heavy impost duty on
articles imported by them in the necessary course of their busi-
ness— Which additional tax while trade was in a less embar-
rassed condition & when received by the Impost-Officer in or-
ders on the Treasurer of the State, was more tolerable — ^but the
increasing distress, nay almost destruction of our commerce,
and the unreasonable denial of the Impost-Officer to take in pay-
ment of the duties, orders on the Treasurer, have rendered the
payment thereof impracticable, Your Petitioners would humbly
300
EARLY TOWN PAPERS.
suggest, that while they are deprived by law of the means of
compelling their debtors to pay in Specie, and while the public
neglect to pay, or refuse to receive their own orders in favor of
the subject, for public duties it must be impossible for your pe-
titioners to pay the same, and therefore unreasonable in the
public to exact or expect the payment thereof. Your Petition-
ers cannot investigate the reasons, why some orders on the
Treasurer should be receivd by the Impost-Officer and others
rejected — why some subjects are indulged to pay in Facilities
and others compelled to pay in Specie, Were the Legislature to
decline receiving for such duties such orders it would (your Pe-
titioners fear) in the present exhausted condition of the State-
Treasury, and critical situation of government give the finishing
blow to public credit, and prove a strong temptation to smug-
ling — Wherefore your petitioners pray that the Impost-Officer
may be directed to receive in payment of any Impost duties,
any such orders, or that the Legislature in their wisdom and
justice would otherwise redress the grievance under which your
petitioners labor, and they as in duty bound will ever pray &c
Neil M'Intire
Elip* Ladd
Samuel Hill
Thomas Sheafe
James Sheafe
W» Sheafe
Nath* Adams
Rich* Champney
Hall Jackson
Jacob Sheafe
Jacob Sheafe junr
Clement Storer
Jos : Haven
Dan* R Rogers
Nath* A. Haven
Francis Borland
Alexander Ewen
Sam" Storer
Abel Harris
Moses Woodward
Peter Coues
Tim' Mountford
Robert White
Richard Tibbets
Ton* Hamilton
[»« Sheafe
Joseph Champney
Icuben Shapley
John Goddard
Reuben Billings
Supply Clap
Th° Martin
Peter Pearse
A R Cutter
Nath* Folsom
Aaron Hill
Edmund H Quincy
W Gardner
Benjamin Slade
Sam* Chamberlain
Rob» Gerrish
George Dorey
Robert Parker
Samuel Fernald
John Salter
Stephen Chase
Samuel Haven Ju
Benj* Dearborn
To lay
[9-140] [^Petition to have imported Books exempted from
Duties: addressed to the General Court .^ i^Sy,"]
The memorial of Nathaniel Adams in behalf of the Proprie-
tors of the Portsmouth Library humbly shews that said Proprie-
tors have at a great expence, for the purpose of promoting
learning and knowledge laid the foundation of a Publick Libra-
ry, to which they are continully making additions by the im-
PORTSMOUTH. 3OI
portation of the works of the latest and most celebrated Au-
thors, but they find themselves subjected to the additional ex-
pense of the Impost upon all their importations, which they
conclude was not the intention of the legislature to lay upon a
matter so generally advantageous to the Community
They therefore pray the hon**** Legislature to take the matter
into their wise consideration and to remit the impost upon the
books which may be imported by said Proprietors for said Li-
brary, and as in duty bound will ever pray —
Nath^ Adams for said Proprietors
Portsm* Dec' 14th 1787
£9-141] \_Selectmen*s Petition for Authority to raise Money
by Lottery to build a Market- House : addressed to the Gen^
eral Courts ^790*^
The petition of the subscribers selectmen of the town of
Portsmouth —
Sheweth that your petitioners were empowered by a vote of
the town of Portsm® in March last to apply to the General court
for a lottery for the purpose of erecting a market house in said
town — as the tickets in this case would be principally disposed
of among the inhabitants and as the town cannot conveniently
raise the money in any other mode and it being equally benefi-
cial to the adjacent country as to said town —
They therefore pray the hon**** court to grant them permission
to raise a sum not exceeding nine hundred pounds for the pur-
pose of building said market house & that the select men & as-
sessors be the managers of said lottery —
Portsmouth June 1790
The assessors are
■»
Daniel Rindge
Tho» Martin
Aaron Hill }-Esq'
John Noble
A R Cutter
Woodbury Langdon ^
John Peirce \ c ^ *
T • u T 'uu > Selectmen
Jeremiah Libbey [
James Sheafe J
302 EARLY TOWN PAPERS.
[9-143] [Petition for the Incorporation of the First Parish :
addressed to the General Courts ljgi,'\
The Petition of the Subscribers Wardens of the first Parish
in Portsmouth in said State humbly sheweth —
That the Parishioners of said Parish at their late Meeting
taking into consideration the state of their parochial affairs &
not finding themselves legally empowered to transact some of
their most important & necessary business, did by their Vote
Authorize & direct the Wardens of said Parish to petition your
Honors '^ that said Parish might be incorporated Dy the Name
of the first (or North) Parish in Portsmouth." Your Petition-
ers therefore in compliance with said direction do, in behalf of
8^ Parishioners, humbly request that an Act may be passed in-
vesting 8* Parish with all the rights & Privileges belonging to
an incorporated Society —
And as in duty bound pray
Geo Gains
Elisha Hill
John Goddard
[In H. of Rep., June 3, 1791, the prayer of the petition
was granted, and the parish was incorporated June 15,.
1 79 1.— Ed.]
[9-146] {^Petition for an Incorporation of the Episcopal
Church: addressed to the General Court ^^ iygiJ\
Humbly shew the Subscribers, Church Wardens of .the Epis*
copal Church in Portsmouth, that the society or episcopal par*
ish aforesaid labour under many inconveniences for want of a
legal incorporation ;
Wherefore they pray in behalf of said Society that your
Honors would by law incorporate said society into a body cor-
porate and politick by the name of Christs Church in Ports-
mouth with all the privileges and immunities necessary or inci-
dent to a religious parish or society, to enable them to hold said
church, church yard and lands purchased by said parish and
grants or endowments that have been heretofore or may be
hereafter made the same, And in the name of the Church War-
dens of said Parish for the time being to sue for demand and
recover, any real or personal property belonging to said parish,
of any person whomsoever who hath illegally possessed or may^
hereafter possess himself thereof. And also to change or alter
PORTSMOUTH. 305
the name of said Church from Queen's chapel to Christ's
Church
And your petitioners as in duty bound will ever pray
Portsmouth Feb^ 5th 1791
Geo : Turner ) Church
Tho' Thompson / Wardens
[The church was incorporated February ii, 1791, and the
name changed from Queen's chapel to St. John's church.
—Ed.]
[9-147] [ Universalis^ Society /or Incorporation^ ^793*^
The Petition of us the Subscribers Inhabitants of the Town of
Portsmouth in the County of Rockingham and State afore^
Proprietors and Owners of a certain piece of land situate in said
Portsmouth with the building thereon, called and known by the
name of the Universalist-Meeting-House, Humbly shew — That
your Petitioners being desirous of becoming a body-corporate
for the purpose of assessing and levying taxes from time to time
for the sole purpose of repairing said building and appurte-
nances whenever they may deem it necessary, humbly pray that
your Honors would pass an Act for the above sole purpose, and
Incorporate them by the name of The Universalist society^
granting them thereby all and every power necessary therefor
and your petitioners as in Duty bound, will ever pray —
Portsmouth 31'* May 1793 —
Rendal Fernald George Hart Abner Blasdel
Peter Pearse Nathaniel Meleher Alexander Ewen
John Wendell Jun' Jeremiah Libbey Richard Jackson
Dan' R. Rogers reter Coues Thomas Simes
W" Plaisted George Massey Tames Grouard
Moses Woodward George Wentworth Martin Parry
J. Sheafe Jon' M Sewall
John Cutt Daniel Rindge
[This petition was granted June 10, 1793. — Ed.]
[9-148] \_Petition for Authority to build a Bridge over Saga-
more Creek: addressed to the General Courts Dec. /^,
We the subscribers, inhabitants of Portsmouth and Rye in
said state, humbly shew that were a bridge erected over Saga-
304
EARLY TOWN PAPERS.
more creek from Portsmo^ to Rye near Benj Lear's house it
would shorten the travel & facilitate the communication between
said Towns & be of public utility Wherefore^ we pray that lib-
erty be granted us to build and maintain a bridge there by Sub-
scription, & as in duty bound will ever pray &c —
Edward Sargent
Geo. Turner
Benj Morrell
William Seavey
Joseph Brown
William Seavey Ju'
ames Seavey
ohn Seavey
ames Seavey ju
ohn Foy
ohn Foy Ju
Levi Dearborne
Samuel Wallis
William Berry
Titus Salter
Billy Rand
Samuel Rand
Nath^ Rand
Joseph L Seavey
Amos S Parsons
John Webster
Daniel Mason
Paul Seavey
Joseph Rand
Alexander Salter
John Salter
John Carrol
loses Philbrick
Levi Berry
Jeremiah Berry
Jonathan Hobbs
William Marden
Joseph Lock
Nathaniel Marden
Josiah Webster
Rich* Webster
Samuel Rand
Joshua Brackett .
Edward Sargent
Abner Blaisdel
Jacob Sheafe
Isaac Waldron Jr
A R Cutter
[In H. of Rep., Dec. 19, 1797, the foregoing petition was
granted. — Ed.]
[9-149] {^Piscataqua Bridge^ Cost and Revenue^ ^79^'^
This may Certify That the following Statement is a true Ex-
tract from the Accounts and books of the Treasurer of Piscata-
qua Bridge from which it Appears the nett income of the
Bridge does not much exceed two per centum p' Annum —
whenever it shall need repairs the devidcnd to the Proprietors
of course will be greatly diminished, — altho the Bridge is of
great public utility — it is now and probably will continue to
be to the proprietors a very Unproductive property.
Dollan. Centt.
65947
The first Cost of Piscataqua Bridge
Toll Collected from the Bridge from Nov' 25'*' 1794
the Commencement thereof to Nov' 25*** 1798 is 4
years
Expences on the Bridge since it began to receive
Toll, in building a new draw, pay of toll Collect-
ors & sundry necessary repairs and additions (with-
out any charge by the Managers for their service
or the Treasurer for receiving and paying the Div-
idends)
34
8181 .75
2812 .31
PORTSMOUTH. 305
4 Years Nett income being 53^9 .44
One Years being one fourth 1342 .30
Interest on the first Cost of 65947.34 Cents at 2 per
cent is for one Year 13 18 .95
Portsmouth Dec 12, 1798.
Th® Martin Treasurer
Sworn to before R. Cutts Shannon.
[9-150] \^Petition for Incorporation of an Aqueduct: ad'
dressed to the General Courts ^797'^
The Petitioners, Inhabitants of said Portsmouth, Humbly
shew : —
That they conceive an Aqueduct for the purpose of watering
said Town might be a lasting conveniency to the Inhabitants,
and in case of fires would prove a great public benefit ; And
that the only water that could be applied to that purpose is
more than two & one half Miles distant, and that from the Na-
ture of the Ground through which the Aqueduct must pass, be-
ing a considerable part of it low marsh & Rockey or Ledge
Land, it would necessarily be attended with great expence ;
They therefore pray that they & such others as may hereafter
be interested in it maybe incorporated with the exclusive Right
and full powers to Effect the purposes aforesaid, & to continue
in succession, to them & their heirs and Assigns forever, — and
they as in duty bound shall ever pray. —
November 27'*' 1797
Samuel Hill Nath' A Haven Thomas Chadbourn
ames Sheafe John Goddard William Boys
oseph Whipple Jp'^* Clark Dan* R Rogers
n* S Sherburne Elip' Ladd Reuben Shapley
Joshua Brackett J^^^ Peirce J^^" Fisher
A R Cutter Daniel Rindge Sam* Drowne
[The Portsmouth Aqueduct was incorporated Dec. 19,
1797.— Ed.]
[Petition of St. yokn^s Lodge^ JF. and A, M.^for an Incor^
poration^ I7QP>^
To THE HONORABLE, THE GENERAL COURT, of the StATE OP
New Hampshire convened at Exeter, on the first Wednes*
day of December in the year of Light 5799.
Humbly shew the Master, Wardens and Members of St.
John's Lodge in Portsmouth. That in pursuance of their
22
3o6
EARLY TOWN PAPERS.
sublime institution, which was, for the promoting brotherly
love, peace, and good will among mankind, and relief of all
distressed brethren ; they have raised a small fund, which they
are desirous of so securing, that the proceeds may be appropri-
ated for such laudable purposes. They are also desirous of
erecting a suitable building for the accommodation of said
Lodge at their orderly meetings. But without the aid of this
Honorable Legislature, they are unable to secure said fund, or
erect such building. They therefore pray your Honors, to grant
them an act of incorporation, under such restrictions and limi-
tations as your Honors may deem expedient. They would
further observe to this Honorable Legislature, that from a per-
fect sense of the purity of the institution, ^which is well known
to many of your Honors as Masons) and of their honest inten-
tions in this application, and a 6rm belief in the candour, dis-
cernment, and good intentions of your Honors, they have the
fullest confidence, that no unworthy prejudice can be harboured
against them. They therefore now, and will ever, as is their
bounden duty as Men, and Masons, to do, most humbly pray
the Grand Architect of the Universe, that He, would take
your honorable Court under his holy protection, and that final-
ly, as a band of Brothers '' made perfect" thro' the working of
his divine favour, we may all meet upon a level in the Grand
Lodge of" perfect bliss," under the "Arch of perfect knowl-
edge," where the *' word," which was from the beginning,
shall be the " Star of light," as a sig^, and token, to guide us
to joy forevermore. —
From the East of S* John's Lodge
November 15"* A. L. 5799.
Nath^ Adams, G. Master of Masons in Newhamshire
Tho : thompson deputy G. M.
Clement Storer — S. G. W.
Edw* S* Loe Livermore
John M*Clintock Master.
Joseph Willard, ) ^^d^ns.
Samuel Larkm — j
Edward J. Long
Abraham Isaac
N. Folsom
John Adams
James Hill
Charles Chauncy
John Melcher
W" Furness
Charles Treadwell
Josiah Dwight
William Vaughan
Tho' Manning
Elijah Hall
William Boyd
Nath" Dean
Jn' Underwood
Theodore Furber
Sam' Adams
Jon* Clark
And^ Halliburton
ames Anise
eremiah Hart
bhn C : Payson
R : Cutts Shannon
RAYMOND. 307
George Nutter William Stavers Joseph Seaward
Elisha Low Ward Gilman Ob Lang J'
N : Rousselet Charles Blunt J^^*^ Salter
Clem* Jackson M S Blunt Samuel Hill
Moses Woodward Reuben Shapley Alexander Ewen
George Wentworth John Boadge Edward Sargent
Darf Cutter George Plaisted Woodbury Langdon
Alex' Laing Samuel Sherburne Rich' Billings
Will" Rice Richard Evans
Isaac Waldron Jr Elip' Ladd
[The foregoing petition contains the names of some of
the most prominent men of that time. The penmanship in
the original is very fine, and men who can produce its equal
are scarce. It was considered by the legislature December
10, 17999 and the petitioners were granted leave to bring in
a bill. The lodge, however, was not incorporated until
June 22, 1 82 1. — Ed.]
RAYMOND.
The territory in this town was purchased of an Indian,
by Col. Stephen Dudley, in 171 7, and went by the name of
Freetown.
Col. Dudley was a resident of Exeter prior to this pur-
chase, and was commissioned, Aug. 17, 1717, "Town Major
of Freetown," by Gov. Samuel Shute. Freetown was in-
cluded in the township of Chester on the incorporation of
that town, Aug. 27, 1726, and so remained until May 9, 1764,
at which time it was set off and incorporated as a parish by
the name of Raymond, with full town privileges. At a
town-meeting in Chester, held Jan. 26, 1763, the inhabitants
gave their consent to the separation, and to the incorpora-
tion of Raymond.
The first town-meeting was called by Samuel Emerson,
and held May 29, 1764.
By an act passed June 23, 1848, the boundary line be-
tween this town and Candia was established.
Among the Revolutionary soldiers from Raymond were
the following :
308 EARLY TOWN PAPERS.
Seth Rice, age 28, Col. Cilley's ist N. H. Reg't.
William Towle, age 35, Col. Nathan Hale's, 2d N. H. Batt
Jona. Fullonton, age 19, " "
Joseph Fullonton, age 17, '* "
Theo's Lovering, age 18, *' "
Ithiel Gordon, age 18, *' "
Ezekiel Pollard of R., enlisted Feb. 26, 1778, for Epping.
[9-15 1 ] [^Relative to locating- a Meeting- House ^ jy68 : ad-
dressed to the General Assembly, '\
The humble Petition of the Subscribers Freeholders and In-
habitants of the Parish of Raymond in said Province Sheweth
That the said Parish was incorporated in May A D 1764 and
have ever since been destitute of a Meeting house for the Public
Worship of God in said Parish
That the Parishoners cannot agree where to set a Meeting-
house altho they have had sundry meetings for that purpose
but the major part of the Inhabitants living in the Northeasterly
part of said Parish have voted to set the Meetinghouse about a
Mile from the northeasterly side line of said Parish which will
greatly discommode many of the Inhabitants of the upper part
of said Parish which is likely in a Short Time to be the best
part of said Parish
That your Petitioners humbly conceive that if the Meeting-
house was to be placed as near the Center of the Parish as pos-
sible it wou'd accommodate all the Inhabitants that now are or
hereafter may be settled there And as some of your Petitioners
live almost tive Miles from the place proposed & voted to set
the said House which is to your Petitioners a great Greivance
and if so done will be to them a heavy Burthen —
Your Petitioners therefore humbly pray the interposition of
your Excellency and Honors in this matter & that a disinterest-
ed Committee may be appointed to view the said Parish & re-
port where they shall think most proper for said House to stand
to accommodate the Inhabitants in the best manner and that
such Repoit may be established or that your Petitioners may be
otherwise releived in such way & manner as your Excellency
and Honors in your Wisdom shall see fit
And your Petitioners as in duty bound shall pray &c
Raymond Octo' 1768
David Lane Jonas Clay Samuel Brown
Obadiah Griffin Ephraim Currier John Wells
Daniel Clay Alexander Smith Stephen Gale
RAVMO/JD.
309
Jonathan Palmer
James Crow
Bzekiel Lane
Daniel Lord
Ezekiel Morse
William Todd
Samuel Healy
Jonathan Palmer
jun'
Joseph Giles
Joseph Giles jun'
Clement Dollaf
John Leavit jun'
John Leavit
Gilman Dudley
William S Healy
Dan^ Richardson
Christ^ Richardson
John Hams
Stephen Thirston
James Bean
feenj* Prescut
Nicholas Gilman
Stephen Dudley
Joseph Smith
Samuel Cram
Alex' M*Lane
John Sweat
[In H. of Rep., Oct. 28, 1768. "The Parties being heard
upon this petition and agreeing upon a Committee to be ap-
pointed. Voted that John Webster Col** Ebenezer Stevens
Esq' and Capt Eliphalet Merrill be a committee for the pur-
pose mentioned." The following is their report :— Ed.]
Province of New Hamp* Nov. 11"* 1768, pursuant to the
aforegoing vote, we have viewed the said Parish, & agree to
report that we think the Site of a meetinghouse at the westerly
end of the Lot No. 37, Laid out to Samuel Shaw, at a place
called Sled Hill, will best accommodate said Parish — which is
humbly submitted by
John Webster '\
Eben' Stevens >■ Committee
Eliphalet Merrill)
[A beginning was made at this place, and at other places
at various times, but no meeting-house was completed for
use until 1786. — Ed.]
[9-152] [ Vote of Town relative to locating the Meeting*
house ^ jy6g and 1770 ^^
Att a Legal Meeting held at the house of Lieut Benj* Beans
in Raymond on monday the 3** Day of July 1769
i'^ John Dudly Esq' Chosen Moderator to Govern said meeting
2*y Put to vote to see if the Parish will Set the meeting house
where the Committee from Court had fixed it before, a Despute
a Rose and a poll Demand and granted and it Passed in the
firmetive
a True Coppy Jon* Swain Parish Clerk
[9-^54]
Att a Legal Meeting held at the house of Lieut Benj* Beans
in Raymond on monday the 5*** of march i77<
3IO EARLY TOWN PAPERS.
a mongest other things : Put to vote to See if the Parish will
Chuse a Committee to build the meeting house in said Parish
where the Committee from the genral Court had Purfixed it and
it Pased in the negitive —
Raymond march the 7"* 1770—
a True Copy Test Jon* Swain Perish Clerk —
[9-154 1 [Relative to the Election of Representative : ad^
dressed to the H, of Rep, ^ April 7, I774*'\
The humble Complaint and Petition of the Subscribers Se*
lect men of the parish of Candia in the township of Chester in
said Province for and in behalf of the Freeholders and Inhabi*
tants of said Parish of Candia, And also the Selectmen of the
Parish of Raymond in said Township of Chester for and in be-
half of the Freeholders and Inhabitants of said Parish of Ray-
mond
Most Humbly Sheweth —
That the said Freeholders and Inhabitants of Candia and
Raymond humbly Conceive that they have a Legal Right to
vote in the Choice or Election of a Representative to represent
them in the General Assembly of this Province, that they Usu-
ally were Notified to Attend and vote in such Elections, at the
Town of Chester Joy ntly with the Freeholders and Inhabitants
of said Town of Chester —
That the Freeholders of said town of Chester on the Fourth
day of April Instant Met at said Chester and Elected John Web-
ster Esq*" to represent them in this present General Assembly,
without giving notice to the Freeholders of Either of the said
Parishes of Raymond or Candia to Meet and Join with them in
that Election, whereby the Freeholders of the Parishes conceive
they are deprived of the priviledge of being Represented in any
manner in the said General Assembly, and that the said Elec-
tion of the said John Webster is Illegal — Wherefore your peti-
tioners Pray that your honours will declare the said Election
Void, and order a New Election, or otherwise relieve your pe-
titioners in such way and manner as your honours in your Great
Wisdom shall see fit, and your Petitioners shall ever pray ifec
Moses Baker
for himself &
Abr» Fitts & (
Walter Robie J
John Dudiev
for himself A
Ebenezer
Thomas Gorden
Selectman
' of
Candia
Selectman
aS.*|H-A.
RAYMOND. 311
[In H. of Rep., May 12, 1774, the election was declared
illegal, *' set aside/' and a precept ordered to be issued for a
new election. — Ed.]
[R. 3-184] [Supplies to Soldiers.^
An Accompt of what is Ben paid to the Soldiers for the year
1782 that Listed into the Contenelt Service Dureing the ware by
this parish of Raymond
William Towle Dr [items omitted] £14. 1 1.5
Eliph* Gorden Wife Dr £ 4. 6.8
James Wells Dr To Cash £ 4.16.0
Francis Hodgkins*) Selectmen
Elisha Towle [• of
John Fullonton ) Raymond
[Sworn before John Dudley.]
January 24 — 17S3 Serg* William Towle have Received
fourteen pounds eleven shillin & five pence according to the
within ace*
William Towle
[R. 3-185]
This may Certify to all whome it may Concern that Judith
Wormwood the wife of William Wormwood, was the wife of
nehemiah Leavitt, late of Raymond Decs*.
Dated at Raymond September lo*^ 1792
pr. Jona. Swain Just Peace
Levi Swain Select man
[9-155] \_Return of Ratable Polls^ IT^J'"]
State of New Hampshire Rockingham ss
Raymond Dec' 10* 1783 —
Pursuant to Orders from the Generall Court of this State we
have Nombered all the Polls That is Twenty one years of age
& upward paying Tax for them Selves and Do find them to be
one hundred and seventeen
rjyt r^ ji f Select Men of
Thomas Gorden
Matthias Haines) ^
[Sworn to before John Dudley, justice of the peace.]
31^
EARLY TOWN PAPERS.
[9-156] \_Samuel Nay recommended for y, T'., //cff.]
To The HonW President & Counsel We the Subscribers rec-
ommend that Sam^ Nay of Raymond in the County of Rocking-
ham might have the Commiss" of a Justice a peice & we think
very Sutible person as witness our hands State of Newhamp-
shire Raymond Aug* 29 : 17S5
Thomas Bean
Rich^ Robinson
John folsom
Daniel Todd
Jeremiah Holman
William Towl
Benj* cram
John Osgood
Francis Hodgkins
Timothy Osgood
Josiah Fogg
Josiah Robinson
Ebenezer Present
Joseph Dudley Ju'
Caleb Smith
Nath* Dudley
John Stevens
Reuben Tilton
Alexander Smith
Samuel Chapman
Daniel moody
Jeremiah Conner
Isaack Smith
Theophilus Loverin
Elisha Towle
Simon Page
Caleb smith ju'
Thomas Gorden
Josiah meloon
James Merrill
Levi Brown
Joseph Clifford
John Fullonton
damuel Cram Ju'
Jacob Lane
febenezer Page
John Gilden
Joseph Gliden
Daniel Loverin
[Nathaniel Dudley was appointed J. P. Feb. 20, 1786.-
Ed.]
RICHMOND.
The township was granted February 28, 1752, to Joseph
Blanchard and others, in 71 shares.
In 1760, the grantees having represented that in conse-
quence of trouble with the Indians they had been unable to
comply with the conditions of the grant, an extension was
granted ** until His Majesty's Plenary Instructions shall be
received." This extension was granted by the governor and
council June 11, 1760.
By the grant above mentioned, Richmond territory ex-
tended as far north as the north-east corner of Swanzey,
there running to a peak. This triangular tract, with a base
on Swanzey south line of 3^ miles and 40 rods, was severed
from Richmond and annexed to Swanzey December 11,
1762.
Another portion of the town was taken off June 23, 181 5,
combined with portions of Marlborough, Fitzwilliam, and
Swanzey, and incorporated into the town of Troy.
RICHMOND. 313
By an act approved July 2, 1850, the north-west corner of
the town was annexed to Winchester.
Richmond men in 1st N. H. Reg't, Revolution :
Thomas Powers, enl'd Jan. i, 1777, dis. Dec, 1781.
Corpl Abner Powers, enl'd Feb. 13, 1777, dis. Dec, 1781.
Noah Porter, enVd Jan. i. 1778, dis. Dec, 1780.
Lemuel Rice, en I'd Feb. 14, 1778, dis. Dec, 1781.
Wm. Taggart, enl'd Feb. 4, 1778, dis. Dec, 178 1.
Lewis Wisco, enl'd Jan. i, 1777. dis. Sept., 1781.
Thomas Hunt, enl'd Feb. i, 1778, dis. Dec, 1781.
Joseph Powers
£74
peleg Williams Lieut
Nathanel Powe
Jon* Willard Ens
Abner Powers
John Symonds
Noah Porter
John Withy
Lewis Wisco
70
70
John Smith
Tames Wier
Teams Merrill
70
thomas Stuart
70
William tagart
[Rev. Pap. p. 295.] \_Soldiers mustered^ ^77^'^
Walpolc fcbuary 13*^ >778.
this is to Sartifie the town of Richmond that Rufus Whippel
hath got mustered thirteen men for the town of Richmond to
sarve two years in the Conental Sarvis
74
74
70
70
70
70
[9-157] [,yoseph Blanchard's Plan of Richmond, '\
The Plan Describes a Tract of Land of the Contents of Six
miles Square (Lying between the places Called Winchester
and Ashuelot and the montanous Land,) Bounded Thus it Be-
gins at the South East Corner thereof at a Beach tree that
Stands in the Province line, thence runing in that Line North
8o**' West five miles and an half to Winchester Line (so Called)
bounded there by a Beach tree and from thence North by the
needle in S* Winchester line five miles and an half to a Stake
and Stones the Corner of Winchester in Ashulot line, thence
South Seventy Eight degrees East two miles to a Red Oake the
Corner of Ashuelot from thence North yf^ East by Ashuelot
line Seven miles to a maple tree marked from thence South Six
degrees West Six miles One Hundred and Thirty rods to a
Beach tree marked from thence South by the Needle five miles
to the first Bounds mentioned with An Allowance for One Rod
i
314
EARLY TOWN PAPERS.
in forty to be taken out for Wind Falls uneveness, &c : measur-
ed With the Assistance of Peter Powers & Josiah Brown, as
Chainmen Who were Sworne to the faithfuU discharge of that
Trust. All the afores^ Lines Run & marked in December
1752—
Joseph Blanchard Jun' Surveyer
[The plan is a simple outline, with points of compass and
distances. — Ed.]
[^158]
Joseph Blanchard
Charity Lund
Zacheus Lovewell
Joseph Winn Jun'
l*eter Powers
John Marshall
Joseph Winn
Joseph French
Joseph Barns
William Cumings
Daniel Emerson
Samuel Kenny
Samuel Cumings
John Chamberlain
Josiah Brown
Peter Powers Jun'
Thomas Harwood
Samuel Greele Jun'
Samuel Farley
Thomas Colburn
Stephen Powers
John Lovewell Jun'
\^Richmond Proprietors,^
Temple Kendall
Stephen Chase
ohn Searles
bnathan Snow
phraim Adams
John Butterfield
William Cumings
Jun'
Elnathan Blood
Sampson French
Benjamin Parker
Benjamin French
Eleaz' Blanchard
Joseph Blanchard
Jun'
Thomas Blanchard
Gideon Honey
Jonathan Chamber-
lain
Jonathan Parker
Thomas Parker Jun'
William Parker
\
Jonathan Cumings
Jonathan Cumings
Jun'
Phinehas Under-
wood
ohn Usher
oel Dix
Joseph Read
Eleaz' Read
Daniel Rindge
Samuel Greele
Benj' Whittemore
ohn Coombs
ohn Brown
ohn Hunt
oseph Ashley
Elijah Alexander
John Rindge
Joseph Blodget
William Lund Jun'
Robert Usher
1 First Minister
2 Glebe for the Church of England
3 Society for propagating the Gospel in Foreign parts.
4 Coll® Atkinson
5 Richard Wibird
6 Coll® Downing
7 Coll® Smith
o Sampson SheafT
9 J Wentworth
1 1 500 Acres to the Governor to be laid out together
I Tract Containing 500 acres to be accounted as two of the
within mentioned Sixtv Shares
pray that the town may have a Short name
> RICHMOND. 315
[9-159] \^yustice of the Peace chosen^ ^776>'\
A Return of A Leagal Town meeting Held in Richmond in
the Colony of New Hampshire on the 15*** Day of July Last —
firstly Chose A moderater to govern said meeting then
Voted and made Choice of Lieu' Henry Ingalls for a Justice
of peace
Attest Henry Ingalls Town Clerk
August y* 2~" AD 1776
Daniel Read ) o 1 4.
JohnDanly [Selectmen
[9-160] \^Change of Date of Annual Meeting asked for y
^779*'\
state of New Hampshire
To the Honnarable Councel and house of Representatives Con-
vend at Exetor in said state
the prayer of your Humble petitioners sheweth that at our
Last annual march meeting the town of Richmond voted pettion
your Honors would take it unto your wise Consideration and
grant us the previledge to Hold our anual meeting on the first
munday of march Annually as the Last Wednesday in march is
in the season of the year that wee make shuger as your Hum-
ble petitioners in Duty Bound shall Ever pray in Behalf of the
town
Richmond October y* 20* 1779
Henry Ingalls Town Clerk
[The foregoing petition was granted November 16, 1779,
and the annual meeting thereafter was to be held on the
first Monday in March. — Ed.]
[R. 3-186] [^Allowances to Soldiers^ ^77^*^
[In H. of Rep., August 20, 1778, Jane Hix was allowed
£4, II, 8 for the funeral expenses of her husband, Bernard
Hix, who died in the service. He was in Capt. Nehemiah
Houghton's Co., Baldwin's Reg't, in 1776. Senate con-
curred.— Ed.]
[R. 3-188I [In H. of Rep., November 12, 1778, Eleazer
Martin, of Capt. Ellis's Co., Scammel's Reg't, who was
3l6 EARLY TOWN PAPERS.
wounded near Saratoga, September 19, 1777, was allowed
;£6, 4 for doctor's bill, and ordered to be entered on the
roll for half pay. Senate concurred. — Ed.]
[R. 3-189] [Stephen Harris was allowed j^20, 9, 4 for
doctor's bills, etc., for his son Joseph, a soldier in Capt.
Jones's Co., Col. James Reed's Reg t, who was left sick or
wounded *'on the march from Ticonderoga to the Jerseys."
—Ed.]
[R. 3-190] \^Soldter's Order ^ ^7^5-^
Richmond Jany. 2*]^ 1785.
To the Treasurer of the State of New Hampshire
Sir. Please to pay Dan* Cook or order all that is due to my
late Brother John Smith, who was a soldier for the Town of
Richmond in the 2* New Hampshire Regiment & was drowned
in Nov' 1 78 1 .
Attest — ^Value Received, Witness my hand
Samuel Smith
[Moses Smith, town-clerk, certifies that Samuel is broth-
er, and sole heir, to the said John. — Ed.]
[R. 3-191] [This document is a memorial from Abner
Powers, stating that he remained in the service until May
15, 1782, and explaining why he then left without a proper
discharge. — Ed.]
[9-162] [^Oliver Capronfor a Magistrate^ ^7^^'"]
The Prayer of us the Subscribers Inhabitants of the Town of
Richmond in Said State Humbly Shews that since the Diffi-
culty subsisted on account of a Number of People Calling
themselves of a New State Called Vermont the Town of Rich-
mond hath Laboured under many Inconveniences by Reason of
having no Justice of the piece in the town ; these are therefore
Humbly to Inform the Honourable Court that Major Oliver
Capron is a man of an Established good Charctor in this and
the Towns Round where He is acquainted and that he is a man
that has Ever been firm for the Government of New-Hampshire
against the userpation of Vermont and we Humbly Concieve a
man Every way accomplished and Capable of performing the
RICHMOND. 317
business and trust of a Justice of the piece and that it will be of
public benefit that he may be appointed accordingly these are
therefore Humbly to pray the Honourable Court to Inquire in-
to the affair and act thereon as you in wisdom Shall think
proper and as in Duty bound Shall Ever pray
September the third 1782
Barnabas Threesher Moses Cooley
Benjamin Threesher James Kingsley
Tho- Dillingham Will"* Goddard
Jeremiah Thayer Jon : Atherton
Jeremiah Thayer Jun' peter holbrook
Nehemiah Thayer Othniel Day
AUes Thayer
[9-1 61] [^Instructions to Representative^ iy86.'\
At a Legal town meeting held in Richmond the 3i** Day of
August Last voted to give our Representative the following In-
structions to motion to the general Cort at the Next Seting first
to not grant the Requesition of Congress at present second to
Receive final settlements at six shillings and Eight pence on the
pound untill the fiflenth Day of December next for all outstand-
ing taxes third to Call in all publick securitys Drawing Interest
that was Isued by this state and Cut them into Certifycats and
said Certifycats to pay all state County & town taxes and to pay
all Executions or to make paper money to Redeem said secu-
ritys and to answer the purposes above said
Richmond September 4'** AD 1786
Henry Ingalls Town Clerk
[^163] [Henry Ingalls for a Magistrate^ ^7^5*\
The Prayr of your Humble Petitioners of the town of Rich-
mond in the County of Cheshire and State above Said is that
Henry Ingalls of Said Richmond may be appointed and Com-^
missioned a Justice of the Peace as he the said Ingalls has for-
merly Served in that office to the good Satisfaction of the town
and County and as Colonel Capron is already appointed a Jus-
tice of the peace in Said Town and living in one corner of Said
town it is very 111 Convenient for the people in general in said
Town that have Business to Do Before a Justice of the Peace to
apply to him and Said Ingalls Liveing near the middle of Said
town and on a Large Road we your humble Petitioners Do
3i8
EARLY TOWN PAPERS.
think it would be Greatly to the advantage of Said Town to
have him appointed
As we are in Duty Bound to Pray
Richmond October the i** AD 1785
Samuel Gaskell
Ezra Allen
Gideon mann
Oliver Mason
Jacob Bump
Stephen gaillson
Jems Ballou
Jems wescot
William Cook
Nicholas Cook
Ebenezer Peters
Isaac Benson
Aaron Aldrich
Solomon Aldrich
Royal Aldrich
Peter Martin
Luck Cass
Paul Handy
ioseph wing
loses Buffum
Hezekiah Thurber
Nathan Wooley
Gideon mann Jun'r
Amos Boorn
Nathan Ballou
Nathan Bowen
Nathan wescot
Gorge gain son
John Bolles
George martin
Ebenezer Swan
John Bates
Paul Aldrich
Moses Martin
Jonathan Cass
£)sek Buffum
Annias Aldrich
Nathaniel Aldrich
Nathan Aldrich
Anthony Sweet
Jonathan Sweet
Juner
James Cook
[9-164] [Petition for Henry Ingalls^ -^7^/0
The Petition of the Inhabitants of Richmond in the County
of Cheshire. Humbly Sheweth, that when the Late Constitu-
tion took Place Henrey Ingalls Esq' was Not Reappointed we
your Petitioners humbly Pray that the Said Henrey Ingalls may
be Reappointed and duely ortherrised to act as A Justice of the
Peace for the County aforSaid. for that wee your Petitioners-
Humbly Conseive that he is a man agreably Qualified for that
Important Service and Lives near the Senter of Publick Bis-
ness for the town, and also Sutes the maners and Costums of
the People, and your Petitioners Humbly Submits this Petition
to your Exelancies Grace Beleving your Exelancey in your
Grate wisdom will do the thing that is Right as wee in duty
Bound will Ever Pray —
Richmond October lo"" AD : 1785
Daniel Read
Abraham Man
Moses Read
David Barney
William Barney
John Garnsey
John Bools
Levi morey
Darius Tafl
Silas Taf\
Edmund Ingalls
Paul Boyce
Cadis Boyce
Allen Grant
Jonathan Sweet
iohn Boyce
lathan Boyce
RICHMOND. 319
[4-165] [^^uaJkers* Peittion to be exempted from Military
Duty^ 1788.1
Most Honourd Gentlemen we the Subscribers professing our
selves to be peacable Citizens of our Country and having a de-
sire to live in peace with all men not having any desire to Strike
against the Laws or Government of our Legislaters but are will-
ing to submit our Selves to the Laws and Governments of our
Superiors Neverthless we do most Ardently desire that your
Honours would Consider us as to the Melitia act which as it
now stands Demands of us that we do bare arms in order to
learn the art of war which thing we do assure your Honours we
do not Come out against because we have any antipothy against
our officers or sivel Government but finding our selves to be
under a Law to God and our minds being led we trust by his
unering Council we do assure vour Honours that it is in point
of Concience that we do not Comply with the demands of our
officers Humbly request that the General Coart Held in and for
our State would take it into their Delibrate Consideration and
that their might be some way opned where by we might be Ex-
empted from doing that that is so much against our Conscience
as we do assure your Honours we Cannot Comply with the Re-
quest of our officers in bearing Arms let Come on us what may
theirfore we your humble Petitioners do ardently pray that you
would grant unto us the liberty of Concience in this respect and
we have in times past dvised with the Honourable General Sul-
livan who Recommended to us that if we had any Destress made
on our bodies or Estates to petition to the General Coart for
redress which some of us have Sufferd in some measure also
advised by our field officers to petition in like manner
Richmond Deem*" y« 22* AD 1788
Jonathan Bolles
Simeon Thayer
Nathaniel Bolles
Aaron Cooley
John Bolles
Josep Newell
Moses Cooley
[9-106]! \^^iaker^ Petition to he exempted from Military
Duty^ i7g6J\
The petition of We the Subscribers inhabitants of Richmond
in the County of Cheshire in Said State Humble Sheweth :
that we are Conscientiously Scrupulous about the Lawfulness
of bearing armes or equipting our Salves with armes or laming
320 EARLY TOWN PAPERS.
the arts of War by attanding on Trancing or Muster Days ac-
cording to the Law of Said State : Not having so lamed Christ
or been larnt of him: but Wishing and praying that the time
may Shortly Come that the nations may larn War no more :
but that they beat there Swords in to plowsheirs and there
Spears into pruning hooks and larn agriculture and not War:
and We further Shew that We have ever been Loyal Subjects
of Said State & have been Willing to pay our propotion of all
taxes for the Surport of Civil Government: and We further
Shew : that Doubts has arisen in the minds of the Melitia offi-
cers of Said Town Where the Constitution and Law of Said
State Clears any that are Conscientiously Scrupulous of bearing
armes : unlass he is a known and Owned member of the Soci-
ety of frind (or Quakers) : and We further Shew that Said Offi-
cers have issued there Warrats and have taken Sum of our prop-
erty for fines for non attandance at musters &c — Wherefore
your petitioners Humble pray that your Honors Would take
our hard Case into your Wise Considration : and Grant us Re-
leaf Either by a Bill for that purpose in any Other Way your
Wisdom Shall think Best : as in Duty bond Will Ever pray —
Richmond November y* 15* A D 1796—
Jonathan Bolles
Toseph newil
»imeon Thayer
John Bolles Juner
Amos Boom
Peter Martin
George Martin
Richmond November y* 15*** A D 1796 —
we the Subscribers Select men of said Richmond hereby Cer-
tify that we are well acquainted with the Signors of the within
Petition & believe them to be Good & Loyal Citezens of the
state of Newhampshire & we Likewise believe they are Con-
scienciously scrupilous about the Lawfulness of bearing arms
Moses Tyler . \ Select Men
Nathaniel Aldrich > of
Samuel Gaskill j Richmond
&
RINDGE.
The township was granted by the government of Massa-
chusetts December 9, 1736, O. S. The territory was sur-
RINDGE. 321
veyed by Nathan Hey wood in November, 1738, and the
grant confirmed January 24, 1738, O. S. (Feb. 4, 1739, N. S.).
The grantees were soldiers or heirs of soldiers who partici-
pated in the expedition under Sir William Phipps to Can-
ada in i6go, and were residents of Rowley, Mass., and vi-
cinity ; — hence the name of Rowley-Canada, by which the
place was known until it was granted by the Masonian Pro-
prietors, February 14, 1749. and called Monadnock No. i.
The town was incorporated February 11, 1768, and received
its present name in honor of Daniel Rindge, then an influ-
ential member of the council.
Rindge took a prominent part in the Revolution, furnish-
ing two regimental commanders, viz., Col. Enoch Hale, born
in Rowley, November 28, 1733, a veteran of the French war,
who was in public positions for many years, and died in Graf-
ton, Vt, April 9, 18 1 3, and Col. Nathan Hale, born Septem-
ber 23, 1743, who was in the service from the breaking out
of the Revolutionary war until he died a prisoner in the
hands of the enemy, at Long Island, Sept. 23, 1780. He
was promoted for meritorious services to the rank of colonel.
By an act passed June 17, 1847, the line between this
town and Fitzwilliam was established.
[9-167] \_Pefition of the Massachusetts Proprietors to have
the Township incorporated: addressed to the Governor
and Council^ ^7S^''\
The Petition of Stephen Peabody & Thomas Wood Proprie-
tors of a New Plantation Called Rowlv Canada in their own
Names and in behalf of the Rest of the Proprietors of s* Planta-
tion—
Most Humbly Sheweth —
That whereas the Great and General Court of the Province of
The Massachusetts Bay Granted to John Tyler Joseph Pike &
others Officers and Soldiers in the Canada Expedition in the
Year 1690 the afores** plantation lying to the Southward of the
Mountain Called Grand Monadnock which is of the Contents of
Six Miles Square a plan of which being prefer'd to the Said
Court of the Massachusetts Bay was approved of by the Same
and y* Lands Represented by s^ plan In 1738 was Confirmed to
the afores** Grantees as by a Copy of the Said Courts proceading
in Regard thereto herewith Exhibeted more fully may Apear
which Court thought they had good Right So to do by Virtue
23
322 EARLY TOWN PAPERS.
of The Charter Granted by Their Mejestees King William and
Qiieen Mary in the first page of which we find as followeth —
** Whereas His Majesty King James the first our Royal pre-
decessor by his Letters Patents under the Great Seal of England
bearing Date at Westminster the Third Day of November in the
Eighteenth Year of his Reign did Give and Grant unto the
Council Established at Plymouth in the County of Devon for
the planting Ruling Ordering and Govening of New England
in America and to their Successors and Assigns all that part of
America lying and being in breadth from Forty Degrees of
Northerly Latitude from the Equinoctial Line to the Forty
Eighth Degree of the Northerly Latitude Inclusive and in length
within all the breadth afores** through out all the Main Lands
from Sea to Sea together with all firm Lands Soils Grounds
Havenes Ports Rivers Waters Fishings Mines Minerals &c with
full power to Alienate " &c —
And a little further in the Same page further Saith "And
whereas the Said Council Established at Plymouth in the County
of Devon for the planting Ruling Ordering & Governing New-
England in America Did by their Deed Indented under their
Common Seal bearing Date the Nineteenth of March in the
Third Year of the Reign of our Royal Grandfather King
Charles the first &c — Give Grant Bargain Sell Enfeeof Alien
and Confirm to S*" Henry Roswell S' John Young and others
their Associates all that part of New-England in America
afores** which lyeth and Extendeth between the Great River
there Commonly Called Monomack Alias Merimack and a Cer-
tain other River there Called Charles River being in the bot-
tom of a Bay there Commonly Called Massachusetts alias Mat-
tachusetts alias Massatusetts Bay and also all and Singuler those
Lands and Heriditaments whatsoever lying within Three Eng-
lish Miles on the South part of s** Charles River or of any and
every part thereof and also all and Singuler the Lands and Her-
iditaments whatsoever lying and being within three English
Miles to the Southward of the Southermost part of Said Bay &c
and also all those Lands and Hereditaments whatsoever which
lay and be within the Space of three English Miles to the North-
ward of the Said River Called Monomack alias Merimack or to
the Northward of any and Every part thereof and all Lands and
Heriditaments whatsoever lying within the Limits afores"* North
and South in Latitude and in Breadth in Length and Longitude
of and within all the Breadth afores* through the Main Lands
there from the Atlantick and Western Sea and Ocean on the
East part to the South Sea on the west part " —
And in the Second page of s** Charter with Regard to the
Lands Contained in the Deed afores** we find the words follow-
ing viz — *'And whereas our Said Royal Grandfather in and by
RINDGE. 325
his Letters patent under the Great Seal of England bearing
Date the fourth Day of March in the fourth Year of his Reign
for the Consideration therein mentiond did Grant and Confirm
To the Said S' Henry Roswell S' John Young & Their Asso-
ciates Their Heirs and Assigns all the Said part of New-Eng-
land in America lying and Extending between the Bounds and
Limits in the said Indenture Expressed " &c. which was a full
Confirmation of s* Lands. But if it Should be Objected That
in the Thirty Sixth Year of the Reign of King Charles the Sec-
ond the Said Letters Patents were Cancelld Vacated and Anni-
hilated by a Judgment Given in a Court of Chancery then Sit*
ing at Westminster upon a Writ of Scire Facias brought and
prosecuted in Said Court against the Governour and Company
of the Massachusetts Bay in New-England —
with Submission we beg leave to Answer that altho that wa&
the Case the property of the Lands was never Efected thereby —
but afterwards In the Third Year of the Reign of King Willim
& Queen Mary they by their Charter afores* Incorporated the-
Colonies of the Massachusetts-Plymouth Province of Main &
Nova Scotia into one Province —
And They the Said King W™ and Queen Mary Restored the
8^ Massachusetts and Province of Main to the priviledges follow-
ing viz —
'''Provided also That it Shall and may be lawful for the Said
Governour and General Assembly to make or pass any Grant
of Lands lying within the Bounds of the Colonies formerly Called
the Colonies of the Massachusetts-Bay and New-Plymouth &
Province of Main in Such Manner as heretofore they might
have Don by virtue of any former Charter or Letters patenta
which Grants of Lands within the Bounds afores* we Do hereby
Will and ordain to be and Continue forever of full force and
Efect without our further approbation or Consent" —
By all which it apears the Said Court of the Massachusetts-
Bay had Good Right full power & Authority to Grant the
afores*' Townsliip or plantation it being within their Limits as-
sign'd them as afores* —
But So it is His Present Majesty King George the Second
hath Anex'd part of s^ Lands of the Massachusetts-Bay afores^
To this His Province of New Hampshire which brings the s*
Rowly-Canada under the Jurisdiction of the Same but we ap-
prehend property is no more Effected thereby than it was in y*
Reign of King Charles the Second — Notwithstanding the En-
deavours of Some who Call themselves Lord Propriators of the
Mason Patent to Suplant us —
Therefore apprehending our Right to Said Plantation to be
good are Desireous of Settleing the Same and Settleing a min-
ister &c we find it Necessary we Should be put into a Capacety
324 EARLY TOWN PAPERS.
to Raise money to Build a meeting House & for other Charges
of the plantation and also for our Quota of the Charges of the
Goverment in which it now lys when ever your Excellency and
Hon" Shall Call upon us therefor Therefore we Humbly Pray
Your Excellency & Hon" (if in Your Wisdom and Goodness
Shall think proper) To Incorporate us into a proper Destrict
Vesting us with the usual power and priviledges of Such that
we may proceed as aboves* and as in Duty will Ever Pray —
Stephen Peabody
Tho« Wood
At a legel meeting of y* proprietors of Rowley Canada Town-
ship held at y* House of m' John Wood in Boxford on y* 25'*'
of December 1750 (/') voted that Cap* Stephen peabody &
Thomas Wood be a Committee to go to portsmouth and apply
to the Governor and Council their to form our Township Into
a deStrect with full power as other Destrects have —
Atest Tho* perley, prop. Clark
[9-168] \^Petition for Confirmation of the first Grant: ad-
dressed to the Governor and Council^ ^75^-\
The Memorial of us the Subscribers humbly Sheweth That
Whereas at a great and general Court or Assembly for his maj-
esties Province of the Massachusetts Bay in New-England begun
and held at Boston upon Wednesday the 31* Day of May 1738,
& continued by Prorogation to Wednesday the 29*** day of Nov'
following & then met January 23*, A Plat of a Tract of Land
of the Contents of Six Miles Square laid out by Nathan Hay-
wood Surveyor & Chain men on Oath, to Satisfy a Grant made
by this Court to John Tyler Joseph Pike & others Officers and
Souldiers in the Canada Expedition in the Year 1690, lying to
the Southward of the Mountain called the Grand Monadnock &
adjoining to the Township granted to Sam" Haywood and
others, beginning at a Maple Tree — the North easterly Corner
of Dorchester Canada Township, From thence running North
32 degrees. East two Miles & one hundred Poles to an heap of
Stones, Thence North 22 degrees, East four Miles, Thence
North one Mile till it meets with the S* Township granted to
Samuel Haywood &c Thence West four Miles by the S* Town-
ship to the Southwesterly Corner thereof. Thence North by S*
Township three Miles & two hundred and twenty Poles,
Thence West 30 degrees South five Miles and one hundred and
eighty Poles to a Wild Cherry tree on the Southward of the
Grand monadnock afores'd, Thence South one thousand and
eighty Poles, Thence East 41 degrees South two thousand five
RINDGE. 325
hundred Perch to an Heap of Stones. Then North 1 2 degrees,
east one Mile to the North easterly Corner of Dorchester Can-
ada Township being the Maple first mentioned, with the allow-
ance of one Rod in thirty for uneven Land and Swag of Chain,
and a farther Allowance for ten large Ponds and a large Shrub
Swamp about four Miles in Length and a Mile in Breadth And
that We have expended Several hundred Pounds in bring-
ing forward the settlement of the S** Township, have built a
Saw-Mill, hewed Timber for a meeting house the Same Sum-
mer the War broke out with the Indians and also cleared the
Roads into the Township and cleared considerable Ground in
it, but not expecting help from either of the Governments Suf-
ficient to defend us in a Time of War, we were obliged to de-
sist from bringing forward the Settlement aforsed till the War
was over, But this Spring We are purposed to go up with a
good Number of men in order to prosecute the Settlement of the
S* Township. —
And that Since the afores'd Grant, the Line has been run be-
tween the Provinces, and S* Tract of Land granted falls into
New-hampshire, and as we are informed Col* Blanchard has
either upon a Pretence of Masons Right or of his own head en-
tred upon S^ Tract of Land granted as aforesaid and laid it out
into two Townships with other Lands, although he must needs
know if he would allow himself to consider that S** Tract of
land is Several Miles Scetuated and lying to the W^estward of
the utmost Bounds of Masons Grant
These are therefore humbly to intreat that your Excellency
and Honours would not in your Wisdom grant the afores*
Premisses granted as in the Manner afores** to the S* Col. Blan-
cherd or any that may petition with or under him, or to any
other Persons Who Soever, but would be pleased to reserve the
Same to be Confirmed & ratified to us and the other Proprie-
tors who purpose as soon as may be in a Body to prefer a Peti-
tion to your Excelency and honours for that End
And Your Memorialists as in Duty Bound Shall ever Pray &c
Rowley March 28, 1750.
Stephen Peabody
Thomas Wood
Toseph Hale
ledidiah Jewet
Humphry Hobson
oseph Hidden
eremiah Jewett
onathan Todd
j:
in the Behalf
of
the Proprietors
326 EARLY TOWN PAPERS.
£9-169] ^Counterfeit Money, '\
Rindge May y* i"* 1776
I Reuben Page own that I have Delivered to Lieut Abel
Stone one bill of thirty Shillings as soon as I found it was not
good S* Bill I Rec* of Samuel Parker of Rindge, — the reason
of my taking S'^ Bill was, S^ Parker wanted Some Velvet that
I had got, I told him the S'' Parker that I would not trust it to
an}' person ; he the S^ Parker Said he had the Money at home,
I told him that if he would fetch the money he Should have the
velvet, afler the velvet was Cut ofi\ he the S^ parker told me
that he had not got the money with him : but he had it at home
and if I would go home with him he would pay me ; I went
with him to get the Money ; and as we was a going, he the S^
Parker Said he had the money with him but he wanted to talk
with me, he said if I would go into M' Leamed's barn, he
"would pay me, we went into the barn, and he took out of his
pocket a Number of bills, and this amongst the Rest, I Said
(Parker) I am afraid this is not a good bill, he Said it is a good
bill as ever was look up at the top the Number is plain
Reuben Page
The above was Declared before y* Comm*^
attest Edw* Jewett Com*^ Clerk
[R. 3-193] \^Daniel Russell^ Soldier: addressed to the Gen*
eral Courts m^*\
Humbly Shews Daniel Russell of Rindge in the County of
Cheshire— a Soldier of Cap' Blodgets Company in Col* Hales
Regiment in the Continental Army That at the Battle at Still-
water on the nineteenth day of September A D 1777 ^^ was
wounded by a musket ball which passed thro' his body & was
disabled from helping himself — that from thence he was carried
to the hospital at Albany where he remained till the 21*^ Day of
October following. • ♦ • ♦
Oct. 30** 1778 Daniel Russell
[He asked for an allowance for doctors' bills, etc., which
was granted Nov. 3. 1778. to the extent of ^£42, 13. He
was mustered March 20, 1777, at the age of 17 years. — Ed.]
[R. 3-194] \_Lieut. James Crombie^s Petition^ -^779'^
Humbly Shews James Crombie of Rindge in the County of
Cheshire Gentleman late first Lieutenant of the Company lately
RINDGE. 327
Commanded by Cap' Samuel Blodget in the 2^ Battalion of
New Hampshire Troops in the Continental Army — That being
upon Duty by order of Gen^ Poor, in august 1777 he met with
a hurt which has ever since disabled him from serving in the
Army or doing any labour to maintain himself & family • *
Exeter March 16*"* 1779 James Crombie
[He was placed on the roll for half-pay. — Ed.]
[J^ev. Pap, p. d/.] [^Col. Enoch Hale's Return^ ^779^'\
State of New )
Hampshire f Rindge y* 9*** of October 1779.
Sir In obedience to your orders of the 26*^ of June last I have
Raised Sixteen Soldiers for the Rhode Island Servis from the
several Towns in my Regiment in the following manner viz —
Packersfield i Jp^'^ French of said PackersHeld
Sliptown I Timothy Lock of said Slip
marlborough r Elijah Parks of marlborough
Fitzwilliam i Daniel Gould of Fitzw"*.
Rindee 2 Abel Kimball ) r o • j
^ o- D ^ofRmdge
JSimeon Bruce j *
Dublin I Nath^ Belknap of Dublin
Peterborough 2 John White tr I ro i. u i.
i^u \ T\ ' J of Peterborough
Charles Davieson ) ^
JafTrey 2 Bezalecl Sawyer » ^f j^j^
James French J'* J
New Ipswich 3 C Isaac Taylor of New Ipswich
< Asa Severance of Temple
I James M^'Kinsey of Westmoreland
Temple i David Dnirey of Temple
Washington ^^ Ebenezer Lowell of Washington
Sir as the above Soldiers was all Enlisted Between the fifth &
ninth of July and march* at one Time I have made no distinc-
tion But date them all from the Ninth of said July 1779
I am sir your most obed' Humble Ser'
His Hon' General Folsom Enoch Hale
fR. 3-197] \^Petition of Abigail^ 'wife of CoL Nathan Hale^
1780.^
State of New Hampshire — to the Honorable the Councell and
house of Representatives of Said State the petition of Abigail
Hale wife to Nathan Hale Esq' Humbly Sheweth that your
petitioners said Husband, ingaged in the Continental Service
328 EARLY TOWN PAPERS.
in the year 1775 and has continued in Said service ever since
that time — but through the fortune of war your petitioners said
Husband was Captivated by the Enemy by which means to-
gether with other misfortunes after he returned home on parole,
he was put to very great expense, and since that time being
ordered to return to his Confinement greatly increased his ex-
pense all which misfortune has intirely put it Beyond his power
to do any thing towards the Support of his family, wherefore
your petitioner although Contrary to her intention, being Bur-
den* with heavy taxes together with the Charges of a young
and helpless family, is under the necessity of applying to your
Honors for Releife, to be made her out of the depreciation of
your petitioners said husbands wages — and your petitioner Re-
liing on your Honors Justice, and wisdom. Shall as in duty
bound ever pray &c
Rindge June y* 9 1780 Abigail Hale
[Nathan Hale was captain of a company of minute men
in April, 1775, and was promoted to colonel in April, 1777.
His regiment received a violent attack from the enemy at
Hubbardston, July 7, 1777, while covering the retreat from
Ticonderoga, and Col. Hale with others was taken prisoner.
On returning from his parole to captivity he died at Long
Island, Sept. 23, 1780. — Ed].
[R. 3-198] [^Samuel Whitings Soldier.']
[In a petition dated Rindge, Sept. 24, 1780, Samuel
Whiting stated that he "enlisted into the Continental Servis
in march A D 1777 in Cap* Blodgett" Company." He fur-
ther stated that he was taken sick at Ticonderoga, and
asked for an allowance and the balance of his pay, which
was granted to the extent of ;£20, o, 3. — Ed.]
[R. 3-200] \_Bounties paid by the Town of Rindge to Sol"
diers who engaged for a less term of time than Three
Tears."]
W" Kendall, 2 years man £ 6, 19, 6
David Brooks 2 '' ** 17, 8, 9
Jonathan Lake 2 " *' 17, 8, 9
David Robinson i " " 21, 6, 10
-£63, 3, 10
RINDGE. 329
The above sums have been deducted from the Soldiers depre-
ciation— May 17"* 1785. Certificate to Col*
Enoch Hale — Attest Jos Gil man
Exeter 17 May 17S5
Reed an order for the Contents Enoch Hale
[Ezekiel Demery, of Rindge, was in Capt. James Carr's
Company Jan. 24, 1777. — Ed.]
[^J^ev. Pap. p, 311.']
Rindge May y* 7*** 1777.
Then Rec** of Abel Pirkins fifteen Pounds L. M* in full for my
inlisting myself into the Service of the united States of America
to do a turne for Eight Months for said Pirkins
test Edw"* Jewett Pr me Benj' Lovering
[R. 3-199.] [Restoration of Col. Enoch Hale^ ^7^3' «^-
dressed to the General Court. '\
Gentlemen
it is Eight long years Since we have been ingagd in a Te-
dious and most unnatural war in which I have Chearfully Sac-
rificed a Considerable Part of my interest with the Rest of my
friends & Countrymen I was Several years in the General
Assembly and felt my Self So much ingaged in the Cause of
my Country as to Neglect my interest at home I had the Honor
to Command a Regiment and for many years Rec** Repeated
orders for Raising men for the war & Turning out upon Alerms
to defend my Country which I did as Chearfully obey
I was Commissioned as Sheriff for the County of Cheshire
Took the oath and Executed the office when many Persons
Thought it to be at the Jeopardy of my Life It Could not then
be for the Lucre of money but I Put my all at Stake without
fear or Reflection upon what my fate might be : thus I Passed
through the dark Scene until I Saw the dawning of the Glo-
rious day — but alas the Scene was Changed Indeed — I Soon
felt the Resentment of Some Part of my Country and Saw men
Creeping out of Corners and Indeavouring to Intreduce them-
selfs into Publick Life that dearst not Lift up there heads before
they was well Convinsed how the matter would fall But To
Return my Countrey are most hartily wellcomb to what Little
Servis I was able to afford them and Could have Said Now Let
thy Servant depart in Peace Since my Eyes have Seen thy Sal-
vation But I am Supersceded in the Latter and do Now upon
330 EARLY TOWN PAPERS.
the most Coole Reflection Resign the former I wish my Regi-
ment well I had maney Good officers and Souldiers I wish my
Country well and do not forget Past favours Received from the
Generall Assembly I am Gentlemen with Respect your Honoi*
most obedient Hum**** Servant
Enoch Hale
Rindge June 7"^ 1783
[The foregoing was accepted June 13, 1783, and it was
voted that he receive a vote of thanks for his faithful ser-
vices.— Ed.]
[R. 3-201.] [Relative to Isaac Leeland^ Soldier: addressed
to the General Courts ^7^S^1
Humbly Sheweth, Joel Russell and Mary his wife of Rindge
That the said mary was widow of Isaac Leeland Late of said
Rindge deceased, that the said Isaac Leeland Inlisted himself
as a Soldier In Cap' Blodgetts Company and Colonel Nathan
Hales Regiment in the year 1777. and left his wife (the said
mary) with a number of small children to Take care off. and
in the month of September next following, the said Isaac was
killed by the enemy. * » »
Rindge May 30**^ 1785. Joel Russell mary Russell
[They asked for the balance due said Leeland, and the
committee reported nothing due. Petition dismissed. — Ed.]
[9-1 71] [Selectmen relative to Soldiers* R^y^ ^7^^ '2
The Petition of Edward Jewett Ebenezer davis and John
Buswell Selectmen of the Town of Rindge in Said State —
Humbly Sheweth that in the year A D 1779 orders being Sent
To this Town for Raiseing Souldiers To Serve in the Conti-
nental armey for one year that The depreciation of The Then
Present Currency was Such that the Town was laid under the
Necessaty of obligating themselves to the Souldiers Then to be
Raised as Being Responsable for the State that all depreciation
Should be made Good agreable to the orders then Received for
Raising Such Souldiers and Notwithstanding The fatigue of
Said ServisThe Said Souldiers Complain of not being made up
for any wages or depreciation wherefore your Petitioners Pray
in behalf of Said Souldiers as well as for the Town that the
RINDGE. 331
Said Souldiers may be made up agreable to the orders aforesaid
and your Petitioners as in duty bound Shall Ever Pray
Edw* Jewett ") Selectmen
Ebenezer Davis >■ of
John Buswell ) Rindge
Rindge march y* 6* 1782
£9-172] \_Relative to pay of Soldiers: addressed to the Gen--
eral Courts ^7^3']
The petition of Daniel Grag & others humbly Sheweth that
In June A D 1779. orders were Issued for Raising Soldiers to
Seirve one year In the contenantei armey with a promise of the
same wages and Depretiation as other Soldiers was to Recive
In the contenantei armey and your petitioners Being called upon
to asistin Raising Sum part of Said Soldiers were oblidge^ to
Engage them their pay agreable to said orders the unceirtainty
of the paper money being Such and have Sence ben oblidg' to
Settle and pay them accordingly without any Security Excep
orders upon the treasurer for their wages when made up.
Wherefore your petitioners Humbly prayeth that the Same
may be made up acordingly. —
And your petitioners as In Duty bound Shall Ever pray
Daniel Gragg
Tames Philbrick
fosiah Ingalls
^»zekiel Jewett
Jacob Gould
Rindge June 7* 1783
[9-174] \_Petition for Authority to elect a Representative:
addressed to the General Courts ijSj,^
The petition of us the Subscribers Select Men of Rindge In
Said State. Humbly Sheweth that wlieras the Said Town of
Rindge hath never Receiv* aney writ or preceipt Impowring
them to Send a Representative to the General Assembly of Said
State Sence the Astablishment of the present Constitution Not-
withstanding the number of one Hundred and ^{ty Free Rata-
ble poles that are more then Twenty one years of age are Res-
ident within the Same, which we humbly Concive was Omitted
In Conciquence of the Said Town' not Receiving any preceipt
for Assertaining & Sending In Such number of Retable poles
wherefore your petitioners humbly prays that Such writ may be
332 EARLY TOWN PAPERS.
Granted, and your petitioners as in Duty Bound Shall Ever
pray—
James Crumble "> Select Men
Jon* Ingalls >■ of Said
Sam Whiting ) Rindge
Rindge February 5"* 1785.
ROCHESTER.
The township was granted by the government of Massa-
chusetts, and contained the territory now in Farmington
and Milton in addition to the present township. Rochester
was incorporated by the governor and council of the then
province of New Hampshire, May 10, 1722, and comprised
about 6o,cxxD acres of land.
The first permanent settlement was made by Capt. Tim-
othy Roberts in December, 1728; others soon followed, but
were harassed by Indians to such an extent as to prevent a
general settlement until after the reduction of Canada in
1760. The population was quite numerous in 1775, and the
town did its full share of service in the Revolution.
By an act approved December i, 1798, the westerly part
of the town, called the north-west parish, was set off and
incorporated into the town of Farmington, which, leaving
the town over twenty miles in length, north and south, made
it very inconvenient, and in 1802 the inhabitants of the
north parish petitioned for a separate incorporation, which
was granted by an act approved June 1 1 of that year, setting
off the said parish, and incorporating it as a town by the
name of Milton. July 10. 1846, a part of the farm of Rufus
C. Varney was severed from this town and annexed to Bar-
rington.
The village now known as Gonic was formerly Squaman-
agonnick.
The following is a list of a few of the Rochester men in
the Revolution:
Wm. Harper, age 35, Col. Cilley's Reg't.
Daniel Horn, age 27, Col. Nathan Hale's Battalion, Capt.
Bell.
Eben'r Chesley, age 23, Col. Nathan Hale's Battalion,
Capt. Rowell.
ROCHESTER, 333
Geo. Heard, age 20, Col. Nathan Hale's Battalion, Capt.
Rowell.
Jos. Pearl, age 17, Col. Nathan Hale's Battalion, Capt.
Rowell.
Ichabod Horn. Drummer, 2d N. H. Reg't, Capt. James
Carr.
James Marden, 2d N. H. Reg't, Capt. James Carr.
Daniel Cook, Serg't, Scammell's Reg't, Benj. Ellis's Co.,
1781.
[9-175] \^Relative to Ministerial Affairs: addressed to the
General Courts ^737 ''\
The Petition of the Inhabitants of the Town of Rochester, in
s* province, most humbly sheweth —
That your Petitioners have been settled here, some of them,
seven Years or thereabout, that we are now increased to the
Number of about Sixty Families, & are as yet destitute of a
Settled Ministry, & have no civil Order in the Town, having
never had any power to choose town officers, or to act in town
affairs, y* your petitioners put in a petition to this Hon"* Court
at their Sessions the last Spring, praying for relief under our
Difficulties afores** and also that, in Consideration of our low
Circumstances and the Inconveniences and Charges such new
Settlements are exposed to, a tax might be laid on the Rights
of the Non-resident Proprietors towards the Support of the
Ministry here ; but so it happened that the Matter was not per-
fected, so that your petitioners remain still in the same unset-
tled and uncomfortable Condition, and do therefore humbly &
earnestly entreat your Excellency and your Honours to take
their Case into your compassionate Consideration, and that a
Committee may be appointed to call a Meeting in Order to
choose Town officers for the Year ensuing, and that a tax may
be also laid on the Non-resident Proprietorsof twenty Shillings
a right per Annum, for Seven Years, next ensuing, for and
towards the Support of the Ministry — Or otherwise to do for
us, as to your VVisdom and Goodness shall seem meet — And
your humble Petitioners as in Duty bound shall ever pray
Rochester March y* 1736/7
John alon John winford Willam Eles
Joseph Hard Jack Busel Samuell merro
Stephen Harford Joseph Richards John Garlon
Benjamin Merrow Joseph Hodgdon Richard wentworth
Robard Night John Bickford Jeams Busell
334
EARLY TOWN PAPERS.
Jeams Lock
Gesom Downs
John Bickford
oamuell Merow
John Hardie
Thomas Perkens
Elesar Ham
Ebnesar Place
willam wolford
Joseph Berrey
Beimin Hayes
John X Smith
Joseph Richards :
sen
Timothy Roberts
John Mackfee
Zebuhm dam
Benjamin Tebbets
Joseph walker
William Stiles
Stephen Beary
Joseph miller
Paul Tebbets
Teams Cley
Solom Clark
will Door
will alen
Sam Richard
Sam Tombly
mathy mackfee
Jonathan Cops
\^Legislative Action on foregoing,'\
In Council March 24, \^}fiJ*J
Read & recommended Rich* Waldron Secy
Ma' 26; 1737 In the House of Representatives the within
Petition read: and Voted: That Paul Wentworth Esq' Cap*
Thomas Millet and Stephen Berry ; be authorized A Comitte to
Call the ffirst Meeting to Chuse Town officers — and when such
officers are Chosen, they to have full power to act as other town
officers by the Law of the Province and they to have authority
to Charge a Whole proprietors Share w* a rate of fifteen Shil-
lings per annum towards paym* of a Ministers Sallary and so in
proportion for y' part of a Share or Right each proprietor do-
possess or Claime : this rate to be made yearely for payment
only while they have an orthodox Minister there ; not to con-
tinue longer y" the End of y* yeare 1742 ; then to Support their
minister as y* Law directs in other towns and that the Pet" have-
Liberty to bring in a Bill accordingly —
James Jeffi'y Cl' Ass"
In Coun* March 26, 1737 Read & Concured
Assented to March 26 1737
R Waldron Secy
J Belcher
[9-176] [Petition for a Guards ^744' addressed to the Gen---
eral Court."]
The Petition of the Inhabitants of y* Town of Rochester In
y* Province afors* Humbly Sheweth, that whereas your Peti-
tioners are settled In a New & a Frontier Town And being but
few In number & Under Indigent Circumstances, we are Un-
able to Defend ourselves, In case our Enemies Should make an
ROCHESTER.
335
assault upon us. And we cannot go about our Business as
Heretofore without Endangering our Lives and y* Lives of our
Families (The Enemy Having Been discovered Divers times
Lurking about our Houses and Fields) We therefore Humbly
Pray your Excellency and the Honourable General Court to
take our Difficult Circumstances under yout Consideration and
to allow us a Suitable Number of Soldiers to Guard us In our
Garrisons and whilst we are about our daily Employments —
And whereas we are called upon by the Province Treasurer
to pay a Considerable Tax towards Defraying y* Province
Charges, we pray your Excellency & y* Hon*^* Gen* Court to
Consider How we have been Shut up In Garrison ever Since
y* News of a French War, & have not been able to go out and
In to provide for our Households as their Necessity called upon
us to do ; And a Considerable Number of Families have removed
from us to other Towns &c — We therefore pray your Excel-
lency and your Honours to Favour us In this Regard & declar-
ing that we would not ask to be released from paying our Pro-
portion if we had ability to Comply with y* Demands made
upon us therefor
And Your Humble Petitioners as In Duty Bound Shall ever
Pray &c —
Rochester Aug : 21, 1744
Stephen Berry
Rich* Wentworth
Joseph Richards
tertius
Jn* Wentworth
Samuel whithoues
Benjamin forst
Samuell Coresen
Roberd Knight
Gesham Downes
Eleazar Colman
SamuU Tombly
Stephen Harford
Samull merro
ohn
ames Rodger
ohn Jcnnes
Benjamin Hayes
John Heard
John m*fee
James Pleace
Jonathan Hodgen
William Jennes
Clemen tt Dearing
Thomas Perkens
Icabod Horn
Cap*Timo: Roberts
Isn Edward Tebbets
Joseph walker
Ebenzer plase
ohn Bickford
ohn Laighton
oseph Richards
Juner
Joseph Hogsdon
John Hamack
Thomas Drue
Allexander Hodgdon
Elezar Ham
Jonathan Cops
[9-179] [^Petitton for Representation : addressed to Gov. B*
IVentworthy IJ62,']
The Humble Petition of the Town of Rochester in the Province
Afore Sd May it please your Excellency —
Humbly Shewing that the town of Rochester being Granted
by Charter in the Reign of King George the first of Blessed
336
EARLY TOWN PAPERS.
Memory and Setled by a Number of Inhabitants for upwards of
thirty years past and Have by the Blessing of Providence grown
to the Number of upwards of a Hundred and thirty families and
Have for a Number of years past paid our Equal proportion of
the publick Charges of this Province and Never as yet have had
A member to Represent us in General Assembly of Sd Prov-
ince altho perhaps for want of proper Application we therefore
Humbly pray your Eccellency would be pleasd to send us a
Precept to Enable us to Choose a meet person Qualifyed by
Law to Represent us in the general Assembly of Sd Province —
which is the Prayers of your Humble Petitioners —
Rochester february y* 8'** 1762
Daniel VVinget
Barnabas Palmer
Ichabod Corson
Gedion Tebbets
Obadiah Tebbets
Dodapher Garland
Daniel Cook
Thomas Withrell
Richard Nutter
Daniel Garland
Timothy Robarts
Junr
Peter Horn
Isaac Libbey Junr
Eliezar Colman
Ebenezer Place
Joseph Dam
Stephen Wentworth
Moses Hays
Samuel Cops
Shadrach Allard
Abner Dam
Jabez Dam
David Cops
Ebenezer Chamber-
lin
Thomas Brown
Elexander Hodgdon
Clement Dearing
John Heard
John Plumer
Samuel Laighton
Ephraim Ham
Samuel Tebbets
James Berry
Joseph Knight
^ebulun Dam Junr
Moses Brown
Thomas young
Wentworth Hays
Joshua Knight
Henry Tebbets
John Trickey
Samuel winget
Timothy Robarts
Stephen Berry
Joseph walker
Edward Tebbets
William Allen
James Rogers
z^ebuhm Dam
Ephraim Berry
Charles Rogers
Benjamin Forst
James Knowls
Isaac Libbey
Richard wentworth
Samuel Alley
Stephen Berry Junr
Jonathan Cops
Joseph Tebbets
Aaron Tebbets
William Chamberlin
James Place
Paul Libbey
Ephraim Chamber-
tin
James Dearing
Richard walker
Nathaniel Burnam
Jonathan Hodgdon
Ichabod Horn
Ebenezer Place Junr
Jacob Chamberlin
Benjamin Cops
Samuel Chamberlin
Samuel yeaton
Benjamin Merrow
David Place
Solomon Laighton
George Place
Joseph walker Junr
Moses Downs
Josiah Main
Henry Allord
Thomas Pevey
Jonathan Laighton
David Laighton
Joseph Haghdon
John Nute
Samuel Downing
John Hammock
Abraham Pearl
Dimond Pearl
James M'^fee
Hezekiah Varny
Ithamer Seavy
Solomon Perkins
Peter Wallingsford
John Richards
Alexander Hoghdon
Junr
William Ham
Daniel Forst
Daniel M^neel
ROCHESTER. 337
[9-178] \^Governor Wentworth to Secretary Atkinson^ rela^
tive to a Representative^ 1^62,']
Portsmouth iz"* Feb. 1762,
Sir Colonel Gage has laid before me a Petition from Roch-
ester, praying they may have a precept for Choseing a fit per-
son to represent them in General Assembly, which if they ob-
tain they have promised to send Colonel Gage and if the Kings
writt is not too far advanced insert Rochester and Kensington
from which place Cap* Haly will come, but you must Inquire
first whether it can be done without infringing on Hampton
Falls Incorporation
I am S' Your Hum^ Ser»
B. Wentworth
Colonel Atkinson
The Sherrif is not to send out precepts to the old towns be-
fore the latter end of next week, nor to Rochester if one froes
there B. W.
[It appears in the journal of the H. of Rep., March 12,
1762, that a precept was issued to Rochester, and that Lieut.
John McDufiee was chosen instead of Col. Gage. — Ed.]
[9-180] [^Relative to Dover Bridge: addressed to the As-
sembly y 1770.']
The Humbl Petision of Sundry of the Inhabitents of the
Town of Rochester in S* province Shews our oppinion And
Sentiments about the Bridges that is Built at Cochcho falls in
the town of Dover in s* provnce Whereas we your humbl Per-
tisoners think it Very Needless to Build a Bridge below the
falls for it is So Discomogous to us and all the adgasent Towns
and all travellers for it Carr3's us and all travellers Between
fifty and Sixty Rods farthar Round than the highway formerly
was and over Such Rocks and we look upon it that the town
had no Rite to turn the Rode So far out of the way that was
formerly laid out By the Governor & CounccI without a greater
authority than Such a Vote as we have Been Informed
Whereas we think that the upper Bridge is most Convenient
Both for the town of Dover and us & all the adgasent towns
And all travellers it Being a much Better Road and your Per-
tisioners are in Duty Bound Shall ever Pray &c —
Gershum Downs John Nute William Ham
John Ham moses Varney Ephraim Ham
24
338
EARLY TOWN PAPERS.
Joseph Tebbets
Ichabod Corson J'
Ichebod Corson
Isaac Libbey
Rich* Nutter
Eleazar Coleman
Stephen handford
Juner
Isaac Lebby Jur
Solmon harford
Ephraim Alley
Bangmon dam
Samuel Alley
Thomas Young
Peter Horn
Stephen Bearey
Benjamin forst
Thomas Varney
Ebenezer Varney
Richard wintworth
henry Tebbets
Jonathan Tebbets
William allin
Stephen Harford
Joseph knight
Samuel Laighton
Timo Robarts
Timothy Robarts
Juner
Josiah Main
Tristram Heard
Joseph Heard
Sam^ Downing
Paul Libbey
Thomas Robarts
David Place
John Place
George Place
William MMufee
James JackSon
James Horn
Abner Dam
James Deanng
Peter Wallingford
Zebulun Davis
Reuben heard
Alexander hodgdon
Jur
John Hamak
Richard Place
Alexander Hodgdon
Jonathan Bickford
Joseph Bickford
Thomas Brown
Isaac Twombly
William Jinnins
Morris Ellis
Moses Jennins
Aaron Jennins
Danel kimbal
Aaron Downs
[In H. of Rep., December 14, 1770, a hearing was order-
ed for the next session. — Ed.]
[R. 3-204] [^Stephen Berry ^ J^r., Soldier^ ^74^'^
Stephen Berry Jun of Rochester Testifies & Declare that he
served as a Soldiour under the Command of Cap* Job Clemens
in Scouting and Guarding at Rochester the last month that
Cap* Clemens Serv'd there in the Service of this Province in the
year 174S in the Room or Stead of Jacob Allen
Stephen Berry Jur
[Sworn before John MacMurphy, Portsmouth, May i»
1753— Ed.]
[R. 3-21 1 ] \^Daniel McDuffee's Order, 1778.'}
Sir Please to Pay or Deliver to James Knoles Esq all the
money Due to therty Seven men that Served in my Company
as Solders Last fall 'at Still Water &C on Robert Swainsons
Role & this Shall be your Receipt for the Same pr me
Daniel M'DufTee Cap*
To Nicholas Gilman Esq'
Rochester may y* 15*** 1778
ROCHESTER. 339
[R. 3-212] \^Major Tebhefs Petition^ 1779.']
[In a petition dated Rochester, March 8th, 1779, Ebene-
zer stated that he was second major of the second regiment
of militia ; '* That in the Summer last past at the Requisition
of the Committee of Safety for said State he raised a num-
ber of men & marched with them as Voluntiers on the Ex-
pedition at Rhode-Island." He stated that he " was on the
ground as early as any of the Troops & left it as late," for
which he desired to be paid. — Ed.]
[R. 3-214] [_SoIdiers' Order^ 1780.']
Rochester July jg^ 1780
To the paymaster General of the State of newhampshire Sr
Be pleasd to pay unto the Selectmen of the Town of Rochester
the Full of our wagers and other Incoragement that is to Be
given by sade state to Soldiers Enlisted agreable to an act of
3iis State out of the Militia For the Term of three months and
in so Doing you Will oblige your Most obedient Humble Ser-
vants
David Wingate j^y^^ ^ ^jj^^ TrustramX Richards
Tames X Emery j 7*%, , bu*
•^ -2ir -^ Joseph Clark Jonathan X Walline-
Beniah X Doar Jonathan heard •^ ^ rfrxfA
T *u ^ r. T *^^"?f ?J.*"^^^*"™ Amos Spencer
Jonathan X^ Dore Joseph Wmgate Stephen Tebbetts
[R. 3-215] [^Dantel Wingate^s Bounty.']
This may certify all whome it may concern that I the sub-
scriber paid M*^ Daniel Wingate Jun' with other Soldiers £34*
each L. M : as a Town Bounty for three years Service as a Sol-
dier from the 23'* May 1777 for the 3 Ensuing years —
Rochester i^^ Feb^ 1783 Eben' Tcbbets
[R. 3-216.] {^Soldiers* Orders^ ^7^4*]
To the honorable Committee on Claims now Setting at Exe-
ter or to home it may Concern please to pay the hole of my
wages to John Wingate or to the bearer for twelve months Ser-
vice in the Continantal Armey of the United States of america
340 EARLY TOWN PAPERS.
for 1779 & it will much oblige me your most obedient and hum-
ble Servante Isaac Hanson
Rochester July 5'*" 1784
Witnesses presente Jon* Meserve Thomas Davs
[R. 3-216] Rochester September 21*** 1784
To the Treasurer of the State New Hampshire
Sir plese to pay unto Daniel Cook or his order all that is due
to me for my late husbands Daniel Alleys sarvises in the Sec-
ond new Hampshire Reg^ Value Received witness
Lydia Alley
Test Daniel Rogers Samuel Elkins
I hereby Certify that the above signer was the wife & is the
Sole heir to the late Daniel Alley who was a Soldier for the
Town of Rochester
Josiah Main town dark
[Said Alley died of wounds — Ed.]
[The following ordered their dues to be paid to Daniel
Cook:
Oct. II, Paul Cook, Joshua Woodman's Company, Col.
Reynolds's Reg't, in 1781, ^4-3-4.
Oct. 27, John Perkins, same Co. in 1781, ;^4-3-4.
Oct. 28, John Palmer, same Co. in 1781, ;^4-3-4
Dec. 20, Jonathan Purzell, 2^ N. H. Reg't.
Dec. 9, William Palmer, 2^ N. H. Battalion in 1780.
Dec. 1 1, Benjamin Perkins, Woodman's Co., Reynolds's
Reg't in 1781, ^^4-3-4-
Dec. 3, Joseph Clark, same Co. in 1781, ;^4-3-4.
Oct. 28, Joseph Heard, same Co. in 1781, ordered his
dues to be paid to Stephen Went worth, ;f 4-3-4.
The foregoing all state that they served for Rochester. —
Ed.]
[R. 3-226] \^Petition of yotham Nute: addressed to the Gen-
eral Courts Dec* 2j^ ^78g.^
The Petition of Jotham Nute of Rochester in the County of
Strafford humbly Sheweth —
That early in the late Contest between the United States &
the Kingdom of Great Britain — he entered the Service of his
Country in the Regiment from this State, Commanded by Col®
ROCHESTER. 34 1
George Reid, in which from his Fidelity and good service he
was promoted to a Serjeant and continued in the faithful dis-
charge of his duty till the month of July 1781, when in an ac-
tion with the British Troops near Tarry town [N. York.], he
was wounded in the thigh by a musquet ball, which lodged in
his hip, where it still continues. « ♦ * ♦
Jon* Rawson Atty to the Petitioner
[R. 3-227 is a certificate from Capt. Jere. Fogg, dated
Kensington, Jan. 4, 1790, stating that Sergeant Jotham
Nute was in his Company, and was wounded in the hip " in
a very severe skirmish near Kingsbridge in which one fifth
part of my Party were killed or wounded." Sergeant Nute
also presented a discharge dated June 7, 1783, signed by
Gen. Washington, in which it was stated that he had been
awarded the badge of merit for six years* faithful service.
The committee on the examination of invalids recommended
that he be pensioned at two dollars per month. — Ed.]
[9-18 1 ] {^Relative to Lumber Act^ Paper Money ^ etc, : ad'
dressed to the General Assembly^ ^7^5'^
The Petition of us the Subscribers free Holders and Inhab-
itants of the Town of Rochester, Humblely Sheweth, that we
are largely Concerned in Lumber, and we understand your
Honours has passed some late acts at your last Session, verry
hurtfull, and Injurious to us and we believe to all Other Towns
Concerned in the lumber way therefore pray you would repele
the act that requires all boards to be Inch thick And Square
Edgeed and Other lumber in propotion And likewise to repeal
the acts prohibiting any Vessel Carrying Lumber the Brittish
Islands in the West Indies that can procure Brittish papers for
that purpose —
And to repeal the Other act with regard to the Duty Layed
on tunnage on Ships or Vessells belonging to foreigners which
Duty we Look Upon to be Equal to Shuting up our ports
against them, but If your Honours Dont see fit to grant the
prayer of this Petition Wee would request a paper Currency on
a Loan or in Such other way as your wisdom may Direct you
to Support the Credit of Said Moneys, as in Duty bound we
ever pray —
Rochester Aug*' 30*** 1785
David Place Jonathan Laighton Joseph Drown
Abner Hodordon Daniel goodwin Richard Furbur Jun'
Ebenezer Phice Jun' nehemiah kimbel Tobias Tvvombly
Ebenz*^ Place Sen'' Solomon Perkins Jun
342
EARLY TOWN PAPERS.
Moses Place
Amos Place
Joseph Thompson
Joseph Thompson
Juner
Alexander Hodgdon
Eleazer Hodgdon
Joseph pearl
moses Ham met
John Hammet
Dimon Pearl
James Young
Joseph Clark
Tobias Ricker
Cornelius Jenness
Jonathan Place
moses way moth
Thomas Drew
John Richson
James Dearing
loses Varney
Tonathan Leighton
[ohn Place
[onathan place
""homas Varny
Elijah Varney
Rubn heard
Bnjami meder
Ephraim Ham
Eleazer Ham
iames Ham
snac Brown
George Place
Moses Roberts
Ephraim wentworth
William Wentworth
Wentworth Hayes
Daniel M^Neal
Joshua Merrow
Josiah Folsom
Edward Rollins
John Goodwin
Benj* Odiorne
Paul Harford
Daniel Watsn
Jonathan Heard
Richard Hilton
Bening Colbroth
Geo : R Downing
Ebenezer Varney
Joseph Bickford
Ebenezer Varney Ju
John Bickford
Samuel Varney
Moses Varney
John Rawlings
Anthony Rawlings
Joshua Rawlings
John Cloutman
Eben' Twombly
Isaac Libby
George Snell Hayes
David Corson
John Pergon
Jonathan Twombly
Elijah Horn
Benjamin Copps
Richard Manson
William Manson
Paul Copps
Beard Plumer
Enoch Hayes
Daniel Cook
Nich Wentworth
David Horn
John Carr
Ebenezer Went-
worth
Daniel Garland
Ephraim Twombly
Daniel Kimbal
John walker
John Hanson
Teams Edley
Nathan Nock
Mark Miler
Joseph Chapam
John wentworth
Elihu wintworth
Samuel Jennes
Garsom Downs Ju'
Joseph Plumer
David Walanford
Moses hamblin
John Knowles
Joseph Heard Jun'
Thom* Virnev
Aaron Downs
Gersham Down Jun'
Wentworth Twom-
bly
Moses Downs
Ebenez' Ricker J'
Edmund Tebbets
Joseph Knight
Dudley Wentworth
Daniel Bruster
Stephen Wentworth
Eleazer Coleman
James Coleman
James Rogers Jun'
Moses Horn
Teams Bery
John Bery
Willam Bery
John Tanner
Abraham Cooke
RicM Walker
John Wentworth Jr
Hunking Colbroth
Abraham Cooke Jur
Reuben Heard
iacob Wallingford
lorris A lies
Thomas Peavey
Daniel Peavey
Anthotiy Peavey
David Watson
Edmund Wingate
Jonathun Morry
Benjamin Chase
Ezekiel Ricker
Nathnil Jonson
Richard Nutter ju
Joseph Holmes
Jonathan wentworth
Joseph Heard Jun'
Enoch Hoyt
Ichabod Corson J**
Thom' Pinkam
Jon' Pinkam
ROCHESTER.
343
Ebenezer Horn
Benjamin Rollins
Ebenezer Ricker
Joseph Dame
Peter Gushing
Joshua Knight
Jonathan Walling-
ford
Stephen Lee
Benjamin Hoyt
John Randale
John Ham
Timothy Heard
Paul Place
John Musset Place
James Jackson
Caleb Jackson
Joshua Downing
Ephraim Trickey
Paul Cook
Timothy Ricker
William Jones
Nathaniel Jones
Samuel Palmer
Robert
James wentworth
thomas Plumer
John Glidden
Barnabas Palmer
Gersum downs
David Morison
John Bickford
Calef
John Roberts
Ephraim Parker
Elazar Dam
Joseph Runels
James Rogers the
third
William Huntress
Fon' Norris
[oaiah wentworth
»amuel Richards
Timothy Robarts
Francis meder
Daniel Brewster
Samuel Plummer
Knight
Joseph Roberts
Simon Torr
Tim® Courson
James m'Duffe
Robart Walker
David Langley
Ephraim Pickens J'
Jonathan Richards
William Wingate
Benjamin Varney
James Chesley
John Place Ju'
Thomas Roberts
James Downs
William Palmer
Sam^ Nute
Isaac Wentworth
place Jun
barnebas Parner
Richard Wentworth
Peter Horn
Moses Horn Jun'
Joseph Walker
Tristram heard
Nathaniel Heard
Tristram Heard
Jas Adams
Samuel Austin
Jacob Elles
Samuel Wingate
Benj* Wingate
Elijah Tebbetts
John Trickey
Samuel Door
Silas Tebbets
Heard Roberts
David Tebbets
Joseph Tebbets
Ichabod Cossen
William Elles
David Wingate
Samuel Allen
Joshua Allen
Micnh Allen
Samuel Downing
Stephen Furnald
ohn Rand
ohn Ham Jun'
ohn Stanton
>aniel Page
Joseph Page
Voletine Railing
David Jenness
Joseph Meader Jnr
Winthrop Nutter
William Whitehouse
Aaron Whitehouse
George Meader
Pelatiah Cartlan
John Tucker
Jacob Hanson
Isaiah Jenkins
Joseph meder
Hatevil Laighton
Solomon Drown
John Drown
Joseph Parker
natthel meedor
William Hanson
Jonthan Meder
William hodgdon
Robert Evans
James Place
raul Jennes
Samuel Robeson
Gorge Laighton
timothy Richson
Clem havs
Stephen harfot
ohn Davis
oshua Corson
Ibenezer Corson
Dodavah Garlan
Dodavah Garlan Jun
Jonathan Elles
Joshua Elles
Rich* Furber
Benj' Furber
Robart tebets
Bengamin Went-
worth
David Allard
Job Allard
344 EARLY TOWN PAPERS.
Moses goodwill Benjamin Forse Jun' James Runnels
Zabulon dam Josiah Main Jon* Bigford
Richerd Parkins Sam^ Furbur James French
Silas Dame Ephraim Kimbel Edward Varney
Enoch Bnrnham David Twombly Moses Varney 3d
Lemuel Richardson Daniel Page Thom' Davise
William M'^Duffe Nathanel Garland James Twombley
John Richards Benjamin Page John Palmer
Jon* Richard J' Moses Jennes Amos place
[R. 3-229] [^Lieut, Samuel Nute^s Petition,'\
[In a petition dated January, 1790, Jona. Rawson peti-
tions in behalf of Samuel Nute of Rochester for back pay,
etc., stating that said Nute was, "on the eleventh day of
November 1776, by a Committee of the General Court of
this State, appointed a Second Lieutenant in the Regiment
from this State Commanded by Col® Enoch Poor, & was
duly Commissioned & served as such till the sixteenth day
of September 1777 " — Ed.]
[R. 3-230] \^Petition of yohn Tanner: addressed to the
General Courts November^ i^gi.^
The Petition of John Tanner Humbly Sheweth, that on the
26^ day of March 1777 entered on board the Raleigh Frigate
under the Command of Thomas Thompson Esq' as a quarter
Master, and on the first of May 1778 was discharged from the
said Ship. In the Month of August following your Petitioner
Entered on board the Hampden under the Command of Thomas
Pickering, Esq' as Masters Mate, and on the Eighth day of
March 1 779 in a sevear Engagement had the unhappy Misfor-
tune to loose my left arm and much wounded in my side by a
shot from the enemy, and in the Month of July 1779 yo^^r
Petitioner entered on board the same ship under the Com-
mand of Cap* Titus Salter Esq' as Masters Mate in the service
of this State to Pernobcequet, and met with the Misfortune to
be taken Prisoner by the Enemy, which was a great damage to
me, and after my return in the year 17S1 — your Petitioner en-
tered on board the Arm Ship General Washington, as Masters
Mate, and our ship was unfortunately stove to Pieces in a Hur-
ricane, by which I lost all my Close books & Instruments ex-
cepting the Close on me.
* * * John Tanner
ROCHESTER. 345
[He petitioned again in November, 1797; and also in
June, 1802, at which time he was allowed $65. In the lat-
ter he stated that the ship Gen. Washington was a " Letter
of Marque, under the command of Charles Welden Esquire,
bound for the Island of Martinique, in which expedition, on
the 11*** day of October [1780] in a most tremenduous hur-
ricane the ship was lost." — Ed.]
[9-183] \_Report of a Committee to divide the Town^ ^794»\
Rochester August y* 28*** 1794
We the Subscribers being chosen a Committee by the Inhab-
itants of Town of Rochester on the second day of June Last to
divide said Town of Rochester into three Towns or Parishes,
have attended on said Business, viewed the Plan of said Town
& heard the Parties from the Different Parts of said Town, &
have agreed to report & do report that the division of said Town
made by Jonathan Dame Some years ago & accepted by the
Inhabitants be not altered for the Several Reasons as follows
viz
I"* It is our opinion that Said Division made by M' Dame
the Surveyor is as equal & as just as the Nature of the thing
will admit
2^*'' As the first proposed Parish have considered Said Divi-
sion binding & have built a large Meeting House near the Cen-
tre of Said proposed Parish Which is submitted by your Hum-
ble Sei-vants
Joseph BadgerJ"'
Sam^ Hale
James Carr
It was put to Vote to See if the Town will accept of the
above report and it was Voted in the affirmative a true Copy
attest Josiah Main Town Clerk
[9-182] \^Report of a Committee on Division of the Town^
^794-1
By virtue of a Vote of the Town of Rochester we have Run
out & marked the Lines between the new Proposed Towns or
Parishes as follow!
Beginning at Barrington line in a Heath 22 Rods North wes-
terly from the out let of Pickerel pond where we marked & Set
up a Stake Call** N° i from which we run north 46 Degrees
346 EARLY TOWN PAPERS.
East a cross the Second Division Lott number 49 over a large
Rock mark* with a cross thence on s* Course through Joseph
Meeders land So as Just to leave his house on the East of Said
line to Meedersbo rough Road Thence on the South Easterly
Side lines of lotts N** 34, 31, 44, 47, 54 & 51. Then North 45
degrees East from the North East Corner of the 2 Division lot
N'*5i over Run through the fourth Division a little to the west
of George Hayes house over a large ledge of rocks on the Brow
of the Hill near Salmonfalls River which rocks we marked and
Call* N® 2 and run S* Course to the River makeing marks &
Setting up monuments by the roads and other necessary places
which we made for the Head line of the lower Town or par-
ish—
Then we began on S* line at the Suppos* North East Corner
of the Second Division N** 51 where we Set up a pile of rocks
& Call* N* 3 from which we run about North west at the
Northerly end of the Second Division Numbered 51, 52, 79,
80, 81, 102 & 103 to the third Division, leaving the four Rod
Road to the North of Said line and run on the North west
through the third Divisions N® 6, 5, & 38 to Middleton line
over a large pine Stump & a rock which we marked with Sun-
dry letters & marks and Call* N" 4 being a few Rods to the
Southwest of the new Road leading from Middleton by Sam-
uel Laightons — Run out this 13*** day of Novem**' 1794
By Ichabod Corsson ")
Rich* Dame > Lott Layers
Daniel Hayes )
Voted to Accept of the Return of the Committee for the Run-
ning of the within lines
A true Copy from Rochester Book of Records
attest Josiah Main Town Clerk
[9-184] \^Petiiion for an Incorporation of the North- West
Parish : addressed to the General Courts ^79^'2
Humbly shew —
We the subscribers Inhabitants of the Town of Rochester in
the County of Strafford, and of that part of said Rochester com-
monly called the North West Parish, that sometime previous to
the year Seventeen hundred Ninety four the Inhabitants of the
said Town of Rochester at a legal Meeting warned for that pur-
pose unanimously voted that the said town should be divided
into three towns and a Committee was accordingly chosen to
run, and make out the Lines of the several proposed towns
aforesaid, pursuant to which Vote the said Committee ran out
ROCHESTER. 347
said proposed towns, a Copy of whose return Accompanies this
Petition
That afterwards at a legal meeting of said town in the year
Seventeen hundred Ninety four the said town appointed the
Hon^'" Joseph Badger Jun*" Samuel Hale and James Carr Esq**
as a Committee out of town to reconsider of the Lines aforesaid,
and make such alterations therein as they should think proper
or to establish the old Lines as they should think most conven-
ient for said town and proposed towns, which Committee after*
wards on the twenty Eighth day of August in the same year
met and examined the Lines aforesaid and reported that the
former Lines and division be established as the boundaries of the
several proposed towns, which report was afterwards at a legal
meeting of said town Voted unanimously to be accepted — We
the said Inhabitants further shew, that there were in said North
West Parish the last Year rendered in the Towns Inventory,
one hundred and seventy six rateable Poles, residing within the
Limits of the said parish, that a great proportion of that num-
ber, have to go as many as twelve Miles to Attend town meet-
ings and business, and by far the greater part, not less than
Eight miles ;
That the unwieldv Situation of said town when met in their
Town Meetings amounting freequently to such a number as
renders it almost impossible to do the town business with any
kind of regularity or dispatch —
For these reasons and many others which might be men-
tioned, we the subscribers Inhabitants as aforesaid, humbly
pray your Honours that the said North West Parish compre-
hended within the Lines and divisions before alluded to, may
be incorporated as a town with town privileges, and such meas-
ures taken to organize and incorporate the same, as to your
Honours may seem meet And as in duty bound your Petitioners
will pray —
Rochester June 6^ A D 1798
Ichabod Hayes Moses Hanson Gilbert French
Daniel Hayes Rich* Furber J' Edmund French
iohn Ham Robart Berry Moses Hayes
[athanel Watson Ju Jonathan Furber Samul Knowles
Winthrop glidden Daniel Varney James French
Benj" Jones James Nutter timothy Stepan
Ichabod Hayes David Watson Jur David Roberts
thomas Davis Samul Hodgsdon Samuel Holmes
David french semul Ran Samuel Gray
Daniel Peevy Ju W" Wingate Jp^" Walker
Danell Seavey Eph" Perkins Ju Rich* Hodgdon
Benja Read David French Jur Job Allard
Hunking Colbroth Amos Place Will" Allard
348
EARLY TOWN PAPERS.
Joshua Watson
John Robinson
Valintine Sergent
John Locke
Joseph Holmes
Samuel Varney
William Ham
Moses Varney
Joseph Emerson
Thomas Leathers
Timo^ Dame
Daniel Hayes
Wcntworth Hayes
William Leighton
Samuel Varney
Sam* Furber
Peter Akcrman
Samuel Hayes
Simon Green
Benjamin Furber
Peter Akerman Ju'
John Downs Jun'
John Roberts
James Downs
Edmund Wingate
Jonathan Watson
Theodore Furber
Stephen Clark
David Watson
Mark Read
Charles Knight
William Knight
Winthrop Colath
Enoch Burn am
James Knowles
Edward Knight
Reuben Cano
Robert Evans
Richard Caverly
Stephen French
Edward Varney
John Caverly
Danul Coney
Samuel Drown
Benj Ham
Samuel Holems
Jonath Wentworth J'
William Whithous
John Beeck
Samuel Beeck
John Murry
Eben' Horn J'
Jonathan
Abaraham Nute
Isaac Libby
Hanson Libby
Jeremah Hodgdon
Ely Sumer
Joseph young
Thomas Ham
Joseph Thompson
Joseph Thompson
Samual Twombly
[In H. of Rep., June 13, 1798, a hearing was ordered for
the next session, and the matter came up Nov. 28, at which
time the petition was granted. The west parish was set off
and incorporated into a town by the name of Farmington,
Dec. I, 1798. — Ed.]
[9-185] \_Rochester Town- Meeting relative to a Division of
the Town^ ^79^-}
The following are the proceedings of the Town of Rochester
in Consequence of the Order of Court relative to the Division
of said Town —
*' State of Newhampshire Strafford ss
The Legal voters of the Town of Rochester are hereby No-
tified of a Public Town meeting to be holden in the Courthouse
in s** Town on Monday the 27th Day of this Instant August at
two o' th Clock in the afternoon for the following purposes
!•' To choose a moderator to Govern s^ Meeting —
^^^y To see what Metliod the Town will take with respect to
a petition to the General Court from the South West Parish
(so Call**) for an Incorporation of said Parish and the order of
Court thereon
By Order of the Selectmen —
Edward Rollins, Constable
Rochester August 6*** 1798."
ROCHESTER. 349
*' At A Legal Town Meeting holden in Rochester on Mon-
day the 27*** Day of August 1798
I** Aaron Wingate Esq' Chosen Moderator
2«7 It was put to vote to see if the Town will Consent that
the South West Parish So Call* in this Town Should be Incor-
porated as a Seperate Town by themselves, agreable to the
former lines, and Voted in the affirmative."
A True Copy of the Proceedings of town of Rochester rela-
tive to the Incorporation of the South west Parish (So Call**)
Attest—
Josiah Main Town Clerk
Examin' & return* by
Rich* Dame ) Select men
Jonas C March j of Rochester
Rochester Nov' 13*^ 1798
[9-186] \^Pett lion for Incorporation of the Congregational
Society^ I7QP*^
Humbly shew —
The subscribers Selectmen of the town of Rochester for the
year 17999 that the Congregational Society in the town of Roch-
ester commonly called the first parish in said town has always
hitherto been and continued unincorporated ; that many incon-
veniences result to them from their continuing in that situation.
Wherefore they pray that an act for the purpose of incorporat-
ing said parish by the name of the First parish in Rochester,
may be passed under such regulations as you in your wisdom
may think reasonable and just, and as in duty bound will ever
pray—
Rochester June 3, 1799.
Rich* Dame ") In behalf of said town
Beard Plumer >- and Selectmen of
Joshua Allen ) the same
[9-186X] IPetitionfrom the North Part to he set off: ad-
dressed to the General Courts 1802,']
Humbly Sheweth Your Petitioners Inhabitants of that part of
Rochester call* the North Parish, that as early as the Year 1774
the Town of Rochester at a Legal Meeting, voted that it was
expedient to Divide the Town into three Seperate Towns or
Parishes, and then voted where the Division lines should be,
Since that time have erected and Compleated a meeting house
solely for the accomodation and Conveniency of the south Par-
3SO
EARLY TOWN PAPERS.
ish — that in the Year 1793 some parts of the Town Complain*
that the Division lines were not equal and right, A meeting
was caird, and the Town voted to refer the Subject to a
respectable Disinterested Committee who reported in favor
of the former lines agreed upon and establish^ by the Town
which report was accepted by the town — that in the Year
1798, application was made by the Inhabitants of the west
Parish, to the Honourable Legislature of the State, for an Act
of incorporation, agreeably to the abovesaid lines, which,
was Granted, by reason of said Act the town at present is Di-
vided into two parts, that only Corners one upon the other a
bout 150 rods — that many of your Petitioners has to travel
twelve and some fifteen miles to attend meetings for the public
worship of god and to transact town business — ^And many
other inconveniencies are experienced by your Petitioners by
reason of their being in an unincorporated State —
we therefore pray your Honours to incorporate all that part
of Rochester that lies between Farmington and the Easterley
line of the State into a Seperate and Acting town with town
Priveledges so as to enable the Inhabitants to assess Collect and
appropriate money for Civil and Religious purposes — ^this we
apprehend will have a happy tendency to promote good order
unite and harmonize the whole and make us better men and
more useful Citizens — ^and will we hope add a respectable towa
to the State of New Hampshire
As we in Duty bound Shall ever pray
Rochester May 28"" 1802
Benjamin Scate
James C. Hayes
Elijah Horn
Thomas Nutter
Joseph Phi me r
Moses Chamberlin
James M'Geoch
John Hanson
Richard Miller
Shadrach Hard
Nathaniel Gilman
Benj' Haggins
bis
Samuel X Wentworth Jun'
mark
Shubel Roberts
Stephen Jennes
Francis fierrv
Joseph Berry
James Merrow
Francis Drew
Paul Jewett
John witham
Humphry Goodwin
John Remick Junr
§am^ Chapman
Isaac Braeket
Abraham Dearborn
Joseph Dearborn
Nathaniel Dearborn
William Berrv
James Berry Jr
Dudley Burnham
John Twombly
Ernest Corson
Otis Pinkham
Francis Nute
James Berry
Jeremiah Goodwia
rlanry Rollins
Henery Rollings
W" Corson
Nath* Jewett
Nat. Pinkham
William W Lord
Benjamin Jones
Samuel Twombly
Jotham Ham
Joseph Cook
Gilman Jewett
Lias Ricker
Ebenezer Ricker
Daniel Dore
Josiah Willey
ROXBURY.
351
Obadiah Witham
Gershorm Went-
worth
Ruben Jones
John Jones
Josiah Witham
Amos Witham
Samuel J Went-
worth
David Wentworth
Timothy Roberts
John Wentworth
jerediah Ricker
Lemuel Ricker
William Hatch
John Downs
Stephen Wentworth
Jun'
Samuel Twombly J'
Samuel Nute Jr
William Tuttle
Robert Mathes
Clement Hayes
W" Palmer
John Palmer
Dudley Palmer
Ephraim Drew
John Scates
£)phraim Twombly
John Remick
Davied Corson
Frederick cate
John fifield
Robert Heart
William Tones
Joshua Corson
Richard Horn
Jonathan Dore
Robort M«Geoch
Nicholas Hartford
Samuel Nute
John Ricker
Wentworth Cook
Gershom Downs
Samuel Palmer
Peltiah Hanscom
Levi Jones
Richard walker
John Twombly
Ichabod Hayes
Caleb Wingate
Daniel Hayes J'
Jotham Nute
Ezekiel Hays
Joseph Walker
[The petition was granted, the territory set oflf, and in-
corporated into a town by the name of Milton, June ii,
1802. — Ed.]
[9-i86j^] [^Consent of Town to foregoing, '\
At a Legal Town meeting holden in Rochester on Monday
the 31"* Day of May 1802
agreeable to the first article in the Notification it was unani-
mousedly Voted that the Inhabitants of the Northe East part So
Call* beginning at the South East end of Farmington by John
Trickeys Land North forty Six Degrees East to Salmon falls
River have the approbation of the town to petition the general
Court to be bet of!' a Separate or Distinct town they haveing no
objection to their being Set off
a true Copy attest
Josiah Main Town Clerk
ROXBURY.
An unsuccessful attempt was made to procure the forma-
tion of this town in 1796 from portions of Packersfield
(Nelson), Dublin, and Marlborough. A committee appoint-
35"^ EARLY TOWN PAPERS.
ed to examine the premises reported favorably, but it met
with opposition from the towns it was to be taken from, and
the scheme was defeated.
A petition from the inhabitants "of the southwest part of
Packersfield, north part of Marlborough, and east part of
Keene," presented to the legislature in 1812, asking to be
incorporated into a town, was successful, the territory asked
for being incorporated December 9 of that year as a town
by the name of Roxbury.
June 15, 1820, Samuel Griffin and his estate were severed
from Nelson, and annexed to this town.
By an act passed July i, 1868, the entire town of Rox-
bury was annexed to Keene : Providing^ said act should be
adopted by a majority vote in each town. The act, how-
ever, was not adopted, and Roxbury remains as it was.
[9-187] \_Petition for an Incorporation^ -^79^'^
Your Petitioners inhabiting the south west part of Packers-
field, the North part of Marlboro — and North-west part of Dub-
lin—
Humbly Shew
That they live very remote from the Center, but more so
from the Meeting-Houses of their respective Towns —
That the situation is such by reason of distance & bad
Roads, that they cannot attend Public Worship &c. with any
convenience —
That they are destitute of many Town preveliges. That
some of their duties, as members of the several Towns are very
burdensom —
That the Town of Packersfield, has voted oft' a Tract of Land
at the south west corner thereof and Marlboro — has voted oft' a
Tract at the North End therof for the purpose of making a
Township—
That what has been voted oft' (in their opinion) is inadequate
to make a Township—
That your Petitioners have Petitioned the several Towns for
a small addition to said grants, but without success —
That if the Tract of Land already voted oft', with the addition
of a small piece of Packersfield, Marlboro, and Dublin, might
be Incorporated a distinct Township it would be highly ad-
vantageous to your Petitioners and the Public Interest. —
The Prayer of this their humble Petition, therefore is, that
ROXBURY. 353
your Honors would appoint a Committee to Examine the said
Premises, at the Cost of vour Petitioners —
And your Petitioners further pray, that the Committee so ap-
pointed might be directed (if after due examination they Should
think it reasonable to make a Township as afore said) to fix the
Bounderies and make their report to the Honorable General
Court, to be holden in June next —
And your Petitioners as in duty bound shall ever pray —
Lott Cooke in behalf of the
Petitioners —
9th Dec. 1796 —
[The petition was referred to a committee, who reported
as follows : — Ed.]
[9-188] \^Report of Committee^ ^797*2
your Committee appointed in December the 8, 1796 to take
into Consideration & vew the Situation of the Southwest part
of Peckersfield and the North part of Marlborough & the Nor-
west part of Dublin as Set forth in the Petition of Lott Cooke
and others.
Report as followeth,
Having Explored the above mentioned towns & the Situation
of the premises pray*^ for in the aforeS'* Petition are of opinion,
that the prayer thereof be granted So far as that thay be incor-
perated as a town according to the Descriptions following
Begining at the Southesterly Corner of Sullivan then run-
ning Easterly till it Strikes the East line of Lot number Six in
the fifth Range of Lots in the town of Peckersfild then running
Southerly on S* line till it Strikes the Norwest corner of Lot
N** 7 in the 2* Range of Lotts in Peckersfield, then running
Easterdly on the North Line of the 2* Range till it Strikes
Breeds pond so called then Southerly till it Strikes Dublin line,
then on the north line of Dublin Easterdlv till it comes to the
northeastly corner of Lot N° 19 in the 10 Rang, thence Souther-
ly on Sd line till it Strikes the Southesterly corner of Lot N° 19
in the 7 Rang in S* Dublin then Running Westerly on S* line
till it Strikes Marlborough East line, then taking thre ranges of
Lotts of the north End of Marlborough including two gores of
Land one on the north line and the other on the west line of S*
Marlborough against Sd Ranges, and from the norwest corner
of Marlborough on the west line of Peckersfield to Sullivan
25
354 EARLY TOWN PAPERS.
South Line then Easterly on Sullivan South Line to the first
menctiond bounds
Dublin Apreel. 12. 1797
all which is Submitted by your Committee —
Nath^ Emerson
Bcnj* Prescott
[The plan met with opposition, and was defeated in June
following. See introduction. — Ed.]
RUMNEY.
The township was granted Oct. 4, 1761, to Samuel Olm*
stead and others, and regranted to Daniel Brainard and
others, March 18, 1767, with the same boundaries as the
first grant. Settlements were made in the fall of 1765, by
Jonathan Cummings, and in the following year by James
Heath, Daniel Brainard, and Moses Smart.
A return made by the selectmen Oct. 28, 1775, stated
that the town had eleven men in the army. The bounds of
Rumney were established in 1784. (See Vol. XI, p. 729.)
Rumney and Went worth Union school-district was estab-
lished by an act approved June 22, 1842, and an amendment
passed June 28, 1847, defined its boundaries.
John Stark and Amos Eastman were captured by the
Indians while hunting on territory now in this town, April
28, 1752. David Stinson, of Londonderry, who was with
them, was killed ; his name is perpetuated in Stinson moun-
tain, Stinson brook, and Stinson pond.
[9-189] [^Statement of Grievances : addressed to the Assent''
bly, 177O'']
The humble petition of us the subscribers being proprietors
& inhabitants of the town of Rumney in said province most
humbly sheweth That Daniel Brainard of Rumney aforesaid
Esq claims & votes upon the major part of said Township in
all proprietary meetings and as the law of this province allows
every person to vote according to the quantity of his interest
RUMNEY. 355
the said Brainard makes use of his power to oppress & injure
your Petitioners in the following instances, viz*
First they cannot obtain a Committee to examine what mony
has been raised by said propriety & how the same hath been
collected & how expended : and the petitioners suggest that a
large ballance is in the hands of said Brainard.
Secondly. The province road is neglected to be sufficiently
repaired altho sufficient mony has been voted for that purpose
& your petitioners have paid their part in labour.
Thirdly. No Settlement is made with the Rev* M' Niles the
minister of said town for four years past.
Fourthly. The intervale is not equally divided.
Fifthly. The publick rights are not laid out.
Sixthly. The said Brainard hath not built the mills accord-
ing to his agreem* altho he hath received your petitioners mony
for that purpose & no Committee can be obtained to Call him
to an account.
Seventhly. The said Brainard against the will of your Peti-
tioners hath voted away two whole shares of land in said town
to his friends
Wherefore your Petitioners pray the advisement of your Ex-
cellency & Honours on the premises & that they may be re-
lieved as shall seem meet :
And your petitioners as in Duty bound shall pray &** —
Rumney, May 4^ 1770.
Thomas Niles Richard Smart J^^^ Clifford
Caleb Kimball Hugh Ramsey Jonathan hall
Barnabas Niles Elihu Johnson William Webber
Pelatiah Watson Charles Clark William Presson
Isaiah Bachelder Isaac Cli fiord Thomas Ramsey
Isaac Clifford Jr Ma^ Ramsey Nathaniel Hall
[In H. of Rep., Jan. 8, 1771, a hearing was ordered for
the next session. — Ed.]
[9-190] [ Committee appointed to procure Arms and Ammu--
nition^ 1776^^
Colony of Newhampshier Rumney June the 29* 1776 —
at a meeting held this Day Voted to Send Major Alexander
Craige, and M*^ Michael Dwyer to provide arms and Ammuni-
tion to Supply the inhabitants of this town and to act and pur-
sue Such Measures as the shall think most Effectual to accom-
plish the matter above Mentioned in order to Defend our Lives
356 EARLY TOWN PAPERS.
Liberties and properties Against the incursion of the Enemy
on our frontiers, Likewise we bind ourselves to the S* Craige
and Dwyer to Discharge unto them as Soon as the Return, the
price and Cost of S* arms & ammunition with all other Charges
Which may Arise pertaining to the Same By order of the Com-
mittee
Ma" Ramsay
Chairman —
[9-191] \^Petition for a Supply of Arms and Ammunition^
1776.2
Rumney June the 29*** 1776 —
Whereas we are alarmed with the News, that the Enemy is
like to make incursions on our frontiers, the inhabitants of this
town, hath at a meeting Called for that purpose Voted to Send
Major Alexander Craige and M' Michael Dwyer to provide
arms & amunition for S^ town, in order to be in Readiness to
assist our frontier Brethren to Defend our Lives Liberties and
properties We therefore pray the Honorable Committee of
Safety of this Colony to Supply the above Deligates with what
the think is Sufficient to supply S^ inhabitants By order of the
Committee
Ma^ Ramsay Chairman
£
14 Stands of Arms a 3 per D* — JC42
60'** w' of Powder a 6/ per lb — 18
i8o D* of Lead 7, 2, 6
icx> flints 6, o
£67, 8, 6
the Above is a Calculation of What arms and amunition is
wanted to Supply the Township of Rumney
[9-193] \^Certificate in favor of Peter AfaheWy 1779 »']
This May Certify that Peter Mahew is a Person, who we are
well acquainted with, and of Undoubted Character, and Served
in the Service of the United States, as an Interpreter, also in
other employ, we recommend him to the Honorable Council
and Representatives of the State of New Hampshire Convened
at Exeter to take his Petition into Consideration, the Place he
now Lives on being of little Value, and for the future he may
RUMNEY. 357
be of great Service, he understanding both the English and
French Language — The Person who was the right Owner hav-
ing proved Himself an Enemy to the States, and said Mahew a
Loyal Subject —
26* Feb^ 1 779
Jacob Bayley
Alexander Craig
Thomas Niles
Charles Clark ) Select men
Michael Dwyer J ofRumney
Moses Dow
David Hobart
Sam' Emerson
David Webster
Ma" Ramsey
Joseph Senter
[The petition referred to is No. 192. and is a request to
have his title confirmed to some land situate in Rumney
that he purchased of Stephen Holland, of Londonderry. —
Ed.]
[9-194] [Return of Ratable Polls^ ^7^J'li
We the Subscribers certify that in the Town ofRumney there
is fifty Male Persons of the age of twenty one years and Up-
wards paying for themselves a Poll tax
Rumney S*** Decem' A D 1 783
Abraham Burnham ) Select
Dan' Brainerd Jr j Men
[R. 3-235] [^Soldiers' Order ^ 1780."]
Exeter April 13"* 1780.
Pleas to charge me with Eight hundred dollars towards de-
preciation & credit the same to L* Col** H. Dearborn he having
paid me that sum in money this day —
W" : Presson Serg'
To the Committee on Soldiers ace*'
Presson belongs to Rumney
3S8 EARLY TOWN PAPERS.
[R. 3-236] [^Soldter^s Receipt.']
Received of the Committee of Supplysto Soldiers fameliesin
the town of Rumney Tenn Pounds It Being What the town
Rais*^ Last Annuil Meeting for the Supplies of the family of
Thomas Pitts a Soldier in the Newhamshir Line During the
War—
I Say Receiv^ the above Sum to my full Satisfaction
Rumney December 21* 1781
her
Sarah X Pitts
mark
Wife of the above Thomas Pitts
attest Benjimen Whitemore Levi Wyman
[Prov. 6l Rev. Papers, p. 157.]
Samuel Holland Esq — his Land Tax in Rumney
Feb^ 1785 £21-9-0
This may Certifie that their is Rais^ 33 S on Each original
undivided Right in Charter in the Township of Rumney By the
Proprietors of s* Township and that the following Rights are
now the Property of Samuel Holland Esq, now an absentee as
appears by the County Records
Henry Champion £1-13-0 Ebenezer Spencer £1-13-0
Francis Lock J4 right 0-16-6 Aaron Breaneard i-13-0
Icabod Olmstead 1-13-0 Daniel Breaneard 1-^3-0
iames Heath 1-13-0 Alexander Craige 1-13-0
loses Smart 1-13-0 Christopher Holmes 1-13-0
Joseph Arnold J^ right 0-16-6 Edmond Elliot 1-13-0
Charles Clarke 1-13-0 Timothy Boge 1-13-0
£21-9-0
Zebadee Berry ) assessors for the
Edward Everett J Proprietors of Rumney
Ru mney Feb 1 7- 1 7S5
[9-195] \^Petition for a Magistrate^ n^5*\
to the honorable general Court in New hamshier Seting in
Concord
gantlemen we the Subscribers beg the faver of haveing A
nother justice of the peace in this town by labouring under a
RUMNEY. 359
disadvantage by his being absent At sundry times we are
abliged to leave the town for the want of another Justice of the
peace tharefore we desire your honours If you see fit to grant
us this faver —
Rumney October the i8 A D 1785
Charles Clark Reuben Doe
Thomas Newman Elisha Smart
W"* Presson Jp^^ weeks
Thomes Ramsey Ebenezer Brainerd
Matthew Ramsey Timothy Townshend
Jonathan Clark Amos Stevens
John Doe Daniell Smart
[February 27, 1786, Major Alexander Craige was appoint-
ed justice of the peace, and Capt. Abraham Burnham was
appointed coroner for the county of Grafton. — Ed.]
£9-196] \^Petition for Authority to Raise Money by Special
Tax : addressed to the Legislature^ yanuary 77, /7p/.]
The Petition of the Select Men of Rumney in behalf of the
Inhabitants thereof humbly shew that the Publick road through
said Town is very bad and much out of repair and that the In-
habitants thereof have made and kept in repair Roads and
Bridges therein much beyond their ability and whereas it is for
the Publick good as well as for the Inhabitants and adjacent
Towns that some new road or roads be made therein — Your
Petitioners
therefore In behalf of said Inhabitants humbly pray your
Honors to grant a Tax of two pence on each acre of land in said
Rumney, which is now laid out and appropriated, publick
lands excepted for the sole purpose of making & repairing roads
and bridges therein one Moiety thereof to be laid out on the
now Publick or main road through said Town the other Moiety
or half of said Tax to be laid out on the back road if to be
spaired otherwise where the Select men of said Rumney for the
time being may direct and your Petitioners as in Duty bound
will pray
Abrah" Burnh" | Select
Charles Clark J Men
[The foregoing petition was granted by an act passed
June 17, 1 79 1. — Ed.]
360 EARLY TOWN PAPERS.
RYE.
Settlements were made on territory now in this town as
early as 1635. It was called Sandy Beach for some years,
and was connected with Portsmouth until the incorporation
of New Castle, May 30, 1693, and was thenceforth a part of
the last named town until separated by an act passed April
30, 1726, and, in connection with portions of Portsmouth
and Hampton, incorporated as *• a parish by the name of
Rye."* By this act Rye was to send a representative to
the assembly, and the selectmen for that year were to be
William Seavey, Jr., Samuel Brackett, Joshua Foss, Richard
Goss, Joseph Philbrook, John Garland, Richard Jenness,
Lieut. William Lock, and Joseph Lock. The town elected
Richard Jenness to the assembly the same year.
December 17, 1763, an act was passed appointing Francis
Jenness, Ozem Dowse. Joseph Brown, James Mardin, and
Jeremiah Lock as a committee to construct a wharf to pre-
vent the tide from destroying Sandy Beach.
All that part of New Castle situated on the south-west
side of the river was annexed to this town by an act passed
Dec. 22, 1 79 1.
An act was passed Dec. 17, 1792, appointing James Hill
of New Market, Jeremiah Batchelder of Kensington, and
Joshua Weeks of Greenland, a committee to "establish and
fix the line between said parish of North Hampton and the
parish of Rye." The report of said committee, which is re-
corded in Charter Records, Vol. 4, p. 257, was to be conclu-
sive.
By an act approved July 20, 1876, the town of Gosport
was annexed to this town.
Rye contains about one third of the sea-coast of the state,
on which are some fine beaches, which are much frequented
in summer.
[9-197] ^Petition for Authority to raise Money by Lottery
to drain a Pond: addressed to the Assembly^ Dec, J7,
^75^0
Humbly Sheweth Joses Philbrook of the Parish of rye that
there is a Pond in Said Parish called the Little boars-head Pond
* For petition, see Vol. IX, pp. 735 to 740.
RYE. 361
Scituate about forty rods from Sea Shore which by Cutting a
Canal from.the Sea at or near Fox Hill so Called to the Pond
would open a Communication with the Sea & the Said Canal
being Secured with rocks (which is feezable) would open a
retreat for any Small Vessells where they might Anchor with
Safety & would be of great Service to Coasters & fishermen —
Especialy such as should be catched in the Bay with an Easterly
Wind-
That your Memorialist has Attempted the opening such a
Canal in the Place afore Said with out any asstance but finding
it would be too Expensive to be at the Charge of Compleating
the whole without some Aid Desisted Imagining a Thing of
such Publick advantage would meet with Publick Encourage-
ment—
Wherefore he humbly Prays that he may so far have the
Countenance of the Governmt as to be Indulged with the Lib-
erty of raising (by way of Lottery) such a Sum as will Enable
him to Perfect the said work the said Lottery to be under such
rules and Directions as your Excellency & Hon^ Shall think
Proper —
Your Petitioner is humbly of Oppinion that he could (upon
being Admitted) give your Excellency & Hon" Convincing
Arguments to prove not only the great advantage such an Inlet
would be to the Publick but also the feezableness of its being
made Passable & Durable this Granted vour Petitioner as In
Duty bound Shall ever Pray &c
Joses Philbrick
[In H. of Rep., Feb. 18, 1757, the following scheme was
presented and accepted. Hunking Wentworth and Elliot
Vaughan were appointed managers, to which the council
added William Knight and William Earle Treadwell. — Ed.]
[9-198] [^Lottery Scheme,']
A Scheme to Raise by way of Lottery the Sum of Six Thou-
sand Pounds Old Tenor agreeable to vote of the Gen* Assembly
for Opening a Harbour at Rye — Viz' —
6000 Tickets a £ 6 — JC36000
1500 Prizes
4500 Blanks
6000
362 BARLY TOWN PAPERS.
Prizes Viz*-
—
2 of £1000—
£2000
2 —
4—
lo-
750-
500 —
250—
100 —
1500
2000
1500
1000
150—
SO-
12 —
1650
3000
3000
307
"93—
15650
14316
1500 Pr
Allowed pr
izes
ofit
Printing
^
Charges of
35966
34
£36000
The Above Calculation is three Blanks to One prize & Sub-
ject to no Deduction
[9-200] \jAlleged illegal Election^ ^77S'^
Colony of New Hampshire —
To the honorable Provincial Congress to be held at Exeter 2i**
day of Decern' 1 775 —
The Humble Petition of us the Subscribers Freeholders and
Inhabitants of Rye in the County of Rockingham Shews that
M' Nathan Goss of said Rye Carpenter at a Meeting of the free-
holders and Inhabitants of said Rye held there the Eleventh day
of this Instant by indirect ways and means obtained the major-
ity of the Votes of said Inhabitants appointing him as a Dele-
gate of said Congress, the said Goss having no real Estate in
tliis Colony to qualify him for that important Trust
Wherefore your Petitioners humbly pray that the said Goss
may be dismissed and that the Inhabitants of said Rye may be
admitted to a new Choice — ^And your Petitioners as in Duty
bound will ever pray &c
Rye Decem' 15"* 1775
ozem Doust Nehemiah Moulton William Berry Junr
Francis Jenncss Arter Libbey William Berry
Joseph Jenness Henry Elkins Nathan Towl
Jonathan Towl Jun' Samuel Elkins Nicholas Dolbeer
RYE.
363
Richard Brown
Titus Philbrick
Sam^ Jenness
Samuel Wells
Simon Jenness
Jonathan Goss
Job Brown
James Hobbs
Sam^ Huntnss
Stephen Dolbeer
Rich* Jenness 3*
Benjamin Libbey
Reuben moulton
Simon Lampere
Richard Jenness
Sam^ Jenness Junr
'ob Jennes
ob Jennes Jun'
oseph Sevey
oseph Rand
Francis Jenness Jun'
Rich* Jenness Jun'
Jeremiah Berry
Joseph Rand Jun'
Joseph Brown
abraham Libbee
William Seavey
~ames Lock
ohn Jenness Ju'
oseph Lock
acob Tebbts
onathan Jenness
ohn Jenness
Amos Pain
[The petition was not granted. Nathan Goss was
allowed to take his seat" — Ed.]
[R. 3-337] \^yonathan Philbrieky Soldier^ 1760.']
[In a petition dated March 24, 1761, James Philbrick stated
that his son Jonathan was in the province service as a pri-
vate under Capt. Jeremiah Marston in the expedition against
Canada in 1760; that he was taken sick at Crown Point.
He asked for an allowance to pay for getting him home, and
for the services of Dr. John Weeks of Hampton, which was
granted to the extent or £4, los. sterling. — Ed.]
[R. 3-240] [^yosepA Towle^ Soldier^ ^7^1 >'\
[In a petition dated Feb. 4, 1761, Jonathan Towle stated
that his son Joseph was in the province service under the
command of Capt. George March, in the expedition against
Canada, and died on the way home, and " Everything he
had was lost." He asked for an allowance, which was not
granted. — Ed.]
fR. 3-241] \_Safnuel and Nathaniel Marden^ Soldiers.']
Nathaniel Marden and Samuel Marden, In the year 1775
ware sick eight or ten days and Samuel Marden died being in
the American servis and under Doctor hall Jacksons Care and
the nursing of Samuel Marden o-iS-o
and Nathanel nursing i-o-o
Nathanel Marden
Witness— UeiXgtt X marden
Abraham Libbee ^ mark
364
EARLY TOWN PAPERS.
[They were in Capt. Joseph Parsons's company, Win-
gate's regiment — Ed.]
[R. 3-244.] \_Rancrs Enlistment^ -^77^ '^
Rye March the 4 1776
We the Subscribers Dwe in List in the amcrican Servis Vnder
Mr Nathaniel Rand for oueir Captain or Lefnt
hit
John X ordua
mark
timothy Berey
James Lock
noar Shirboun
Solomon Verell
Benjamin marden
John Rand
James Seavey
loshua Rand
-^ hi.
John X Verill
mark
William Rand
mark Rendell
Samuel Hunt
Samuel Molton
Samuel Morrison
Rich* Rand
Eleck Leear
[R. 3-246]
Elijah Tucker
Gashiem Loumbey
Nath» Harris
Henry Long
hU
Eleck X Lear Jun
mark
JurWillm Gibes
Jonathan Dow
William Trefethin
Nathl L. Tucker
Alexander Morrison
Henry Shapley
Nathaniel Lear
Peter grant
Tob* Trundv
Joseph Rand
Thomas Lang
John Leear
John Blunt
James Roy in
Stephen Barton
Leevev Gooss
Nathaniel Jording
John Trefethern Jut
Stephen Lawry
Job foss
Joseph Yeaton
ohn Rand
ohn Rand 3*
Edward Rendell
William Yeaton
Samuel Rand
Nathaniel Tucker
George Rendell
Joseph horl
[^Soldiers* Orders."]
Rye April the i6**» 1781.
To Nicklos Gilman Esq' tresuery of the State of New hamp-
sher, Pies to Pay my wagers to Jeremiah Lock Esq*" as they
shall Becom Due to me as a Contncntal Solger and you will
oblig yours to Serv
William gregory
Sam^ Jenness
[R. 3-247]
Rye Dec' ^^ 1 784.
To the Treasurer of the State of New Hampshire.
Sir. Please to pay Ben I. or order all that is due to me I
RYE. 365
having been a Soldier in the 3^ New Hampshire Reg^ Value
Received, Witness my hand
his
William X Wallice
mark
Attest. John Haines John NichoUs
[R, 3-248] \_Peter Akerman^ Soldier^ ^777-1
To the Honourable the General Court conven'd at Portsmouth
this 7**» day of June A D 1785—
The Petition of Peter Akerman of Rye in the State of New-
hampshire and County of Rockingham Humbly shews that
your Petitioner Enlisted a Soldier in Capt. Beel's Company
Col* Scamels Reg* in the year 1777 for the term of three years
that on the 19*^ of September 1777 at the Battle at Bemous's
Heights your petitioner was wounded by a Musket Ball enter-
ing in at his Elbow and coming out at his Shoulder. * • • ♦
Rye June y' 7'** 1 785 Peter Akerman
[Dr. Hall Jackson certified the truth of the foregoing,
and the legislature voted him twenty shillings per month
until further orders. — Ed.]
[Rev. Pap. p. 55] IJ^ye men in Col. Nathan Hale's Batt.'\
Joseph Lock, age 22, Capt. BelFs Co.
Jonathan Lock, *' 20, *' Blodgett's Co.
Abraham Cliftbrd" 22, " '' "
[9-201] [^Relative to Continental Soldiers : addressed to the
General Courts June 10^ ^7^3-^
The Petition of the Inhabitants of the Parish of Rye in the
State aforesaid Humbly shews — That your Petitioners at the
commencement of the Late War had their Proportion of Conti-
nental Soldiers Liquidated to them according to the Number of
Polls in S* Parish which made their Quota for the three Regi-
ments twenty one Men — Afterwards when the other Regulation
took place and every Town sent their Men according to the tax
they paid (which we conceive is the only equitable Way) your
Petitioners Qiiota for two Regiments was Eleven Men which
makes it Evident their Proportion for three Regiments at the
most wou'd have been but Sixteen Men and one half — There-
fore we had three Men and one half in the Service for three
366 EARLY TOWN PAPERS.
Years more than our just Proportion And were also obliged to
send out the Militia in the same proportion which put us to*
such an Expence as we have never been able to extricate our-
selves from to the present Day — Your Petitioners tonceiv'd at
the Time it was more than their Equitable Proportion yet im-
prest with a Zeal to serve their Country they without hesitation
raised every Man except one and sent them into the Service —
Afterwards when by the misfortunes of War we were defi-
cient four Men the Honourable Court order'd us by a Resolve
To raise s* Men or pay into the Treasury of this State Eight
Hundred Dollars which sum we are utterly unable to pay — We
trust your Honours upon Examination will find if the above rep-
resentation be fact which we are ready to prove that we have had
three Men and one half in the Service for three Years more
than our Just proportion and are deficient four Men the re-
maining part of the Time by which it appears we have had
more than our full proportion of Men in the Service during the
War Comparing one Time with another
Also by being a Frontier Town we were expos'd to the fre-
quent insults of the Enemy and were oblig'd to guard the Sea
Coast a Considerable time at our own expence, besides a Num-
ber of our Seafaring men engag'd on board Continental Ships
and others of private Property which deprived us of their Assist-
ance and threw an additional Burden upon us — as we have
always been ready to assist even beyond our Abilities in bring-
ing about this important Era we wou'd by no means shrink
back or endeavour to throw any part of the Burden from our
Shoulders on others but are entirely willing to pay our full part
of the Expence — ^but no more
Relying on the justness of our Cause Your Petitioners hum-
bly pray your Honours wou'd take the same into your serioua
Consideration and remit the foregoing Sum or redress them in
Such Way as you in you great Wisdom shall see meet and your
Petitioners as in duty bound shall ever pray
Joseph Persons'^
David Lock y Select Men
Isaac Dow )
At a Legal Meeting of Freeholders and other Inhabitants of
the Parish of Rye convened at the Meeting-house in S* Parish
on Monday the Ninth Day of June A. D. 1783 —
Voted that the Selectmen rresent the within Petition to the
general Court and that a Copy of this Vote be inserted on the
Back of the Petition
True Copy Attest Joseph Parsons Clerk P. T.
RYE.
367
[9-202] [^Samuei yenness^ for a Magistrate: addressed to
the President and Council^ ^7^4*^
Wc your Humble Petitioners Shoes that wharas Samuel Jen-
ness Esq' of Rye in the State aforesaid and County of Rocking-
ham has been one of our Justes of the Peas for abought Twelve
Years and in Peticular through the Deficaltes of the Late War
and as their has Northing appeared against his Conduct in that
office we your Houmbel Petitoners prayes that he may be Re-
nued under the New Constitution and your Petitoners as in
Dutey Bound will ever Pray —
Rye January 20*"* 1784
Joseph Rand
Nathan Knowles
Samuel Daves
iacob Beary
Lichard Brown
Jonathan Lock Jun'
Samuel Walles
David Lock
Isaac Dow
Levi Goss
Wiliam Seavey
Samuel Morreson
Jonathan Jenness
Jun'
Jonathan Lock
Benjamin Jenness
Frances Jenness Jun'
Job Foss
Robord Sanders
Abraham Mathas
Samuel Rand
Daniel Seavey
Dowst Rand
Nathanel Rand
Ebenezer Walles
Daneil Mason
Walles Foss
William yeaton
Timothey Berey
Gorge Randell
William Bary
John Webster
thomas Lang
Samuel Walles
Abraham Libbey
John Jenness
William Trefetheren
Robord Sandersjun'
Enemiah Moulton
Joseph Jenness
Rich* Webster
Jonathan Jenness
Joseph Seavey
Levi Jenness
Benjamin Marden
John Doust
Osem Doust
Richard Jenness 3*
Rich* Jenness Jun'
Joseph yeaton
l*eter Johnson Jun'
John Foss
Bickford Lang
Jeremiah Barry
Benjamen Marden
Nathanel Tucker
Isrel Rand
Edward Hall
Wiliam Tucker
Joseph Hall
Simon Jenness
Frances Tenness
Joseph ^nd
Joseph Rand Jun*"
Tristam Sleeper
Ruben Moulton
Jonathan Towl
Samuel Towle
Stepen Rand
Jeremiah Brown
Samuel Smith
Henry Elkens
Rich* Jenness
John Jeness
Nathanel Jenness
Nathanel Jenness
Jun'
Ruben Philbrock
Peter Jenness
ohn Jenness 3*
ames Brown
ob Jenness
.ohn Brown
Eliger Lock
William Lock
Simon Jonson
Peter Garland
Neckles Dolbey
John Garland
Benjmen Garland
368
EARLY TOWN PAPERS.
[9-203] [^Relative to the Representative Class: addressed
to the General Courts Nov, p, 1^84 J\
The Petition of the Inhabitants of the Parish of Rye Humbly
shews
That the Parish of Rye when the Constitution took place was
annex'd to the Town of Newcastle in Representation which
they find to be very inconvenient expensive and injurious to the
Town on many Accounts There being no Bridge renders the
passing and repassing from one Town to the other very difficult
and at some times almost impracticable Besides under the old
Constitution they always had the liberty of sending A Repre-
sentative and they want but a very few of the Number of Rate-
able Polls assigned them in the Constitution to enable them to
send one They also conceive their is a Clause provided in the
Constitution which will entitle your Petitioners to send A Rep-
resentative without being clas'd with any other Town —
Your Petitioners Humbly pray your Honours wou'd take
their Case into your seriolis consideration and discontinue the
connection between them and the Town of Newcastle that Your
Pctiteoners may have the Liberty of sending a Representative
by themselves and your Petitioners as in duty Bound will ever
pray &c
Levi Jenness
onathan Jenness
ohn Foss
ohn Garland
ames Perkins
Sam" Knowls
Rich* Webster
Peter Jenness
Joseph Parsons
David Lock
Nathan Goss
Timothy Berry
oseph Rand
oseph Garland
ames Goss
oseph Lock
£)lijah Lock Jun'
James T Berry
Peter Johnson
ohn Garland
onathan Lock
enjamin Garland
William Marden
Samuel D foss
George Randell
Joseph Philbrick Jonathan Philbrick
Nicholas Dolbeer Natlianiel foos
Peter Johnson Jun' Samuel Elkins
Rich* Lock Jun' John Varrell
Thomas Lang
Jonathan Hobbs
Sam" Lebbee
Simon Johnson
Rich* Jenness 3*
Jonathan Lock Jun'
£leck Lear
John Seavey
George Randall
Sam" Morison
Will" Yeaton
Nathan kowls
Isaac Seveay
Joseph Man Ju'
Joseph Philbrick Jun'
Rich* Brown
James Brown
Benjamin Mardia
|un'
John Jenness
George Rand
Isaac Dow
Simon Jenness
EBenezer Berry
Nat" Foss Jun'
Sam" Berry
Samuel Wallis Jur' Ebenezer Walliss
Jeremiah Berry
Henry Elkins
Reuben Moulton
Levi Goss
John Foye
Daniel Masson
William Lock
James hobbs
Joseph Rand
Nathanil marden
Abraham Libbey
Nathanell Jenness
Sam^ Jenness
RYE. 369
[9-204] [Report of a Committee on laying' out a Road^
1784:]
We the Subscribers Appointed by the Hon"* Court of General
Sessions of the peace to lay out a Road from that which runs by
Rye Meetinghouse to Long lane (so Called) have done the
Same in the following Manner Viz' Beginning at the South
East Corner of Land of Samuel Rand & Benjamin Marden
thence running on the Easterly side of said Land North about
31 degrees west 80 Rods thence North 15 Degrees west through
a Corner of Samuel Dowse Foss's Land leaving as Much of a
Corner of said Rand and Mardens Land into said Foss's Land
on this point 11 Rods — to be fenced by the Parish of Rye
thence Northwest About 40 Degrees 80 Rods to Portsm® Line —
Which Road we have laid Out two Rods wide & have Esti*
mated the Land being two Acres & Twenty two Rods at Ten
pounds Ten Shillings to be paid to the said Rand & Marden by
the Parish of Rye — The removing and building 171 Rods of
Fence to be done & paid by the said Parish of Rye — From the
said Portsmouth Line we proceeded North about 47 Degrees
West on the Easterly side of Mark Langs Land 173^ Rods
thence on the same Course on the Easterly side of oherbumes
Land 121 Rods to the said Long lane Road — It Appeared to us
that there was a Priviledge of a Road three Rods wide from
said Long Lane to New Castle & Portsmouth Line Nearly in
the same place where we have laid out said Road and we have
Estimated the making 173^ Rods of Fence at Thirty pounds
to be paid to M' Mark Lang by the Town of Portsmouth and
the Making 121 Rods of Fence at Twenty one pounds three
shillings to be paid to said Sherburne by said Town of Ports-
mouth— ^May 5*^ 1784 —
W» Weeks
Ephraim Pickering
Joseph Dow
A Copy Att* N Emery Jun' Clerk pro Tem
Js. Peace
[9-205] [^Petition relative to Military Grievances : addresS"
ed to the General Courts Feb. p, //i'J'.]
The Petition of the Inhabitants of the Parish of Rye Humbly
shews — That your Petitioners by Virtue of an Act passed the
last Session of the General Assembly were dissolved from their
Connection with the first Reg^ in this State and Joind with the
Reg* Commanded by Col* Moulton which is very inconvenient
to the Town in many respects — Your Petitioners before the
26
370
EARLY TOWN PAPERS.
commencement of the late War were an Independent Company
— after the War began they were join'd to the i"* Reg* which
though it was not so agreeable to the Town yet considering the
difficulty of the Times they acquies'd in it and wou'd still have
remained happy in their Station had not your Honours seen
cause to have alter'd their situation which besides other incon-
veniences it maketh our travel more than Double Your Peti*
tioners can't conceive the Reason why they should be singled
out as the only Time-serving Company in the State this being
the fifth Time they have* been shifted about from one Reg* and
Station to another which they conceive has not been the Case
with any other Campany in this State or even on the Continent
— Being conscious that they have always discharged their Duty
in every Measure that tended to the public Good they Imagine
the Method now adopted will be a means of breaking up the
peace and good Order that now subsists in the town — Your Pe*
titioners therefore pray your Honours wou'd restore them to the
Station they were in before the War in being an Independent
Company as they conceive there is the same reason for their be*
ing an Independent Company now there was then (as they
never forfieted the Birth — ) But if that shou'd be found incon-
sistant with the public Weal your Petitioners pray they may
have the Liberty of reuniting with the i'* Reg* again or if your
Honours for any particular Reason shou'd not see cause to
grant the prayer of this petition your Petitioners pray they may
have a Day thereon and your Petitioners as in duty bound shall
ever pray
Joseph Parsons
Nathaniel Rand
Joseph Seavey
John Webster
Daniel Fitsgreald
William VeriU
Thomas Rand
iohn Rand
levi Goss
Ebenezer Seavey
Samuel Lear
Benjamin Lear
eleck Lear
Joshua Rand
tames Seavey
Kobert Sanders Jun*
James Seavy Jun'
John Seavy
Amos Seavey
Beniamin Marden
Steven Marden
Alexander Salter
George Rendall
Jotham Berry
george Rendall Jun'
William yeaten
nathaniel Foss
Abraham Mathews
Samuel Libbee
Joseph Rand
Thomas Lang
Sam" Walliss Jun'
John Varrill
Ebenezer walliss
Daniel Mason
Dudley Norton
Nehemiah Molten
Samuel Morrison
Abraham Libbee
Josep Rand
John Garland
Joseph Libbe
Joshep Rand Jun'
Levi Jenness
Jacob Brry
Benjamin Jenness
Isaac Dow
William Lock
Richard Lock
Simon Jenness
Joseph Lock Jun'
Peter Garland
John Garland Juner
Jonathan Garland
Simon Garland
Simon Garland Jun
Josph Garland
SALEM.
371
Samuel Wallies
James Seavey
William Seavey
John Foye
William Berry
Robert Sanders
Simon Knowles
William Sanders
[ohn Foss
fob Foss
[oseph Hall
[srael Rand
Edward Hall
Richard Green
Timothy Berry
Edward Varrell
i oseph Yeaten
Lich* Webster
Nathaniel Marden
iuner
William Trefethen
Josiah Webster
William Marden
Peter Akerman
Jeremiah Berry
Levi Berry
Jonathan Hobbs
Solomon Berry
James Hobbs
Benjamin Garland
Aons Garland
James T. Berry
Benjamin Marden Ju'
James Goss
Jonathan Lock
John Lock
Jonathan Lock Ju'
Merefield Berry
Ebennezer Berry
Samuel wells
John dowst
Jonathan dowst
Richard Jenness 3
Nicholas Dolbeer
John Lang
Bickford Lang
John Garland
Nathan Knowls
iohn Knowls
lathan Goss
Elijah Lock
Joseph Philbrick
Job Jenness
Rich* Jenness Jun
John Browne
John Lock
David Smith
Sam*' Elkens
Sam" Jenness
John Jenness Jur
Ireter Jenness
onathan Jenness
ames brown
onathan wedg^ood
ames Dow
oseph Jenness
Nathanail Rand Jun
SALEM.
The town was incorporated by the governor and council
May II, 1750, and comprised a portion of the territory
which had previously been known as the " Haverhill dis-
trict," and the territory severed from Methuen and Dracut,
Mass., by the settlement of the province line. The petition
for incorporation may be found in Vol. IX, p. 749. Pre-
vious to its incorporation it had existed as a district, by
virtue of an act passed March 18, 1741-42, which applied
to all territory taken from Massachusetts towns by the set-
tlement of said line, until it was incorporated into, or an-
nexed to, towns in New Hampshire.
A dispute arising between Salem and Windham, concern-
ing the line between the two towns, was settled by the gov-
ernor and council by an instrument dated January 9, 1752,
establishing a new line.
Salem man in First New Hampshire Regiment : Moses
Heath enlisted April 6, 1781 ; discharged December, 1781.
372
EARLY TOWN PAPERS.
[9-21 1] {^Relative to formation of Counties: addressed to
the General Assembly^ ^7^9-^
The Petition of us the Subscribers being Inhabitants of the
Town of Salem in Said Province, Most Humbly Sheweth that
your Petitioners being Informed, that the Province is about be-
ing divided into Counties for the ease and Benefit of the Inhab-
itants in General, In transacting their Business of a Publick
Nature, And being also Informed that the General Assembly
have Voted a small County, to be Set off adjacent to the West-
erly Side of Merrimack River. Your Petitioners pray that the
Towns of Bow Chester Londonderry Pelham Plastow Salem
Hampstead & Sandown which lay Conveniently situated to said
County may be Annexed thereto, as would Save the most of
the Inhabitants of Said Towns thirty Miles travel in transacting
their Business with the Courts Judges of Probates Registers
&c. And no other Person whatsoever would as your Petition-
ers Conceive be Injured thereby — And your Petitioners as in
Duty Bound shall ever Pray &c —
Evan Jones
Richard Kimball
Daniel Peasle
Abel Chase
Daniel Massey
Benj' wheeler
Abijah Wheeler
Jonathan Massey
Stephen wheeler
Stephen Wheeler J'
Jon* Wheeler
John Johnson
William wheeler
ohn Cross
oseph ordway
Samuel ordwav
i
James Gregg
John Clement
Kob* young
Arron Copp
John Rowell
Oliver Dow
[Other petitions of the same nature contain the follow-
ing:]
Robert Spear
Richard Kelly
Nathan Webster
Hasadiah Woodbery
Eben' Woodbery
Hugh Campbll
onathan Woodbery
oseph Hull
ohn Smith
After Corkwood
Ebenezer Hall
Benj" Nesmith
John Bradford
Israel Woodbery
John Woodbery
Wi" Smith Jur
Joseph merrill
Isarel Ober
Ebenezer Page
Abbit Pettengill
Daniel Hardy
Timothy Merrill
Amos Merrill
Jonathan Baley
Kapha Hall
W" Leech
David Hall
John Jaques
John Jaques Juer
thomas Runnels
Nathan Hesseltine
Daniel Hesselton
Nathll Webster
John Baley Juner
moses Baley
Joshua Emerson Ju'
Seth Patee
Jerediah Patee
Nath" Merrell
Rich* Patee
Edw* Patee
Oliver Kimball
Peter Merrill
James Clough
Benoni Rowell
^A TrRM»
373
Simon Bradford
William Thorn
Elisha woodbery
Timothy Lankaster
Asa Colles
ohn Lowel juner
oseph Cresey
onathan Colles jun
fochard Thisell
Jona" Frye
^esse merril
ohn Giles
ohn Ellinwood
thomas mackglath-
lon
John moorland
Willam moorland
Wi» Gordin
William Smith
Joshua heath
peter morrill jun
Daniel Corlis
Wimon Clough
David Heath
Jonathan Corlis
Morse Corlis
William Clough
John Corning
Abial Asten
John Hall
Joshua Hall
Oliver Kimball jur
David Neviens
Derry & Chester, &c
Tho" Douglass
W" Sanders
Nath" Dow
Jeremiah Dow
Oliver Sanders
Richard Dow
Asa Dow
Rich* Cresey
Timothy Emerson
Daniel Bedel
Jacob Bedel
John Currier Ju'
Joshua Sanders
Jonathan Terry
James Hastings
Daniel Ladd
Stephen Currier
^ohn Kelly
ohn Lowell
ohn Bayley
onathan Bayley iur
]^homas silver
Jonathan Hesseltine
Samuel Hilton
Asa Bowell
Philip Rowell
John Allen
I^hilip Clement
Sam" Clement
Israel young
Nath'^ Woodman
Caleb Duston
Daniel Gorden
John Currier
Johnson Hulehon
Abraham Ames
Alexnder Gordon
Job Corliss
Emil Webster
George Corliss
William Corliss
Amos Dow
Samuel Kelley
Richard Dow J'
James Jones
Sam*^ danders
Joseph Sanders
Peter Patee
W" Clement
Josiah Rowell
Josiah Rowell Junr
[9-214] [Relative to Service in the Army^ ^77^* Names of
Soldiers furnished,']
The Petition of Richard Dow of Salem in the County of
Rockingham in Said State Esq' Agent for the inhabitants of
Said Salem — Humbly Sheweth — That the Said inhabitants being
Sensible of the Justice & importance of the Grand American
cause and the Expediency of the present Opposition of the
United States against the Bloody & unrelenting hand of British
Tyranny ; & the Necessity not only of Each State but the Sev-
eral Towns; & even individuals in the Respective States to
raise their full Proportion of men for filling up the Continental
Army & other Requisitions for the Support of Such opposition
— Have at all times chearfully exerted themselves to comply
with every order & Requisition for those purposes, and notwith-
standing many Embarrasments have heretofore been able to
374 EARLY TOWN PAPERS.
furnish their full Quota of men and taxes without delay, and
upon every alarm turned out a very large proportion of Volun-
teers in the Cause of their Country — That orders were issued
for raising twenty five men to Serve as Soldiers in the three
New Hampshire Reg** in the Continental Army for three years
or during the war — Upon which Said Inhabitants with g^eat
Difficulty & Expence, in due time, procuf* twenty two of Said
men who Serv* in the Continental Army the last years Cam-
paign— That contrary to the Resolves of this State & the State
of the Massachusetts Bay, five able bodied Effective men have
inlisted & now are Soldiers in the Continental Reg" Raised by
the Said State of Massachusetts Bay — (viz.) John M'Nell in
Cap* Hustons Company, John Howard, uncertain in whose
Company & both of Coin* Crains Reg* Nath" Woodbury in Cap'
Billy Porters Company & the late Coin* Francis" Reg*, James
Berry in Cap' Marshalls company in Coin® Marshalls Reg* &
Enoch Bailey, uncertain whose Reg' he belongs to, which has
drain* of Every man from amongst us that could be Spar** with-
out great injury to the Town — That the families of three of the
Aforesaid Soldiers are chargeable to the Inhabitants of Said
Town in such Manner that notwithstanding the charity of indi-
viduals, which has been very considerable the Expence has not
been less than fifteen Dollars p^ week for many months past,
and the Charges are likely to increase, without the least Pros-
pect of Assistance from the Soldiers to whom those families
respectively belong — all which has hitherto prevented Said in-
habitants from procuring the other three Soldiers required of
them by the orders aforesaid —
Wherefore your Petitioner in his Capacity aforesaid, without
troubling your Honours with any larger detail of Grievances,
begs leave humbly to pray That this Honourable Court would
take the Premises into your wise consideration & Direct Some
method of procedure whereby the aforesaid Soldiers may be
allowed as part of the Quota of Said Town of Salem in Such
Sort & manner as that Said Inhabitants may be Released from
procuring those three Soldiers for making up and Compleating
twenty five as afores* or any other way and Manner that your
Hour* Shall See good to Relieve the Said inhabitants and your
Petitioner, Agent as aforesaid As in duty bound will ever pray
&c Richard Dow
[R. 3-249] [Petition of John Balch, by Jacob Bayley,
his attorney, who stated that he enlisted in the army in
1759, in Captain Bayley's company; was taken sick at Al-
bany, and was discharged in August. He asked to have an
allowance to pay Dr. Symonds Baker for attendance. — Ed.]
SALEM. 375
[R. 3-252] [Daniel Peaslee, administrator of the estate of
John Beadle, of Salem, stated that said Beadle was in the
army in 1760, took the small-pox, and died. He asked for
an allowance for the expenses of his sickness. Petition
was dated May 27, 1762. — Ed.]
[R. 3-253] l^Soldiers' Orders ^ 177S.']
To Col® Gil man treasurer Genearal Pies to Pay to Cap' Jere-
miah Dow my ration money for my Servis in the Campain at
Stilwater in the year 1777 I Being in Col** Drakes Ridger-
ment & Cap* Jesse Pages Company & you will oblidge yours
Abijah Wheeler Lieut.
Salem November y* 16 : 1778
[R. 3-254]
Salem in New Hamshir March 6^ '778. mr. Nick Gilman
Steate treasury Sur plese to pay to Cap' Jeremiah Dow my Bel-
iten and rosians and twile A Blige yours to sarve
Benj* Hall
[R. 3-255] \^Petition of Aaron Copp^ Soldier^ ^779'1
To the Honb^ the Council & house of Representatives for said
State —
Humbly Sheweth, Aaron Copp of Salem in said state that
your petitioner engaged in the service of the United states for
three years, in Capt" Stones Company in Col** Scammels Reg*
and being in Battle at Bemus's heights near Still water on the
7*** of October 1777 received a wound in his arm which rendered
him unfit for service, on account of which he received a furlow
on the 23*^ of Nov^ following, and after his Return home was at
considerable expense with Surgeons, & for Board, as will ap-
pear by the accounts herewith exhibited, and after being healed
of said wound Returned to the army — ^but being then unfit for
duty was discharged from said Service on y* 2i" of Mav i779-
* ♦ * • Aaron Copp.
Exeter Nov* 5'** 1779.
[He was enrolled on the half-pay list. — Ed.]
376 EARLY TOWN PAPERS.
[R. 3-258]
[Emerson Corliss, of Salem, in a petition dated Dec. 16,
1794, stated that he was heir to Jonathan Corliss, who was
with the army on the retreat from Canada, and sustained
sundry losses for which he wanted pay. — Ed.]
[Rev. Pap. p. 55.] \_Salem Man in Col. Nathan Hale^s 2d
J\r. H, Battalion.']
Solomon Cole, age 35, Capt. Robinson's Co.
[9-215] [^Petition for Incorporation of the Baptist Society.:
addressed to the General Court.]
The peteiton of Richard Kimball Jeams Webster and others
the subscribers inhabitance of the town of Salem County and
State aforesaid and in its vicinity most humbly shew that thay
with thare famielies and each of them have long since ben and
still continue to be of that religos perswaison Called Baptists
that thay have for many years paid and Suported at thare one
Expence an orthodox Minister of that princable who wos in-
stalled over the church and congregation and officiated as Such
utill he wos Called by the providance of God to leave this world
and in order and for the incouragement of a nother pious and
orthodox Minister to Setle among us as well to regulate our in-
ternal affairs as a Religos Society ought to be governed and for
other pies and Lardable purpuses we and each of us most
humbly suplycate your Honors that we and each of us may be
incorprated into a Society in Salem aforesaid by the Name Stile
and title of the Baptist christian Society to have and to hold all
the Powers Rights priveliges as other incorprated churches and
Congregations professing the christion Religion in the State
aforesaid possessis and retains and as in Duty bound will ever
pray
Rich^ Kimball Isaiah Wheeler Samuel Marbcl
James Webster Nathaniel Woodman Asa Corless
Philip Rowell Richard Wheeler John Saunders
Oliver Sanders Richard Kimball J' Luke Woodberry
Jacob Rowell Jonathan Wheeler Jonathan Patee
Abner Woodman Lemuel Rowell Jonathan Cross
Silas Wheeler Nathaniel kelley David Wheeler
Enoch Merrill Joseph harries Aaron Copp
Warren Wheeler Ebenezer Woodbery Oliver Dow Jur
SALEM.
377
Joseph Hull
Amos Wheeler
»Samuel Rowell
Rawlings Webster
John Woodbery
John Page
Dudley Bayley
Bena Rawlings
Edmund Chase
Israel woodbery
[9-216] [/Return of Ratable Polls ^ ^7^3-'}
A Return of the Male Poles from 21 y" & upwards for the
Town of Salem Footed 235
Dated Salem Dec^' 15 1783
Abbit Pettengill ) Select men
William Thom j for Salem
[Sworn to before Timothy Ladd, justice of the peace.
Ed.]
[9-221] [^Petttton to have an Election set aside ^ ^7^3']
Humbly Sheweth the Subscribers inhabitance of the Town of
Salem in said State that at their meeting for the electing a Rep-
resentative the Present year they proceeded in their Said meet-
ing without aney Regard to the oath of Said State appointed to
be taken by a Law of said state by the Electors previous to
their voting in aney Town meetings that aney & all persons
voted in said Election as well those whoe had not taken Said
oath as those who had & your petitioners are of opinion that
many more vots ware thrown by those who had not taken Said
oath than by those who had & therefore they are of opinion that
Said meeting & election are altogether Contrary to law & null
and void wharefore your petitioners pray that Said Election
may be enquired into & if the same is found to be illegal that
they may have another precept in order that they may be Rep-
resented in Said Court agreeable to the laws of Said State and
your petitioners as in Duty bound may ever Pray &c
Dated Salem february 13 : 1783
Mathew Tayler
Samuel kelley
David Bursiel
Simeon Clement
Thomas Dow
Abner Woodman
John Johnson
John Spafford
William Duty
Thad' Butler
Rob* Young
Stephen Currier
John Kelly
Will Somes Kelly
John Lowel
John Baily
Samuel Webster
Timothy Swan
John messer
Benja Woodbery
David messer
Elijah Hall
William woodbery
John Lowel juner
378
EARLY TOWN PAPERS.
Stephen Wheeler
James Webster
Silus wheeler
Dudley Bayley
Jonathan Massey
Israel Woodbery
Moody Morse
Evan Jones
Oliver Kimball
Jonathan Bayley
Samuel Ayer
William Ayer
Nath*' Webster
william clough
Wooster Emerson
Nath" merrill
John Bayley iuner
John merrill iu
Jonathan Hesseltine
william Clough ir
Asa Pettengill
Danil Hesseltine
Da nil Hesseltine
Jonathan Pettengill
[9-2 '7]
\_Relative to an Election^ 1*183. "X
Sir The Subscribers Selectmen &c of Salem having been
informed that they were So very unhappy when before the
Honb" house Yesterday, as not to State the facts & Communi-
cate their Ideas Respecting the Number of Qiialli6d Voters
that Gave their Suffrages for Cap' Allen in his late Election in
a manner so intellegeble as to be properly Understood therefore
beg leave Through Your Hon' to State To the Hon"* House
the following Explanation Viz — that at the Said Election there
was about Twenty Seven Jurors Or persons that had taken y*
Oath of AUegeance that Gave there Suffrages for Said Allen —
and there ware But About Seventeen Votes for Any Other Per-
sons what Soever Except what were for Said Allen & Not more
than one to the Best of our Knoledge of the Number last men-
tioned that had Taken the s^ Oath — This explai nation we ad-
judged was Our Dutey to Give to The Hon" Court — & hope it
will Not be Disagreable
we are with Sentiments of Esteem your Hon* Most Obed^
Servants —
Exete' 27 Feb' 1783
Wm Thom Moderator
Abbit Pettengill ) o 1 *
Tho-Runels^ } Selectmen
Phinehas Gorden Town Clerk
Hon^ Speaker of the Hon" house of Representatives
[9-218] \^Relative to the Election of John Allen as Refre"
sentative: addressed to H. of Ref.^ ^7^3 •^
The Subscribers freeholders & inhabetence of the Town of
Salem in S^ State having been Informd that a few Persons be-
longing to S^ Salem have Exhibited to your Hon** objactions a
SALEIL
379
fninst the Choice of Cap^ John Allen being Representative for
* Tovi n in the house of Represanti ves for S' State alledging
that S Choice was Illegal! and that the Ellectors who voted in
S* Choice Not being Duly Quallified as by the Law of S* State
is Diracted Respacting which the Subscribers beg Leave to
Suggest to your Hon" that most Part of those who have Joynd
in the objections are a mongst those who have Not here to fore
Quallified them Selves to be voters by Taking the oath of £1-
lidgence and wee Reasonably Supose object to the Choice
Meaning to Disturbe the harmoney that Subsist amongst us
that the Inhabetence of S* Town Proceeded in S* Choice of
Capt alien in all Respacts a Greable to what we under Stood
to be the Law of S^ State and that if there was the Least verea-
tion from Law in their proceeding Respacting it it oregenated
Intirely from a want of Information and Not from the Least Int-
timation of Casting Contempt on the Laws or othority of S^
State and there fore the Subscribers Humbly Request your
Hon" Not to Set a Side S* Choice of Capt alien and that he
may Continue to Represente S* Town in the Gen" assembly
which will Not only prevent a vast Deal of Troble & Expence
to S* Town but will very much Oblige your Hon" most obedt
Humble Serv*" —
John Ellenwood
David Hall
Joseph Bowls
Keuben Bowls
William Smith
Elisha Woodbery
William Smith Jr
Daniel Silver
John Moreland
{ames Moorland
.awrence Burkley
James mc glaughlon
thomas mc glaugh-
lon
Solomon Smith
Francis Smith
Asa Corlles
Wyman Clough
Josiah Clough
Josiah Thissel
Richard thissel
John Hall
[Other petitions for the same purpose contained the fol
lowing : — Ed.]
Richard Clement
John Clement
Rob' EUingwood
Richard Kelly
Israel ober
Samuel Johnson
Peter Duston
Asa Rowell
Joshua Bay ley
Benj* Bixby
Timothy Duston
Joshua Hall
James Hastinges
Junior
James Hastinges
Richard Kiley Ju'
John lankester
Simon Johnson
Joshua Baley Ju'
Heman amy
George Amy
Alexander Gorden
Edward Patee
John mars Baley
Stephen Duston
Ebenezer Duston
wiliam Clement
Simon Bradford Thomas Douglass Philip Rowell
William Bradford David Nevens Nathan Asten
Zech woodbery John Smith Juner peter Asten
38o
EARLY TOWN PAPERS.
Luke Woodberry
Samuel Cross
John Woodberry
Robert Campbell
Hugh Campbell
Stephen Rollins
David Rollings
Joseph Leach
Dudley Merrill
Enoch merrill
David Merrill
Joseph merrill
Dn»i P. Merrill
Nathan Webster
Henry Woodbery
Nath" Gorrell
Nath" Woodbery
Daniel Morrill
John Bradford
William Gordon
Robert Bradford
Samuel Corlis*
Ebenezer woodberry
Daniel Massey
Jonath" Tenny
Asa Tenny
Moses Asten
Oliver Kimball Ju'
Adam Cole
Ebnezer page
Jn* Emerson
Asa Dow
Henry Lankster
Nathaniel Dow
Jonathan Gorden
John Smith
John merill
[9-223] \_Petitton for Appointment of a Field Officer^ ^7^4^
This petition of us Subscribers Humbly seueth, —
Being sensable of the new Establishment of an agreeable
Mode of Government in this State, & that it is absolutely nec-
essary that good & Wise Men be commisioned to carry into
Execution the good & wholsom Laws that is or shall be made
for the preserving of Saifty, liberty, & property, of the good
Subjects of s* State. It is expected by the people here that a
new Settlement of this Rigement will take place soon & that it
will fall to the lot of Salem to have one field Officer as there
are two very fine Companies & pay Tax perHaps as large any
Town in the Rigement
We Y' Humble petitioners earnestly pray that Abraham
Dow Esq ; may be the Man that is so Commisioned for a field
Officer he being capable i sutable therefor We make no doubt
will answer every intention Y' Excellency & Honors could
Wish for.
This Y^ patitioners are bound in Duty & shall ever pray —
Salem July 12*^ 1784—
Moody Morse
Daniel Gorden
James Webster
Jonathan Massey
Nath° woodman
Jeremiah Dow
bamuel Kelly
[9-224] \_Baptist Society for Incorporation^ -^797 '1
The petition of Richard Kimbal James Webster & others
the subscribers inhabitants of the town of Salem County &
state afors^ and in its Vicinity most humbly shew
SALISBURY. 381
That they with their families & each of them have long since
been & still continue to be of that religious persuasion called
Baptists that they have for many years paid and supported at
their own expcnce an Orthodox minister of that principle who
was installed over their Church & congregation, & officiated as
such, until he was called by the providence of GOD to leave
this world — ^And in order & for the encouragement of another
pious & orthodox minister to settle among us, as well to regu-
late our internal affairs as a religious society ought to be gov-
erned, & for other pious & laudable purposses
We and each of us most humbly supplicate your honors, that
we and each of us, may be incorporated into a seperate society
in Salem afors' by the name stile & title of the Baptist Chris-
tian Society —
To have & to hold all the powers, rights, privelages, prerog-
atives, as other incorporated Churches & congregations profes-
sing the christian religion in the state afors' possesses & retains
— ^And as in duty bound will ever pray —
James Webster David Wheeler Samuel Kelly
Kichard Kimbal Silas Wheeler Ebenezer Woodbury
Abner Woodman Samuel Marble John Woodbury
Richard Wheeler Moses Brown Amos Wheeler
iacob Rowell Jon' Page Nathaniel Kelly
.emuel Rowell Aron Copps Luke Woodbury
Warren Wheeler Richard Kimbal Ju Barnard Kimbal
John Page Dudly Bayley Enoch Merrill
NaJ,h* Woodman Isaiah Wheeler Benj* Rawlings
oseph Harris Nattf Woodman
ames Rowell Stephen Wheeler
ohn Saunders
Philip Rowell
Rawling Webster
Jon' Wheeler Oliver Saunders
[In H. of Rep., December 5, 1797, the petitioners were
granted leave to bring in a bill. — Ed.]
SALISBURY.
The township was originally granted by the government
of the province of Massachusetts, under which it was called
Bakers-town.
The settlement of the province boundaries in 1741 made
the grant void, and the territory, proving to be within the
bounds of the Masonian Proprietors' Purchase, was granted
382 EARLY TOWN PAPERS.
by them to Col. Ebenezer Stevens, of Kingston, and others,
October 25, 1749, and went by the name of Stevens-town,
until it was incorporated by the governor and council of
New Hampshire, March i, 1768, and named Salisbury.
Among the first settlers were Ebenezer and John Web-
ster, Edward Eastman, Nathaniel Meloon, and Philip Call,
some of whom settled as early as 1750.
Col. Ebenezer Webster, who settled in this town in 1763,
was born in Kingston in 1739. He was in the province
service in 1757 to 1759, and at one time a member of " Rog-
er's Rangers ; " an officer in the militia, and in command of
a company at the battle of Bennington in 1777 ; also in the
Rhode Island expedition in 1778, and at West Point; a
judge of the court of common pleas from 1791 to 1806;
state senator in 1785, 1786, 1788, and 1790. He was the
father of Ezekiel, an eminent lawyer, who was born in 1780,
and of the renowned Daniel, who was born in 1782. He
died in 1806, aged 67 years.
By an act passed December 24, 1828, some territory was
severed from the east end of the town, combined with por-
tions of Andover, Northfield, and Sanbornton, and erected
into the town of Franklin.
By an act passed July 7, 1869, some territory was sev-
ered from the town of Franklin, and annexed to this town.
Salisbury men in First New Hampshire Regiment.
John Ash enlisted March 8, 1777; discharged December
3I1 1781.
Annanias Bohonon enlisted March 13, 1781 ; discharged
December 31, 1781.
Thomas Cross served 20 days ; discharged 1780.
Levi Lufkin enlisted April 9, 1781 ; discharged Decem-
ber 31, 1781.
John Smith enlisted March, 1781 ; discharged December
31, 1781.
Samuel Saunders enlisted March, 1781 ; discharged De-
cember, 1 78 1.
[9-225] [^Ach'on of the Legislature relative to Guarding-
the Frontiers^ ■^7S4-^
At a Special Convention of the members of the General as-
sembly at Portsmouth on the twenty Second day of August
SALISBURY. 383
1754^ in Pursuance of an order from his Excellency the Gov-
ernor to the SheriiTof Said Province to Summon the members
to meet as on file
Whereas his Excellency the Governor, by his message of the
twenty first Instant, takes Notice of Sundry Hostilitys Commit-
ted upon Sundry of his majestys Subjects at a place called Ste-
vens's Town, within this Province (by Indians Supposd to be of
the Saint Francis Indians) and that the Inhabitants on the Fron-
tiers are much exposed and so put in fear, That they Stand in
need of Protection and Help— Therefore it is agreed upon by
the members of the House of Representatives that there be the
number of Sixty Men enlisted or Impressed and his Excellency
is hereby desird to Give orders for the enlisting or Impressing
that number for the Protection and Defence of the Frontiers not
exceeding the Space of Two months and that the allowance for
their Pay Subsistance and ammunition be the Same as at the
latter end of the last Indian War and in order for a fund there-
for, It is further agreed, That there be so much of the Bills of
Credit of the Interest of the Twenty five Thousand Pounds Loan
in the hands of the Treasurer borrowed as will be Sufficient for
the Same ; And that for the Replacing the Same in the Treas-
ury it is further agreed, That there be a Tax layd on the Polls
& Estates within this Province agreeable to the last Proportion,
to be paid by the thirtyeth day of December 1755 — and that
there shall be a Tax Bill for that end as soon as the General
assembly shall be in a Condition to act in a Legislative Ca-
pacity—
Meshech Weare Speaker
[The following memorandum is on the back of the orig-
inal.— Ed.]
10 men of Chandlers Co — 8 days
10 men Volunteers — 16 days
30 men ordered to Stevins Town
20 do to Walpole &c
10 men Col^ Gilmans Reg* posted at Nottingham 14 d*
10 d* at Epsom Col<» Smiths Reg' 14 d*
[9-226] [ Captivity of Samuel Scribner^ ^759-\
The Petition of the Subscriber (who was an Inhabitant in
that place Called Stevens's Town in the Province afores*) Hum-
bly Sheweth
That your Excellency & Hon** Petitioner (with one of his
Neighbours) was getting their Hay in a Meadow in the year
384 EARLY TOWN PAPERS.
1759 where they were Attack'd by a Company of Indians &
taken prisoners Sc Carried off into a doleful Captivity : and after
Some time your Petitioner was Sold to a French Gentleman
(if he may be so Called) who was one of the most Haughty
Tyrannical & Barbarous of the Romish Religion : Preferring
his meanest Slaves to a New England Heretick : and your poor
Petitioner remained under their Tyranny, until the time of re-
demption, Came for when the Hon**** Coll** Schyler was releasd
& Sent home it was the Petitioners Lot to be releasd & Sent
home with him ; for which Mercyful deliverance your poor Pe-
titioner Cannot be Enough thankful yet when Comeing Home
out of his Miserable Captivity, with Scarcely Cloaths to his
back & finding a wife with Six Small Children (one of which
was born in the time of the Petitioners Captivity) ; moved
down to Kingstown and there haveing been Supported much
by Charity were borely on it ; in regard of Cloathing and have-
ing little or no provision laid in renders the Case of your Peti-
tioner yet very distressing: Wherefore your poor Petitioner
Humbly moves for an Interest in the Compassions of your Ex-
cellency and Hon" praying that in your great goodness & mer-
cy, you will be pleasd to Grant to your Petitioner something;
as your Excellency & Hon" shall think meet in order to pro-
vide for & help Support your poor Petitioner & his distressed
family : at least till the Revolveing season Shall Come wherein
your Petitioner by the divine direction asistance & Blessing may
in the Common Course of Nature & Providence provide for
himself & family : and so your Petitioner Humbly leaves the
State of himself & family : with your Excellency & Hon" pray-
ing your Serious Consideration thereof and Some Gift from
this great & Gen** Court &c and to your Petitioner shall as in
duty Bound ever pray &c —
hU
Samuel X Scribner
mark
Kingstown february the 26*** day 1-759
[The petition was dismissed. — Ed.]
[9-226^^] \^I^elattve to a division of Lots ^ ^77J'^
Kingston July 13* 1773.
at a Meeting of the Proprietors of Salisbury in the Province
of New Hampshire
i»t»y Josiah Bartlett chosen Moderator —
ythly Voted to make another division of Lots to each original
right in said Town —
SALISBURY.
385
S^y Voted M' Benjamin Huntoon Cap' John Webster &
M' Sinkler Bean be a Committee to see the laying out said Di-
vision—
Extract from the Proprietors Records
Andrew Bowers P. C.
[R. 3-259] [Petition of Peter Bowen of New Salisbury, in
the province 01 New Hampshire, states " That he Inlisted in
the year 1755 into the Province Service as a private Soldier,
under the Command of Major Robert Rogers." He was
wounded, and asked for an allowance, which was granted to
the extent of ^^15. See following.]
[R. 3-260] This may certify whom it may Concern that
Peter Bowen of Salisbury was in the Provincial Service in the
year 1755 under the command of Major Rogers who was then
a Captain, and that the Gun of one Charles Mcauly a soldier
discharged accidentally being Loaded with a Ball, which en-
tered the Head of the said Peter near his right eye and blew
the same out, I being personally present and sec the same —
December 24*** 177
John Stark, Lieut to said Company
The Bearer hereof Peter Bowen having been under the care
of Doct' Carter my deceast Husband having had the misfortune
of losing his eye sight by a shott of a Gun while in the province
service : His account to the Doct^ amounted to upwards JC200
0:T:
Attested by Ruth Fowler
Bosca wen Decem'^ 3** 1 770.
[R. 3-261] [^A List of the Training Soldiers of the Town
of Salisbury^ drawn May ^7, 1^76.']
Serjeant Jacob
Cochrin
Serjeant William
Newton
Serjeant Ananiah
Bohonon
Serjeant Phineas
Been
Richard Purmit
Cutting Stevens
David Pettingill
Nath* Marston
27
Stephen Webster
Philip flanders
Ephraim Colby
David Hall
Jeremiah Webster
Shubael Greeley
Job Heath
Ephraim Heath
Benj" Howard
William Eastman
Reuben Greeley
Jeremiah Eastman
Jonathan Fifield
Abraham Fifield
Joseph Fifield
Abel Elkins
Jonathan Cram
Moses Woodman
Jacob Garland
Edward Fifield
Reuben Hoit
William Searle
Jacob Bohonon
William Webster
386
EARLY TOWN PAPERS.
Ezekiel Lunt
Stephen Cross
Benj" Basford
Reuben Kezar
Jacob True
Daniel Felch
John Brown
Edward Eastman
Daniel Lowell
John Sanborn
iBenj" Eastman
Eben' Cliflbrd
George Bayley
William Bayley
James Johnson
Daniel Urin
Rev* M' Jonath
Searle
Elder Sinkler Been
" Benf Hun-
toon
Dea° John Collins
Capt John Webster
'* Matthew Pettin
gill
Esq Joseph Bean
Benf Greely Ju'
John Chalis
Moses Sawyer
Leonard Judkins
Philip Lufkin
Joseph Meloon
Eben^ Tucker
Jacob Tucker
Jonathan Forster
Benaiah Been
Edward Scribner
Benj" Scribner
Iddo Scribner
Obadiah Peters
Fifield
John Been
Alarm List.
D' Joseph Bartlett
Ens. Andrew Bo-
honon
Ens. John Webster
Moses Garland
Stephen Call
Benj" Sanborn
Nathan Webster
Robert Barber
John Fellows
John Jemson
Abel Tandey
John Fifield
Joseph French
Moses Elkins
John Collins Gale
Nath^ Huntoon
Daniel Huntoon
Moses Silley
Gideon Dow
John Rowc
Philip Mitchel
Matthew Greeley
4(
((
Nehemiah Heath
Ben* Greeley
Joseph Marston
riath* Meloon
Nath^ Meloon Jun""
Ezra Tucker
Hezekiah Forster
Edward Scribner
Andrew Bohonon
Nathan Colby
The Following Soldiers are now in the Public Service
Joseph Basford
John Bayley
Philip Huntoon
Sam* Loverein
Reuben Hoit Jun'
Jonath Huntoon
Eben' Scribner
Joseph Loverein
Simeon Sanborn
James Basford
Israel Webster
Wells Burbank
Rowel Colby
The with in is A list of the Company under my Command
Test Ebenezer Webster Cap*
[9-227] [Z?r. yoseph Bartlett chosen Justice of the PeaceJ^
At a Legal meeting of the Freeholders and other Inhabitants
of the Town of Salisbury holden at the Meeting House in s*
town on the 24*^ of May Last in the afternoon of s* Day, Dr
Joseph Bartlett was Legally Chosen for a Justice of the peace
SALISBURY. 387
in the town of Salisbury^ if the Hon*** General Court see fit to
Commission him.
Jonat" Cram T : Clerk—
Salisby June y* 14* 1779.
[Dr. Bartlett was the first man in town who received a
commission as justice of the peace. — Ed.]
[R. 3-263] [ Captain Webster's Return^ ^777*^
Sir I have sent two men acordin to order Jacob Tucker and
Nath* Huntoon by Name the said Tucker wants a fire arme but
it is Not in my Power to gite one for him I Hope he will make
out to git one
With Due Regards
I am sir your Humbel Serv'
Eben' Webster
Salisbury may 22 1777
To Col* Thomas Stickney
[R. 3-264] \_Return of Men for Abatement of Poll- Tax."}
To the Receiver General in & for the Colony of New Hamp*
shir —
Sir this Certify to you that those persons whose names are
hereafler mentioned served in the American army last Summer
and are engaged for the Coming year in the same Service
Simeon Sanborn Colony Rate is 0-1-9-3
onathan Huntoon 0-1-9-3
ohn Kanade 0-1-9-3
oseph Lover in 0-1-9-3
Single men all JEo-7-3-0
Attest John Collins > Selectmen
Leonard Judkins f for Salisbury
[The following named men were returned to Col. Stick-
ney, in November, 1781, to answer a call for three months'
service: "Moses Fellows, Matthew Greele, Ben ja Sanborn,
Elisha Shephard." (Rev. Pap., p. 75.) — Ed.]
388 EARLY TOWN PAPERS.
[^Soldiers* Enlistment^ -^7^^-^
We the subscribers whose name are Hear unto set do volin-
tarily in List our selves in to the Sarvis of the State of New
Ilampshire for the term of three months from the time we Joyn
the armey unless sooner discharged and Promis obedience to
our offisers and to observe the Rules of the armey
Witness our Hands
Moses Fellows Matthew Greele
Benjamen Sanborn Elisha Shephard
Salisbury Sep* 12, 178 1
[R. 3-266] [^Depositions relative to yokn Ash^ 1^82 J\
The Deposition of Sam* Scribner of Salisbury of Lawful age
who Testifyeth and says that John Ash living with him when
s* Deponent lived in. Andover and when s* Deponent moved
into Salisbury which was about the middle of October 1775 he
the said John Ash moved with him and lived with him the s*
Deponent in Salisbury till about the middle of March 1776 and
further Saith Not Samuel Scribner
The Deposition of John Collins Gale of Salisbury of Lawful
age who Testifyeth and Says that John Ash came to live with
him the s* Deponent in Salisbury about the 6*** of April 1776 &
lived with him the s* Deponent until about the last of August
following, and then Enlisted himself as a Soldier to go to Cohos
for a short time, and then Returned to me again and made my
House his Home untill about a fortn* before he Inlisted into the
Continental army which was some time in March 1777 and
when s* Ash left s^ Deponents House s* Ash went Immediately
to Capt John Websters in Salisbury ; and further saith not
John Collins Gale
[Sworn to before Joseph Bartlett, June 19, 1782. — Ed.]
[R. 3-267] [Account for Bounties.']
State of New Hampshire Hillsborough County
To the Hon*** President of the Committee of Safety for said
State-
Be pleased to pay unto Elder Bcnj" Huntoon the bearer hereof,
the wages due from the State to the Town of Salisbury on Ac-
compt of the hire paid by said Town to the following persons,
which inlisted into the Continental Army in April 1777 for three
SALISBURY. 389
Years (for which each one Rec* Seventy Dollars) Viz Ephraim
Heath, Moses Fellows, John Ash, Philip Flanders, Reuben
Hoyt, Reuben Greeley, William Bayley, Philip Luf kins Benja-
min Howard, Daniel Felch, Matthew Greeley, and Joshua Snow ;
and in August 10"* 1779 paid to George Nichols as a Bounty for
his inlisting into the Continental Army during the War, Five
Hundred Dollars of the then Current money — also the Travel
Money of four Melitia raised in 1781 to Springfield, and the
Travel Money of one Melitia to Coos this Summer Past — and
likewise such Securities as is Customary (if any is) for what
Bounties was Voted by the Honb* General Court to Towns that
hired Continental Soldiers for three Years in 1781 it being seven
that Salisbury hired ; and you will Oblige your Most Obedient
and very Humble Servants —
Salisbury Novemb' 25*** 1782
John Collins ") Selectmen
Joseph Bartlett >• of
Phinehas Bean ) Salisbury
N B Reuben Hoyt was paid by the Town Eighty-Five Dol-
lars as by the Recep** may Appear
Exeter Nov' 29th 1782
Received an Order on the Treas' to pay by Discount One
Hundred and twenty one pounds fourteen shillings and ten
pence Bounties advanced by Salisbury
Benj" Huntoon
[9-230] \^Petition for Authority to erect a Toll- Bridge : ad-
dressed to the General Courts ^79S-1
Humbly shew the Subscribers that a bridge across merimac
river between the towns of Northfield and Salisbury near Cross'
ferry (so called) would be of great public utillity — Wherefore
your petitioners pray that the exclusive previlege of building a
bridge across said river anywhere within three miles distance
of said Cross' ferry may be granted them and such as may be
associated with them and their hiers and Assigns, and of receiv-
ing a toll for their indemnification — And that they may be
formed into a body politic and corporate for that purpose and
have leave to bring in a bill accordingly and as in duty bound
will ever pray &c —
Concord June 13 1793 —
Charles Glidden Peaslee Badger
Jonathan Eastman Eben' Eastman
390 EARLY TOWN PAPERS.
Jere"* Clough Tho» Oilman
Obediah Clough David M'Crilles
Chandler Lovejoy thomas Cross
[The legislature granted the petitioners an act of incor-
poration dated Jan. ii, 1794. — Ed.]
[9-231] \^Report of a Committee relative to a Bridge^ Ijg4^
The Subscribers being Chosen by Henry Gerrish Esq' and
Cap* Jonathan Eastman to say what Compensation the said
Gerrish shall receiv^ from Charles Glidden and others for giving
unto them the privilage of building a bridge over Merrimack
River between Northfield and Salisbury near Crosses ferry
within the limits of the said Henrys Grant of a ferry — Report
that the said Charles Glidden and others proprietors of the pro-
posed Bridge provide iu the most Convenient place and make a
Koad SuHicient for teams to pass from said Bridge to the said
Henrys farm in Northfield and that they also Grant to the said
Henry his heirs and assigns living in the house now ocupied by
him and those in his and their immediate employ a right of
passing and repassing said Bridge with horses Cattle and teams
so long as the said Charles and others their heirs or assigns are
proprietors of said Bridge and if the said Charles and others do
not Comply with the above (that the publick may not Suffer
for want of a bridge there) we are of opinion that the said
Henry should oblige himself to build a Bridge there as Soon as
may be —
Exeter January 4**" 1794
A Copy
[9-231] \^Petition for an Incorporation of Salisbury Acade-
my: addressed to the General Courts ^794^
The Petition of the undersigned persons Humbly Shews,
That we have long experienced the want of an Institution in
this vicinity where youth may be instructed in the higher
branches of learning ; & be prepared to transact the common
business of life with advantage, or to finish their educations at
a university We feel a deep conviction of the importance and
utility of a general diffusion of literature and good morals. To
facilitate the means of education js we are persuaded the most
effectual means of accomplishing this desirable object. The
dearest interests of our country are fast developing upon the
SALISBURY.
391
rising generation — they will soon become citizens — ^and invest-
ed with all the relations of life. We regard them with a pater-
nal anxiety, and ardently wish that they may enter upon the
theatre of life with such qualifications as will do honor not only
to republicans but to human nature. We consider knowledge
as the palladium of liberty. We consider good morals as the
foundation of happiness public and private. With such senti-
ments we have associated for the purpose of erecting & sup-
porting an Academy by the name of the Salisbury Academy
where youth may be initiated in the arts & sciences — acquire
habits of morality and piety — and an invincible attachment to
the principles of civil & religious liberty. The design of our
association has received the approbation of a majority of our
fellow-townsmen, & we now respectfully solicit the patronage
of the Legislators of New Hampshire. Your Honors must be
sensible that the business of such an Institution cannot be
well managed without a board of Trustees. We therefore pray
your Honors for liberty to bring in a bill to constitute Hon"*
Timothy Walker & Abiel Foster Esquires, Rev. Jon' Searle,
Rev. Elias Smith & Luke Wilder a corporation by the name of
the Trustees of Salisbury Academy, & to invest the afore named
gentlemen, & their successors with all the necessary powers of
a body corporate to carry into execution the design aforesaid of
your Petitioners —
And your Petitioners as in duty bound will ever pray —
Jonathan Searle,
Moses Garland,
AbeUElkins,
Luke Wilder,
Andrew Bowers,
Jonathan Fifield,
Elias Smith,
Caleb Judkins,
Leonard Judkins,
John Sweatt,
Ephraim Colby,
Jacob Garland,
Moses Morse,
Israel Webster,
Nathaniel Ash,
Benjamin Petteng^ll
Jun'
Stephen George,
Reuben True,
James Currier,
William Eastman,
Jon* C. Pettingall,
Benj" Whittemore,
Anniah Bohonan,
Samuel Loverin,
Samuel Greenleaf,
Stephen Webster,
Joseph Severens,
oseph Adams
oseph Fifield
enjamin Pettingall
Eliphalet Williams
Edward West
Jacob Bohonan Jun'
Leonard Judkins
Jun'
Levi George
Andrew Bohonan
Caleb Cushing
Abraham Sanborn
Salisbury Dec. 20** 1794 —
[Salisbury Academy was incorporated in 1795. — Ed.]
392 EARLY TOWN PAPERS.
[9-233] [^Petition for Incorporation of a TolU Bridge: ad*
dressed to the General Courts jSoo."]
The petition of the Subscribers humbly shews that a Bridge
over Pemissawasset Branch at Webster's falls, so called, be-
tween the Towns of Salisbury and Sandbornton would be of
great public utility and accommodate travellers and others much
to their advantage : Your petitioners therefore pray that they
may have the exclusive Right of building and maintaining a
toll Bridge over said River at the most convenient place over
the same within one mile of said falls either above or below ;
and your petitioners as in duty bound will ever pray. —
Eben' Webster Thomas Clough Ju' Elijah Sargent
Eben' Eastman Ellison Fowler William Smith
Joseph Clark Eben' Clark
Samuel T. Gilmon Jonathan Ayers
[The foregoing petitioners were granted an act of incor-
poration the same year, and the bridge named Republican
Bridge. — Ed.J
SANBORNTON.
The township was granted by the Masonian proprietors^
Dec. 31, 1748, to John Sanborn, of Hampton, and others.
The grantees were residents of Hampton, Exeter, and Strat-
ham, twelve of whom were named Sanborn : hence the name
of the town. Settlements were retarded by reason of trouble
with the Indians, and none were permanently made until
1764. In 1768 there were thirty-two families in town. At
a meeting held Jan. 8, 1770. a committee was appointed to
petition for an incorporation. This committee petitioned
on the first day of March following, and the town was in-
corporated by the governor and council the same day. The
town did its full share in the Revolutionary war, and in the
war for the suppression of the slave-owners* rebellion.
Sanbornton Academy was incorporated Dec. 20, 1820,
and with others established subsequently, contributed large-
ly to the prosperity of the town, and to the high standing of
its inhabitants. By an act approved June 30, 1869, the
south part of the town, formerly known as Sanbornton
Bridge, was incorporated into the present town of Tilton.
SANBORNTON. 393
July I, 1870, some territory was severed from Tilton and
annexed to Sanbornton ; and by act of July 3, 1872, a small
tract was severed from the latter and annexed to the for-
mer.
Sanbornton men in Capt. Benj. Ellis's Company, Scam-
mell's Regiment, 1781, Nathan Hoit, Fifer, and Jacob Gile.
[lo-i] \^yusttce of the Peace wanted^ ^770*2
Sandbornton Dec' 1770 to Cap* Joseph Hoit of Stratham Si'
we whose names are underwritten desire that you would Sine
our names to a Petition to y* Governor for a Commission of the
Peace for Dan^ Sanborn of this town
Samuel Shepard Nath" Tilton Samuel Smith
Charles Thomas Israel Tilton John folsom
Nathaniel burley William Hayes Isaac Colby
William tomson William Hayes Junr Jonathan Smith
Moses Danford William Durgan
[10-2] {^Petition in favor oj" David Sanborn^ ^770"^
The Humble Petition of the inhabitants of Sandbornton
We your Excellencys humble Petitioners Labouring under
the Disadvantage of Living at a Great Distance from a Magis-
trate & Consequently are at a Grate Expence in Gitting our
Business Done & Depending on your Excellencys Protection in
our Civil as well as Relegious Priviledges would Pray your
Excellency to Grant a Commission of the Peace to Daniel Sam-
born of this Town
your Excellencys favourable notice of our Circumstances &
Granting our Request will we humbly Concive be of Grate
Service to this Town in Saving Much time & Expence in Git-
ting our Necessary Business Done & in Preserving Peace &
unity amongst us & So of Consequence for y* Publick Good
we Remain your Excellencys Loyal Humble Petitioners
March y* 29*** 1770
John Samborn Philip Hunt Benjamin Hoit
Ebenezer Morrison Androw Roin Samuel Shepard
thomas Lyford Daniel fifield Charles Thomas
Jacob Smith Aaron Samborn Nathanel burly
Satchel Clark Edward kelley William Thompson
Benjamin Darlin Josiah Canfield Moses Danford
394
EARLY TOWN PAPERS.
tho* Gilmon
Nichelos Clark
Josiah Samborn
Chase taylor
Thomas Sinclear
Abijah Samborn
Enock Eley
[onathan Thomas
[ohn Gibson
lolomon Cops
Thomas Critchet
David Dusten Jur
Jonathan Smith
William kinston
oseph Carr
acob Smith iun
oseph Smith
onathan Lang
ames Cate
ohn Gale
Ben" Sanborn
Cole Weeks
Nathanel Tilton
Israel Tilton
Wiliam Hayes
Wiliam Hayes Jun'
Wiliam Durgon
Samuel Smith
John Folsom
Isaac Colby
Jonathan Smith
[R. 3-297] [^Petition of Capt, Chase Taylor: addressed to
the Assembly^ ^77^ -'\
The humble Petition of Chase Taylor of Sanborn Town in
the County of Strafford Esq'
Sheweth That on the 16*^ day of August last past, Your Pef
was Capt. of a Company in Col. Stickneys Regiment at the
Engagement at Bennington.
That by a Musket Ball from the Enemy, he had his Thigh-
bone fractured, and remained utterly disabled from following
any Business from that time till about the Beginning of May
last, and his pay had ceased in the Sepf next before.
That in the said Fight he lost a very good Gun of the Value
of 20 Dollars (upon a moderate Computation) and his Cartouch
Box.
Your Pef therefore prays Your Honours to take the premises
into Your Consideration That he may be recompenced for his
Loss of time and Expences occasioned by his said Misfortune,
and also on Account of the Loss of the said Gun &c
And Your Pef will ever pray &c
Chase Taylor
[He was allowed ;^i64S, and half pay. — Ed.]
[R. 3-269] \_Petition of Thomas Lyford^ Soldier : addressed
to the General Courts lySo,"]
The Humble Petition of Thomas Lyford Late of Sandbornton
Sheweth that your memorelest Engaged in the Continental
Service as a Lieu* in major whitcombs Corps of Rangers Octo-
ber the 14*** 1776 at ticonderoge in which Service your memo-
SANBORNTON. 395
relest has Ever Since been Imployed and has Receive only the
Sum twenty Six dollars and two thirds of a dollar pr month
wages and ten Dollars pr month as Ration money therfore your
memorelest prays that his Case may be taken into your wise
Consideration and he be put on equal footing with other Conti-
nental officers of this State of his Ranke or grant such other
Present Releaf for the Surporting him Selfe and famerly as
you Shall Se fit and as in Duty Bound Doth pray &c Sandborn-
ton february y* i** 1780 —
N : B money that Shall be granted me Should be glad that
the same may be Drawn by Ebenezer Smith Esq' to Convey
to my famerly as I am about to Return to the army to my
Duty-
Thomas Lyford
[R. 3-268] \_Soldters' Order, I792,'\
Samborntown August 29**^ 1792
To the Treasurer of the State of Newhampshire
Sir Pleas to Pay to John Nicholls or his order What ever is
Due to my late Son Samuel Magoon he haveing Been a Soldier
in the New Hampshire Regiment I being the ted
father and Sole heir of Said Deceased it Being for Valine Re-
ceived Witness my Hand
^ hi.
Samuel X Magoon
mark
Attest H. B. Eastham
Daniel Kelley
[10-3] \_Solomon Copps^for a Ferry, ^7^^'^
The Petition of us the subscribers select men and Inhabitants
of the Town of Gilmantown in said County Humby shewi
That Solomon Copps of sandborntown has for several Years
Last past kept a ferry over Winipisseoke River at a place Called
mohawk point and a Good Boat to accommodate Passengers
passing and Repassing from Gilmantown to sandborntown to
the satisfaction of People passing that Road and we are of opin-
ion that it is Necessary that a ferry should be Established in
that place we therefore pray that the said Copps may have a
Grant of the same by an act of the General Court so Long as
he his Heirs or assigns shall provide and Keep Good Boat or
396
EARLY TOWN PAPERS.
Boats for transporting passengers and Give Good attendance
and we as in Duty Bound shall ever pray
Dated at Gilmanton afores* march y* 2* A : D : 1781
Joseph Badger "^ Select men
Samuel Greeley >■ of
Edward Gilman J' ) Gilmantown
Joseph Huckins Joseph Shepard
Juner thomas Flandem
Jeremiah Richardsonjeremy Cogswell
William Silley
Moses Adams
Joseph Badger Ju'
John Judkins
Jabcz James
Ebenezer Paige
W" Smith
Joseph Parsons
Antipas Gilman
Jonathan Dow
Peter Gilman
Simeon Copp
Noah Dow
Joshua Gilman
Paul Bickford
Benjamin dow
Lemuel Rand
Naty Wilson
Jacob Daniels
Charles Rundlet
[The petition was granted. — Ed]
[10-4] ^Solomon Cofps for a Perry ^ ■'^7<5*7.]
Sandbornton Feburary y* 27*** 1781 —
The Humble Petition of y* Subscribers Inhabitants of Sd
Town to y' President, Council, & House of Representatives of
this State, whereas M' Solomon Copp of this Town hath in
time Past been at great Expence in Providing & Keeping in
Repair a Boat for y* accommodation of People in Crossing y*
ferrry at y' narrows at mohawk Point So Call*, with but Little
Profit we think it Reasonable & therefore Pray that he may
have y* Priviledge of Sd ferry given & Confirm* to him, by act
of Court there being a Road Laid out which takes in y* Land-
ing at Sd ferry —
which your Petitioners as in Duty bound Shall ever pray
Aaron Sanborn \ Sandbornton
oamuel Lane j
Dan* Sanborn
Nath" Tilton
acob Smith
eremiah tilton
ohn Clark
eremiah Sanborn
acob Garland
Ebenezer Gove
James Cate jun'
Stephen Gale
Daniel Fi field
Josiah Sam born
Saml Morrison
John thorn
John Robnson
James Cate
Benjamin Hoit
Benjamin Colby
Tosiah miles
John Sanders
Jonathan Sanborn
Jonathan Chase
William Robinson
William Durgain
SANBORNTON.
397
Jonathan Thomas
thonnas Chrichet
William Gilman
Chase Taylor
John Samborn
James Gbson
Abijah Sanborn
Jonathan Judkins
Ichabod Swain
robart Smart
ionathan morison
[athaniel witcher
David Blanchard
Nathaniel Burley
William burley
Hugh March
Nicolas Clark
William Chase
Jonathan Morrison
Cole Weeks
Joseph Hoit
Jon* Taylor
Josiah Sanborn Jur
John Johnson
N— Taylor
ohn Lane
acob Smith junr
onathan Chase
ames Sinclear
ames Lary
Nathaniel Burbank
Daniel tilton
Benjam P. Canfield
William Prescut
Jacob Garland
Jacob Smith
Ezekiel Gilman
Joseph Clark
Elisha Prescut
Joseph Smith
Thomas Cawley
Sam^ morrison
David morrison
Aaron Ellsworth
Edward Kelley Junr
Edward Kelley
Theo Rundlet
Jonathan Judkins
Josiah Sanborn Junr
Ebenezer Gove
[10-8] [^Petition in favor of Daniel Sanborn^ iy84.'\
Sanbornton April 20"* 1784 —
The Humble Petition of the Subscribers Inhabitants of sd
Town to y* President & Counsil of sd State —
whereas the new Constitution is Soon to take Place and Dan-
iel Sanborn Esq' hath Serv^ us as a Justice of y* Peace in this
Town for many years Past to our Satisfaction we Pray that he
may be Continued or appointed to Serve us in sd office in Pref-
erence to any other man in sd Town
Samuel Brown
Will"* Weeks
Maj' Joseph Prescott
John Gale
Benj" Robinson
Jon* Chase
Will™ Robinson
Will™DurginJ'
facob Garland
,ev' Jacob Smith
Ezekiel Gilmon
Lev* Joseph Clark
Ens'* Elisha Prescott
Joseph Smith
Thomas Calley
Sam* Morrison
David Morrison
Benaiah Sanborn
Ens" Nath* Chand-
ler
Dan* Davison
Ens" Nath* Grant
Levi Robinson
Josiah Shaw
Lev' Benjamin Mor-
gin
oseph Gilmon
oseph Grant
Elisha Smith
John Johnson
John Bryer
Dan* Sanborn J'
Elisha Cate
Moses Danforth
i
Samuel Prescott
Chase weeks
David Chapman
Nathan Blake
Josiah Cally
Joseph Wadleigh
James Wadleigh
Cap' Will™ Tomson
Solomon Copp
Will™ Miles
Nathan* Chany
Dan* Gale
James Fulonton
Will™ Hersey
Stephens Burley
Joseph Burley
Dudly Smart
398
EARLY TOWN PAPERS.
Aaron Elsworth
Ichabod Swain
Moses Randel
Stephen Clark
Andrew Roien
John Clark
Abijah Sanborn
Dan» Fifeld
Edmond Chapman
Jon* Been
Will» Hayes
Francis Durgin
Jon* Thompson
oimeon Cale
Jon* Cate
Nath* Burbank
Thomas Copp
Thomas Shute
Jon* Chase Jun'
Thomas Chritchet
Jon' Taylor
Josiah Hersey
James Cate Jun'
Eliphelit Brown
Moses Gilmon
Elisha Chapman
Jon* Hobbs Sanborn
Sam^ Hunt
Teremiah Gibson
Simeon Hains
Jacob Bamford
Solomon Copp J'
Josiah Miles
Benf Perl Canfield
Reuben Smith
Stephen Fogg
Noah Smith
John Roberson
Jonathan Smith
Daniel Tilton
Jonathan Cally
Cap* Will™ Harper
Maj' Will" Prescott
John Chapman
Cole weeks
Joseph Prescott J'
Signed in 1785 that did not in 17S4.
Nicholas Giles
Tames Sanborn
Reuben Rallns
John Sanborn 3*
Dudley Cram
Nathan Smith
John Cartey Gale
James Fullonton J'
Sam» Fifeld
James Sincler
Will-" Burley
Peter Hersey
Moses March
Moses Thompson
Mathew Thompson
James osgood
Jacob Thompson
James Cate
firadbury Johnson
Benjamin Roberson
J'
Nath* Burley
oseph Burley Jun*"
acob Thomas
dward Kelly Jun*'
Edward Kelly
Theoph* Rundlet
Jon* Judkins
Josiah Sanborn J'
Lev* Eben' Gove
James Gibson
'v
Benj* Smith
Nath* Caverly
Tme^ Smith
and 20 that would Sine no Petition but wase willing for the
within
[10-9]
{^Ratable Polls^ I7^3^'\
N® of Poles 21 years & upward
Sanbornton about 180
Meredith 85
Newhampton 75
17S3 Dec' E— Smith
SANBORNTON.
399
[lo-ii] [^Jlfore yustices wanted^ ^T^S'l
Sandbornton Feb^ y« 21'* 1785
vfe the Subscribers Recommend M' John Sanborn & Mr
John Lane for Justices of y* Peace of this Town
Chaise Taylor
Ebenezer Morroson
Abra" Perkins
Josiah Sanborn
John thorn
Benjamin Sanborn
Sam' Lane
S Clark
Nathan Taylor
Nich Clark
Josiah Emery
Thomas Lyford
Thomas Critchet
Ebn' Sambom
William Taylor
William Huse
John Morrison
Simeon Robinson
Jeremiah Sanborn
[10-12] \^Petition for a Paper Currency^ ^7^5*^
Sanbornton Ocf 24"* 17S5—
The Petition of us y* Subscribers Inhabitants of sd Town,
Humbly Sheweth that your Petitioners with others y* Inhabi-
tants of this State, Labour under great inconveanency for want
of a Currancy or medium of trade Sufficient to transact y* Com-
mon busness between man & man & notwithstanding your Pe-
titioners '6l we Concive that otiiers in General are Desireous to
Discharge all our Debts with y* Strictest Honour, the Payment
of which, as also y* Common trading one with another, is Ren-
dered next to Impossable, by Reason of y* Scarcety of money,
— and People of all Ranks, & Conditions, are Sue^ & meney
Put into Prison all of which tends to Impoverish Individuals, &
Consequently y* State in General ; — we therefore Pray that
your Honours would as Soon as Possable make a Sum or Bank
of Paper money Sufficient to answer all Debts or Demands in
this State or for a medium of trade, & that Sd Paper money,
may be made a tender in all Cases — and your Petitioners as in
Duty bound Shall ever Pray.
will" Chase '\
James Hersey >• Select men
Nat* Grant " )
Dan* Sanborn
Josiah Miles
Jon* Hobbs San-
born
Joseph Smith Jun'
James Sanborn
Ahijah Sanborn
Jon* Chase fun'
John Chapman
Ichabod Swain
Solomon Copp
Thr)* Critchet
Elisha Prcscott
Nath' Chaney
Cole weeks
Chase weeks
will™ weeks
Daniel Sanborn J'
Noah Smith
Edward Kelley
Joseph Prescott
Dan* Gale
David Chapman
Jotham Rallins
Josiah Shaw
will" Tomson
Sam* Prescott Jun'
400
EARLY TOWN PAPERS.
James Cate
will"" Prescott
Reuben Smith
Moses Rendal
Dan* Davison
Sam* Prescott
James Gibson
Lovel Lang
will" Prescott Jun'
Humphery Hunt
Jon* Been
Jon' Smith
Dan* Tilton
Jon* Thomas
Peter Hcrsey
Dan* Fifeld
Eben' Colby
Trueworthy Smith
Benaiah Sanborn
John Sanborn 3*
James Cate Jun'
[10-10]
Sanbornton Oct' 24** 1 785
I have no Doubt But if y* Petition for Paper money from this
Town was Carry*" to all y* men in it there would be one hun-
dred & fifty Signers for y* Same — Dan* Sanborn
[For legislative action on the matter, see Atkinson pa-
pers, Vol. XL — Ed.]
[10-15] \_Petttion for a Chang-e of Day of Annual Meeting' :
addressed to the General Courts i/g^,']
This petition Humbly Sheweth —
that by the Charter of Sanbornton the Inhabitants are to hold
their Meeting for the Choice of Town officers on the last Tues-
day of March annually to the ill-conveniance of the freeholders
& whereas it is commonly bad traviling at that time So that
many of the Inhabitants Cannot attend Said Meeting and there-
by are excluded from giving their Votes for State and town
officers, and whereas it Sometimes happens that the Inhabitants
Cannot finish their Businees in one day but are under the neses-
sity of adjourning to Some future day which must ofen be in
the Month of April, and thereby the Selectmen Cannot take the
Inventory in Season to the damage of Said town, — Therefore
at a Leagal meeting Unanimously Voted that the Select-men
Shall Prefer a petition to the Honnourable General Court Pray-
ing that their Anual Meeting might be Earlyer in Said month.
Wherefore we the Subscribers beg leave to Present this petition
Praying your Honnors that the Said Meeting now held on the
Last tuesday of March as by Said Charter, might in future be
held on the Second Tuesday of Said month and we your Hum-
ble Petitioners as in Duty Bound Shall Ever Pray —
Josiah Emery ") Select-men in behalf
Moses Tom son > of the Inhabitants
W" Chase ] of Sanbornton
[This petition was granted. — Ed.]
SANBORNTON.
401
[10-16] \Tilton Bennett^ for a Ferry over Pemig'ewasset
River ^ i7pS.'}
To the honourable the General Court of the state of New
Hampshire to convene at Concord on the third Wednesday of
November instant — Humbly shew
Your Petitioners, inhabitants of the town of Sanbornton that
Tilton Bennet of said town has attended a ferry over Pemige-
wasset River between Sanbornton and New-Chester for four
years last past and has been at great expence to provide and
keep in repair suitable boats for said ferry, wherefore your pe-
titioners humbly pray your honors would grant said ferry to
him, and as in duty bound will ever pray —
November 2* 1798 —
ionathan Thomson
loses Tomson
W" Hayes
John Clark
Lowell Lang
W- Weeks
Nathaniel Piper
Chase Weeks
Charles thomas
Cole Weeks J'
Benjamin Rollins
Edmund Chapman
David Perley 3
John Shaw
Thomas Morison
Jonathan Weeks
Nathan Blake
Nath» Ladd
John Adams Harper
W" Taylor
John Sandbom
I^athan Smith
Moses Leavitt
Josiah Sanborn 7*
Jacob Tilton
Lvford Dow
Stephen Prescott
Nathaniel Caverey
Joseph Gale
Joshua Bangs
Joseph Conner
osiah Shaw ir
bseph Chapman
ames Chapman
Daniel Johnson
Ezekiel Brown
David Robinson
Moses Colby
Jotham Rawlings
Henry Blake
Ebenezer Swain
Josiah Heath
Moses Page
Tilton Bennet J'
Anthony Colby
[A grant of a ferry was made to said Bennett the same
session. — Ed.]
[10-18]
Humbly shews
Tilton Bennet of Sanbornton that he has attended a ferry
over Pemigewasset River between Sanbornton and New Ches-
ter for four years last past, and has been at great expence to
provide suitable Boats for said ferry — wherefore your petitioner
humbly prays your honors would grant said ferry to him, and
as in duty bound will ever pray —
November 2^ 1798 Tilton Bennet
28
402 EARLY TOWN PAPERS.
[10-17] \_Petttion for Incorporation of a Library: ad'
dressed to the General Courts ^797'^
The Petition of the subscriber in behalf of the proprietors of
the Social Library society in Sanborntown Humbly sheweth
That said society have been at considerable Expence in pur-
chasing a Collection of Books for the purpose of defusing use-
ful knowledge amongst them, but find themselves under many
disadvantages for want of being Incorporated — They therefore
pray your Honors to pass an Act Incorporating them into a
body politick for the purpose of regularly ordering said society
under such rules and regulations as to your Honors may appear
Just & reasonable and Your Petitioner as in duty bound will
ever pray
William Harper
[This petition was granted, and the library incorporated
the same year. — Eo.]
[10-19] \^Petition for the Incorporation of Sanhornton Mu*
sical Society : addressed to the General Courts ^799-^
Humbly shew,
The Subscribers, inhabitants of the town of Sandbornton,
that they have formed themselves into a society for the promo-
tion of vocal and instrumental musick ; and that they have been
at considerable expence to procure books, instruments, and
able instructors, to teach the arts of singing and performing on
instruments. — Your petitioners therefore humbly pray, that
they, together with their associates, and all such as may here-
after become members of the said society, may be incorporated
into a body politic, by the name of *^ Sandbornton Musical So-
ciety," and that they may be vested with all the powers and
privileges incident to corporations of a similar nature : —
And your petitioners as in duty bound will ever pray.
Joseph Woodman Jeremiah Tilton
Samuel Lane Andrew Lovejoy
Nathan Taylor Jeremiah Sanborn Jun'
Samuel Gerrish Stephen Goodhue
Joshua Lane
[In H. of Rep., Dec. 25, 1799, leave was granted to bring
in a bill— Ed.]
SANBORNTON.
403
[10-30] [^Petitian for the Incorporation of the Baptist As*
sociation : addressed to the General Courts yune^ 1802.']
We the Subscribers, inhabitants of the Town of Sanborn-
town, Humbly Shew — ^That we have formed ourselves into a
Society for the purpose of worshiping God agreeably to the dic-
tates of our own consciences ; that we have been at consider-
able expence to erect a decent House for public worship ; and
for the support of the Gospel among us; and that v«c labour
under many disadvantages by not being incorporated, and being
denied the privileges of incorporated parishes — Wherefore we
humbly pray, that an act of incorporation may be granted unto
us, and such others as may hereafter associate with us, by the
name of the Sanbornton Baptist association, and that such
rights, privileges and immunities may be granted and secured
unto us, our associates and successors, as others in similar
cases have heretofore received : And we as in duty bound will
ever pray —
Sanbornton March 31"* 1802
David Burley Jun'
Peter Hersey
Samuel Hersey
Thomas Colman
Jonathan Taylor
Jun'
Coffin Sanborn Jun'
iohn Prescott
Daniel Gove
Joseph H Sanborn
Levi Sanborn
Benj* Robinson
James Robinson
Benj* Robinson J'
Josiah Hersey
Samuel Hunt
Coffin Sanborn
Abner Sanborn
ion* Chase
lark Chase
Winthrop Durgin
Taylor Clark
Elijah Durgin
Thomas Copp
Dudley Cram
Timothy Smith J'
Daniel Tucker
John W Hunt
William Hersey
Jacob March
feben' Morrison J'
William Durgin
Thomas Cawley
William Chase
Nicholas Giles
James Chase
fed Taylor
osiah Sanborn 4^
oseph Prescott 3*
onathan Taylor
onathan Webster
^Villiam Rundlet
Benj' Calley
Cole Weeks
Joseph Chapman
Nathaniel Caverly
Jacob Hunkins
Chase Sanborn
Henry Blake
Charles Thomas
William Eaton
Reuben Eaton
William Eaton J'
Isarael Beckman
Winthrop Durgan J*
David Morrison
W» Hersey J'
Benj* Railings
Tosiah Blake
[oseph Weeks
^<lisha Lougee
James Chapman
Edmund Rundlet
Thomas Morrison
[ohn Morrison J'
[ohn Dearborn
limeon Cass
Reuben Rundlett
William Calley
Thomas Eastman
John Taylor
Christopher Sanborn
iohn Clark 3
lath' Hart
George Whitcher
Robert Steele
Jeremiah Graves
Winthrop True
John Sanders
Jonathan Lang
Jonathan Calley
404 EARLY TOWN PAPERS.
Samuel Connor Jonathan Weeks Harper Quimby
Moses Hunt Lyford Dow Samuel Elsworth
David Clark Jeremiah Smith Samuel Chapman
John Durgin Joseph Colby Benj* Steele
Jonathan Thompson W" Weeks Josiah George
Thomas Morse David Morrison J' Daniel Gale
Jacob Thompson John Shaw Chase Osgood
W" Dyer Chase Weeks
Abraham Darling John Chapman
[ Vote of Town relative to the foregoing ,'\
At the annual meeting of the legal voters of the Town of
Sandbornton held March 8^ 1803
Voted That Coffin Sanborn & others may be incorporated as
a Baptist Society in said Town and that Capt. Samuel Prescutt
forward said vote to the Gen* Court —
A true Copy of Record
Attest Joshua Lane Town Clerk
Sandbornton 8*** March 1803 —
The undersigners hereby Certify that they have been Suffi-
ciently Served with a Coppy of the Petition of Coffin Sambom
and others praying for an Incorporation as a Baptist Society in
this Town before the Hon. the General Court at the last Ses-
sion, and the order of Court thereon agreeable to said order of
Court—
Bradstreet Moody I o 1 *. -.
T ..u r^u I Select men
Jonathan Chase )
[The Baptist Association was incorporated in 1803. —
Ed.]
SANDOWN.
The territory in this town was formerly in Kingston,
from which it was severed by the governor and council,
April 6, 1756, and incorporated as a separate town by its
present name. This was done in answer to a petition from
the inhabitants of the *' Westerly end of the said Kings-
town," and Col. Ebenezer Stevens was appointed to call the
first meeting of the inhabitants.
By the return of the selectmen, made in September, 1775,
SANDOWN.
405
it appears that the town had a population of 635, of whom
34 were in the army. In 1786 it had a population of 521.
I cannot find any record of the addition of any territory
to the town, or that any has been severed since its incorpo-
ration.
Sandown men in First N. H. Regiment.
Thomas Fuller enlisted April 3, 1777 ; discharged Decem-
ber, 1 78 1.
Israel Ingalls enlisted January 27, 1777 ; discharged Jan-
uary 21, 1780.
[xo-22] \^Relattve to the Election of Representative : ad'
dressed to the General Assembly^ ^77^ '1
The Petition of the Inhabitants of Hawke & Sandown Hum-
bly Seweth that where as the Legality of our meeting to Chuse
a man to Represent us in Congress last December was disputed
for which reason we have not been Represented and being
Sensible of the priveledge pray for a New Precept to impower
us to elect a proper person to represent us in the General As-
sembly— and your Petitioners as in duty bound shall ever pray
Caleb Towle Jethro Sanborn Richard Griffen
Henry Morrill Henry Darborn Joseph Tilton
William Buswell Nathan Jones John Tilton
Nathan Jones Junr Benjamin wells
Isac Flanders william Rowell
Josiah Batchelder Timothy fellows
Joshua George Thomas Griffen
Jonathan French
Josiah Tuxbury
Jonathan French
Junr
Tho' Stow Ranney Moses Griffen
Samuel Gedkins
Jerema Towle
James Towle
Jon* Clough
Hezekiah Blake
Jabez Eaton
Ezra Jones
James Lowell
Henry Elkins
Samuel March
Samuel Quimby
John Sanborn
Abraham Darling
Richard Nason
David Tilton
onathan Whiteaker David Sargant
ohn Collins Sarsrant wells
oshua Herman
Peter Griffen
Zephotous Griffen
Samuel Sevens
Moses Heath
Asa Heath
Samuel wiatt
Nathan Hunt
Benjamin Shaw
Samuel Plumer
Thomas Cotton
Daniel Kelley
Joseph Clifford San- Samuel Harsey
born Robart Collins
Jacob wells
Timothy wells
Phinaes Bachelder
John Perver
Benjamun Colby
William Ferrin
John Straw
Benjamin Flanders
Jonathan Huse
orland Colbey
Nathaniel Ingals
David Bennet
David Straw
Jon* Straw
4o6
EARLY TOWN PAPERS.
Eliphalet Hoite
Joseph Williams
George Bartlett
Jedediah Philbrick
Thomas Chelles
Samuel Fellows
Peter Elkins
Ann'is Campbell
Nathaniel Brown
Nehemiah Sleeper
Samuel Dannels
Benjamin Hunkens
Stephen Longe
Nathaniel French
Timothy Tilton
Jethro Sanborn
David Sleeper
David Tilton
Moses Sanborn
Samuel Sleeper
Zebedia watson
Nathaniel Buswell
Nathaniel Buswell J'
Samuel Beean
william Beean
James Trussell
David Moulton
Samuel Ingals
Sharbon Sanborn
olevcr Sm Blake
The above Names is a true Coppey of the Petitioners taken
of by us —
Reuben Clough^
Moses Colbey
David Quinb}'
Reuben True
moses Hook
£la Dow
Sandown June 4*** 1776
Read and voted to be granted June 5, 1776.
the
Selectmen
of Hawke
and
Sandown
[10-23] \^Return of Ratable Polls^ ^7^J'^
State of New Hampshire
To the Council and House of Representatives at Concord
Assembled convened —
According to the Reques from the assembly of this State to
make out a just account of all pols paying a pole tax for them
selves we have taken the Number of all the pols paying a pole
tax for them selves in the Parish of Sandown, and find they
amount to the Number of one Hundred and three —
From yours to Seirve —
Novr 2'j^ 1 783
Ezra French ) Select men
Alpheus Farrar J of Sandown
[Sworn to before Reuben Clough, justice of the peace.]
[10-24] \_Relative to the Line between Sandown and Ches*
ter: addressed to the Assembly^ ^7^3'^
Sirs —
As the Line between Chester and Sandown was Not Settled
when we took the proportion Last Spring we took the Land to
whare the Bounds of the Lots Layd out by Kingstown we Now
SANDOWN.
407
having settled the Line between the towns to be a Straight Line
it cuts of Seventy two acres of Land and two heads and one
house and a barn into Chester the Land supposed to be about
twenty acres planting and moing and about twenty acres pas-
tring and one acer and a half of orchard Land and thirty acers
of unimproved Land £28 Value Buildings prisd at 6 pounds
our prayers is that the above Heads Land and Buildings may
be taken out of Sandown proportion as the above heads Land
and Buildings are taken in to Chester proportion —
From your most obedient and Humble Sarvants
Dec™ ^^ 1 783
Ezra French ) Select men
Alpheus Farrar j of Sandown
[10-25] \^Relative to Militia Affairs : addressed to the Gen»
eral Assembly^ ij8s,'\
The Petition of the Subscribers freeholders and Inhabitants
of Sandown in said State Humbly Shew that in the Late Devi-
sion of the Seventh Regiment of melitia in this State, we are
Informed that Sandown is Joyned to the Southwesterly Devi-
sion thereof that Sandown is the westerly Parish in the original
Township of Kingstown and by being a Parish are naturally
Connected with the other parts of said Town — That before the
Revolution wee met with the other parts of said Town for
Chusing Representatives and are now Connected with Hawke —
another Parish in said Town for the same purpose — by which
means our acquaintance & Connections with the other parts of
said Town are greater than with the other Devision to which
we are now Joyned
We therefore pray that your Honours would be pleased to
Disannex us from the Southwesterly Regiment and Annex us
to the other Regiment to which the other parts of said Town
belong — ^and your Petitioners as in Duty bound will ever Pray
Ac-
John Sanborn
Moses Sanborn
Stephen Long
Richard Long
John Perkens
Samuel Randall
Abraham Hook
Samuel Sanborn
Ebenezer Long
John Sleeper
Moses Hook
Ezekiel Eaton
Robert Collins
Daniel Sleeper
Sherburne Sanborn
Tim^ Tilton
Will"" Rowell
David Sleeper
Samuel Sleeper
Jonathan C Sanborn
Jon a"* Straw
Banj' Williams
osiah morse
ohn Pervere
onathen pervere
Samuel Flanders
Benj' Flanders
Ephraim Flanders
Benjamin Colby
John Colbey
408
EARLY TOWN PAPERS.
Samuel Sleeper Junr
Josiah Derbon
Nathll French
Phinehas Whitter
N Wells
Benjamin Taylor
Peter Taylour
Joseph Tilton
Daniel Davis
laac Tilton
Benjamin Gilfiing
Alphs Farrar
David fuller
Benj* Hunkins
Isaac Hunkins
Ebcn Auls
Asa Heath
William ferren
Ela Dow
Nath** Ingalls
Peter Ingalls
Jonathan huse
Spencer Bennett
Joshua Palmer
Jonathan Clough
John Colby
peter CoLBey
[10-26] \^Petttion relative to Paper Currency^ etc. : ad-
dressed to the General Courts lySd."]
Humbly shew the Subscribers and Inhabitants of the town of
Sandown in the County of Rockingham in said State —
That Your petitioners Labour under many and very Great
Difficulties on Account of the great Scarcity of a circulating
medium of trade also great Uneasiness has Arisen in ye minds
of ye petitioners and many Others, on Account of a Claim
Lately made to the Uncultivated Lands within this state and as
your Honours are the Guardians of the Rights and priviledges
of the people and as we have no Other Regular way of redress
than by Applying to you therefore — we humbly request that
your Honours would take our Case under your wise Consid-
eration and Grant Us releaf Acting on the following particu-
lars—
i"*ly That you would not allow those persons purchersers
of the Allen Claims so called any part of their Claim within
this State —
2**ly That not any of those persons that are purchersers of
said Aliens Claim hold any Commission of profit or honour
within this state for the space of one year —
3**ly That the General Court take Up the matter Respecting
Masonan title to certain Land in this State which we think their
title is not good and that those Lands Claimed by them be Con-
verted to the Use of the State —
4***ly that thare might be a Bank of paper money made to
redeem this State Security
5*^ly that the General Court petition Congress to redeem the
Continental paper Currency that is in the treasury in this State
the same being more than our proportion of the Same —
6***ly that the ports and harbours in this State be opend and
free trade for all Except the Refugees
Sandown June i"* 1786
SANDOWN.
409
Benjamin Flanders
ohn Cheney
ohn Tucker
.acob Tucker
reter Colby
John Colby
Charles Pressey
Jonathan Huse
I^athan Smith
Thomas Hoit
Nath" Ingalls
Peter Ingalls
Benjamin wells
Timothy wells
moses heath
moses hath Juner
Thomas Sherwell
theophilus Grifen
Ezekiel Eaton
Spencer Bennet
Ezra french
Asa Heath
otho Stevens
Alpheus Farrar
Sargent Wells
Robert Chase
Samuel Davis
Benjamin Williams
david Sargent
Richard Long
John Chase
Jonathan Clough
Ela Dow
William ferren
Rowel Straw
Phinehas Batchelder
Edmund Buswell
Peter Sanborn
John Pervere
thomas Grifen
Benjamin Shaw
John Collins
thomas fallows
Ichobod Shaw
Thomas Cotton
Kelley PJummer
Thomas Shaw
Thomas Edmonds
Benjamin Shaw jun
Humphy Clough
Moses grifen
James Eaton
Reuben Clement
Robert Collings
Samuel daniels
Currier Fitts
moses George
Isaac Tilton
Abraham Hook
Jonathan C Sanborn
Samuel Sanborn
Henry Page
Joseph Tilton
Tim^ Tilton
William Rowel
John Sleeper
Nath» Wells
John Sanborn
Stephen Long
David
Jethro Sleeper
Josiah morse
Edmund James Jun'
Benj' Hunkins
John Hearsee
Daniel Kelley
Richard Fitts
Joshua George
Joshua Palmer
John Colby
[For legislative action, see Vol. XI, p. 130. — Ed.]
[10-27] \^Petition from one of the Exeter Insurgents: acU
dressed to the General Court,, ^79^ ''\
Humbly shews, David Sargent Jun' of Sandown that in the
year 1786 belonging to the company of Militia in said Town and
being young and quite ignorant respecting public affairs, he by
the request of the Officers and the example of many others of
said Company was induced to join the party who went to Exeter
as they said to seek for a redress of grievances — that your peti-
tioner was one of those who were made prisoners and was then
and there disarmed of a valuable firelock, which he is sensible
was justly forfeited, but humbly prays that your Honours would
consider him as an unexperienced youth at that time as he really
was, and give order that he may receive said Firelock again,
and as in duty bound shall pray — David Sargent
Concord Dec' 5**^ 1 796
[The petition was dismissed. — Ed.]
4IO EARLY TOWN PAPERS.
[R. 3-299] \^Petition of yohn Colby ^ Soldier. '\
Province of New Hampshire
I the subscriber namely John Colby of Sandown in said Prov-
ince Inlisted as a privit Soldier und' Coll® Bayly the Brst year
he went into the war and was taken by the Indians by Col*
Hinsdels fort and was Carried to Montrial and when that was
taken I was Delivered out of Captivity and came horn Last
October ; and I never received any wages my self nor never
gave any order to any person to draw any part of my wages
John Colby
May 4: 1761 :
[Sworn before Daniel Little.]
[Said Colby appointed Jacob Bayley, of Haropstead, as
his attorney (R. 3-300), in which he called himself as *' Late
of Newton, yeoman." Said Bayley petitioned in Colby's
behalf (R. 3-301), April 16, 1761, stating that Colby enlisted
in 1755, was taken prisoner in July the same year, and re-
mained in captivity until Gen. Amherst captured Montreal
in September, 1760. For particulars relative to Colby's
capture, see Vol. VI, p. 412. — Ed.]
SANDWICH.
The township was granted Oct. 25, 1763, to Samuel Gil-
man, Jr., and others, in seventy-two shares ; and purported
to contain six miles square of territory. The grantees caused
the same to be surveyed, and finding the *' Northerly &
Westerly sides thereof, so loaded with inaccessable Moun-
tains & Shelves of Rocks that it is uninhabitable," they pe-
titioned for an additional grant of land lying south and east
of the first grant. The petition met a favorable reception,
and an additional tract was granted, Sept. 5, 1764, and called
Sandwich Addition, with the following bounds : '* Beginning
at the south westerly corner of the aforesaid tract of land
granted by the name of Sandwich, & from thence runs south
one mile until it comes to (or upon a line with) the northerly
side line of a tract of land called Palmers-town, or New
SANDWICH.
411
Salem in that case to stop in a shorter measure ; then run-
ning east between the aforesaid tract called Sandwich &
the said Palmers-town eight miles ; then turning off & run-
ning north seven miles ; then turning off again at right
angles & runs west two miles, to the north easterly corner
of the aforesaid tract called Sandwich."
By an act passed Feb. 22, 1785, a committee were ap-
pointed to fix the lines between this town, Tamworth, and
Moultonborough, their report to be final and conclusive.
December 23, 1808, an act was passed appointing William
Webster, Noah Robinson, and Abraham Burnham " to es-
tablish the jurisdictional lines between the towns of Sand-
wich, Tamworth, Eaton, and Burton" (Albany). This com-
mittee reported against making any change in the existing
lines, and their report was adopted.
f 10-28] \_Sand'Wtch and Moultonborough Inventories^ ^773^
The Inventory of the Pools & Estats of Sandwich & Moul-
tonburough are as foUoweth Viz —
Moultonborough
Poolls
Slaves
orchard
Arable land
Mow land
Pasture land
horses
Mares
Colts
Oxen
Cows
three years old 12
two years old 24
Yearlins 15
Mills o
Wharves o
ferries o
Money
Stock in trade
44
o
o
52 Acres
I bo Acres
60 Acres
2
2
I three years old
20
55
Sandwich
Polls
Slaves
orchard
Arable land
Mowing land
Pasture land
Horses
Mares
Colts
oxen
Cows
three years old
Two years old
Yearlins
Mills
Wharves
ferries
Money &c
Stock in trade
33
o
o
76 acers
1 1 7 acers
80 acers
2
I
o
18
45
4
27
9
o
o
o
200 L M
o
The above is a true Inventory of the Polls & Estates in Sand-
wich & Moultonborough taken by us the Subscribers in the
412 EARLY TOWN PAPERS.
Month of april 1773 in pursuance of an act of Court for that
purpose pass*^ Janr^ 14*** 1773
Dan" Beede ) Select Men
Bagley Weed j of Sandwich
Sandwich ap^ 30*** 1773 —
[Sworn to before H. Wentworth^ Justice of the Peace.]
[R. 3-298] \_Relaiive to Moses Page^ Soldier^ ^77^-^
The Petition of the Selectmen of Sandwich in said State
Humbly sheweth that Moses Page Son of Jonathan Page of
Sandwich Came to his fathers house at Sandwich Jan^ 15*** 1777
where he abode till the xo*^ of april and him the said Moses
hath not been an Inhabatant of any other town or Parish from
march 1776 at which time him the s* moses Enlisted into the
Continental Service & there Remained till Dis Charged then
Came to his fathers house at Sandwich as his only home &
there had his name Entered in the Melisha List and Rate List
and the tenth of april 1777 the s* town of Sandwich hired him
the %^ Moses at full price to Enlist Into the Continental army
and Serve a turn for a man of Sandwiches quoto of the Conta-
nental army Accordingly he Enlisted & passed muster for the
town of Sandwich — Notwith Standing we have heard that Ep-
ping have Returned him as one of their men which if so we
pray your Honours hearing thereon & we make no dout but we
Shall make fully to apear our Rightfull property to the Benefit
of him the s* Moses —
Nathaniel Ethridg") Selectmen
Josiah Bean >■ of
nemiah cram ) Sandwich
Sandwich March 31'' 1778
State of Newhamp'
Sandwich march 3i'' 1778
We hereby appoint mr Jonathan Page of Sandwich to pre-
sent and prosecute the above Petition to Effect
[10-29] [^Petition to have T'own- Meeting's legalized: ad-
dressed to the Council and Assembly^ Dec, 2jy ij8o,'\
The Petition of the Select Men of Sandwich in s* State hum-
bly sheweth that the Inhabitance of said Sandwich have ever
from their first holding town meetings in said Sandwich for the
Choosing the town officers for said town held their Annual
SANDWICH. 413
Meetings for the Choice of Town officers on the Last Monday
of March whereas the Day appointed by the Charter of said
town to Hold their annual meeting is the Seccond Tuesday of
March annually which makes it doubtful! wheither their officers
are Legally apointed if not they have no Legal authority to col-
lect taxes &c —
Wherefore we pray that your Honours Would Make an act
or Resolve as in your Wisdom you see Good to Make Good &
Valued in Law the appointment of the s* town officers & other
Publick transactions of said Town of Sandwich as fully as if
their annual Meetings had been held on the Day appointed by
said Charter —
And your Petitioners as in duty bound shall ever pray
Daniel Beede '\ Select Men
Ezekiel french >- of
John Prescut ) Sandwich
[The proceedings at all prior meetings were legalized by
the legislature, June, 1781. — Ed.]
[10-30] [^Relative to an alleged illegal JBlection^ -^77^'^
To the Hon"* the Counsel and Assembly of the State of New
Hampshire —
The Petition Memmorial & Remonstrance of the Inhaban-
tance of Sandwich in s* State in Legal Meeting Conven* hum-
bly sheweth that whereas Jonathan Moulton Esq is said to be
Elected to Represent Moulton Borough Sandwich & tam worth
in s* State in the above Named Assembly we think ought not
to be admitted and pray he the Jonathan Moulton Esq May not
be admitted there unto for the following Reasons —
First because him the s* Jon* Moulton Esq does not Reside
within the Precinct nor County of the Electors
2^1y That on the meeting Day in the which the said Jonathan
Moulton Esq was said to be Chosen and the day before & sum
Days in the week before the s* Jonathan Moulton Esq or his
friends at Moultonbour*^ did make Entertainments at which both
Victuals & Liquers ware distributed plentifully to a great Num-
ber of Electors with an apparent View (as we Conceive) of
gaining their Votes
3*ly your Petitioners humbly conceive that the said Jonathan
Moulton Esq was not Choosen by the Majority of the Legal
votes as the Ballet brought in to Meeting was but two the Ma-
jority for the s* Jonathan Moulton Esq whereas more than that
4^4 EARLY TOWN PAPERS.
Number brought in ballet for the s' Jonathan Moulton Esq
which had no Pretention to any Right to vote in s* Meeting
Furthermore dureing the time of the said Entertainment the
friends of the said Jon* Moulton Esq were disperced through
Moultonberough Sandwich & Tamworth & brought in Votes
from them that would not attend the Meeting a Small Majority
of which were for the said Jonathan Moulton Esq and a nomber
of which votes that were brought in for the said Jonathan Moul-
ton Esq the men whose names were subscribed there unto deny
that Ever Sign^ assented or Consented thereunto and the Mod-
erator of the s^ Election Meeting being a Peculiar friend to the
said Moulton Declar' the Meeting to be Desolved before we
had an oppertunity of Examining into the Case All which doth
appear to us fraudilent & Distructive to the good Government
of a free People Wherefore we Rely on Your Honours Wisdom
& Power to Interpose all such unjust measures and we as in
Duty bound shall ever Pray —
At a Town meeting held at Sandwich Decemb' i6* 1776 Le-
gally Notified by the Select men for the same Purpose Voted
Uannimusly that the foregoing Petition Memmorial & Remon-
strance be Presented to the Councel & assembly with the Select
mens—
Return on the Precept &c^-
Test Daniel Beede Town Clk
[The election of Mr. Moulton was set aside, and a precept
sent for a new election. — Ed.]
[10-31] [^Taxes on Exeter Academy Lands. '\
A List of Taxes on the lands belonging to the Exeter Acade-
my in Sandwich for the year 1781 & 1782 State & War Taxes
Taxes
The Right of
Moses Thurston
Clem* Moody
Nehemiah Cram
Enoch Clark
Edward Bean
Tho» Reynolds
Benj' Batcheldor
Owen Reynolds
X78I
X781
1783 X781 [x78a}
NEm
Silver
Silver N Em
•. d.
s. d.
£ 5,10
^O' 3f
£1,11,3 £1, 2,8
5. 9
9, 8
19,— 16 —
6, 3
io,io|
I, 5i3 I1 i>—
6, 9
II, 5t
I, 6,10 I, 2,4
6, i
10, 3f
I, 5^3 I1 i>
12, 9}
1,10,— I, 5,
6,-
10, 3
I, 6,5 I, I,—
5. 9
9, 6
I, 3,4 18,8
SANDWICH. 415
Benj* Atkinson 6, 6 ii« li I9 6,0 i, 1,8
Jos Atkinson 6, — 10, i 1,4 — i , o, —
3, 2, 8 5, 6, 5 12,17,4 10, 9,4
5^ 6,5 3, 2,8
£18, 3i9^i3>i2»—
New Emission £13,12.
Silver £18,3,9
Copy from Sandwich Lists
Attest
Tho* Odiorne
Rec' Non Resident taxes
[10-32] \_Petition for an issue of Paper Money: addressed
to the Assembly^ J ^86."]
The Petition of us the Subscribers Being Inhabitants of the
Town of Sandwich in S** State — most Humbly Sheweth that
your Petitioners With Inhabitants of Said State Labours under
Great Inconvenience for want of a Currancy or Medium Suffi-
cient to transact the Common Business Between Man and Man
and more Especially for the Payment of Public Taxes Within
this State — and as the State is Grately in Debt and have Issued
their State Notes to a Large amount — the Intrest of which they
are annualy Taxed as well as for Part of the Principle and
Whereas the State is also Called upon and taxed for a Very
Large Sum for the Payment of Intrest on Continental Lone
Office Certificates Issued in this State the payment of all which
is Rendred Next to an Impossibility by the Scarsity of money
— Notwithstanding your Petitioners are Desirous to Discharge
their Public Debts with the Strictest Honour and Integrity that
the Nature of things will admit of — Your Petitioners therefore
pray your Excellency and Honours would Immedately make
and Issue a Sum or Bank of Paper money Sufficient to pay off
and Discharge all Such State and Continental Lone office Cer-
tificates Issued in this as aforesaid and that Said paper money
might Be made a Tender in all Past or futer taxes — and ansure
in all payments in the Publick Treasury and in all payments on
Private Contracts Whatsoever — Otherwise Relive Your Peti-
tioners as your Excellency and Honours in Wisdom Sail Seem
meet — and your Petitioners as in Duty Bound Shall Ever Pray
&c
Samuel Winslow Jr Thomas Burley Thomas Colby
Benj* Kimball Eliphalet Marefield John Glidden
4i6
EARLY TOWN PAPERS.
Benjamin Burley
Sargent Kimball
Elias Ladd
Jacob Smith
Elip* Smith
Reuben Moulton
Isreal Gilman
John Brown
Stephen Webster
John Ladd
Jethro Sanborn
Jona. Gilman
moses senter
Samuel Burley
Jeremiah Burpee
Joseph Hoyt
Nathaniel Ethridge
Stephen Ethridge
Edward wells
Elisha Mudget
Caleb Gilman
Simeon Smith Jr
Simeon Smith
Dominicus Prescut
Josiah Burley
Daniel Moulton
Thomas Burlev
Benjamin Adkinson
Benjamin Blanchard
Joseph Quenbe
moses Brewer
John Beede
Edward Smith
Bagly Weed
Nehemiah Cram
Jonathan webster
Joseph thresher
John Jewell
David Bean
Jacob Weed
Bradbury Prescutt
[10-33] \,J^^l<^ti'^^ to disputed line between Sandwich and
\Tafnrworth: addressed to the Assembly^ Nov* 7J, ^7^^^
Humbly Shews Nathaniel Folsom, Nicholas Gilman & Sam^
Folsom Esq" a Committee for and in behalf of themselves and
other Proprietors of the Township of Sandwich in the County
of Strafford
That for a Long time past there has been Pending in the Su-
perior Court of Judicature within this State Sundry Actions
between the Proprietors of Said Sandwich and Sundry Persons
Settled in the right of the Township of Tam worth, which Ac-
tions have been Prosecuted by Said Proprietors of Sandwich at
a very Great Expence & trouble, and must be at much more —
That by Interest of Some of the Justices of Said Court, and
by other motives in Some others. Your Petitioners are in fear
that they Shall never Obtain a Decicive Trial in those Cases
Unless Your honours will in Justice & Equity Appoint and
Commissionate Two, three, or four Special Justices to Sit in
Said Court, and Adjudge those Causes, — wherein the Said
Standing Justices are by Interest, or any other way Concerned
or Disqualified to Judge thereof — Your Petitioners Therefore
Humbly pray Your honours to Appoint a Sufficient Number
of Special Justices to make a Qiiorum with one of the Standing
Justices of Said Court to hear and Determine the Said Causes
and any other in the Like Circumstances, That the Appoint-
ment may be of Such Gentlemen as are Disinterested in Either
of the Said Townships of Sandwich & Tamworth, And Your
Petitioners Shall Ever pray &c —
Nath" Folsom
Sam^ Folsom
[See introduction. — Ed.]
SANDWICH. 417
[10-34] \_Return of Ratable Polls ^ ^7^S'^
State of Newhampshire & County of Straford —
A Return of the Just Number of all the Male Poles Paying
for them Selves a Pole Tax in the Town of Sandwich this Pres-
ent Year 1783 the Number of Which is one hundred & one
Taken By the Select Men of S** Sandwich December y* 8*^
1783
Attest Jacob Smith ) Select Men
John Ladd J of Sandwich
[Sworn to before Daniel Beede.]
[10-35] [^Relative to Taxes on Academy Lands: addressed
to the General Courts June 4^ 1788. '\
Humbly Shew' the Select men of Sandwich in s'* State That
the Genral Court on the 11*** day of aprel 1780 Pas'* a Resolve
that no Lands belonging to Dartmouth Colege Should be Sold
for taxes Soon after a Resolve Pas'* that no Land belonging to
the Philips Exeter Academy Should be Sold for taxes and it
was further Resolv^ that the taxes for the Present or untill a
new Proportion Shall he made Should be Charged to the State
at which time one Sixth Part of the township of Sandwich be-
long unto Said Schools the Taxes due on which are as follows
viz
£ S d
For the year 17 78 — 1 1 — 15 — o
For the year 1779 — 107 — o — o
for the year 1780 — 216— 4 — o
for the year 17S1 New emission Paper 16 — 4 — 6 — Silver 4 — 17
— 8—
for the year 1782 JC15 — 8 — 2 —
for the year 1 783 — 8 — 8 — 8 —
Which account was Presented to the General Court in the
year 1784 for allowance but through the hurrey of buisiness
was not attended unto Since which we have been Obliged to
Pay & Settle Said Taxes with the Treasurer Therefore we Pray
The Hon"* Court to Grant unto the s* town or the Selectmen
of Said town for the town use an order on the Treasurer for
Such a Sum as Shall be Justly due to Said Town —
And we as in duty bound Shall ever Pray
Jonathan Gilman | Select
John Ladd | men
29
41 8 EARLY TOWN PAPERS.
[10-36] \^Statment relative to Roads ^ Bridges^ ete.^ ^79^ '\
Humbly Shewith the Inhabetance of Sandwich in Said State
that the Roads in s* Town, are very wet Rocky and two
Bridges over a rappid Stream which often raises twenty feet
Parpendicular in a very Short time which- often carris off Said
Bridges that a road leading through s^ town to Camptain is
very much out of repare on which there is not one settlement
for more than four Miles and another leading to Holderness
equaly bad on which there is no settlement for three miles
which two Last mention^ Roads are all on Lands of non Resi-
dents and altho the highway Rate in Said Sandwich for Sever-
al years has been more than double to all other taxes yet are
Very insuficient for the purpose of Repairing s** Roads There-
fore we Pray s** Hon"* Court to Pass an act to enable the Select
men of Sandwich afores* to tax one Pennv on the acre of all
the unimprov** Lands owned by non Residents in Said Sand-
wich Excepting Public Lands for the Sole purpose of Repair-
ing said Roads leading to Camptain & Newholderness and as
in Duty bound will ever Pray
at a Legal meeting held at Sandwich Decemb' 13*** 1790
Voted the above Petition be Presented to the Hon**** Court
above Said
Nathaniel French moderator
Daniel Beede Town Clerk
[10-37] \,Non'Residents^ Answer to foregoing^ -^79^'^
WE the Subscribers owners of Land in the Township of
Sandwich being informed that a Petition is to be presented to
the General Court to Tax the Nonresidents for the purpose of
repairing highways in said Township Hereby signify our Con-
sent that the prayer of said petition be now granted on the fol-
lowing Condition, on the part of the petitioners, Viz. that said
Tax do not exceed One penny per Acre —
Exeter January iz*** 1791.
John Taylor Gilman — Owner of sixteen Lots of One
Hundred Acres each — 1600
W" Parker j' Six Lots one hnndred acres each 600
Jonathan Cass four Lots 100 acres each 400
Gideon Lamson four Lots 100 acres each 400
Nathaniel Gilman Five Lots : 100 : acres each 500
Whole
3500
SANDWICH. 419
[10-39] \,Pctitionfor a Special Tax to Build Roads ^ ^79^'^
The Petition of the Subscribers Selectmen in behalf and
Agreeable to a Vote of the Inhabetants of the Town of Sand-
wich Humbly Sheweth —
That the Inhabitants of the Town of Sandwich by Reason of
their local situation among Mountain Ponds and Streams are
obliged to be at great Expence to Support their highways and
that the Town of Thornton request a road to be laid out and
Made passable to their Line which is about Six miles without
Inhabitants another Road must be made to Holderness about
Two miles thro unimproved Lands and another to Burton un-
der the Same Circumstance abut three Miles and almost all our
Roads in Town very bad. Therefore we pray that the Select-
men may be im powered to Assess on all the Lands in Sand-
wich Two Cents per Acre for the Purpose of making and Re-
pairing the before mention'd Roads and now laid out in Sand-
wich where most needed or Grant us relief in Such manner as
you Shall in your Wissdom Think best and we Shall as in duty
bound ever Pray
Sandwich Nov' 21*^ 1796
John Folsom ) o 1 i.
Asa Crosby {Selectmen
[The foregoing petition was granted. — Ed.]
[10-40] [^Non-Residents' Remonstrance to foregoing. '\
The subscribers, owners of lands in Sandwich — being inform-
ed that application has been made to the Legislature for grant-
ing a Tax upon the non resident owners of lands in said Town
and a time assign'd for a hearing thereon — Beg leave respect-
fully to shew —
That from the first settlement of said Township the proprie-
tors have expended large sums for settling and defending the
same and believe they are warranted in saying that their expen-
ces attending the settlement &* have been at least equal to the
proprietary expences of Any Township within the State. —
That when the first grant of the Town was run out the pro-
prietors found so g^eat a proportion of bad lands within their
limits that they determined not to prosecute the settlement un-
less they could obtain an additional Grant — which they after-
wards did obtain. — That it appears by a Census taken in pur-
suance of the Act of Congress of March 1790 That the Town
420 EARLY TOWN PAPERS.
then contained Nine hundred and five persons — ^that since that
time the number has greatly increased, that a great proportion
of the Vahiable lands are already settled and there is a large pro-
portion of the lotts unfit for settlement and of Very little Value —
That the Town petitioned the General Court in the year 1791
for granting a Tax of one penny an Acre — That the then agent
and representative of the Town shew this petition to a number
of the non resident owners of lands and requested their consent
to the Grant of the Tax that the act ihight pass without previ-
ous public notice and from an Understanding with the said
agent and Representative that on condition of their giving such
consent no further request would ever be made on this subject
they gave their consent in writing which w^as presented to the
General Court and the Act passed at the Same Session —
That a General act having been passed by the Legislature for
Taxing non-residents they did not expect application would be
made for particular Taxes — That a Tax of a Certain Sum per
acre on lands without regard to their Value is in their opinion
unequal & oppressive — Wherefore they pray that said Tax may
not be granted —
Nath^Folsom N' Gilman
Nath"Gidding Nat. Gilman
Gideon Lamson W" Parker j'
SEABROOK.
The territory in this town was formerly a part of Hamp-
ton, and was a part of the town of Hampton Falls when
that town was established, and so remained until June 3,
1768, at which time it was incorporated as a separate town
by its present name, the derivation of which is obvious.
The Quaker Society, formed in 1701, was largely in that
portion of Hampton which is now Seabrook, and its mem-
bers were, by the act incorporating the latter named town,
to be exempt from paying any taxes for the support of the
Presbyterian church.
By an act passed December 7, 18 16, a small tract of land
was severed from Hampton Falls and annexed to this town.
June 26, 1822, an act was passed establishing the west-
erly boundary line of this town, by which a tract of land
formerly belonging to South Hampton was declared to be
within the jurisdiction of Seabrook.
SEABROOK. 421
[10-41] [^Relative to the Payment of Rev. Samuel Perley:
addressed to the Council and House^ yanuary Jf, 1770^^
The Humble Petition of Eben' Knowlton Richard Smith Ja-
cob Smith Elisha Brown and Jonathan Weare all of Seabrook
in said Province Yeomen Shews that vour Petitioners with a
Number of other Persons then belonging to Hampton falls but
now Mostly Inhabitants of said Seabrook in November AD
1764 did unanimously Call and agree with the Rev* Samuel
Perley Minister of said Seabrook to preach the Gospele to and
Settle Among them and then agreed and promised to provide
him an house Garden spot the keeping of an horse and Cow
and to Pay said Perley Fifty Pounds Sterling Money of great
Britain Annually during his work of the Ministry among them
and at the repeated request of said Inhabitants two of your Pe-
titioners Viz' Richard Smith and Jonathan Weare Provided and
hired an house for said Perley for about four years past and
gave their prevate Security for the Payment of the rent for the
same house for all the time aforesaid and Some time past after
said Agreement your Petit' with the others Abovementioned
were Erected in to a Distinct Parish from Hampton falls and in
November AD 1768 Your Petitioners were all chosen by said
Parish a Committee to Examine State and Settle all Accounts
and Demands between said Parish and said Perley your Peti-
tioners then found a large Balance in favor of said Perley and
gave their Private Security for the same the whole of both said
Sums Amount to one hundred Pounds Lawful Money For
which your Petitioners are now Sued and Judgment recovered
and as a Considerable part of said sums became due before
your Petitioners and Inhabatants were a Parish and whereas
many of the Persons who were most Active in agreeing with
said Perley as above have Since refused to pay Any part of
said Sums knowing that thay are not legally taxable for the
same —
your Petitioners humbly Pray that thay may be Authorised to
assess the Several Persons Concerned in said Agreement in Just
Proportion for said Arreages and be Inabled to Collect the same
or that your Petitioners may be releaved in any other way
which may be thought most Expedient : And your Petitioners
shall Ever Pray —
Ebenezer Knoulton
Richard Smith
Jacob Smith
Elisha Brown
Jonathan Weare
[The foregoing petition was granted. — Ed.]
422 EARLY TOWN PAPERS.
[10-42] [ Civil Magistrate wanted^ ^77^«]
Colony of New Hampshire — To the Honourable Council &
House of Representatives Now convenied at Exeter
The Petition of the Freholders
And other Inhabitants of the Parish of Seabrook Humbly
sheweth that the Said Parish is destitute Of a justice of the
Peace — that this Deficiency Exposes the Parish to many Incon-
veniences If therefore your Honors would take the Prayer Of
this our Petition in to your Consideration & grant A Commis-
sion of the Peace to Cap* Winthrop Gove The present Com-
mander of our Malitia your Honors would greatly oblige your
Petitioners
And as in Duty bound Shall ever pray &c —
Seabrook March 11*^ 1776
William french ")
Nathan Green > Selectmen of Seabrook
William Hook )
thomas Lock Daniel Hook Enoch gove
Charles Chase Dudly Sanborn Abiathar merrill
thomes true nathan gove Daniel Smith
Jacob french Beniamen Eaton Jeremiah Dow
Joseph Hook David Dow Rich* Tobie
[10-43] \^Relative to the TowfCs ^uota of Soldiers: ad'
dressed to the General Assembly February 12^ /77^0
The Petition ; of the Subscribers, Inhabitants of Seabrook in
the County of Rockingham & State aforesaid, humbly shews —
That Whereas Orders were issued the last Year to said Sea-
brook to raise for the Continental Army lifteen Men, of which
Number the Inhabitants have been able to procure only nine —
That Whereas one third part of the Inhabitants of s"* Seabrook
are Quakers ^ who refuse to pay any Thing, towards the Sup-
port of the present War; and many, following fishing hereto-
fore for the Subsistence of themselves & Families, are now de-
prived of that Business, & thereby almost reduc'd to Poverty. —
Which peculiar Circumstances of many of the Inhabitants of s*
Seabrook, your Petitioners humbly conceive, ought to excuse
them from being obliged to raise any more Men in Consequence
of s' Orders, than those already rais'd and gone ; especially con-
sidering, that the Number of Men required of said Seabrook is
SBABROOK.
423
larger, than is required of some other Towns & Parishes in s'
County, in proportion to the State Tax ; Wherefore your Peti-
tioners humbly pray, that the Inhabitants of s^ Seabrook may
be exempted from making up the Deficiency of Men Ordered,
as afores' ; Or that Orders be given, to call upon the Quakers
to procure their proportionable Part of the Men required, —
and as in Duty bound will ever pray &c : —
Elisha Brown
Nehemiah Chase
Isaac Brown
Dudley Sanborn
Daniel Hook
James man
Kichard Smith
Benjamin Eaton
Winthrop Eaton
Enoch Gove
Job Haskell
Charles Chase
Ebener Fogg
John Brown
Abiathar merrill
Joshua Eaton
Samuel Eaton
Jabez Eaton
Ephraim Eaton
Nathan Green
John Smith
Daniel Smith
James Nor^ peaver
Winthrop Gove E"»
Benjamin Leavitt
Richard Tobie
Chosen as a Comemity for Said Petition
[10-44] [^^uaier^ Petition: addressed to the General
Courts 1784.']
we the People Caled Quakers Inhabatants of Seabrook Being
informed By a Notification By Your order that a Number of
inhabitants of Said Parish have Laid a Pitetion Before you that
our Charter might Be altered we humbly Desir that we may
Retain our former Privilages Granted By that Charter and No
altiration Be made to our Damage and we have apointed Josiah
Dow and Joseph Philbrick a Commity to act in those Respects
in our Behalf —
Seabrook the i day of the 11 month 1784
Tristram Collins
Benj* Dow
Stephen Gove
Elijah Peaslee
Robart Collins
Moses Gove
Abra" Dow
Richard Gove
Jonathan Green
Jonathan Green J'
Edward Gove
Winterup Dow Jun'
winthrop Dow
Elijah Dow
[10-45] \_Return of Ratable Polls^ ^TSj."]
State of New Hampshire Rockingham : ss
The Following Account Contains the Number of Polls be-
longing to the parish of Seabrook paying a poll Tax for the
424 EARLY TOWN PAPERS.
year 1783 of twenty one Years of Age and Upwards — Number
III —
Elisha Brown ") Selectmen
John Smith J Seabrook
[Sworn to, Dec. 13, 1783, before Wlnthrop Gove. — Ed.]
SHELBURNE.
The township was granted May 3, 1769, to Mark Hunk-
ing Wentworth, Daniel Pierce, Daniel Rogers, and John,
Daniel, Isaac, and Jotham Rindge. Three hundred acres
were reserved for a glebe for the church q^ England. The
grantees petitioned, the following year, for an additional
grant, alleging that a considerable part of their original
grant was useless on account of mountains and rocks. The
petition was favorably received, and a large additional tract
of land, lying west of the first grant, was granted to the
same men by an instrument dated Nov. 21, 1770. This last
grant was called Shelburne Addition, until it was incorpo-
rated as a town by the name of Gorham, in 1836. The orig-
inal grant was incorporated by the name of Shelburne, Dec.
13, 1820. Settlements were commenced in this town in
1775, but so little progress was made that the town con-
tained only thirty-five inhabitants in 1790.
[10-47] [^Statement of Affairs in iy86J\
To the Hon**** the Senate and House of Representatives in Gen'
Assembly convened —
The Petition of the subscribers a Committee of the Prop" of
the Town of Shelburne in the County of Grafton in the State of
New Hampshire —
Humbly Sheweth That the Proprietors had previous to the
late Revolution carried on a Settlement in said Town which by
its local Situation was rendered very expencive and difficult,
that they had nevertheless almost effected the same, when the
public and private Calamities of the Country became so great as
to render it impractable to make any further Progress therein —
SOMERSWORTH. 425
That they had kept the Inhabitants together until the Year 17S1 ,
when a party of Savages fiom Canada made a descent upon
Amerescogin River, and amongst other Ravages destroyed the
Cattle, burnt the Mills, — murthered some of the Inhabitants,
and entirely broke up the Settlement of said town —
The Proprietors further suggest to your Honours that they
have discharged two Years taxes of the general Assessment on
unimproved Lands, that they must set down with the Loss of
all the great Expences they have been at, and begin the Settle-
ment anew
Therefore pray your Honours would take the matter under
your wise Consideration, and make such Order thereon as may
indemnify them for the taxes now due — and allow them such
reasonable time as may enable the prop" to bring the Settle-
ment of said Town to the same perfection it was in at the Com-
mencement of the War, before any new Assessment may take
place, that the Prop" may cheerfully go on with the Settlement
of said town to the great Advantage of that unsettled part of the
Country —
And your petitioners as in Duty bound shall ever pray &c —
Dated Ports** February 25*^ 1 786
Th* Martin
Is. Rindge
SOMERSWORTH.
The township was set off from Dover, as a parish, Dec.
19, 1729, but was not entirely separated and incorporated as
a town until April 22, 1754. A manufacturing company
was incorporated on Salmon Falls in 1761, and is believed
to have been the first one incorporated in this state : it is
now in the town of Rollinsford.
By an act approved July 3, 1849, the town was divided
into two nearly equal parts, and the south half incorporated
into the town of Rollinsford.
This town was settled early, and has since been a pros-
perous manufacturing and farming community. Hon. John
Wentworth, member of the Continental Congress in 1778
and 1779, was born in this town July 14, 1745 ; died Jan.
10, 1787.
426 EARLY TOWN PAPERS.
[10-132] {^Aci incorporating Somersworth as a Parish^ 172^.']
Anno Regni Regis Georgii Secundt Tertio
An Act for Setting off the north east end of the Town of
Dover and Errecting a Parish by the name of Summersworth
whereas the North east end of the Town of Dover is Com-
pletely filled with Inhabitants who Labour under great Diffi-
culties by their remoteness from the Place of Publick worship
and have thereupon Addressed this Court that they may be Set
off a Distinct Parish and be vested Powers and Priviledges-ae-
cordingly —
Be it therefore Enacted By the Lieutenant Governer Council
& Representitives in General Assembly conven' & by the Au-
thority of y* Same that the north east part of Dover as hereafter
is bounded & Discribed be and hereby is Set off a Distinct and
Seperate Parish by the name of Summersworth The bounds of
Said Parish to be as follows (Viz*) Beginning at the mouth of
fresh Creek and to run as the Creek runs to the way that goes
over Said Creek or at the head of the Creek where the way
goes over and from thence as the way now goes to the Southerly
Side of Vamys Hill to Ebenezer Varnys Land and then to an
oak tree over the End of the Said Hill which is a white oak tree
marked Standing about two or three Rods from a Spring, And
from thence on a North west & by North point of the Compass
to the head of Dover bounds and . that the Inhabitants of the
Said Lands be vested with all the Priviledges & Powers of a
Parish to Chuse officers for the well Regulating of y* Same and
raise money from time to time for Defraying the Charges of y*
Minister School & Poor Provided the Inhabitants of y* Said
Parish do within the space of one year from the Date of this
Act Errect & finish a Suitable House for the Publick worship
of God and Procure and Settle a Learned Orthodox minister of
Good Conversation and make Provision for his Comfortable and
Honorable Support —
And Be it further Enacted by the Authority aforesaid that
Cap* Paul Wentworth M' Thomas Wallingford & M' John
Ricker be the first Selectmen of the Said Parish for Calling &
Assembling the Said Parish togather in order to Chuse the
Proper Parish officers for the year Ensuing —
Dec' i^^ 1729 Read three times in the House of Represent-
atives & past to be Enacted — Theo : Atkinson Speak' pro temp :
Eod : Die Read three times at the Council Board and Past to
be Enacted — Rich* : Waldron Cler. Com.
I assent to the Enacting this Bill
J : Wentworth
SOMBRSWORTH. 42/
[R. 4-3] \^Enlistments under Caft, yob Clement^ '74^*^
Province of New Hampshire
We whose names are underwritten do acknowledge to have
Inlisted our Selves into His Majestys Service for the Protection
of the Frontiers at Rochester & Barrington, under the Com-
mand of Cap^ Job Clements or Such other officers as shall be
appointed over us, & to Continue in Said Service from the be-
ginning of April until the latter end of September next, and
twenty days longer if the Service requires it In Consideration
of our being paid Eight pounds old tenor before we march to
our posts, & be Excused from all Military Impresses for one
year after our Service ends —
MeDt Names
Place of abode wheo Inliited
age
month of Inliatmeot
Joshua Perkins
Cochecha
Samuel G Heard Sar*
Coc»
Moses Tebbets Sen'
Summers worth
46
April
Sam^ Hall
Sum'
40
April
Tames Stacpole
Moses Tebbets Jur
Sum"
34
April
Summersworth
»4
April
John Tebbets
Moses Yeaton
Summersworth
21
April
Summersworth
18
April
Ephriam Alley
Cochecha
n
April
DM
Israel X Pcre
Cochecha
H
April
Philip X Pappune
■MUk
Cochecha
40
April
Us
Danil X Palmer
Dover
20
April
II
Loave X Tuttle
Dover
18
April
16
[The above are a portion of the men enlisted by virtue of
orders from Gov. Wentworth, dated March 26, 1748. — Ed.]
[R, 4-2] [ Certificate of Military Service^ ^74^ ^2
James Clements & Benjamin Ricker Both of Summersworth
was Imprest under Cap* Job Clements Deceased in y* Country
Service to Guard y* Frontiers at Rochester against y* Indian
Enemy on August y* 29*^ 1748 & Continued Till the 30*'' Day
of September following.
James Clements
Benjamin Rickers
April y* 16* 1753
[Sworn to before Thomas Wallingford. — Ed.]
428 EARLY TOWN PAPERS.
[R. 4-4]
Moses Ricker of Summersworth Came in the SCout at
Rochester under the Command of Cp* Job Clements in the year
1748 august the first & Continued in that Sarvis twenty Eight
Dayes Moses Ricker
[Sworn to at Dover, April 29, 1753, before Thomas Wal-
lingford. — Ed.]
[R. 4-5]
[In a petition dated Jan. 28, 1757. Isaac Hanson, of Som-
ersworth, stated that he was a volunteer in the Crown Point
expedition, and arrived home Nov. 26. Was taken sick at
Deerfield, on the way home, with " pluratick Fevor." He
wanted an allowance to pay Dr. Smith, etc. Petition dis-
missed.— Ed.]
[R. 4-6]
[This document is a letter from Dr. Moses Carr to Col.
John Goffe. asking him to procure pay for visits and "choice
medicines" administered to one John Robinson, a soldier
under Goffe*s command at Cochecho in 1748. The letter,
which is dated Somers worth, Jan. 31. i860, was before the
legislature Feb. 28, 1760, and dismissed. — Ed.]
[10-133] \^Petitionfor an entire Separation from Dover:
addressed to the General Assembly^ Jan, p, iy§4,'\
The Humble Petition of Thomas Wallingford Esq' John
Wentworth Gent and Moses Stevens Tanner all of the Parish
of Somersworth in said Province as a Committee of said Parish
shews —
That the said Parish was made by an Act of the Assembly &
separated from the Town of Dover by particular Boundaries as
to the Maintenance of the Ministry School, and Poor, but in all
other Respects Remained as a part of the Town of Dover in
said province which in several Respects has been Inconvenient
to the Inhabitants of said parish particularly as they are Obliged
to resort to Cochecho to Transact any public business, to attend
the Town Meetings there — to attend the Select Mens Meetings
there and whatever Concerns the Town In General — and as
they are Obliged to Hire a Collector of their parish Taxes and
sometimes at an Extravagant Rate which is a standing Charge,
and as it were a Dead weight on the said Inhabitants — they not
SOMERSWORTH. 429
having power to chuse a Constable or Collector and Invest him
with the power that Constables of Towns have to collect Taxes
by Distress, nor in any other summary way — That were they
severd from and Independent of said Town to all Intents, they
Coud make many by Rules and orders Accommodated to their
particular Situation and Circumstances which woud not Suit
the Town in General, and which therefore the said Inhabitants
cannot obtain as they are sure when any such matter isMovd to be
out Voted as they have but few Qualified Voters in Comparison
with the Town — that the Town of Dover is Large and coud
without any Considerable Disadvantage — or at least any that
woud Ballance the benefit to said Inhabitants, spare them to all
Intents, as said Town have many good farms Wealthy thriving
Inhabitants and are well able without any Assistance from said
parish, to support all Town & province charges that can be sup-
posd to fall upon them in Case of such an Intire Separation &
Independance —
Wherefore your Peticoners in behalf of their Principals and
by their Order most Humbly pray that the said parish may be
Erected and Incorporated into a Town by a special Act Com-
prehending the same Lands and limited by the same Bounds as
the said parish — that they may be Intirely Disunited from the
said Town of Dover and Exonerated of and from, all Dutv
there, and Invested with all the Rights and privileges Fanchises
and Emoluments which any other Town in this province holds
and Enjoys and Your Petitioners as in Duty Bound Shall Ever
Pray &c —
Tho- Wallingford
John Wentworth
Moses Stevens
[The petition was granted, and the parish erected into a
township by the name of ^' Sumers worth," April 22, 1754. —
Ed.]
[ 1 0-13 2 J] {^Petition relative to Works on Salmon Falls River ^
iy6o.'\
To His Excellency Benning Wentworth Esq' Govern' and
Commander in Chief in & Over his Majesty s Province of New
Hampsh', the Hon'*** his Majesty's Council & House of Rep-
resentatives for said Province in General Assembly Con-
vened the 25"* Day of January 1760 —
The Humble Petition of Thomas Wallingsford Esq' and
John Wentworth Gent, both of Somersworth in said Province
430 EARLY TOWN PAPERS.
in behalf of themselves and others Concerned in the Works on
Salmon Falls River on the side of Somersworth Shews
That the Freeholders and Inhabitants of Dover in the Year
1 701 at a Public Town Meeting Granted to John Tuttle and
Ezekiel Wentworth their Heirs and Assigns the whole Accom-
modations of the Westward side of the Salmon Falls for the
Erecting a Mill or Mills or any other works which they should
Judge Convenient with suitable Accommodations of Land with
the use of the River belonging to said Falls &c— -on such Terms
and Conditions as are Limited in said Grant, in the Right of
which Grantees Divers Mills & necessary works for the Im-
provement of said Privilege have been Built & held ever since
And among other works it has been found Necessary to Lay a
Boom aCross said River Stay'd and supported by piers to stop
the Timber — which comes down the River to be drawn out as
Occasion Required the half of which has been maintained by
the Owners on Berwick side of said River the whole being a
Work of Considerable Expence — That the Interest of the said
Grantees is by descents and purchases now Vested in many
persons many of whom having a small Interest or being averse
to bearing their part in out-sets or for other Reasons within
their own Breast will not pay their just proportion of the charge
of keeping said boom in Repair and so the privilege there must
either be in a Great Measure lost or the charge of said Repairs
sustained by a few who are willing to bear their part of charge
as well as to Reap their proportion of profit — and the said
Building is now so decay' as to be unfit for the use designd &
must for that purpose be Rebuilt
Wherefore Your petition" Humbly pray that they may be
formd Into a propriety Enabled to meet and pass such Votes
Respecting the Manner of Rebuilding said boom & all neces-
sary appendages & appurten* thereof as to the Major part of
the Interested shall seem best for the General Good as also for
and Concerning the use and Improvement and Future Repairs
thereof and to Grant such sums of Money Assess and Tax the
several Owners according to their Respective Interests and col-
lect and Levy the same in the same summary Method of Town
Charges with such other necessary Incidents and modes as
are Common to proprietors of Common and undivided Land
that from hence forward the said Business may be Conducted
in a more Equitable manner than heretofore ^nd that Your pe-
tition" may have leave to bring in a bill Accordingly and they
will as in duty Bound Ever Pray &c
Tho' Wallingford
Jn* Wentworth
SOMERSWORTH. 43 1
[In H. of Rep., Jan. 25, 1760, the foregoing petition was
read, and a time of hearing appointed. In H. of Rep., Feb.
19, 1760, "This petition being read, & the adverse party
being Duly notified, did not appear — ^Voted, That the prayer
thereof be Granted, & that y* petitioners have Liberty to
Bring in a Bill accordingly." Council concurred. — Ed.]
\^Relative to incorporating' the Proprietors of Salmon Palls
Mills, 1 76 1."]
Notice is hereby given that the proprietors of the Stream &
Previledges of Salmon Falls so called have petitioned the Gen-
eral Asembly of the Province of New Hampshire to be (by an
Act) Incorporated into a Propriety and endowd with Sundry
Previledges &c
If therefore any person hath any reason to offer why such an
Act should not pass thro' the Legislature they are to file the
same with his Excellency the Govern' by the Twenty Second
Day of this Instant March
Province of New Hampshire March 7"* 1761
By his Excellences Command
Theodore Atkinson Sec^
This may Certify whom it may Concern y* this Paper has
been Expos** to view three Publick Days at Somersworth
Att' Moses Carr Town Clerk
Somersworth March 10^ 1761
[The " Mills & Works on Salmon falls, in Somersworth/'
were incorporated by an act passed Aug. 13, 176 1. I think
this was the first incorporated manufacturing company in
the state. — Ed.]
\_MaJor WentwortfCs Account, '\
Somersworth August y* 6*** 1778.
State of New Hampshire to Jon* Wentworth D' to Service at
Rhodeisland from the above date untill the first Day of Septem-
ber as Major under Col* Evans by the Commander in Chief
order —
wages at the rate of fifteen pounds p' month — £12-10-0
Rations Not Drawn 2-10-0
To travel two and from 5- 0-0
£20-0-0
[Sworn to before John Waldron, Dec. 16, 1786.]
432 EARLY TOWN PAPERS.
[R. 4-10] {^Soldiers* Orders."]
Somersworth August y* 15*** 1783
To the Honorable the Committee of Safety now Sitting at
Exeter — Please to pay all the Money that is Due to me for my
Services in the Continental Army in the Year One Thousand
Seven Hundred and Eighty to Maj' Jon' Wentworth and His
Rec* shall be allowed —
By your Humble Serv*
Stephen Noble
[R.4-11]
To the Honourable the Committee of Safety for the State of
New Hampshire For Value Rec* please to pay Maj' Jon"
Wentworth all the Money with Rations Cloathing &c that is
Due to me for twelve Months Service in the Continantal Army
2«Mi New Hampshire Regiment and his Rec* shall be a full Dis-
charge
From your Humble Serv'
Mark Wentworth
Somersworth lo*** 1783
[R. 4-12]
To His Excellency Meshech Weare Esq' Please to order the
Ballance that shall be found Due to my son Eliphelet Cromwell
as a Soaldier in Cap* Carr's Company Second New Hampshire
Reg* who fell by the Savages Near Saratoga in July 1777 paid to
Maj' Jon* Wentworth and his Rec* shall be a full Discharge for
the Same —
From Your Obedient Humble Serv* —
Eliphalet Cromwell
Somersworth October y* 19*** 1784
His Excellency M. Weare Esq'
[R- 4-13]
Sir Please to pay Ben Ives Gilman or order all that is due
to me, for my late husband Mark Tate's Services, he having
been a Soldier in the Second New Hampshire Regiment
Value Rec* witness my hand —
her
Betty X Tate
mark
Somersworth Sep' 22* 1784.
SOMERSWORTH.
433
This may Certify that Betty Tate Signer to the above Order,
was the Lawful wife to the above mentioned Mark Tate, and
has a Legal Right to Demand the pay as above
John Pike Town Clk
Somersworth Sep' 22* 1784 —
[Rev. Papers, p. 55.] \_Somersworih Men in 2d JV, If. Bat'
talionJ\
W" Leaver age 19, Capt. Norris's Co. Left at Albany
wounded.
Daniel Alley age 40, Capt. Blodgett's Co.
W" Grant age 35, Capt. Carr's Co.
Tho* Hammock age 24, Capt. Carr's Co.
Patrick Murphy age 46, Capt. Carr's Co.
Daniel Wentworth age 20, Capt. Drew's Co. wounded.
Enoch Burnham age 27, Capt. Rowell's Co. missing.
[P. 63 ] [ The following are on a return of Capt. James
Carr's Co. — no date.
George Fall, Sergeant, Edward Grant, Sam* Grant, Cato
Wallingford.
[P. 265. Same Co.]
John Edwards, age 27, enlisted Feb. 11, 1777.
Eliphalet Cromwell, age 25,
James Menden,
Mark Tate,
"William Grant,
George Fall,
Edward Grant,
Patrick Murray,
»7i
23 »
28,
21,
2r,
56,
4(
(t
((
(4
Mar.
4. "
18, "
3«. "
31. "
I*. "
18, "
Feb.
17, »
]
[P. 269.]
\_Soldters in 7775 and 1776."]
Mark Tate,
Francis Roberts
John Foss
Eanoch Whitehouse
James Burnam
Joshaua Grant
Eben' Whitehouse
Richard Yeaton,
George Ricker
Jonathan Young
Andrew Horn
Samuel Joans
George Robarts
Love Roberts,
Wilaby Goodwin
Noah Goodwin
George Burnam
Daniel Grant
Ezekiel Ricker
This may certifie the above is a List of the persons Engaged
in the american service in the year i77S ^^^ Enlisted for 1776
30
434 EARLY TOWN PAPERS.
with the sum afiixt to each persons name for his province tax
for the year 1 775
Som**» Dec' 10*^:1776
Paul Wentworth 1
John Rollins > Selectmen
Eben' Ricker j
[The whole amount of these men's taxes was ^£4-2-8.
Ed.]
SOUTH HAMPTON.
The town was incorporated May 25, 1742, in answer to a
petition of Thomas Merrill and others, and comprised por-
tions of territory formerly belonging to Amesbury and Salis-
bury in Massachusetts, which were severed from those
towns by the establishment of the province line in 1741.
December 4, 1742, the east end of the town was severed,
and annexed to Hampton Falls. In 1748 several persons
in the west part of the town petitioned to be "polled off"
to Newton. The matter was considered in a town-meeting
July 7, 1 748, and leave granted to all who would send their
names to the secretary of the province within thirty days
from that date. Thirty men did so ; and by an instrument
dated March 22, 1749. were " polled and set off" to Newton
in all matters except the building and repairing of high-
ways. January 4, 1772, a line was established between the
two towns by an act of the legislature.
November 30, 1824, a small tract of land belonging to
Richard Fitz was severed from East Kingston, and annexed
to this town.
Hon. Phillips White died in town June 24, 181 1, aged 82.
He was a member of congress in 1782 and 1783, of the
state council in 1792 and 1793, and judge of probate for
many years.
Corporal David Page was in Capt. Enoch Chase's Com-
pany at ''New Hampshire Village, Feb, 14***, 1781."
['^^53] {^Town Fast'Day appointed^ ^74^ -'\
At a Meeting of the Inhabitants of the Town of South Hamp-
ton November the 26:1742 John Flanders was Chosen mod-
SOUTH HAMPTON. 435
erator for the Same meeting at the Same meeting it was Taken
in to Consideration that where as we the Inhabitants of this
Town being In Present want of a Peious larned orthodox min-
ister of a Good Conversation to Dispence the word and admin-
ister the ordinances of our lord Jesus a mong us and it being our
Duty to look up to Heaven for Divine assistance to Gide us In
all our affairs there fore voted that thursday y* 2 Day of Decem-
ber next is appointed to be a Day of Fasting and Prayer in
order for the Calling and Settling a Gospel minister among us
the vote was Past In the affirmative, at the Same meeting Capt
Jonathan Currier and Joseph French ju' was Chosen a Com-
mittee to Call in the assistance of the Neighbouring ministers to
Celebrate a Day of Fasting and Prayer among us y* vote was
Past In the affirmative, at y* Same meeting Jonathan Farran
James George Daniel Goodwin Jacob Colby Samuel Goodwin
John Elliot David Goodwin Philip Challis David Colby Nathan-
iel Ash Enters their Contrary Desents against the vote for the
Fast which was for Calling and Settelling a Gospel minister
among us. A True Coppy Taken out of South Hampton Town
Book of Records attest Rich^ Collins Town Clerk
[10-53] [ ^^^^ ^^ employ Rev. William Parsons^ ^74^*^
At a legal Meeting of the Inhabitants of the Town of South
Hampton December y* 27 : 1742 John Flanders was Chosen
moderator for the Same meeting, at the Same meeting it was
Voted that we Will Give the Rev* mr William Parsons a Call
to Settel In the work of the Gospel ministry among us voted In
the affirmative, at the Same meeting mr Joseph French mr
John Ordway Leu* Joseph Jewell and Capt Jonathan Currier
was Chosen a Committee to Carry to the Rev* mr William Par-
sons the Towns offer of what they will Give him for his annual
Saliery for Carring on the work of the Gospel ministry among
us and Receive the Rev* mr William Parsons answer and make
Report to the adjurnement of the meeting Voted on the affirm-
ative, the meeting is adjurn* from the 27 Day of December:
1742 to the 3 Day of January 1742/3 then the meeting was Re-
adjurn* from y* 3 Day of January : 1742/3 to y* 17 Day of this
Present Janury at 12 of y* Clock at the Same meeting James
George Jonathan Farran Aaron Currier David Goodwin David
Colby Daniel Goodwin zaccheus Colby Philip Challis Jonathan
Watson Samuel Goodwin Rogles Colby Roger Eastman Jacob
Colby Robert Martain Micah Hoyt Enters there Contrary De-
sents against the vote for Calling and Setteling y* Rev* mr Will-
iam Parsons or any other man in the work of the ministry
under there Present Curcomstances
436 EARLY TOWN f APERS.
A True Coppy Taken Out of South Hampton Town Book
of Records
attest Rich* Collins Town Clerk
[Rev. William Parsons was ordained over the church here
in 1743, and dismissed in October, 1762. — Ed.]
[10-51] \^Vote of Town relative to setting off the West
Part.'\
at A Meeting of the Inhabitants of the Town of South Hamp-
ton September y* 29 Cornet Abraham Brown was Chosen mod-
erator for the Same meeting at the Same meeting it was taken
Into Consideration that Whereas there are A number of Inhab-^
itants of the uper or west Part of this Town that Lives at Con-
siderable Distance from meeting and they thought In time to be
Better accommadated then Constantly to assemble with us and
we being Disirous to Exercise all Christian Regard and Kind-
ness to them votes first that all those Persons that lives above
or to the westward of Capt Jonathan Curriers that have a mind
to go off and be a Parish Shall have there Extraordinary Charge
that they are now at among us Paid back again to them that is
to Say all their Part of the Extraordinary Charge that Shall
a Rise to them by Finishing the meeting House Setteling a min-
ister and Building for him when they shall be thought Capable
by LawfuU authority to maintain the Gospel of Christ among
them Provided they Do not molest or hinders us of the other
Part in our Speedy Setteling a Gospel minister among us and
that they Pay toward his Support while they are of us or belong
to us hoping at the Same time they will of there own free will
be assisting to us—zly voted that we will make no opposition
to them in there Indeavors to be A Reguler town or Parrish
when Ever they Shall be thought Capable by Lawfull authority
voted in the affirmative
a True Coppy Taken Out of South Hampton Town Book of
Recoards
Attest Rich* Collins Town Clerk
[10-52] \^Another Vote relative to the foregoing^ 1148 S\
At A lagual meeting of the Inhabitants of the Town of South
Hampton July y* 7 1748 John Paige Esq' was Chosen moder-
ator—
at the Same meeting it was Considered that whereas there
are A Number of Persons that Lives at the west end of this
SOUTH HAMPTON. 437
Town that thinks they Can better accommodate them Selves by
joyning with there Neighbours for a meeting House then Con-
stantly to assemble with us and we Being willing to Shew them
all Christian Regard and Kindness votes that all those Persons
that lives at the west end of this Town that have a mind to go
off Shall have the Liberty to Pole off them Selves and there Es-
tates which they now have and joyne with there Neighbours In
the District for a Parrish In all affairs Provided they Pole off or
File a list of there names with his Exceelency the Governour
within thirty Dayes from the Day of the Date here of voted In
the affirmative
a True Coppy Taken Out of South Hampton Town Book of
Recoards
attest Rich"* Collins Town Clerk
[Thirty persons filed their names as provided, and were
" polled and set off " to Newton by act of the governor and
council, March 22, 1749, and the line between the towns was
established by act of the legislature, January 4, 1772. —
Ed.]
[R. 4-14] \^Order to impress Christopher Inlanders ^ ^7S9'^
Province of New Hamps'
To M' Nathanael Morrill Clark of the Company Under the
Command of Captain Ephraim Brown of South Hampton in
the Province aforesaid Or to Either of the Sergeants or Cor-
porals belonging to said Company
Greeting
You are hereby Required forthwith to Impress Christopher
Flanders of South Hampton aforesaid Husbandman for his
Majesty s Service in the Expedition now Carrying on for the
Reduction of Canada Requiring him forthwith to Attend Said
Duty : Said Christopher Belonging to the Aforesaid Company
Ought to do Duty therein but has Indeavoured to Avoid the
Same
Hereof fail not And make Return to me of your Doings here-
in— Dated at Hampton falls In the Province aforesaid the 24*"*
Day of April In the 32* year of his Majestys Reign Annoque
Domini 1759 —
Meshech Wcare Col**
Province of New Hamps' April 25"* 1759
By vertue of the within Precept I have Impressed Christo-
438 EARLY TOWN PAPERS.
pher Flanders within named and have Notified him forthwith
to attend his Majesty s Service And Appear before Col^Meshech
Weare Within Named for further Order
Nathl morrill clark
[R. 4-15] \^Statefnent of several, Crown Point Soldiers: ad-
dressed to the Assembly^ 1/6 J,"]
we whose names are hereunto Subscribed we are In His ma-
jesties Servis at the Total Reduction of Canada in the year Last
»ast under the Command of Cap' Jeremiah marstin and Cap*
facob Tilton in Coriiol Goffs Rigement — and after mountreal
lurranderd to His Brittanick majesties army we ware ordered
back to Crown point and when we Came to Crown point we
foolishly Immagining Throug our Ignorance that our Time
wase out that we Listed for and So foollishly Came away not
Considering the 111 Consequinces of Coming off without orders
and we are Sensable that we are under the Greatest oblegation
to be Humble for our folly and madness and for setting Such
111 examples and we do present This our Humble Pitition To
your Exelency and your Right worthy Honours Hoping and
praying that of your Grace and Good plesure would be
pleased to overLook our offence in disarting His majesties Ser-
vis without orders — and we further Beg and pray your Exelen-
cy and your Honours of your further Grace and Good Pleasure
would be pleasd to order To us the wagers for the Time we
wear in the aforesaid Searvis that would have Been due to us
Ife we had not So unhappily disearted with out orders and In
Testimony of our Humble desire we do Humbly Rely on your
Exelencys and Honours Grac and marcy Humblely Craving
your peculier Regard for wee are in Needy Surcomstancs and
So we Remain your Dutifull Servants —
Dated at South Hampton march y* 16 : 1761 —
Ebenezer Brown Jur
Robert pike
Ezra Getchel
Nathaniel merrill
henery french ir
Gideon Gould
Timothy Clough all of Capt marstins Company
Edward Green of Cap* Til tons company
SOUTH HAMPTON. 439
[R. 4-16] \_Certtficate of Enlistment^ ijSo^'\
Exeter March 7*^ 1 780
this May Certefy that Epheram & trueworthy Dudly Inlisted
with Me the 3 Day of Aperil in the year 1777 theay Also ware
Mustered For the town of Southampton gl Recivd of Captain
Parker Flanders One Hundred Dollars Each as hire For that
pirpos Jon* Cass
£10-54] \_Petition of sundry Persons to be annexed to NeW'
ton.'\
We Subscribers Inhabitants of South-Hampton do humbly
request that we & our Estates may be Annexed to Newton for
the reasons following (viz) —
We were originally of the Almesbury District, which is now
called Newtown —
We can attend publick worship there with more ease ; the
way to it being much better, & the place of worship nearer.
Some of us live within half a Mile of Newtown Meeting House
& four Miles from our Own —
The most of us do constantly attend publick worship at
Newtown & enjoy special religious priveledges there : but are
deny'd the Satisfaction of paying our Money where we have
our favours, & to those to whom it seems of right due; & the
Mortification of paying it to such as do us no good —
We are ill accommodated in regard to schooling for our
Children : Newtown's School we have no right to, South
Hampton is so distant that we cannot send to it. Indeed South
Hampton hath in some instances lefl our proportion of the
School Money to our own disposal but the Sum is so small
that it will not maintain a School long enough to be of any con-
siderable benefit: & even while it does supporta School among
us we live so Scattered & at such a distance from one another
that the School cannot be so plac'd as to well accommodate us
all at once.
Our condition is really in our account very unhappy : we
therefore earnestly beg that your Excellency, & Honors, would
take it under your consideration & grant such relief as in your
wisdom you shall think proper
Jonathan Courier Samuel Kimball
I^hilip Currier Challis Currier
Thomas Currier Nathan Currier
Charles Coollins James Currier
Aaron Sargent Sarah Currier
440 EARLY TOWN PAPERS.
[In H. of Rep., March 22. 1770, John Giddings and Dr.
Ebenezer Thompson were appointed a committee, to which
the council added Daniel Pierce, to make inquiries, and re-
port to the assembly. The matter was settled by the legis-
lature, January 4, 1772. — Ed.]
[10-55] [Return of Ratable Polls^ ^7^3 -\
South Hampton Dec' 16, 1783
State of Newhampshire Rockingham ss :
Ag^eable to a Vote of the General Assembly we the Sub-
scribers have Taken the Number of Polls in said Town that
pay Taxes from Twenty one years of Age and Upwards and
the Number is Eighty Six —
Joseph Merrill ) Select
William graves J Men
[xo-56] \^IIon. Phillips White declines a Reelection to Con*
gress^ 178J.']
South Hampton Dec' 22^ 1783
Hon* Sir
Rec* A Line from the Secretary, Informing of my being ap-
pointed A Delegate to Congress, and requesting an answer — I
thank the Honb'* Court for the Honor done me, but my affairs
are in such Situation, that I cannot Engage. I am your Hon'
Obcd* Hum" Serv*
P White
Hon Meshech Weare President of Council
[Mr. White was a member of congress in 1782 and 1783.
Ed.]
[10-57] [.Protest against the Adoption of Articles 8 and Q
of the Confederation^ lySj."]
This May Certify that I Eliphelet Merrill as Representative
for the Town of South Hampton & Newtown Agrcable to In-
structions from Said towns do Enter my protest Against the
Eighth & Ninth Articles of the Confedarntion as proposed by
the Honb** Continental Congress Being Rec^ by this State as
they Now Stand —
Eliphelet Merrill
SOUTH HAMPTON. 44 1
[10-58] [^H6n, Phillips White declines the Office of Sena^
tor."]
South Hampton Dec' 5 1794
Sir
Rec* your fav' enclosing a Notification of my being appoint-
ed by the general Court A Senator for Ds' N** 2 in this state —
In the course of the last year I made mention to several of
the members of the general Court that belonged to this County
and others that I inclined to retire from Public business. I re-
main of the same mind and determine that the liberty which I
now enjoy shall not be interrupted by my Accepting of said ap-
pointment, this from
your Huml Serv'
P White
Nathaniel Parker Esq'
[10-59] \,P^lilion for the Appointment of a Committee to
establish a Town Line^ i^g^:.']
The Petition of the Select Men of South Hampton in said
state, in behalf of Said town and agreeable to a Vote of the
same Hnmbly Sheweth —
that not a long time after said town of South Hampton was
Incorporated, a Number of the Inhabitants at the Eastwardly
part of Said Town Petitioned the General Court to be annexed
to Hampton falls, which was granted and all the Inhabitants
& there Estates Eastward of a certain line from the South East
corner bounds of Kensington to the State line were thereby an-
nexed to Hampton falls, leaving the nonresident lands to South
Hampton, not a long time after those annexed Inhabitants to-
gether with a part of What was formerly Hampton falls were
Incorporated into a town by the name of Seabrook which
brought the Side line of South Hampton not far from the mid-
dle of Said town of Seabrook. Since which time many dis-
putes have arisen with regard to taxation, but we cannot find
on any record that said line hath been Perambulated since said
towns were Incorporated, that is the line Eastward from the
South East corner bounds of Kensington to the Atlantic Ocean,
but Since the late Act of the Honble General Court requiring
all towns in said state to Perambulate there lines and renew the
bounds and Monuments, your petitioners have made Applica-
tion to the select men of said town of Seabrook and likewise of
Hampton falls to Perambulate said line, but a difterence of Sen-
timent appears to be betwixt them and us with regard to the
44^ EARLY TOWN PAPERS.
place where said line shall be Perambulated, which we think is
not likely to be Settled without the Interposition of your Hon-
ours having in our opinion taken Every reasonable method to
Settle the same, your Petitioners therefore pray that your Hon-
ours would take the Matter under your wise Consideration and
appoint a comittee to Establish said line agreeably to the returns
that may appear, that is the line from the South East corner
bounds of Kensington Eastward \o the Atlantic Ocean, or take
such other order upon the same' as your Honours in your Wis-
dom may think proper, and your petitioners as in duty bound
Shall Ever pray —
South Hampton Dec' 8**^ 1794
acob Collins "^
oseph Jones jur > Select Men
ohn H Pilsbury )
SPRINGFIELD,
The township was granted Jan. 3, 1769, to John Fisher,
of Portsmouth, and fifty-nine others, by the name of Pro-
tect worth. Settlements were made in 1772, but the town
contained only 210 inhabitants in 1790. The town was
known by the aforesaid name until Jan. 23, 1794, when it
was incorporated, and named Springfield. By an act passed
June 20, 1 81 7, a tract of land lying between this town and
Enfield called Heath's Gore, was annexed to this town.
[10-60] {^Relative to Wentworth^ s Reservation : addressed to
the General Assembly J\
The Petition & Memorial of Us the Subscribers Inhabitants
of the Township of Protectworth in the County of Grafton in
the State aforesaid unto Your Hon'* humbly Shews —
That Your Petitioners labour under very great Hardships for
the Want of a Grist Mill whereby they have Annually lost near
half the Value ' of their Grain in going to distant Mills, That
the Priviledge whereon the present Saw Mill is erected, is by
no Means sufficient for the Purpose of a Grist Mill, having
scarcely Water enough to supply Boards for the present Inhab-
SPRINGFIELD. 443
itants, and your Petitioners having assembled themselves to-
gether, chose a Committee to inspect a Place suitable for that
Purpose who proceeded upon that Business and found an ex-
cellent Place called the great Bog Brook on the North Westerly
Part of the Town North of Samuel Stevens lot, as the only
Place that can accommodate the Town, which Your Petitioners
are informed belongs to the Estate of John Wentworth Esq'
late Gov' of New Hampshire now an Absentee and to be ap-
propriated for the Benefit of his Creditors and as the building
the said Mill greatly enhanced the Value of the Land in the
Town Your Petitioners humbly apply to this Hon^** Court for
a Grant of Two hundred Acres of Land, to be disposed of as
the Town may think most advantageous to them, in Considera-
tion of which, the Town will undertake to build & keep the
said Grist Mill always fit for Use. If your Honours sh* not
think vourselves sufficiently authorized to make said Grant as
being a Property already appropriated they pray the Hon**"
Judge of Probate may be advised on this Matter so interesting
to yr Petitioners and their dependant Families whose Wants for
the bread of life are often pinching, while they are so far situa-
ted in the Wilderness from Mills; And Your Petitioners further
pray this Hon"* Court would Oblige the Proprietors of the
Township called Alexandria Addition and other Towns thro'
which they must travell to and from the lower Parts of the
State to cutt out & clear their Roads, which has been wholly
done by Your Petitioners hitherto to their great Injury and
Damage, Your Petitioners are desirous at this Time to acknowl-
edge themselves the Subjects of this State notwithstanding the
Extension of the Jurisdiction of Vermont and that they would
wish ever to remain so. Your Petitioners pra}' such Relief on
this Petition as Your Honours in your Wisdom may think
proper —
David Hall Israel Clifford Nathan Letel
Daniel heath wadleigh Smith Ruben Stevens
Enoch heath John Lovring Ruben hoit
Zephaniah Petee Matthew Pettengill Thomas Colcord
Nichlus Hardy Samuel Day Daniel Bean
Ebenezer Loverin John Couch David Bean
Israel Clifford Jun Thomus Gordin sen John Sawer
Nathaniel Clark Thomus Gordin Jonathan Dudley
George Witaer Juner Samuel Stevens
Samuel Stevens Benjamin Choate
444 EARLY TOWN PAPERS.
[10-61] [Relative to Gov. Wentworth^s Land: addressed
to the General Assembly^ lySo.']
The Memorial, and Petition of the Proprietors of Protect-
worth in the County of Grafton in the State aforesaid, unto
your Honours Humbly Shews —
That John Wentworth Esq' Jate Governor of New Hamp-
shire purchased Twelve Thousand Acres of Land in said Town-
ship equal to Twenty seven shares which were accordingly
allotted out at the Expence of this Proprietary, and afterwards
drawn to said Shares, That for Settlement of said Land, the
Governor agreed to give away Eighteen Lotts of one hundred
Acres each to sellers, and im ployed Cap* J Mi not of Concord
for that Purpose, and also gave away to sundry Persons several
of his Seventy five Acre Lots to be setled, but before he had ex-
ecuted his Deeds for the same, he quitted the Government, and
Cap* Minot also failing in his Contract, the whole Burthen of
the Settlement has fallen on y* Petitioners who have given away
more than Twenty selling Lots, besides paying for public
Roads & allotting the Town, and the State Taxes for the years
1777, and 1778, whilst all the Proprietary, and State Taxes on
the said Governors Rights are wholly unpaid, and altho your
Petitioners have directed their Collector to proceed in the Sale
thereof agreable to Law« and Notifications in the public Prints
for that Purpose, yet as by the Sequestration, & Confiscation
Acts, the said Governors Estate becomes forfeited, Your Peti-
tioners out of Respect to Government, have desired said Col-
lector to desist in the Sale of the delinquent Rights until they
have the advisement of the Hon**** Court, and they humbly pray
your Honours to appoint a Committee to examine into the State
of this Dependency, & to report thereon so as this Hon**** Court
may grant such Relief thereon as may be found Reasonable —
And that those Persons who have had Lots promised them by
the Governor may be confirmed thereon, and that the said
Eighteen Lots of one hundred Acres each designed for the Set-
tlement of the Town, may be disposed of by the Proprietors in
the most BeneBcial manner for the Settlement of the Town, and
that the Seventy five Acres on which the Taxes have been laid
may be sold for payment thereof agreable to Law, or otherways
paid by an Order on the Treasury, and your Petitioners as in
Duty bound shall ever pray.
Jonathan Warner, Moderator.
Portsm" June 16** 1780 A true Coppy from the Records of
the Proprietors of Protectworth
Attested per John Wendell p** Clerk
SPRINGFIELD. 445
[10-62] [Petition from Settlers on the Governor Went-
worth Lots: addressed to the Assembly ^ 1780,']
Humbly Shews Your Petitioners that John Wentworth Esq'
late Governor in Granting the Township of Protectworth made
a Reserve to himself of about Twelve thousand Acres of Land
and to enhance the Value thereof, Promis* a Certain quantity of
Land to any persons who Should begin Settlement on said
Tract, upon which encouragement and Verbal Agreement with
said Governor Each of Your Petitioners begun Settlement and
a Number became Actual Settlers in said Township having a
Promise also that a passable Highway should be cut and cleared
to said Town and thence to each Settlers Lott, which Lotts as
p' Agreement for quantity are as represented in the Schedule
hereto Annexed, and also that a Corn Mill should be built in
the Town afores** for the benefit of the Propriators, neither of
which promises has in the least been peformed, to the great
detriment of your Petitioners, and that to the Amount of a con-
siderable Sum in opening highways to and in said Town, And
Circumstances being such at present we know of no way how
to obtain Title to our lands but by Application to Your hon"
wherefore Your Petitioners humbly pray, that their Claim to
the Lotts of Land above refered to may be confirmed to them
by an Act of the Hon" Assembly in such manner as You in
Wisdom shall Judge most proper, and as the before mentioned
Tract of Land is now become the property of this State, We
pray that an Adequate sum be Allowed your Petitioners for
opening and clearing highways, and that we may have a Corn
Mill built according to Promise when Your Petitioners made
Settlement, the Non-performance of the before mentiond Prom-
ises being a burden too heavy for your Poor Petitioners to bear,
and Except relieved by your hon™ must finally Sink under the
weight, and as your Petitioners Viz those that reside in s* Pro-
tectworth by the aforesaid difficulties are very much reduced,
having a Will altho not ability to pay Taxes, pray, their Polls
may be abated the present year and as in Duty bound Your Pe-
tioners shall Ever pray
Protectworth June 5* 1780
Samuel Stevens one 75 Acre Lott N** o
Nathaniel Clark one 75 Acre Lott N° o
Nicholas Hardy one 75 Acre Lott N* o
Zephaniah Petty one 75 Acre Lott N**
David Bean one 75 Acre Lott N®
Thomas Gordon Jun*" one 75 Acre Lott No®
Isaac Sanborn one 75 Acre Lott N° o
abraham Sandborn
44^ EARLY TOW|f PAPERS.
Daniel Clark one 75 Acre Lott N^ o
Moses Elk ins one 75 Acre Lott N®
David Hall one 75 Acre Lott N* o
Matthew Petti ngall two 75 acre Lotts N* o
Moses Call one 75 Acre Lott N* o
Moses Loverein
Nathaniel Little one 75 Acre Lptt N*
Ebenezer Loverain 75 acre Lott N® o
Jacob Heeth
Ezekiel Heeth
Daniel Heeth
[10-63] [^Report of Committee on foregoing^ ijHqJ\
State of New Hamp'
In the House of Representatives June ai** 1780.
The Committee on the Petition of Sundry Inhabitants of Pro-
tectworth, Report that they think it Reasonable that an Act
should pass Confirming to the Fifteen persons first named in the
Schedule Annexed to the Petition their Heirs and Assigns the
fee of a Seventy five Acre lott of Land, to wit the respective
Lott on which Each person hath made Improvement, Provided
a Family is actually settled thereon within Twelve Months —
and to the Three last Mentioned in said Schedule, Viz Jacob
Heath, Ezekiel Heath, and Daniel Heath One Hundred Acres
Each to be laid out to Cover their several and respective Im-
provements, and are of Opinion that the Determination of ful-
filling any further Promises said to be made said Settlers by
Gov' Wentworth, be postponed untill some Evidence of such
promises Appear, Signed Ge** Atkinson Chairman, which report
being read & Considered : Voted that it be received and Ac-
cepted, and that the Petitioners have leave to bring in a Bill
Accordingly —
Sent up for Concurrence
John Langdon Speaker
In Council the same day read and Concurred
E Thompson SeC^^
[10-64] [^Oliver Whipple^ 5 statement relative to the Settlers
on the Governor's Land^ i^So.']
Portsmouth June 19, 1780
Gentlemen
M' Wendall having requested me to give the Hon** Com-
mittee what Information I could, respecting Governor Went-
SPRINGFIELD. 44/
worth's Interest in the Township of Protectworth, on Consid-
eration, I recollect the following Facts —
That in the Year 1 771, as I remember, Governor John Went-
worth, told me he had Lands in the Township of Protectworth,
and that he wanted about ten or a dozen Families to settle on
the same ; he asked me, if it was probable I could procure that
Number of Settlers in the State of Rhode Island, for him, to
settle his Lands in said Protectworth, I told him it was likly I
could get that Number ; accordingly at his Request & on his
Behalf, I wrote an Advertisment, sent it to Providence to M'
Carter the Printer of the Providence Gazzette, which he pub-
lished ; In which Advertisment, I offered as an Inducment to
Setlers, (agreeable to the Governor's Directions) to give each
Setler, one hundred Acres of Land in Protectworth ; The exact
Number of Setlers the Governor wanted I cant be certain of,
but I think about twelve but he told me, if there were twenty or
more it would be agreeable, as the other Proprietors would be
glad to take them on the same Lay and I think I advertised for
about 20 Setlers ; In Consequence of my Advertising, some
Persons from that Qiiartcr wrote me. They would accept my
offer, and I understood they set out to see that Part of the
Country, but on their going into those Parts, they found other
Lands, more agreeable, as I was informed, & so made no further
Application to me ; The Governor to my Knowledge, was
urgent with me to get those Setlers for him, as he was extremly
desirous to have his Part in that Town, settled as soon as pos-
sible ; This is all I cnn recollect after so long Time has elapsed,
had I the Advertisment I could be perticular, but the foregoing
is the Substance, the Truth of which I am read}* to give Oath
to, if call'd on, — I am Gentlemen, your most obed* & very Hum-
ble Serv^
Oliver Whipple
To The Hon"* George Atkinson Esq' & others a Committee
of the General Assembly of New Hampshire appointed to con-
sider the Petition of the Inhabitants & Proprietors of the Town-
ship of Protectworth
[10-65] [^Samuel Gilman relative to foregoing^ ^7^-^'l
Protectworth iS*** June 1781 —
Sir
Not having 3'et compleated my Business here, and being un-
certain whether I shall be able to return before tiie General
Court rises, I take the liberty to represent to you, that tho' I
find the People well enough satisfied with what has been done
by the Court respecting their Settling Lotts, yet they Labour
448 EARLY TOWN PAPERS.
under very great DifHculties for want of Roads and a Grist Mill,
particularly a Mill and are very desirous that a Lot might be
appropriated for that Purpose, which I have no Right to do,
without Orders of Court, which if I don't return soon, shall not
be able to obtain before the Sale, unless you Sir, will please to
make Application that the Cotnmitte of Safly might be Author-
ised to Examine and take Order in the Matter, on my Return —
the Matter being of so great (Consequence to the People and
Prosperity & advancement of the Settlement doubt not your
doing what you can in the Affair — Am Sir in hast your most
humble Serv' —
Sam^ Gil man
To John Wendell Esq, Portsmouth
Sellers in the Township of Protect worth
Samuel Stevens Moses Elkins John Sawyer
Isaac Sanborn Zeph : Petty Matthew Scales
Abraham Sanborn Benj' Choate Thomas Colcord j'
Nath' Clarke Matthew Pettingale Quinhy
Geo : Pitcher John Cootch Israel Clitibrd
John Lovering VV" Cousier Jonathan Dudley
Samuel Stevens J' David Bean Tristam Clifford
Moses Lovering Daniel Bean Jacob Heath
Israel Cliflbrd jun' David Hall Enoch Heath
Ebenezer Lovering Thomas Gordon Daniel Heath
Caleb Lovering Thomas Gordon jun*" Nathaniel Little
Nich* Hardy Samuel Day Daniel Clarke. —
[10-66] \^Petition for a Lot for a Grist- Mill ^ lySi : ad"
dressed to the Legislature. '\
The Memorial & Petition of the Inhabitants of the Township
of Protect worth in the State aforesaid Humbly Shews —
That your Petitioners have setled in the said Township to
the number of forty & more dail}' expected in. that the roads
to said Township are extreme bad from black Water bridge
about the distance of Eight Miles, and what is now done has
been done by your Petitioners at their own Cost & Expence, by
which the Land through which it passes is much enhanced in
Value, & is now & will be hereafter greatly Travelled through
as the Country opens. Your Petitioners further begs Leave to
represent to this Honourable Court that the proprietors have
built them a Saw Mill in said Township, but that there is no
Stream Sufficient to Carry a Grist Mill only on the north part
of the Town, which formerly belonged to the late Governor
SPRINGFIELD. 449
Wentworth, and which is now laying out by the Trustee of his
Estate, who is now desirous of reserving to your Petitioners a
Mill Lott for that Priviledge, but cannot without Leave of this
Honorable Court, which Priviledge if the said Trustee shoud
Sell wou'd greatly Damage the Settlement of said Township,
wherefore your Petitioners humbly pray that the Owners of
said Land through which the said Road Passes may be obliged
to reimburse a reasonable sum for making said road and that
they be obliged to make the same Passable for Waggons, and
that vour Honors wou'd Authorize the Hon**** Committee of
Safety to set a part as much Land for the purpose of a Oris Mill
as they together with the said Trustee upon his return from
Surveying the same shall judge reasonable Your Petitioners
wou'd also beg leave to Inform this Honorable Court that they
have been sent to by the State of Vermont for their Quota of
Men, yet they have taken no Notice thereof, but are desirous of
still remaining Subject to the State of New Hampshire to which
they have hitherto thought themselves belonging, — Your Peti-
tioners as in Duty bound shall ever pray —
John Wendell in Behalf of the
Setlers in Protectworth
June 22* 1781 —
f 10-67] \^Relative to maintaining the Road through New
London^ Ij8j,^
State of New Hampshire Cheshire County
To the Hon^* General Court of s"* State—
The Humble petition of us the Subscribers, Inhabitants and
setlers, of the Township Called Protectworth ; we your Hum-
ble petitioners, would shew forth that we living in a new Town
and have many bad Roads to make, and to mend in' s* Town,
over and above all that we have a frequent Necessity to pass in
from s* Township toward the lower part of s^ State, and the
difficulty in passing as the Road now is ; is almost impracticable
especially some part thereof (Viz) a part that now goes through
a part of New London, which is the most direct road for us ; to
almost any part, of the lower part of s** State, and the same
road has hitherto been Maintained by the Settlers of s* Protect-
worth— (and by many Reasons, too many to be Enumerated,
which your Hon" may easily conceive of in a Moment — we
cannot be at the charge of keeping it passable any longer) —
therefore your Humble petitioners prays that the proprietors,
or Inhabitants of New London may be Obliged to make Feas-
ible and keep so, so much of s* road to Protectworth (where it
81
450 EARLY TOWN PAPERS.
is most advantageous to the setlers of s^ Protectworth and the
publick in General) as goes through New London, and prays
that something particular relative thereto may be done and your
Humble petitioners as in duty bound shall ever pray —
Protectworth Ocf 28'^ 1 783
Samuel Day Nicholas hardie
Israel Clifford Thomas Gorden Jun
Nathaniel Clark Thomas Coicord
Biley hardie Matthew Gault
Israel CI i fiord Juner Ebenezer Loverin
John Quimby John Loveren
John Couch timothy quimby
John Sawyer Samuel roby
Reuben Stevens Enock heath
wadleigh smith
[In H. of Rep., Jan. 4, 1782, voted that the proprietors
of New London shall keep the road in repair. — Ed.]
[10-69] [-^^'V'c^ Bean chosen ^or yustice of the Peace, 1/86,']
The. town of Protectworth being Meet together at time and
place according to Warning pas* these following Votes Viz
i^ly Chose Reuben Stevens Morderator to govern s* Met-
ing—
2ly Made Choise of David Bean to be our Justice of Peace
Protectworth January y* 16*** 1786
A Coppy of afour s* Meting
Sam" Robie Town Clerk
[10-73] \,P^titton for an Act of Incorporation : addressed to
the General Courts ^793 '^
The petition of the Selectmen of Protectworth in the County
of Cheshire within the State aforesaid in behalf of the Inhabi-
tants of said Township, Humbly Sheweth, that whereas said
Township have not been Incorporated and thereby the Inhabi-
tants of said Township are not entitled to all the privileges that
many of our fellow Citizens of other Towns are which we trust
this Hon**'* Court will be ready to grant to the Inhabitants of
said Township if asked for — They therefore Humbly present
themselves as objects of the like favour, and pray that they
woud take into their wise consideration and Incorporate said
Township by the name of Springfield, and that the Annual
STARK. 45 I
March Meeting be as now appointed by an Act of General
Court, and as in duty bound will ever pray —
Protectworth June y* 3* 1793
Moses Richardson '\ Selectmen
John Quinby >■ of
Samuel Robie ) Protectworth
This is to certify that the within Copy have been posted up
agreeable to the within Order by us
Moses Richardson *! Selectmen
John Qiiimby >■ of
Samuel Robie ) Protectworth
Protectworth Dec' y* 21** 1793
[The town was incorporated Jan. 23, I794» and its name
changed to Springfield. — Ed.]
STARK.
The township was granted Aug. 3, 1774, to Jacob Wal-
den and others, by the name of Percy. This being the
family name of the duke or earl of Northumberland, and a
member of said family, Thomas Percy, being at that time
chaplain to the king, probably accounts for the name, and
also for the name of the town of Northumberland, the latter
being named in 1771. The town was incorporated Jan. 9,
1795, and in the act of incorporation the spelling is changed
to Piercy.
By act passed June 21, 1832, the tract of land embraced
in ranges seventeen, eighteen, nineteen, and twenty, in the
south-east part of Stratford, was annexed to this town, and
on the 2 1st of December of the same year, the tract of
land granted to Gen. John Winslow, of Marshfield, Mass.,
Oct. 21, 1773, containing 5,060 acres, was also annexed to
this town.
By an act passed Dec. 28, 1832, the name of the town
was changed from Percy to Stark, in honor of Gen. John
Stark.
December 4, 1840, a tract of land owned by Elhanan
Winchester was severed from this town and annexed to
Lancaster.
452 EARLY TOWJI PAPERS.
July 1, 1868, a small tract of land was severed from Stark
and annexed to Dummer.
[10-75] \^Petition for Incorporation : addressed to the Gen^
eral Courts ^794-^
The petition of the subscribers^ Inhabitants of a New Town-
ship called Picrcy in the County of Grafton State aforesaid
Humbly Shews —
That we s* subscribers labouring under many inconveniences
on Account of our Not being vested with Town Authority by
Incorporation, Not only in laying out Roads, and establishing
them in the most convenient Routs, but many other incon-
veniences to the great detriment and preventing the settlement
of s* New Township — Therefore praying that the Hon" Gen-
eral Court, would Incorporate s* New Township into a Town
by the Name of Piercy as afores* thereby Vesting them with
Town privilegs as other Towns in the State by Law do enjoy —
And as in duty Bound will ever pray —
Piercy May lo**" 1794 —
Caleb Smith Elisha Blake
Jonathan Cole Anthony Clefford Jun
Barnard Cole Nath** Dodge
Claftbrd Cole peter Leavitt
edmund Cole James Leavitt
Abner Clark Peter Leavitt Jur
Aaron Jackson Daniel Miles
Edward Rowell James
John Ward Daniel Rowell
[The petition was granted, and the town incorporated
Jan. 9, 1795.— Ed.]
STEWARTSTOWN.
The township was granted Dec. i, 1770, to Sir James
Cockburne. Sir George Colebrooke, and John Stuart of Lon-
don, and John Nelson of the island of Grenada ; the two
latter were merchants. The town was named Stuart town,
the derivation of which is obvious. It was incorporated
Dec. 22, 1795, by the name of Stuart, but doubts arising as
STEWARSTOWN. 453
to the legality of some of the proceedings, it was again in-
corporated Dec. 24, 1799, and named Stewartstown. The
town being on the frontier during the Revolutionary war
and liable to raids by Canadian Indians, no permanent set-
tlements were made until after peace was declared. A fort
was built in town during the War of i8i2- I5,and occupied
for some time by American troops.
[10-76] \_Petition for Authority to assess a Tax on Non^
Resident Lands^ etc. : addressed to the General Assembly^
The petition of the subscribers, inhabitants of a Township
called vStuart in said County humbly sheweth, that your peti-
tioners did some of them become inhabitants of said Township
previous to the late War with Great Britain, and in addition to
the burden of war which they felt severely, they have suffered
much harpship in traveling through the desart to their respect-
ive settlements without roads, although under necessity of bring-
ing their supplies of provision &c thirty miles or upwards — and
notwitstanding the increasing settlements of said township and
the most strenuous exertions of said inhabitants the road in and
through said Stuart is incomplete and impassible for teams ;
and your petitioners conceiving it to be highly reasonable that
the lands in said township whose value hath been increased by
their emigration and settlement should bear at least part of the
burden of making roads therein, which the proprietors of said
township have hitherto wholly neglected to do : therefore your
petitioners humbly prays this honorable court to grant a tax of
two pence on each acre of land in said Stuart for the purpose
of making and repairing roads and bridges therein to be laid
out under the direction of some meet persons in said township
with in one year from the last clay of November next ensuing
the grant of said tax — And further your petitioners consid-
ering many inconveniences to which they are subject on ac-
count of their unincorporated state, the want of authority to
raise money and collect the same for the purpose of making
roads, keeping schools, and conducting other matters for the
benefit of said inhabitants pray that they may be incorporated,
and vested with all the power and authority which other towns
within said State do by law exercise and enjoy and your peti-
tioners shall ever pray —
Stuart ii**" May AD 1795 —
454 EARLY TOWK PAPERS.
Dan^ Brainerd J' Danl Hulbert
Rich* Smart Elisha Dyer
Abner Powars Theophs Durell
Abel Bennet Jr Clement Miner
John French Abner wood Junr
Luther French David Lock
Longley Willard Nathaniel Durell
Barzillai Brainerd Boswel Merrill
John Walls
[Granted Dec. 9, 1795.]
[10-77] [,J^cl<^iive to amending- the Act of Incorporation^
Whereas a petition was prepared to the honorable General
Court of the State of New Hampshire, at their Session in June,
in the Year 1795, praying that a place called Stuart, in the
County of Grafton and State of New Hampshire, might be in-
corporated into a Town, and also that a tax of two pence on
each acre of Land in said Stuart, might be granted for the pur-
pose of making roads and bridges; Whereupon the said Gen-
eral Court at their session in December in the same year passed
an Act to incorporate the said place called Stuart, by the metes
and bounds mentioned in the Charter thereof, into a Town by
the name of' Stuart ; and at their session in December in the
Year 1796, passed an act granting a tax of three cents on each
acre of land in said Stuart, public rights excepted, for the pur-
pose of making roads and bridges, And as the said place was
at the time of preferring said petition, understood and known
to said petitioners by the name of Stuart, when in reality it was
called Stuartstown in the Charter thereof, and some doubts
have since arisen respecting the legality of said incorporation,
as well as of the tax granted as aforesaid : Therefore, Your
petitioners, inhabitants of said Stuartstown, humbly pray this
honourable Legislative Body, to make such Amendments to the
before mentioned Acts, as they shall think expedient, to answer
the ends and purposes for which they were passed, or by any
other way which they shall think proper incorporate the said
Stuartstown, and vest it with such previledges as other Towns
in said State enjoy, and enable them to collect and lay out a tax
of three cents on each acre of land therein, for the purpose of
making Roads and Bridges, public Rights excepted — And your
petitioners shall ever pray &c —
Stuartstown Nov' 23* AD 1799
STODDARD. 45 5
Dan^ Brainerd Jun' Danl Hulbert
Richard Smart Eliphalet Miner
Stephen Kennp Elisha Dyer
Jeremiah Eames Ju' David Locke
I'ellatiah Nichols Hanry Sallanhim
John Walls Elijah Benton
[December 24, 1799, an act passed the legislature incor-
porating the town by the name of Stewartstown. — Ed.]
STODDARD.
The township was granted by the Masonian proprietors
to Col. Sampson Stoddard, of Chelmsford, Mass., and others,
and went by the names of Monadnock No. 7, and Limerick,
until it was incorporated Nov. 4, 1774, and named in honor
of Col. Stoddard. Settlements were made in 1769 by John
Taggart and others, who for a time obtained bread-meal in
Peterborough and carried it to their homes on their backs.
By an act passed Sept. 27, 1787, the south-west corner of
the town was combined with portions of Gilsum, Keene, and
Nelson, and incorporated into the town of Sullivan.
The lines of Gilsum and Marlow, as chartered, extending
some distance east of the curve line of Mason's patent, as
surveyed by Joseph Blanchard, and the west line of Stod-
dard, being said curve line, caused a serious dispute as to
which should have jurisdiction over the territory in question.
This was settled in favor of Stoddard June 16, 1797.
June 25, 1835, the farm of Ebenezer Tarbox was severed
from Stoddard and annexed to Nelson.
Stoddard men in First N. H. Regiment :
Samuel Morrison enlisted January i, 1777; discharged
December, 1781.
Richard Richardson enlisted April 3, 1777; discharged
April 5, 1780.
Nathaniel Richardson enlisted April 3, 1777; died June
24, 1777.
The manufacture of glass-ware was carried on to some
extent at South Stoddard for many years.
456 EARLY TOWN PAPERS.
[10-S6] [ Warrant for Town- Meeting,^ ^77^-2
Bv Virtue of an order from the Select men of Stoddard to me
I Warn all the Freeholders and oather inhabitants of the Town
of Stoddard To meet att the Dwelling house of Ens" John Ten-
neys in Stoddard on Wednesday the twentieth Day of June next
at Eleven oClock forenoon then and there to act on the follow-
ing articles if they see fit
i*^ To Chuse a moderator to govern Said meeting —
2*^ To See if the Town will Chuse a Select man in the room of
Isaac Kenney who was Chose that office and refuses to Sarve
the Town —
3*y To See if the Town will Chuse two Constables in the roon^
of Ephraim Adams and Benoni Boynton, who was Chose and
refuse to Sarve y* Town
4^^^ To See if the Town will a gree to hire any preaching this
present Summer — and Chuse a Committee for the Same —
5^^ To raise Such Sum or Sums of money as Shall be thot
proper —
6'^ To See if the Town will Chuse a Commitee to open Such
of the propriators roads that was Laid out in this Town be-
fore it was incorporated as shall be thot neessary —
7^ To See What the Town will Do in respect to Isaac Kenney &
Taken asalls oath
8*^ To have the Town agree where the preaching Shall be if
they hire any
9*' To See if the Town will Chuse a Commitee to reckon with
Oliver Parker and to receive his accompts and give him re-
cipts — and to Demand of him the Said parker the Town Book
of records With the incorporation and all the records that
are past
Stoddard may y* 22* 1776
Isaac Temple Town Clr
[ia-78] [^Remonstrance against the election of yosephRoun^
seval^ 1776 J\
Colony of Newhamp'
to the Hon^'* Counciele and house of Representatives for s* Col-
ony—
the Petition and prayer of the subscribers Inhabitants of Stod-
dard in S** Colony humbly Sheweth that m' Joseph Rounsivile
may not have a Seat in Court for Reasons here mentioned firstly
because he is not worth the money Seccondly because he is not
STODDARD. 457
leagly Chousen the Town not Being warned to Chuse a Repre-
sintitive But to Chuse a Comt** to Chuse one and accordingly
he was Chosen by Comt®*"
Stoddard August 2* 1776
Jonathan Bennett joel Gilson
Oliver Parker William Dutton
John Dutton Isaac Kenney
Asa Adams Moses Kenney
Thomas Adams
[10-79] \^Disorder at a Town- Meetings -^77^']
The Petition of a Number of the Inhabitants of Stoddard in
the Colony afores^ humbly Sheweth That on the Last Thursday
of the month of march Last past at Stoddard afores** was held
y* annual meeting, so called, for the Town afores** when after
Chusing by hand Vote The Town officers for the Ensuing Year
(among which Officers were Two Constables Chosen) The
Town Clerk and Selectmen then chosen utterly refused to per-
mit the s* Constables to take the Oath of office, declaring that
y* former Selectmen should make y* assesment, and the former
Constables collect the same, for the Ensuing year, after the
Transacting of which it was requested of the moderator to Ad-
journ y* s** meeting, upon which he called a Vote to see if it
was the mind of y* Inhabitants so to do who almost unanimously
voted that s* meeting be not adjourned, but the moderator not-
withstanding did declare the same adjourned untill y* Second
day of may then next, at which Time a Number of your peti-
tioners protested against y* proceedings of s** meeting for the
Reasons aforcs* your Petitioners further shew that on the
Twelfth day of June Instant a small Number of the Inhabitants
of y* s** Town did meet Together at a place never before that
Time used for that purpose in a Tumultuous manner to the
Number of about Eight persons to vote upon Sundry Articles
and things in the notification herewith Exhibited, mentioned,
by means of all which proceedings the utmost disorder and Con-
fussion is introduced into y* s*^ Town, and the most unhappy
Consequences are reasonably Expected to take place, wherefore
your Petitioners (being a major Part of the Inhabitants freehold-
ers and others Legally Qualified to Vote in Town meetings)
humbly pray your Honors to take this our Petition into your
wise Consideration and to a point some Legal method for call-
ing a meeting of y* Inhabitants of s** Town as soon as may be in
order to transact y* necessary buisness of y* Town and restore
peace and Harmony amongst the Inhabitants or otherways to
458 EARLY TOWN PAPERS.
Grant us releif as to your Honors shall seem fit, and your Peti*
tioners as in duty bound shall Ever pray
Stoddard June 18, 1776.
John Dutton William Dutton Ephraim Adams
Jonathan Bennett Joseph Dodge John N mther
Oliver Parker Benoni Bo^nton Timothy Mather
Reuben Walton Isaac Kenney Richard Emerson
Asa Adams Daniel Kenney Zach' Adams
John Joyner Moses Kenney Thomas Adams
Joel Gilson Samuel Parks
Moses Bennett Ebenezer Wright
[In H. of Rep., September 19, 1776, a hearing was or-
dered for the next session. — Ed.]
f 10-80] \_Summons to Oliver Parker ^ ^77^*^
Stoddard may y* 32* 1776—
To Oliver Parker — ^you are hereby required to appear att the
Dwelling house of ra' John Tcnnys in Stoddrad afore S** on
Wednesday the fifth Day of June next at Ten oClock fore noon
then and their to make answer to a Complant Brought to us
against you wherein you appear inimical to america in a num-
ber of alegations fail not of apperence at your peril — as your
neglect will be faithfully reported to the Commitee of Safty for
the Colony of Newhampshire given under our hands at Stod-
drd afore Said —
Alexander Scott \ Commitee
Nathaniel Emerson > of Safty
Amos Butterfield ) for Stoddard
[10-83] \^Proceedings of the Town Committee of Safety y
1776."]
att a meeting of the Commitees of Safty for the Towns of
Stoddard Camden and marlow met at the house of m' John
Tenneys on the fifth Day of June 1776 to hear and Examine
into a Complaint Brought to us against one oliver Parker of
Stoddard — setting forth the S^ parker to be inimical to america
and its Liberties Proceed and Chose m' Sam" Gustin Chair-
man—
The inclosed Complaint is the same that was Brought to us,
and has ben fully suported and prov* —
upon which we Came to the following resolution viz—
STODDARD. 459
I** it is the opinion of the Committees that y* 8^ parker is
notoriously Disaffected to the american Cause —
2*^ it is the opinion of the Commitees that the S^ parker is so
notoriously Disaffect' that he the S^ parker be Emedeately Dis-
armd from all instruments of war —
3*^ that the S* parker be Confin* to the Lot of Land his house
stands on on the penalty of being Sent to the Common goal of
the County of Cheshire— or find good Bonds to the Sattisfac-
tion of the Commitee of Safly in the Town of Stoddard
4*' all persons are forbid to have any Deleaings with y* S*
parker on y* penalty of being Consider* enimies to america —
And furthermore while we ware setting a Complaint was
brought to us by m' Nathaniel Emerson of Stoddard against the
s* Parker setting forth that the s* Parker filloniously brock
down his y* s* Emersons fence and has continu' to do it for
some days and turns his Cattle into his improvements — and a
Citation was sent to the s* Parker to appear and defend y* same,
but he pay* no regard at all to the Summons but difies all au-
thority to bring him to Justice (meaning y" Committee of Safe-
ty)— ^John Npis mather — ^Joel Gilson — Zach' adams — Eli ad-
aras — and william Dutton all of Stoddard was Summon* to
appear as Evidences in the above Cause but refused to appear
and seam* to appear as abetters of the s* Parker by their deni-
ing the authority of the Committee — Treating y* Committee
with scurulous Language
By Order of the Several Committees
Attest Sam" Gustin Chairman
Stoddard June y* 5"* 1776
Stoddard June y* 5*^ 1776
Att a meeting of the Committees of Safety of Stoddard and
marlow and Camden, met to try a cause depend' between oliver
Parker a reputed Tore, and the Liberty of America — ^y* said
Parker being sited to appear on this Day, but defyes y* author-
ity of the Committee of Safety — and dos not appear —
[A part of the evidence brought against said Parker was
the following, which he acknowledged to have written to
Mr. Boynton :
" A Receipt to make a Whig — Take of conspiracy and
the root of pride three handfulls two of ambition and vain
glory, pound them in the mortar of faction and discord, boil
it in 2 quarts of dissembling tears and a little New England
Rum over the fire of Sedition till you find the scum of folly
wood to rise on the top, then strain it through the cloths of
Rebillion, put it into the bottle of envy, stop it with the
460 EARLY TOWN PAPERS.
cork of malice, then make it into pills called Conspiracy of
which take nine when going to bed say over your hypocrit-
ical prayer, and curse your honest neighbor in your bed
chamber and then go to sleep if you can, it will have so
good an effect that all the next day you will be thinking
how to cozzen cheat lie and get drunk abuse the ministers
of the Gospel, cut the throats 6f all honest men and plunder
the Nation."
Parker was committed to jail in Exeter, Nov. 2, 1778, and
was under bonds not to go out of Cheshire county in 1782.
—Ed.]
[10-81] \_Petit ion of Oliver Parker : addressed to the Com-'
mittee of Safety^ ^77^'^
Humbly sheweth Oliver Parker of Stoddard in the County
of Cheshire in s'' Colony that he was upon y* 5"* day of June
Current by Order of Certain Committees directed to be dis-
armed, and not to go from his Lot of Land on which he Lives,
upon y* penalty of being Committed to y* County Goal, and by
s* Committees deemed an Enemy to his Country, your petitoner
avers and declares that s* Committees had not y' least proof of
his being inimical to his Country, but that they proceeded to
act as they did with regard to him merely upon malice, and
that he openly Challenges any person or persons whomsoever
to prove the least thing against him with respect to his being
in any way or manner disaffected to the Cause of Liberty,
wherefore he prays your Honers to point out some reasonable
and just method for him to make his Innocence in y' premises
manefest, and to be Liberated from y* unjust decree of s* Com-
mittees—
June 18 1776 Oliver Parker
[10-84] [^'^f^^dry Inhabitants relative to foregoing : ad-
dressed to the Committee of Safely^ ^77^*\
The Petition and Remonstrance of the Subscribers Inhabi-
tants of Stoddard in s^ Colony sheweth, that We have for a
Number of years been acquainted with Capt Oliver Parker of
Stoddard afores** and have Especially since y* Unhappy War
commenced bewixt Great Britain and the Colonys been person-
ally Knowing to his Good disposition In the Cause of Liberty
and that he has done his part as an Individual towards y* sup-
port of y* War and on Every Occasion as a military officer
STODDARD. 46 1
obeyed orders and done what was required of him, notwith-
standing which he was Lately summoned to appear before Cer-
tain Committees to answer a Complaint again him as an Enemy
to America, and without letting him Know what y* Complaint
was or to what he was to answer to they proceeded to confine
him to that Lot of Land his house stands upon, and to order
that no persons deal with him on pain of being deemed Ene-
mies to their Country, now as your petitioners are certain that
there was no Grounds to found this resolution upon, but that mere
malice and falshood directed y^ whole proceedings, they pray
that your Honors would reverse y* afores** unjust decree or by
some means let y* matter be fairly and impartially determined.
Stoddard June 18 1776
John Dutton William Dutton Samuel Parks
Jonathan Bennett John Joyner Ebenezer Wright
jReuben Walton Asa Adams John N Mather
Moses Kenney Moses Bennett Timothy mather
Benoni Boynton Joseph Dodge Richard Emerson
Thomas Adams Isaac Kenney Zachariah Adams
Joel Gilson Daniel Kenney Isaac Barit
[10-85] \_Relattve to a disputed Line: addressed to the
General Assembly^ -^ 77^*2
The Humble prayer and petition of the Select men of Mar-
low and Stoddard, met to agree on some method to proceed in
relating to a Contested Strip of Land claimed by both Towns —
Came to the following agreement : viz : We humbly pray the
General Assembly would give us their advice in this Difficult
matter and during the Dispute between Britain and the Colo-
nies that is Wheather Stoddard shall Tax to their Western
Bound called the patent or Curve Line — or Wheather marlow
shall Tax to their Eastern Bound — or so far East as to in Clude
all that first settled under their Charter for as we Expect to pay
Taxes with the rest of our Breathern so Each Town claiming
a right to Tax a few faniileys will soon create Confutions and
Divitions which we would by all means indevour to avoide,
praying att the same time that the words (every person) might
be Left out in their answer if they are pleased to give one — as
was incerted in their former answer for as We apprehend will
give no Satisfaction — for this reason — one man will say he is
under Stoddard when he is under marlow — and another will
say he is under marlow when he is under Stoddard — so we
pray that the advice may Set some Bound for to gide us in this
matter — that thereby we may Shun the Difficulty that has sub-
462 EARLY TOWN PAPERS.
sisted between the said Towns for some years past — and as in
Duty Bound Shall ever pray —
Dated att Stoddard may y* 24* 1776 —
Stephen Gee '\ Select men
Nicodemus Miller >• of
Abisha Tubs j marlow
Alexander Scott ) Select men
Nathaniel Emerson ) of Stoddard
[10-^7] \,P^^ition of Inhabitants living" on the disputed
Land^ 1776.^
To the Honourable Counsel and House of Representives for
the State of New Hampshire —
We your Humble purticioners Beg Leave to Inform your
Honours that we are in Great Dificulty by Reason of being
taxed to two Towns Viz Stoddard and Marlow Altho we be
LfOng to Stoddard and Live East of the Patten Line yet the
Town of Marlow has taxed us a Considerable Number of years,
we Humbly beg your Honours to take the matter into Consider-
ation and order where we shall pay our taxes for we are not able
to pay to two Towns as we your Humble Purtitioners In Duty
Bound Shall Ever Pray —
John N mather Dan Brockway
Ebenezer Farley Timothy Mather
Stephen Twitchel Isaac Barritt
Ephraim Brockway
[10-93] \^Relative to the disputed Line : addressed to the
General Assembly^ Mdrch^ ^777^^
Humbly Shew —
The Subscribers Freeholders & Inhabitants of Stoddard in
the County of Cheshire in said State —
That your petitioners with Others entered into & upon a
Certain Tract or parcel of land bounded Westerly on the Patent
Line, so called, Easterly on the Society land, so called, and
northerly on Monadnock Number Eight and southerly on Mo-
nadnock Number Six of the Contents of about Six Miles Square
called Monadnock Number Seven —
That in November 1774, the said Inhabitants prefer'd a peti-
tion to the then Governor and Council of said province, setting
forth among other things, their Situation, and praying that the
STODDARD. 465
said lands might be Erected into a Township, and the Inhabi-
tants thereof Incorporated into a Body Politick, to have Con-
tinuance and succession forever — which petition was Granted,
and Letters Patent in due Form accordingly passed —
That in the Year last passed the Selectmen of the Towns of
Mario w and Stoddard Unknown to your Petitioners Applied
to the General Assembly for Advice and Directions Touching
the Taxation of a Number of your petitioners who they said
were settled under the Late King^ Grant of Marlow — That the
order made in Consequence thereof Very Sensibly Affects them
and is likely to create Great uneasiness which is the Bane of
New Settlements —
That as your petitioners are settled within the undoubted
Limits of Stoddard aforesaid they are unwilling to be taxed
Else where and the Application aforesaid to the Late General
Assembly was premature ; — That the Right to the Soil your
petitioners are Willing to Contest with any person at Common
Law —
Wherefore your petitioners humbly pray that Your Honours
would not hold them to pay taxes to the Town of Marlow
where they do not belong — (and as they are within a Town
Corporate are under the Regulations of Law). That your Hon-
ours would not Interfere in their Title nor do anything that may
seem to Aftect the same ; your petitioners pray —
Oliver Parker J^^" Joyner Salvenus Beck with
ohn Dutton Samuel Parks Benjamin
onathan Bennett William Dutton Joseph Dodge Jr
oel Gilson Isaac Kenney Joseph Dodge
Daniel Kenney Richard Emerson Elijah Morse
Moses Bennett Asa Adams Joseph O Taylor
Zachriah Adams Benoni Boynton Isaac Barit
Th~ Adams Amos Taylor Eph" Adams
Reuben walton Jp^" N mather
Moses Kenney Timothy mather
[10-91] [Action of the Legislature. '\
In the House of Representatives March 21** 1777 —
The Committee of both Houses on the petitions of Marlow
and Stoddard made report that it is their Opinion that the In-
habitants living on the Lands in dispute between the Towns of
Marlow and Stoddard do abide by the Resolve made by the
General Court of this State on the 12 Day of June 177^' '*®"
specting Taxation until the matter in dispute be settled by Law
or Agreement as therein mentioned — but that the said Inhabi-
tants do Military Duty in the Town of Stoddard as has been
464 EARLY TOWN PAPERS.
usual, signed Nich^ Gilman Chairman which Report being read
and Considered, Voted that the same be received and accepted
and that the said Inhabitants govern themselves according.
Sent up for concurrence
John Dudley Speak' p temp*
In Council the Same Day read and concurred
,E Thompson Secy
[The result was in favor of Stoddard, their claim to all
territory as far west as the curve line of Mason's patent be-
ing allowed, thus taking portions of the towns of Marlow
and Gilsum. — Ed.]
[10-88J [^Relative to an alleged illegal Town- Meeting,^
We the Subscribers Inhabitants of the Town of Stoddard
Being Desirous of peace and unity — att all Times. But more
Especially in these Days of Trouble and rebuke — When not
only those who formerly Stiled them Selves our Parents. But
our own Domestics are Levying war against us — and using all
means to Bring us into and keep us in Divitions — which we
would use all Lawfull means to put a Stop to, and to Cultivate
good order and harmony among us and as authority is allways
the only means whereby any part of the Communit}\ when
Greav* Can Lawfully have Redress —
We therefore Humbly pray the Hon^^* General assembley for
the Colony of New Hampshire, Would be Graciously pleased
to Condecend to give us y* inhabitants of poor pensive Stod-
dard their advice — in Regard to our annual march meeting —
held in this Town the 28*** Day of march Last past — the people
being Legally Warned and met — the Votes Ware Called for —
for a moderator — a motion Was made — Wheather it would not
be Best and Quicker to Chuse him by nominating and Lifting
up y* hand — the Question was accordingly put by one of the
former Select men — past in the affermitive — and no objection
made — after v* moderator was Chose — a nother motion was
made to have all y* oather Town officers Chose by nomina-
ting and Lifting up the hand — ye moderator accordingly put y*
Question and it past in the affermitive — and no objection made
in y* Least — and if there is any Law how to Chuse Town offi-
cers We Look upon this way to be y* Law — and if there is no
Law we think the Town has a right (and it is necessary) to
Say how they will proceed for that year or for that meeting —
but we went on and Chose all our Town officers in peace With-
out any objection and after y* Choice of all y* officers was made
— there Came on a Despute about a publick meeting house
STODDARD. 465
Spot — now there has been a Divition about y' meeting house
ever Senee y* Town was Settled and when ever there was any
thing to be acted upon Concerning a meeting house — a Quaril
insued — and So it was now. nothing Done but Disputing and
hard words — a motion was made to have that article Dismised
or y* meeting adjorned — but Could not be obtained — y* moder-
ator Calling on them to proceed and Do business or he would
adjorn y* meeting — Which after a While more Spent in Talk
and Nothing Done, y* moderator Declair** y* meeting Stand
adjorn^ to the Second Day of may next — and no Sort of objec-
tion made all rested in peace till S*^ 2** Day of may — y* Select
men being Sworn — and had Taken y® List or Valuation of the
Town and now there is a party risen up against the meeting
Saing it is invailed and on this reason that y* officers ware voted
in by nominating and Denies, all y* authority of Town officers
Oliver parker a Common Tore being y* ring Leeder — and We
Supose about fourteen or fifteen have Sent to y' General Cort to
have y* Said meeting Disanul** and Void — But we pray y* Sd
meeting may Stand good for many reasons — as y* Town has
proceed in their public Business in many instances — and it
Would put y* Town into y* utmost Confution to have ye meet-
ing put by and as in Duty Bound Shall ever pray for your ad-
vice we are your Humble Constituants —
Alexander Scott Abram morrison John Farley
Silas Wright David Scott Amos Taylor
John Robbe Nathaniel Emerson David Willson
Caleb Wright James Scott Allan Speir
David Robbe Richard Richardson John Taggard
John McDonald Robart Prockter Ephraim Brockway
Isaac Temple Thoms Adams Robert Blood
John Jackson Abel adams Silvanus Bikwith
Amos Butterfild James Willson John Tenny
[R. 4-17] [.y^^^ Robbe <i tvounded Soldier^ ^77^ *\
Peterborough Jan^ i, 1778.
May it please your Honors
Permit me to address you in behalf of Sarg' John Robbe of
Stoddard, in the County of Cheshire, and State Aforesaid, the
said Robbe being in the Engagement at Benningtown, under
my Command, was there much Wounded & Disabled from
Getting his Future Support beg Leave to Recommend the said
32
466 EARLY TOWN PAPERS.
Robbe to the Favour of the said state as your Honors in your
Wisdom shall think fitt — am with due Respect
your Honors most Hum^ Ser*
John Stark, B D G
To the Hon'ble Council & Assembly for the State of New
Hampshire —
[John Robbe appealed to the inhabitants of Stoddard
Jan. 28, 1778, to ask the legislature for assistance, which
they voted to do at a meeting Feb. 2. 1778. They also by
vote recommended Mr. Robbe very highly. In H. of Rep.,
May 23, 1778, voted that said Robbe was entitled to half
pay and £^0 for extra expenses. — Ed.]
[R. 4-23]
State of New Hampshire May 23* 1778
To Gilman Esq' R. G. Pursuant to a Vote of Council
A Assembly pay Joth" Blanchard for John Robb Six pounds
towards s^ Robb' Expences in being cured of a wound r^ at
Bennington —
M Weare Prest
[R. 4-24] \^Richard Richardson^ Soldier^ ^7^^'l
[In a petition dated Stoddard, Nov. 5, 1782, Richard
Richardson stated that he " was out in the service of his
country in the first three years' service in the present war."
He further stated that he was paid in state notes, and held
one for ^£43. 18, and one for J73, which he wanted paid.—
Ed.]
[R. 4-26] lSoldier*s Order, 1784.'}
Stoddard May 25*** y« 1784
To the State Treasury of New Hampshire pleas to Pay Mr
Jacob Coplihg the ballance Due to me for the year 1781 and
his Receipt on the back of this order Shall be your discharge
from me you will find my name in Capt Caleb Robinsons mus-
ter roles
Josiah Hardy
STODDARD. 46/
[10-93] \_Return of Ratable Polls^ ^T^S-']
Stoddard December y* 3* 1783 then apeerd Isreal towns
Ephraim Adams and James Scott Selectmen of Sd Stoddard
and made Solem oath that att present there is in y* town of S*
Stoddard one hundred and four Ratebel
Before me J Rounsevel Just pece.
[10-94] [^Relative to the for mat ion of Sullivan^ i^Sd."]
Stoddard Dec' 4* 1 786
at a legal meeting this day
Voted not to oppose the southwest corner of this Town being
set off to Keen, Packerfield, Gillsom &c
Attest : Eleaz' Blake T : Clerk—
[10-95]
Stoddard Novm' io"» 1786
This may ceertify, to whom it may Concern — that we the
Subscribers — have receiv'd of M' Ezra Osgood a Petition Sent
to the General Court by a number of the Inhabitants of the
Souwest Part of Stoddard
Ward Eddy ) Select men
Peter Wright J of Stoddard
[The south-west part of the town was set off Sept. 27,
1787, combined with portions of Keene, Gilsum, and Nelson,
and incorporated into the town of Sullivan. — Ed.]
[10-97] [^Petition for Authority to levy a Special Tax to
build a Meeting House and repair Roads ^ ^7^7'^
The Memorial of your Petitioners Humbly Sheweth that:
being Chosen a Committee by The Town of Stoddard, to Peti-
tion the General Court that a Tax of one penny p' Acre Annu-
ally be laid on all the Lands in said Stoddard for three Years :
to be Appropriated Towards Building a Meeting House and
repairing the Publick Roads Leading from Hancock to Marlow :
likewise from John Taggards to Washington line : Also from
Israel Townses Esqr. to Packerfield line, the leading Road to
468 EARLY TOWN PAPERS.
Keen — The first third part of Said tax to be Asses'd in the Year
1788—
Your Humble Petitioners as in Duty Bound shall ever Pray —
May 21"* Anno Domini : 1787
Israel Towne ")
Bphraim Adams >■ Committee
•Jacob Copland )
[This petition was granted Sept. 27, 1787. — Ed.]
[10-99] [^Committee to locate a Aleeting-Houscy ^7^7 '^
Your humble pertisioners Beg leave to inform Your honours
that the Town has Laboured under Dificalty for a Number of
preceeding Years In reguard to agreeing upon a Meeting house
Spot, at a Leagal Meeting of the Freeholders and other Inhab-
itents of the Town of Stoddard Qiiallified to Vote in Town
meeting Leagally warned and met for the following purpose
(Viz)
Voted to Chose a Committee finally to Determine where the
Meeting house Shall be arected in this Town and for the Same
purpose Nominated Esq^ Penniman of Washington and Sam^
Griffen Esq' of Packerfied. Likewise m' John Muzzey of Dub-
lin we Your humble pertisioners pray That the above said
Committee may be appointed & Impowered according To the
afour Said Vote and we Your humble pertisioners as In Duty
bound Shall Ever pray
Peter Wright ) Selectmen in
Israel Towne j behalf of the Town
Stoddard September 8*^ 1787
[10-98] \^Their Report, '\
We Your Committee Within Named haveing Repaired to
the Town of Stoddard, and Viewed the Situation of Said Town,
& the Inhabitants thereof beg leave to report that it is our opin-
ion that the Meetinghouse there to be erected, be placed on the
fifteenth Lot in the Ninth Range upon a Tract of land Given to
y* Town of Stodard by John Tenney for a Meetinghouse Spot
burying Yard &c aud We have Erected a Stake and Stones
upon s* Common for y* Bounds of Said Meetinghouse
p' Tho" Penniman for y* Committe
octo'y*3i* 1787
STODDARD. 469
[lO-ioi] \^Petitton for Authority to levy a Tax on Non-Res-
ident Lands y to build a Road^ ^794-^
A Petition in behalf of the Inhabitants of the Town of Stod-
ard in Said State Humbly Sheweth
That your Petitioners are Situate on the Hight of land Be-
twixt the great Rivers Connecticut and Miremac where the land
is very Mountanious and Rocky : which Causes our Roads to
be Extremely Deficualt to make & Repair the Same : And
whereas the Committee appointed to lay a Road from Hales
Bridge in Walpole to Macgregores Bridge in Gofestown : Hath
laid out anew Road through the Said Town of Stodard which
will be of Great Utility to the Public if opned and made Passa-
ble: But will lay an unsuportable Burthen on the Inhabitants
in Said Town : as it passes through a large tract of unimproved
land owned by Nonresidents and Remmote from the Settle-
ment: which will Raise the Value of the land through which
it Passes : and it appearing Reasonable that the owners of Said
land Should assist in Oppening and Making passable the Same :
and the like privildges Being granted to other Towns in Sem-
meril Situation : We your Petitioners Humbly pray your Hon-
nours to take our Case under your wise Consideration and grant
that an Act may pass impowering the Said Town of Stodard to
lay a tax of two pence p' acre on all the land in Said town for
the Sole Purpose of Making Passable the Roads and Bridges in
Said Stoddard: And your petitioner as in Duty Bound will
Pray Natha" Emerson
Janury i 1794
[Granted June ii, 1794. — Ed.]
[10-102] [^Relative to the Disputed Line between this Town
and MarloWy i^pS.']
The Petition of us the subscribers Humbly shews that the
General Court at their session in June A D 1797 set off the
south East Part of Marlow under the Jurisdiction of the
Town of Stoddard, And we Your Petitioners living on s**
Land being fully pursuaded that thair Honours would not have
subjected us to so unreasonable a burthen had thay known
our situation & the true circumstances we are under the one
part setling under Marlow have been at Great Expence to de-
fend our persons & Properties from the unjust demands made &
Extorted from us by the Town of Stoddard and the other part
being made to believe by the Unrighteous pursuasions of Stod-
470 EARLY TOWN PAPERS.
dard Proprietors that the Lands were theirs and thereupon we
purchased of them at A Very dear rate, which took at that time
of many of us all our properties And after living many Years in
this Rough wilderness have been at the expence of every thing
but life, And now we find that marlow holds their Right of
soil it being decided by Law And those of us that Purchased of
Stoddard have to Purchase our Lands over Again at A great
price & have been subjected to A Large bill of cost in Disputing
the title & the Town of stoddard Refusing to pay any Part of ^
expence and we being fully sensible that stoddard cannot have
any Accurate survey or knowledge of those lands Layed out
under Marlow And that Stoddard & Marlow both Claim the
Jurisdiction to part of s* Land on Account of their being two
Curve Lines which will keep the Inhabitants in Vexetion &
confusion. And being fully sensible that it will be for the Good
& peace of us the Inhabitants to continue as we Really were
within the Jurisdiction of Marlow And being fully sencible that
stoddard left off two Ranges of their lots on their East line to
Extend to the west on Marlow as the Proprietors of stoddard
by that Conduct thought to git about nine or tea of Marlow set-
lers to count for Stoddard in order to fulfill their Charter which
we flatter ourselves will not be Justified, And Stoddard will be
a much larger Town without any part of Marlow than Marlow
will be they holding the whole within their Charter, And there-
fore on every principal of right. And for ourselves And ofT-
spring to injoy any degree of comfort we think it our duty to
humbly pray your Honours to Repeal the foregoing Act And
let us remain in and under the Jurisdiction of Marlow As your
Petitioners in duty bound shall ever pray
November 7"* 1798
Aaron Matson Timothy Bailey Ephraim Brockway
Ebenezer Blake Ziba Henry Jur
Sam* Messinger Bani Henry Joseph Brockway
John Henery J' Nathen Isaac Barritt
Nathaniel Gilson Ephraim Brockway Jesse Farley
[10-103] [^Anot^er Document relative to the Disputed Line^
The Petition of the inhabitants of the Town of Stoddard
states that in the year of our Lord seventeen hundred and fifty-
Three the Town of Stoddard was Granted to Sampson Stoddard
and others by the Masonian Proprietors and was bounded west-
ward upon the head line of Masonian patent; that in the year
Anno Domini 1773 they received their Charter of incorporation
STODDARD. 47 1
trom his excellency Benning Wentworth Esq' which gave the
Town of Stoddard jurisdiction over a certain tract of land seven
miles square lying east of said Patent or head line — ^that in the
year Anno Domini 1762 the Town of Mario was granted and
incorporated which Grant intersected the Town of Stoddards
Grant nearly Two miles whereby each Town had concurrent
jurisdiction over the same territory — and thereupon application
was made to the provincial assembly of New Hampshire to set-
tle the Jurisdictional line between said Towns — And said as-
sembly in the year A D 1776 resolved that said inhabitants
should pay their taxes to the Town of Mario but should do mil-
itary duty in the Town of Stoddard — That in the year A D 1777
application being made to the General assembly a second time
to settle the aforesaid dispute they recommended by a special
resolve mentioning the Town of Washington and all other
Towns in similar circumstances (of which Stoddard was one)
that the inhabitants living on said strip or disputed Grant
should pay their taxes to the Towns lying east of the head
line of Masons patent untill the same should be further set-
tled and established by law — That in the year A D 1784
The Town of Mario petitioned the General assembly for an
abatement of their taxes in consequence of the resolve of
the General assembly which passed in the year 1777 — upon
which petition the General assembly then resolved that the
Town of Mario be abated one fourth part of all their taxes
from the year A D 1777 to the year 1784 — and the Town of
Mario have ever since that period relinquished all jurisdiction
to the same land and have ever since omitted and refused to
make return of the same in their valuation — That the same has
been uniformly since the year A D 1777 returned by the Town
of Stoddard and set to their valuation — That large sums of
money have been assessed since that period upon the inhabi-
tants living thereon, and many lots of land there lying have
been sold by the Collectors of Stoddard at publick vendue for
the non-payment of taxes assessed thereon — In the year A D
1792 the Original Proprietors of Mario finding that the Mason-
ian Proprietors had extended their bounds upwards of twenty
miles farther westward than their original grant warranted — and
intending to avail themselves if possible of the invalidity of the
act which passed the General assembly in the year 1777 — giving
jurisdiction to Stoddard — Commenced Two actions of ejectment
to recover possession of those lands which were sold at vendue
by the collectors of Stoddard — and upon which lands the Pro-
prietors of Mario had paid no taxes for upwards of twenty-five
years — In which actions the Original Proprietors of Mario re-
covered possession against the vendue purchasers under Stod-
dard in consequence of a defect in the act which passed in the
472 EARLY TOWN PAPERS.
year 1777 giving jurisdiction to the Town of Stoddard — We
therefore pray this Honorable Court to take into their wise con-
sideration the circumstances and situation of the Town of Stod-
dard and if legal and constitutional to establish and confirm the
doings of the Selectmen of Stoddard and ratify the assessments
"which have hitherto been made — And also to settle the Juris-
dictional line between said Two Towns and give the Jurisdic-
tion of the strip so-called to the Town of Stoddard if consistent
with the Interest and happiness of both Towns — And also to
settle the Jurisdictional line between Gilsom and Stoddard
And your petitioners as in duty bound shall ever pray —
Stoddard Dec' 6**» AD 1796
Jacob Copeland Agent for Stoddard
[The line was established in favor of Stoddard June 16,
1797.— Ed.]
STRATFORD.
The township was granted May 26, 1773, to Joshua
Wentworth and others, in seventy-one shares, and contained
about 48,000 acres. It was incorporated November 16,
1779, by the same name and bounds as expressed in the
charter. Settlements were made soon after the town was
granted, by Isaac Johnson, Archippus Blodgett, and others.
The population of the town in September, 1775, numbered
41, and in 1790 but 146. By an act approv^ed June 21, 1832,
the territory embraced in ranges 17, 18. 19, and 20, in the
south-east part of the town, were set off and annexed to
Percy (Stark).
[10-104] [^Statement of ike Condition of Matters:, Taxes j
etc. : addressed to the General Court,"]
The Petition of the Inhabitants of the Town of Stratford —
humbly shews
That your petitioners, now & ever willing to do our just part
toward the Common defence of our Country as far as we are
able beg leave to show our inability to pay the State tax we are
now called upon for & pray that we may be heard and Consid-
ered under our present circumstances of distress — & which we
STRATFORD. 473
have laboured under ever Since we came into this Wilderness
— ^We began to Settle in the Year 1773 & there are now but
Seven fannilies in the town — We have lived destitute of any As-
sistance from the rest of the Propriety who were to make equal
and imediate Settlement with us & to build Mills which they
have Neglected to do — by which we have Suffered greatly — Our
Grain has cost one half its value to get it ground into Meal ever
Since we have been here— the Cost of getting Salt & other Ne-
cessaries owing to the distance & badness of the Roads have been
equally distressing — our proprietary Meeting was Adjourned to
Connecticut & held there So that we have not the priviledge of
Acting as a propriety and we are not incorporated as other
towns are — we are destitute of every previledge — our money is
spent, our Families are naked — provisions are very Scarce by
reason of the Inhabitants moving off for fear of the Enemy leav-
ing all our Crops & we were obliged to part with our Oxen &
Cows to get back again — We are a frontier town — exposed to
the enemy & without the Means of defence — We therefore pray
that we may be considered in our Taxes & that we may be ad-
mitted to the preveledges of Incorporation — And your petition-
ers will ever pray — &c —
Archippus Blodget John Smith
Joshua Lambkin Joseph Barlow
James Curtis John Holbrook
James Brown
[10-105] \^P^titlon for an Abatement and for Incorporation :
addressed to the General Courts ^77^*^
We your humbel proticeners do pleade for an abatement of
taxes Praying that the Court would consider us under our
present distressed Curcumstances and wich we have laboured
under Ever sence we came into this howling wilderness we
Shall now proceed to Show forth what we have Indured Ever
Sence we began to Settel this town which in theyeare AD i773
and now thare is but Seven familys in the town only and we
have lived destitute of aney asistance from the rest of the Propi-
ty which ware to make emediate Settelment and bould miles
which is all neglected by which means we have Suffered very
much on wheat has Cost us the one half of it to get it ground
ever Sence we have lived heare oure proprity meting was
ajurned to Connecticut and held thare so that we have not had
the privelige of acting as a proprity in the town when the town
was last Chartered out the Publect rites ware taking away so
that we live destitute of aiiey privelige booth Sivel or Sacred
oure money is Spent oure famelys are naked and provision is
474
EARLY TOWN PAPERS.
very scars by reson of the pepol moving of for feire the Enemy
we lost all our Crops and was Obliged to part with our oxan
and cows to get bak agane and we are exposed to the Enemy
with outaney protection and are in a poore sitawation to defend
oure Selves we are the fruntear as the Pepol is all with drew
from above us we desire that the Court would incorporate us
and give us Proper athority
Stratford May y* 15/1778
Archippus Blogget
Joshua Lamkin
James Curtiss
James Brown
John Smith
Joseph Barlow
John Holbrooks
so
Mens Names 'o
John Holbrooks i
Archippus Blog-
get 3
James Brown i
James Curtiss i
Joshua Lamkin i
Joseph Barlow 2
John Smith i
c
X
o
o
CO
O
u
e
u
e
1^
90
« O
4;
2
'0
2
2
2
O
2
O
3
O
o
4
2
I
o
o
o
o
3
I
o
I
o
I
o
2
O
O
O
O
o
CO
CO
O
e
I
I
I
I
2
I
c
oe
to
H
o
I
6
5
8
8
c
O 'O
S OS
o '^
4
2
2
5
2
o
Sum Totel 10 8 11
7 40 13
The above Inventory Taken April y* 28/1777 by us the Sub-
scribers
Being apinted a Comitte for that Porpose
Archippus Blogget
James Brown
John Holbrook
[The town was incorporated November 16, 1779. — Ed.]
[10-106] [^Relative to an Attack by French and Indians : ad'
dressed to the Council and H. of Rep, ^ ^779'\
The Memorial of Sundry of the Inhabitants of the Towns, of
Lanchaster Northumberland & Stratford humbly Sheweth. that
on Thursday the 24*** Ins* June A party of Indians aboute fifteen
STRATFORD. 475
in Number Commanded by A French man, came into Stratford
took two Prisners Plunderd two Families of every thing Valu-
able which they had, we humbly pray that your Honor* would
take the matter into your Sereous Consideration' and provide
such Assistance for our future Security, from those Barba-
rous Savages, as your Wisdom shall Direct and your Memorial-
ists as in duty Bound shall Ever Fray. —
Lanchaster 2J^ June 1779
Joseph Peverly Ward Bailey
Thomas Peverly Caleb marshall
Daniel Spaldin Emmens Stockwell
Nathan Caswell moses Page
Dill Sawyer Jonas Wilder
Enoch Hall Edw*** Bucknam
[10-107] [^Petition for a Guards J780.']
The Pettition of us the Subscribers humbly Sheweth That
our Exposed Situation to the Enemy in Canada and having the
Last Summer Suffered from that Quarter by having our houses
Plundered and Sum of our men Captivated by the Indeans and
hearing of their threatning to Come to this River this winter
Give us apprehension ofimeadeate Danger therefore we Pray
your Hon" to take our Case into your wise Consideration and
Kelieve our Present fears by Sending of us help Either by
Sending a Draught of the millitia or that your Hon' would
Wright to Some General oficer for a Detachment of Continantal
Soldeirs we Supose about 100 men might be a Suficent Num-
ber at Present and your Pettitioners Shall Ever Pray
Stratford Jan' 21** 1780
James Brown Joseph Barlow
Archippus Blogget John Gamsby
John Smith Nathan Barlow
Joshua Lamkin David Hix
[10-1 08] \^Return of Ratable Polls ^ 1783 . ]
State Newhamp'
a True and Exact Number of Poles in Stratford twenty one
Years and upward Paying a Pole Tax are thirteen taken this 2*
Dec' 1783
Joshua Lamkin
John Holbrook
[Sworn to before Jeremiah Eames, justice of the peace.]
476 EARLY TOWN PAPERS.
[R. 4-27] [Soldier's OrderJ]
To the Treasurer of the State of Newhampshire
Please to Pay the Whole of the wages Due to me as a Sol-
dier in Major Benjamin Whitcomb Choir of Rangers with the
Deprecition to Major Benjamin Whitcomb and his Receipt
Shall be a full Discharge for the Same
Stratford 9*** Jan'—.
pr me Josiah Blogget
[R. 4-28] [^Relative to two redeemed Captives. '^
July the 19th 1 78 1 oure friend Indions brought in Prisoners of
our men which Desarted from Canady which S* Indians found
in the woods and brought in which S* Prisoners Promised to
Pay S* Indions 30 Dollors a Pece which Prisoners was not able
to Pay and one Elijah Blogget Paid the S* Sum to S** Indians
for the Redemtion of Gilberd Borged & Josiah Blogget which
was 60 Dollors
Stratford January y* 17th 1785
Joshua Lamkin ) Selectmen
Archippus Blogget j
Parti sienor Elijah Blogget
[R. 4-29] [^Soldier's Order."]
To the Hon**'* Treasure of the State of New-ham psh ire
Please to Pay the whole wages and Depreciation Due to
Thomas Blodget late a Soldier in Major Benjamin Whitcombs
Choir of Rangers to the Said Whitcomb who is hereby author-
ized to give a full Discharge for the Same
Josiah Blodget Levi Blodget
Elijah Blodget Henry Blodget
Mary Cole Nucomb Blodget
Howard Blodget
Stratford 13 of July 1792
This May Certify that the above Named are all the hairs of
the above named Thomas Blodget
Certified by us
Isaac Johnson ) Seelect
James Brown ) men
STRATFORD. 477
[10-109] \^J^elative to Burnside^s Ferry ^ iy86J\
We Jeremiah Eames & Joseph Peverly Select men of Nor-
thumberland— & Joshua Lamkin Selectman & James Brown
Town Clerk of Stratford, Certify that we have been notified
that a Petition >vas presented or about to be presented to the
General Court for a Ferry to be granted to Thomas Burnside to
begin at the Ferry bounds of Edwards Bucknam One mile above
the Great falls at Northumberland to extend Six Miles up from
Said Bounds, on the River Connecticut taking in the Mouth of
Ammanoosook River & one Mile up the Same. — And that We
know the inhabitants of Said Towns & everyone travelling that
way will be greatly relieved by a ferry being kept there — And
"we further Certify that We are of Opinian No person in either
of those Towns or in the State would Object thereto as no one
would be injured thereby but every person in that quarter & all
travellers there greatly benefited
Jo" Peverly
February 1786 —
er** Eames
ames Brown
oshua Lamkin
[10- 1 10] \^Petition for a new County: addressed to the
General Court .^ ^79-^ -^
The Petition of the Inhabitents of Stratford
Humbly Sheweth —
Thet your Petitioners Live at the Distance of Near Seventy
Miles from the Nearest Shire Town in the County —
That A very Considerable Part of the inhabitants of this Cap-
ital part of the County Live Above us and Are under Simmer-
ler Circumstancees with us That the Roads at Some Seasons
of the year unpasable — Wharfore We your Peticioners Pray
That We may be Set of from the County of Grafton and be
made a New County by A Lyne Drawn from Connecticut River
between the towns of Concord alius Gunthwait and Littleton
and an Eastward takeing in the towns of Conway Eaton &c to
the Province Line So Called and yours in Deuty Bound will
Ever Pray
Stratford Nov' 2i'' 1791
John Gamsby Joseph Holbrook Aran Curtiss
James Brown Jun' W" Curtiss
George Gamsby Elijah Hinman James Curtiss
John Gamsby Ju' Joseph Barlow Henry Bloggett
478 EARLY TOWN PAPERS.
Charles Strong Nathan Barlow Howard Bloget
Benj* Strong Ephraim Barlow Elijah Blogget
Andrew Strong Heth Baldwin Josiah Blgget
Jabez Baldwin Jp^" Smith Joshua Lannkin
Isaac Johnson Davd Holdbrook Ezra Lamkin
Elisha Webster Richard Holdbrook Thomas Lamkin
Hezekiah fuller Stephen Curtiss Abnor Barlow
[Coos county was constituted by an act approved Decem-
ber 24, 1803. — Ed.]
[lo-iii] [Petition for an Abatement of Taxes y etc.: ad'-
dressed to the General Court. "^
Humbly Shews —
The Subscribers Inhabitants of the Town of Stratford in the
County of Grafton, that prior to the commencement of the Late
war your Petitioners had began Settlement in Said town of
Stratford — which ware then the fronter Settlement in this State
and consequently in the time of the war was most exposed to
the depredations and ravages of the Enemy, and that at the re-
peated solicitations of the Inhabitants and the Commanding
officer further down Conecticut River they continued at their
settlements though in continual Jeoperdy for several years and
untill the Enemy came upon them took some of the Inhabitants
captive & plundered others which compelled your petitioners
to remove to plases where their families might not be exposed
to continual danger — That your petitioners ; though verey great
sufferers during the continuance of the war have since the con-
clucion thereof exerted themselves (though in indigent curcum-
stances) and have returned to their former 'Settlements where
they wish to continue and make such improvements as may be
beneficial to themselves and the Public ; — But find themselves
under new embarasments occasioned by their poverty and the
distance they Live from Inhabitants of wealth and fortune which
togather with the expence they have nesesarially ben obliged to*
be at in building Bridges and a Road threw the town — Ren*
ders them quite unable to discharge the Taxes laid on them by
Government though well disposed and desireous of doing what*
is in their power to the support thereof your Petitioners are
therefore reduced to the disagreable necessity of Petitioning
your Honours to take their unfortunate case under your wise
consideration and abate so much of the taxes required of said
Town as the present Inhabitants are by Law Subjected to pay
STRATHAM. 479
Or in any other way releave them as you in your Great wis-
dom may See meet —
as your petitioners in duty Bound Shall ever pray
W" Cargill In behalf of the Petitioners
[10-112] [Petition yor a Grant of Governor's Island: ad-
dressed to the General Courts iig4,'\
Humbly Sheweth Benjamin Strong of Stratford in said State,
That there is in Connect! cutt River a little North of the Mem-
ral bow in s' Stratford, an Island containing about forty acres,
more or less, which Island is the property of said State, and is
so Situated as would well accommodate your Petitioner, and
can be of no use to the State while it remains in its present un-
cultivated State — Wherefore he prays your Honors to Grant to
him his Heirs and assigns forever the Sole and exclusive right
title and Interest, of said Island, so far as the State has any title
thereto ; and that s'^ Island may be enaxed to and be part of
Stratford, for such consideration as to Your Honors may appear
Just and reasonable, and he as in Duty bound will ever pray —
Benjamin Strong —
Stratford May 25*"^ 1794 —
[10-113 is a plan of the aforesaid island, as surveyed by
Jeremiah Eames. — Ed.]
STRATHAM.
The territory was a portion of the '* Squamscott Patent,"
granted to Edward Hilton, March 12, 1629. John Farmer
says that " In 1693 it was annexed to Exeter, it having be-
fore that time been connected with Hampton." In January,
1716, a portion of the inhabitants petitioned to be incorpo-
rated into a town ; at the same time another and smaller
portion petitioned to remain as they were. (See Vol. IX,
pp. 77^-^77^) The matter was considered in council, March 14^
1715- 16, and it was "Ordered — That Squampscutt Patent
Land be a township by the name of Stretham and have full
power to Chuse officers as other towns within this Prov.,*'
and, *' that a meeting house be built on the Kings great
road leading from Greenland to Exeter," and further, " that
they be obliged to have a learned Authordox Minist' to
480 EARLY TOWN PAPERS.
preach in said meeting house within one year from y* date
hereof."
The first town-meeting was held on the lOth of April,
1 7 16.
December 18, 1805, the farm of Brackett Weeks was sev-
ered from this town, and annexed to Greenland.
The line between Stratham and Newmarket was estab-
lished by an act approved Dec. 28, 1805, t)ut the act was re-
pealed June 17, 1807. A small piece of land was severed
from this town and annexed to Greenland July 2, 1847.
Joseph Grant, of Stratham. was in First N. H. Regiment,
enlisted March 5, 1778; discharged Dec. 14, 1780.
Joshua Avery was appointed lieutenant June 23, 1779, in
one of the companies raised for the defence of Rhode Island.
" Sim° Mason," age 20, was in Capt. Norris's company, Col.
Nathan Hale's battalion.
[10-114] \^Petition for a new Grant of Wiggings I^erry:
addressed to the General Courts 1^42,']
The Humble petition of Andrew Wiggin jun' of Stretham
in the province aforesaid Gent, shews that for many Years past
a Ferry has been kept from the Land now belonging to Your
peticoner over Exeter River to New Market an<i a Way left
open thro' his Land to come down to the said Feny Place and
a Tavern has been kept in a House belonging to him near the
said Ferry place — That Your peticoner understands that the
privilege was formerly Granted by the General Court (or oth-
ways) for a Term of Years now near Expired and that a petition
is now preferrd or about to be preferred to have a Ferry kept a
Cross the said River about a Mile Higher up — That Your pe-
ticoner humbly Conceives there is the same Reason for keeping
the same at the usual place now as there was for fixing it there
at first and that this Court will see Cause to Renew the Grant
to him and his Heirs and Assigns in Consideration that his
Ancestor was at the Charge of opening a way keeping a Boat
and hands to tend the same when the profit was Inconsider-
able—
That if another Ferry place should be settled so near neither
of them would be worth attending and there is no Necessity for
it with Respect to Conveniency of Travellers or any other Con-
sideration whatsoever
Wherefore Your peticoner Humbly prays that a new Grant of
a Ferry may be made to Your peticoner to be kept at his Land-
ing place where it has been usually, to hold to him his Heirs
STRATHAM. 48 1
and assigns that he may have the sole previlege of keeping it
there and that there may none be Established Els'where over
the said River that vt'xW be prejudicial to him without such an
Advantage to the Public as will Counterbal lance the damage to
him and your peticoner as in duty Bound shall ever pray &c
June 9*** 1742
Andrew Wiggin jun'
[10-115] \^Warrant for a Meeting relative to settling a
Minister^ 1744,"]
Province of New Hampshire —
Whereas it is thought propper and very needfull by many if
not the Major part of the freeholders and Inhabitants of the
Town of Stratham, that another Minister may be called and
settled in the ministry in said town.
These are therefore to Notifie all the freeholders of the town
of Stratham in said province to meet at the meeting house in
said Stratham on thursday the twenty sixth day of July Currant
at two a Clock in the afternoon, then and there in said Meeting to
pass a vote that there shall be a Gospel minister called and set-
tled in said town of Stratham as soon as may be with conven-
iency and also at said meeting to make Choice of suitable per-
sons for a Committee to call and agree with a minister in order
for H settlement in said town of Stratham as above said and to
pass any other vote at said Meeting which may be thought
propper relating to said affair
Given under our hands at Stratham aforesaid July y* ii"^
1744.
John Mead '^
Benj* Norris I Select men
Noah Barker V for
Thomas Wiggin | Stratham
Bradstreet wiggin J
against the warrant & against all the proceedings of this meet-
ing which was in the town of Stratham on July y* 26 day
1774—
all those men whose names are here underwritten dissented
in the meeting —
William French Bradstreet French Matthew Thomson
Sen' Thomas Veazie Sen' Josiah Smith
William French Jun'Tuften Wiggin Caleb Rollings
Andrew French Thomas Wiggin John Speed
Thomas wiggin Tei"" Moses Keneston Rich^ Crocket Jun'
John Wiggin Jun' Thomas French Benj* Cotton
33
482 EARLY TOWN PAPERS.
John Lary James Keneston Ebenczer Foulsom
John wiggin Satchel Clark Daniel Davis
Joseph Mason Richard Sinkler Walter Wiggin
Nathaniel Right Solomon Cotton Samuel Piper Jun'
White Joseph Jewett David Honey ford
Capt" George Vea- Richard Crocket Thomas Moor
zie Jonathan Chase David Robinson
Jonathan Dearborn Capt" Edward Fi- Josiah wiggin
Samuel wiggin Jun' field Benj* Mason
September the : 15 : 1744
A copy of the warant and of the Desenters by David Robin-
son Town Clearke
[lo-i 16] [ Vote relative to Ministerial Affairs^ 1^4'/. '\
Province of New Hampshire —
Stratham March the 25 1747
At a Leagul town meeting held thare by the freedhouldrs and
inhabitance thare of
Voted that all those petitioners in the town of Stratham who
has petitioned the General Court that they may be Exempted
from paying any Charges to m' Josep Adams of s* Stratham as
minister shall be freed and Exempted from being compelled by
s* town of Stratham from paying any charges whatsoever unto
the said m*" Adams as minister During the Revrd m' Rusts Min-
istry in said Town
Stratham March the 28: 1747
A true Coppie by David Robinson : Town Clearke
[10-117] [Proceedings in Town^ Meeting relative to Minis'
terial Affairs^ ^747 ^2
Pro : of New Hampshire at a Leagal meeting of the free-
holders and Inhabitance of Stratham held at the meeting hous
there pursuant to notification at Stretham June y* 15 — 1747
Voted Andrew wiggin Esquir shall be moderator of this meet-
ing Altho the Reverend m' Joseph Adams is settled a minister
of the Gospel of Jesus Christ in this town of Stretham accord-
ing to the Law and Useage of this province by a Clear Vole at
a Aill town meeting held at Stretham Cald for that purpos — and
has bin ordained according to the Platform of Church Disaplin
agreed on by our fore fathers for a Rule of Church Government
agreeable to the Gospel — at the furst seating up Church Gover-
STRATHAM. 483
tnent in this Land in the year 1648 and he has Cast himself on
the Lord Depending on him for what he shall Incline the peo*
pie to give him for his support — yeat so it is that a nombar of
peopel in this town are undar such fear and Jelosey that thay
may be brought undar som Charge on the acount of m*" Joseph
Adams setling here that thay have petitioned the Goverment for
Relese that thay and thers may be Exempted now that thay and
all the world mav know that we the town of Stretham seteled
m' Adams purely for Conscience seake that we might Injoy the
word and ordinances of Christ with those that pay a dew regard
to the wondarfull out powering of Gods Holy Spirit in the Leat
Reformation and have no desing to Compel any to pay to the
support of our Gospel ministry Therefore Voted that all the
said petitioners and there Estates shall be and hereby are Ex-
empted Exonarated and freed from sustaing bearing and pay-
ing any part of the Charge that has or shall arise in Calling
seteling and supporting the said m' Joseph Adams and building
meeting hous for his ministry or hous for himself and Every
othar thing or mater releating to him and all that Adhear to
m' Joseph Adams his ministry and there Esteats shall be and
hereby are aquited Exonarted Exempted and freed from sus-
taining bearing and paying any part of the Charge that shall or
may arise in Calling setteling and supporting any ministor that
may be Cald or setteled in this town in the room or stead of the
Reverend m' Rust to supply his pleace in the ministry aftar his
Deceace or unable to prech or repearing meeting hous or buld-
ing Dweling hous and what soever othar Charge may arise on
the town thereby
June the 15, 1747
A true copey of the vote by
David Robinson Town Clearke
[R. 4-30] lyoAn Leavitt^ Jr,^ Soldier^ n4^*\
Province of New Hampshire — ^June the 19* 1753
Then John Leavit Jun' of Stratham in s* Pro : Made Solemn
oath that he in the year 1748 served a Soldier thirty five Days
at Barrington under Capt Clemens including the days going
there & coming home, and has never had one Penny of the
Countrey Wages for said service —
Sworn before Moses Leavit Jus : Peace
[R. 4-31-33, are depositions by the following named per-
sons as to service under Capt. Job Clements, in the same
year and at the same place : Moses Thurston, Jr., nineteen
484 EARLY TOWN PAPERS.
days, Jonathan Chase, five weeks, " and no Rum allowed
him," and John Speed, two months, by his son Benjamin. —
Ed.]
[R. 4-35] [Moses Dalton, apprentice to Abraham Tilton
of Stratham, blacksmith, was in Col. Hart's company, Me-
serve's regiment, in the Crown Point expedition in 1756.
He was allowed £g for expense of sickness on the way
home. — Ed.]
[R. 4-36] [In a petition dated Jan. 29, 1761, Joshua Rawl-
ings (in one place it is spelled Rollins) of Stratham, stated
'' that two of his sons viz* Elisha Rollins and Nicholas Rol-
lins (being. minors) were in his majesties service the year
past in Capt. George March's Company and served duly the
whole campain:" that they were taken sick at "Canter-
hook," New York, on the way home, and Elisha died there.
He asked for an allowance. — Ed.]
[R. 4-40] \^Petition of William Moore ^ ^r., Soldier^ ^7SS-^
The Petition of William Moore Jun' of Stratham humbly
shews, that your petitioner in the year 1755 Engaged in the
service of his King & Country under CoI° Blanchard & Con-
tinued in the Provincial & Ranging service 'till he w^as Capti-
vated by the Indians in 1759, during his Captivity which was
upward of two years he sutiered great hardships besides the
Loss of time &c as will appear by a journal herewith Exhibited.
♦ * * * William Moore Jur.
Stratham June 8"* 1 762 —
[He asked for an allowance, which was granted. — Ed.]
[R. 4-41] \_Statements relative to George March^ ^776'"]
Samuel Calley saith that on Sunday morning last Cap^ Georg
March came and called him up and told him that he had good
news to tell him that our army was cut up at Canaday and that
the Indians had taken 400 of our Soldiers prisoners and killed
20 and then made a great Shout & then said Sullivan was sur-
rounded and by this time they have got them all I hope and
STRATH AM. 485
further said he would fight for the King till he spilt every drop
of his Blood and said that Beetle was the means of our Defeat
and that he was a glorious good fellow
Str July the 3'' Day 1776 as witness my hand —
Samuel Calley
[Thomas Calley, Peter Moore, and Jonathan Chase, Jr.,
made similar statements. — Ed.]
[10-119] [^Petition for the Appointment of yohn Taylor:
addressed to Gov. Wentworth^ ^775'^
The petition of the Selectmen and Other principal Inhabitants
of the town of Stratham whose Names are hereunto annexed
unto Your Excellency^ most humbly shews —
That the peculiar State of the Township at this present Time
with regard to its internal Policy and Government, requires the
Friendly Aid and Assistance of Y' Excellency, in the Appoint-
ing a Magistrate for the Town, whose regard for public Peace
and good Order, will prompt him to Support the good and
wholesome Laws of the Province, against every offender, with
an equitable and impartial Distribution of Justice, without any
mean, servile Fear of giving Offence to Evil Doers, but to con-
vince them y' he bears not the Sword of Justice in Vain. We
have taken under our Consideration the great Want the Town is
now in of such a Magistrate, in whose Fidelity your Excellency
may confide and the Subject may expect redress from, and in
whose Defence, in the Execution of his Office we shall ever be
ready to risque our Lives and Fortunes, for the support of Gov-
ernment ; We therefore beg Leave to reccommend M' John
Taylor to be appointed to that place, humbly assuring Y' Ex-
cellency that we shall ever be gratefully Acknowledging Y'
Excellencys Favours as it will be esteemed a Mark of Your re-
gard and Attention to the true Interest of this Town : And Y'
petitioners as in Duty bound shall ever pray : —
Stratham Jan^ 1775
Daniel Clark ) Select
Mark Wiggin ) men
Joseph Adams Benj' Merrill Samuell Goodhue
Thomas Wiggin Thomas odel Jacob Rundlet
Samuel Wiggin Nathaniel Wiggin Joseph Clark
Jonathan Piper Jur John Dearborn matthew Tomson
Chas Wiggin Jonathan Derborn Benj Levit
Wheler Burley Nat" Stevens John piper
486 EARLY TOWN PAPERS.
Nathan Barker Nich^ Rowlings Elisha French
Ezra Barker Jostah Smith John Avery
James Merrill William Chase Jonathan Robinson
[10-120] \_Relative to Military Affairs : addressed to the
General Assembly^ yune ^, 1777*^
The Humble Petition of us the Subscribers freeholders, and
Inhabitants of Stratham in said County belonging to the Com-
pany of Cap* Nicholas Rowling's sheweth that your Petitioners
think themselves agrieved, by the Appointment of Cap' Nicho-
las Rowlings to the Command of the Company to wich they
belong, as he was elected at a thin Meeting, before the Com-
pany had generally met, and as the Company are in general
dissatisfied, with his Appointment, — Under such circumstances
your Petitioners, humbly conceive your Honors, will think it
expedient, to grant your Petitioners a new Choice unless the
military skill and prowess of the present Captain should be
judged sufficient to countervail the Reasons assigned for his
Removal from that office, saving which your Petitioners hum-
bly pray that the said Cap' Rowlings may be removed from his
Command and they endulgedwith a new Choice and as in duty
bound will ever pray &c —
William taylor Ward mason Taylor Clark
David Smith Thomas Veazy John Smith Jur
Edward Chase Tosiah Parsons Mathew Thompson
William Hash Daniel Hoit Ju*"
Totham Rollings Levi Leavitt Abreham Thompson
fohn Robinson Joseph Stevens Josiah Robinson
lamuel Calley Richard Sinkler Benjamin Hoit
Jonathan Chase Jur Jeremiah neal Samuel Leavitt
William scammon Joseph Norris Ruben Leavitt
Benjamin Robinson Dudley Cram John Leavitt y* Third
John thirston frances Coomes
John Leavitt frances mason
[R. 4-45] [Soldier's Order^ -'7<^/«]
Exeter September i Day 1781.
Sir Please to pay the Selectmen of the town of Stratham all
the wages that may be Due to me for the time that I shall serve
in the Continental army To the Paymaster of the six months
men raised in the State of Newhampshire
Benjamin Foss
ti
14 <i
STRATHAM. 48/
[R. 4-46] [The town presented bills for aid to soldiers'
families as follows, items omitted :
i88i. Mar. 9. Francis Combs, from Mar., 1780* ^£2-14-10
Reuben Austin, from Feb. 1780, j£i-i6- 8
from Mar. 1780, ;^9-i9- S
The accounts were sworn to before Mark Wiggin.
Francis Combs stated, in a petition dated Stratham, Feb.
14, 1783, that he was in the service nearly two and one half
years, in Capt. Moses Dustin's company. See following. —
Ed.]
[R. 4-50] Francis Combs Soldier in the 2* New Hampshire
Regiment hath Leave of Absence Untill the ist of April 178a
and then to return to his Regiment or be treated as a diserter
Given under my hand at Schenectady this ai** of Jan^ 1783
Moses Duston Cap* Com*'
War Office Exeter Feb' 5, 1782 — ^^paid one months wages in
Beef & Rum 40/ — Two Shirts, one p' Leather Breeches & one
pair Shoes.
[10-125 J \_Return of Ratable Polls^ ^/Sj.']
Rockingham ss Stratham Decern**' 15*** 1783 —
Wee the Subscribers pursuant to a Request of the General
Assembly, have taken the number of Rateable pols from 20
years old to 75 years old in said Town of Stratham and find
them to ammount to one hundred & Eighty three
Nich* Rowlings') Selectmen
Nathan Barker > of
Daniel Jewell j Stratham
[Sworn to before M. Wiggin, justice of the peace.]
[10-126] [ Vbie on the Paper- Money Question.']
At a legal town Meeting held in the town of Stratham august
17*** Day 1786 the 5*** artical in the warrent was to know the
minds of the town respecting the making a bank of paper money
there appeared 57 in favour of making paper Money and 22
against it
Attest Mark Wiggin Town Clerk
[For legislative action, see Atkinson papers. Vol. XL —
Ed.]
488
EARLY TOWN PAPERS.
[10-128] [Paine Wingate recommended for a yust ice of the
Peace: addressed to the President and Council^ ^7^5'^
Stratham March 15*** 1785.
We the Subscribers beg leave to Acquaint your Excellency
and Honours, that from our particular Acquaintance for a Con-
siderable Number of years, with mr Pain Wingate; and from
his general Character amongst us ; we apprehend he is a very
suitable Gentleman for the office of a Justice of the Peace ; and
will be likely to be very serviceable to the Town and Publick
in that office — therefore beg tlie favour of your Excellency and
Honours, that he may be Appointed to that office : and your
Petitioners as in Duty Bound shall ever pray —
Moses Clark
Nat" Stevens
Sam* Lane
Robert Thurstin
Jabez Lane
Stephen Thurston
Benjamin Barker
Benjamin Barker
Jun'
Josiah Thurston
Levi Wiggin
Sam" Lane Jun'
Andrew Wiggin Jun'
Shadrach Robinson
W™ Pottle Ju'
Simon Pottle
W" Pottle y* 3
Samuel Marble
Rich"* Rust
Edward Mason
Bradstreet Wiggin
Dudlev L Chase
Thomas Vazey
John Marble
Nathan Adams
Jos' Wingate
Thomas Veazey 3*^
Sam Leavitt
Samuel Leavitt 3**
Josiah Leavitt
John Thirston
Samuel Pottle
Jonathan Leavitt
Samuel Leavitt Jun
Joseph Merrill
Stephen Thirston
Nathan Wiggin
Nathan Hoag
Enos Hoag
Levi Hoag
Ephraim Tebbets
Stephen Piper
Jonathan Jewett
Enoch Merriel
Eben' Barker
Eben' Barker Jun'
Joseph Wiggin
Jonathan Wiggin
Seargeant Whitcher
Abraham
Thomas Boardman
Israel Stockbridge
Theophilus Smith
thomas Veazey iun'
Joshua Lane
Thomas Moore
Thomas Moore J'
Benjamin Merrill
Ford Merrill
Jesse Merrill
Jer* Foss
John Rundlet
acob Stock ige
John Stockbridge
Abraham Stock-
bridge
Harvey moo re
Jonathan Wiggin
John hill
Joseph Hoit
Samuel Pottle
William Hash
Thomas Chase
Solomon Smith J"
Reuben Leavitt
Jonathan Chase
Jeremiah Norris
Samuel Calley
John Sinkler
William Calley
William More
Joseph Norris
Rich** Scammon
Richard Scammon
Juner
Samuel Scammon
Abraham Tomson
Joseph Hoit
Jonathan hoit
Daniel hoit
[Hon. Paine Wingate was elected representative in con-
gress in 1787, and was a member of the U. S. senate from
STRATHAM.
489
1789 to 1793, when he was again elected and served a term
in the U. S. house of representatives. — Ed.]
[ia-129] \_Petition in favor of Nicholas Rawlings: ad"
dressed to the President and Council^ -^T^S*^
Whereas your petitioners are informed their is to be a New
gustece of the peace for the town of Stratham we most humbly
and Earnestly Supplycate that your Honours would a point
Captain Nichalas Rowlings as gustice of the peace for he is a
gentlman that is fit for the Business a forsaid and as he has ben
a friend to the amarecans cans and done much in the Sarvace
and your petitioners in duty bound shall Ever pray
March the forteenth Day 1785
Josiah Smith
Edward Taylor Jun'
Jotham Rowlings
^Benjamin Green
Josiah Chase
Josiah Chase Juner
William Scammon
David Burleigh
Josiah Burley
Smuel goodhu
Daniel Clark
David Clark
Joseph Stevens
acob Low
acob Low Juner
ohn Dearborn
ames Odel
Nath* Wiggin
Daniel Jewell
Daniel French
Joshua Avery
Nathan Barker
W» Rundlet
Richard Sinckler
matthew Tomson
Levi Chase
Reuben Stockbridg
Josiah Taylor
David Wiggin
Benjamin Clark
[10-130] [^Committee chosen to present a Plan for an Issue
of Paper Money ^ lySd,']
At a Legal town meeting held in Stratham the 30*** Day of
October AD 1786—
I"* Voted Cap* Jonathan Robinson Moderator of said Meet-
ing—
2»y Voted Andrew Wiggin Clerk— P—T—
3*^ put to Vote to know the minds of the Legal Voters pres-
ent respecting the making of Paper money Agreable to the plan
prosbrib :d by the Sub Comm*** of the General Court —
The Votes as follows for said plan — ^3 — against it 55 —
4*y put to Vote to know if the Legal Voters present wou :d
wish to have Paper Money made on any other plan —
5*' Voted, in the affirmative —
&^ Voted to choose a Committee of nine persons to proscribe
a Plan for making Paper money and to Lay the same before
said at the adjournment of this meeting —
490 EARLY TOWN PAPERS.
7'y Voted Cap* N. Rolling D— Clark Cap* I Smith Cap* Rob-
inson Cap* I— Hoit I-—Ruiidlett—W— Pottle I Folsom and F
Merrill be said Committee —
S^^ Voted to adjourn this meeting to monday — the 27*^ Day of
November next at two of the clock P : M :
Andrew Wiggin C — P — t
A True Coppy — Attest Mark Wiggin Town Clerk
[^J^eport of aforesaid CommiiteeJ]
The Committee within appointed to report the best Plan they
can devise for Emmitting paper money — beg leve to there op-
pinion —
it is best to adopt the plan for making money agreeable to
the Report of the Sub Committee with this alteration which we
conceive verey materal Viz, that as fifly thousand pounds wiU
not be sufficient for a Circulating medium, that the sum to be
increased to one hundred and twenty thousand pounds, twenty
thousand of which to remain in the hands of the Treasury for
to answer all Public Demand the remaining sum to be Let out
with Intrest at six per cent on Land Security of double the
Value, the money to be no tender but for Public Demands and
in Cases of Suit — the bills to Carry three per Cent Interest in-
stead of four as the hand bill proposed — the one hundred thou-
sand pounds to be let at Six per Cent and the bills to carry only
three — leaves three per Cent for the benefit of the State which
is three thousand per annum which will pay Considerable part
of our public Expences
All which is Submitted by
Joseph Hoit for the Comm**
[For legislative action, see Vol. XI, p. 130. — Ed,]
SULLIVAN.
The town was incorporated September 27, 1787, and
comprised territory severed from Stoddard, Gilsum, Keene,
and Packersfield (now Nelson). It was named in honor of
Gen. John Sullivan, who was at that time president of the
state.
By an act approved January 10, 1794, the west line of the
town was ^' lengthened out and continued south into the
SULLIVAN. 491
town of Keene 157 rods further than by the act of int:orpo-
ration."
July 7. 1874, 2t few acres of land were severed from this
town and annexed to Gilsum.
[10-134] \_Petttton for Incorporation : addressed to the Gen-
eral Courts ij86.'\
Humbly shew your Petitioners, The Subscribers, Inhabitants
of the Towns of Keene, Packersfield, Gilsom, and Stoddard.
That they live remote from the centre of their respective Towns
and by reason of distance and bad roads are deprived of their
town privileges — That they cannot enjoy these conveniences of
public worship — That some of their duties as members of their
several towns are by their situation very burdensom. — That if
they might be incorporated into a seperate and distinct town-
ship it would be highly advantageous to them, and no detri-
ment to the towns to which they now belong — That they are
encouraged to hope that no objections will be made to their be-
ing thus incorporated unless by the town of Gilsom, and that
those objections may be easily obviated
The prayer of this their humble Petition therefore is — That
the tract of land marked out upon the plan herewith exhibited
may be set off from the several Towns aforesaid into a distinct
Township by the name of orringe and the Inhabitants of it in-
corporated as aforesaid — and Your Petitioners as in duty Bound
shall ever pray.
August 22* 17S6.
Roswell Hubbard Zadock Nims Erastus Hubbard
Joshua Osgood
Inhabitants of Keene
Grindal Keith Oliver Carter
Inhabitants of Packerfield
Burnam Josiah Seward Ezra Osgood
Nathan Bolster William Burnam Elijah Carter
Saml Seward Samuel Wyman
Inhabitants of Stoddard
James Row John Chapman Timothy Dewey
Timothy Dimmock Benjaman Chapman Tho' Morse
James Pratt Benj* Ellis Jesse Wheeler
Joseph Ellis Simeon Ellis l^ockhart Willard
William Cory Nathan Ellis Jonathan Baker
Samuel Cory John Chapman Jun*" John Dimick
492 EARLY TOWN PAPERS.
Joshua Cory James Locke Jun' Ebenezer Bird it
Jonathan Heaton James Locke John Row
Inhabitants of Gilsom
[See introduction to Sullivan. — Ed.]
[10-135] \^Report of the Committee on foregoing Petition^
1787.^
We the Subscribers being a Committee Appointed by the
General Court of this State to View the Corners of Keene Pack-
erHeld Gilsom and Stoddard haveing Viewed the primeces Beg
Leave to Report, as their Opinion that the parts of Towns Pe-
titioned for to be made into a Town lies Very Convenient for
that purpose by Reason of being incom passed all Round with
Mountains and Broken Land that is almost impassable Besides
their Lying Very Remote from the Towns to which they Now
Belong to — ^but it must Consequently, if incorporated into a
New Town Leaves Some of the Towns from which those
parts of Towns were Taken Especially Gilsome in a Broken
and inconvenant Shape as may be made to appear by the Plan
of s* Town if S* Gilsome Could be acomedated by Being
anexed to any other parts of Towns which Lies Joyning it is
our opinion that it might be a Publick advantage and much for
the accomedation and Benifit of the Petitioners
Alstead September y* 24, 1 787
Lem" Holmes
Absalom Kingsbery
[10-136]
The Petition of the select Men of the towns of Keene and
Sullivan in said State Humbly Sheweth —
That whereas in the year 1789 — an Act passed the General
Court to Incorporate a town by the Name of Sullivan and in
and by said Act the Bounds of Said town are Affixed and De-
termined— But as they will not Close agreeable to said Act —
We your Humble Petitioners pray an Amendment may be
made to Said Act, in the following manner (Viz) the West line
of Said town to be lengthened South into Keene one Hundred
fifty seaven Rods thence East twenty Eigth Degrees & 30 min-
utes South, to the East line of said Keene, thence North on
said line to the Bounds from Which they set out from in said
Act
and whereas by said Amendment the Lines will run as they
I
SULLIVAN.
493
ever were Expected to run by the town of Keene and likewise
by said Petitioners for Sullivan — It is the Humble Request of
Said towns that said Amendment take Place — And your Peti-
tioners as in Duty Bound Shall ever Pray
Keene Decern' 20"* 1793
Lock* Willard > Select Men
David Willson ) of Keene
Erastus Hubbard ) Select Men
Eliakim Nims ) of Sullivan
[This petition was granted January 10, 1794. — Ed.]
[10-137] \^Petition for the Grant of a Township: addressed
to the General Courts ^79^*\
The Petition of the subscribers, Inhabitents of the State of
New Hampshire, Humbly Sheweth —
that your Petitioners being inform** that there is within the
limits of this State lands hs yet unlocated ; and your Petitioners
being desirous, to lay a foundation for the settlement of our
Children within the bounds of there Native State
We therefore pray that a township may be granted to your
Petitioners, for aetual Settlement under such restrictions, and
limits, as your Hon^ body may think propper, that we may not
have the disagreeble Sight of Seeing our Sons Emigrating to
other States and prehaps. Kingdoms —
And as in Duty bound will ever pray
Sullivan Nov' 10*** 1798
Roswell Hubbard
Elijah Carter
W" Muzzy
Elijah Osgood
Dan* Wilson Jun'
Josiah Seward Junr
W™ Munroe
Oliver Carter
Erastus Hubbard
Joseph Ellis Jun'
Koswell Hubbard
Jun'
Wi" Bridge
Daniel Willson
John Willson
gorge Nims
James W-Osgood
Charles Carter
James Willson
Calvin Nims
Olover Brown
Phelander Nims
Ezra Osgood
Els worth Hubbard
George Hubbard
Thorn" Morse
Thomas Powell Jun
David Powell
Joseph Powell
Jonathan Powell
Samuel Seward
Junr
Paul Farnsworth
Theophilus Row
Joseph Seward
Tames Row
Daniel Farnsworth
Thomas Seward
Ichobad Keith
Elijah Rugg
Josiah Seward
James Comstick
Peter Barker
Abijah Seward
Nathan Bolster
494 EARLY TOWN PAPERS.
Isiah Willson Samuel Seward Samuel Clarke
Sam^ Willson Abel Carter Henry Carter
Frederick Nims
SUNAPEE,
The township was granted November 7, 1768, to Oliver
Corey and others, and named Saville. Previous to this the
locality was known as Corey*s-Town.
It was bounded easterly on the "Curve line" of Mason's
Patent, and run to a point at the south end near what is
now the north-east corner of Marlow.
John Wendell, of Portsmouth, was one of the grantees,
and became one of the principal owners prior to 1 781, at
which time, — to wit, April 4, 1781, — in answer to a petition
from the inhabitants, the town was incorporated by the
name of Wendell.
Decembo* 27, 1791, the south end of the town was com-
bined with portions of other towns, and erected into the
town of Goshen.
December 11, 1804, some territory was severed from the
north-east corner of this town and annexed to New Lon-
don ; and by an act approved June 19, 1817, another tract
was severed, and annexed to the same town.
By an act approved July 12, 1850, the name of the town
was changed to Sunapee.
By a return of Col. Benjamin Bellows, Jr., dated March
15, 1776, the loth company of his regiment was located in
Saville, and commanded by Samuel Gunnison, captain ; Ben-
jamin Thurbour, ist lieutenant; William Lang, 2d lieuten-
ant ; and George Lear, ensign.
[10-139] \^Petition for Arms and Ammunition: addressed
to the Council and Assembly^ ^77^'^
The Petition & Memorial of John Wendell of Portsmouth in
the s* Colony Esq' unto your Honours humbly shews —
That 3'^our Petitioner by a Vote of the Inhabitants of the
Township of Saville in said Colony was chosen to represent
them in the late hon^^ Congress in all Matters that regard their
SUNAPEE. 495
public Safety especially to procure them some Powder & Ball
for their defence against their Enemies, and as the Gentleman
who lately represented said Township w** Other is removed in-
to the Council and is also absent at this Time, Your Memori-
list thinks it his Duty to petition Y' Hon** in the Behalf of said
Inhabitants, that you would be pleased to grant them such a
Supply of Arms & Ammunition as their Situation may require
and as it will appear from the Evidence of Cap^ Samuel Gunni-
son who commands the Company in said Town, and who is a
Person with whom Y' Honours may deposit such Military
Stores as you may be pleased to grant them, and for whose Fi-
delity Yr Petitioner will readily be bound for
Y' Petitioner will not presume to lay before Y' Honours the
Urjjency of a Supply to the Interior Parts of y* Colony as it
must occur to You from the late Intelligences from Canada, yet
he humbly begs leave to suggest, that those he now represents
are wholly in want of Powder & are likely to be called on soon-
er than many Others, being most of them Young, able & will-
ing to defend their Country against any hostile Attempts of the
Brittish Army — if they should invade the Frontier Towns, —
And Your Petitioners as in Duty bound shall ever pray —
John Wendell Agent for the Town of
Portsm* July 2* 1 776. Saville —
[10-140] [^Petition for an Incorporation: addressed to the
General Assembly^ January^ ^7^^*]
The Petition of the Subscribers Inhabitants of the Township
of Saville, so called, in said State, unto Your Honours humbly
shews ; —
That your Petitioners labour under many Inconveniences for
the Want of an Incorporation of the said Town, and as Your
Honours have indulged Other Towns, far less Inhabited than
this. They humbly hope for the same Favour, — Your Petition-
ers have exerted them selves on all Occasions in the present
War, greatly beyond their Abilities, and have signalized their
Attachment to the State of New Hampshire and its Jurisdic-
tion,— Your Petitioners pray that said Township may be incor-
porated with the Priviledges of other corporate Towns, and
that it may hereafter benr the name of Wendell, for which In-
dulgence : y' Petitioners will ever pray —
Samuel Gunnison Daniel Grendel Abiathar young
William Lang John Beven Robrd young
Bcni* B^R Rand ^"^ woodward Edward young
ioaik * Nehemiah woodward Jemes young
496 EARLY TOWN PAPERS.
George W. Lear daniel woodward Joshua Whitne
Joseph Lear Daniel Sherburne William
Robert Rand Sam willson £ x Sisco
Moses True Esek young Sam : Sisco
William Lang for his son William in the army
[The town was incorporated April 4, 1 781, by the name
of Wendell.— Ed.]
[10-142] \^Statement relative to the Condition of the Inh<ib»
itants^ 1^82.']
To His Honor the President & the Hon**** the Council &
House of Representatives, to be Convened at Concord the 2*
Tuesday in June 1782 : In and for the Common Wealth of New
Hampshire —
The Humble Petition of the Inhabitants of the Town of
Wendell most Humbly Sheweth that Your Petitinors have
Recived Tax Bills from the Treasurer of this Common
wealth to the Amount of £160—15 — New Emission & £6
— o — 6 — Speice for the years 1781 — & for the year 1782
the amount of ^^194 — 4 — 7 — to be paid In Silver or Gold,
as our Proportion of the State Tax. We therefore beg Leave
To Inform Your Hon" of our Inability to pay the Same —
As under is the True & Deplorable State of the Town —
there is but 25 familes in the town & 3 of them So Infirm
that they Pay no Pole Tax — & 11 Single men Some of the
familes hafe one Cow Each Some 2 others none at all — after a
Strict Enquiry Could not find above 4 Families that has Bread
Corn Enough to Last to English Harvest & all the Rest are
buyers of Corn Some of which have Nothing to buy with —
And we Humbly Conceive there has been no town Setteled by
Inhabitants in Such Low Circumstances as this — as Some have
Ever been Obliged to Go Twenty miles after Bread Corn to
Eat yearly we have Ever been Ready to Assist our Proportion
in the Continental Army both Personal & in all other Exigen-
cies— There is So many Non Resident Proprietors of Land Liv-
ing oute of the town owning the Principale of the Town that
our Roads are in a bad Situation and having no mills we are
Obliged to Go to the next Towns for Every thing we may want
in that way which makes our Situation realy Distressing — As
we are ordered by a Special Act of the Assembly not to tax
the Lands of the Non Residents towards Defraying the Expence
of making or Repairing the Roads in the Town we are not
able to Do it our Selves — Your Humble Petitioners Do Con-
SUNAPEE. 497
ccivc the Poverty of the town is Deplorable — many of those
Familes have no money and if these taxes are Inforced on them
must Sell there Stock and there Families Sufier — we Humbly
Conceive that our Precept is much bigger than our Just purpo-
tion for want of a true knowledge of our Situation — i*^ we are
on a Gore of Land which other towns Infringe uppon us and
we Cant help it 2^ we Humbly Conceive we have not our
quantity of Land by Reason of So much watter in the town —
the tax bill for the year 1781, — was Rec* march 25*** 1782 the
tax bill for the year 1782 — was Rec* may 16 — 1782 — on the
Receipt of which the Inhabitants was Called to Gether to Con-
sider of there melancholy Situation & to Petition to the assem*
bly for Redress therefore your Petitioners most humbly Pray
Your Honours will be pleasd to take there Distressed Case into
there most Serious consideration & they will in Duty Bound
Ever Pray — voted in the above S* meeting that m' moses True
forward this Petition to the General Assembly at Concord —
Attest Sam*^ Gunnison town Clark — may y* 23d 1782 —
[R. 454] {^Soldier's Order.^
Windale Aug^ 26^ 1784 to the Tresurer of the State of New
Hampshire Sir Plese to Pay the hole of my wages due to me
from the state of New Hampshire for sarvis don in the Conta-
nental sarvis to Elijah Frink or his order — and this order shall
be a full discharge from your Humble sarvant in presents of us
his
Stephen X Scranton
mark
on* Burroughs
oel Bailey
the above s' Stephen Scranton was in Co^ Scamels or CoL
Darbons Reg'
]
[R. 455] \_Order from Soldier^ s Mother J\
To the Treasurer of the State of Newhamp'
Sir please to pay to Sam" Stone all the areas and deprecotion
due to the heirs of William M^Bretain a Soldier in the first
Redgamet and this Shall be good Rect for the Same it being
for Value Recevd as witness my hand Wendell Nov**' 12 1792
her
Janey X McBriton
mark
Joshua Whitne
Ebenezer Freeman
34
498 EARLY TOWN PAPERS.
[R. 4-56] [ Certificates relative to Mrs. McBrittan."]
To Ambros Coset Esq Sir we wish you to certify that Jancy
McBreton Siner to an order given to Sam^ Stone was the
Mother to Will McBreton who died In the first Newhampsher
Redg and Lefl Nither father Brother Nor Sister and she is the
Soal heir So doeng you will oblige your Serve
Joshua Whitne
Ebenezer Freeman
Cheshire ss This may certify that Joshua Whitne and Eben-
ezer Freeman both of Windle are in my Opinion men of truth
and varasity and I have seen the Widow britton of Windle and
have heard that she had no Children living and belive she haa
none living
November 14^ 1792 Attest Ambrose Cossit Justice of the
peace
To whom it may concern
[R. 4-57-] {^Statement relative to Revolutionary Service.J
To the Hono^^ the Commite of Claims in and for the Com-
monwealth of Newhampshire Gentelmen this may Inform your
honours of the State and Sittuation of the town of Wendell
During our Late unnateral war. In the first of the war their
was but fifteen families twenty two poles Laram List & train-
ing Band — ^And in April 1783 — but thurty four taxable poles in
the town — which have always Dun their Farts & Sum times
more in the Common Cause as may appear by the following
account which I took from the Peopels mouths as to Collect
the actual Service the peopel of this town have Done from the
officers Roles they ware under I Cannot do
Benj* Howard in the Service — o- 9 months
Elezer Sisco - 0-5-
Samuel Gunnison Jun' - - - . o- 7-J
Joseph Lear -------o- i-J
Daniel Grindle for messers Lears - 0-5-
Daniel woodward ------0-2-
w" Lang Jun' from the begining of
the war & During the war —
William Sisco - o-io-
william mcbritton Jun' - - - - o- 5-
w" mcbritton Tun' for three years
wounded & Died in the Service 3- o-
SUNAPEB. 499
y months
Edward young ------- 0-6-
Daniel Grindle for himself • - - 0-5-
Sam^ Sisco for three years - - - 3-0-
the above List are of those who ware in town and Did Ser-
vice for the town —
y
Joshua Gage 0-8 months
Esek young ------- 1-2-
abiathar young ------ 1-9-
Neamiah woodward - - . - 1-3-
thomas woodward ----- 0-9-
Joshua whitne ------i. ^
7-2-
the above List are of those who had Just purechased Land in
town & made Sum Small Improvements and then went volen-
ters into the armey in Diferant Departments
this from your humble and faithfull Servant — Errors Ex-
cepted— Wendell October the 12*"* 1785 — Sam" Gunnison Capt.
To the Honourable the Committe of Claims or bord of war
In and for the Common wealth of Newhampshire this may In-
form your honours that Col® Hunt has brought A Extent to the
Amount of £ as our Purpotion of our Dilenquent Solder tax for
the Late war which we humbly Conceive is Come against us
by Reason of your honours not having A Rite Knowledge of
what the Inhabitants of this Poor feeble town has Dun by Calls
on all Sudden Am mergences from our field officers and also vol-
entiers Going So much that we Actualy beleive that we ought
to have Credit Rather then to be Called uppon for the Least
Sum — we humbly Conceive we have a Just Rite to Chalange
the whole State that their is not a town in it Considering our
Poverty and numbers that have Done near So much as the Peo-
ple of this town have in actual Service withoute hire from other
towns therefore we would Earnestly Desire your honours would
take the above account under your Consideration & we humbly
beg the Extent now in Col" Hunts hands may be with Drawn —
this from your humble Peteniors in Duty Bound Ever pray —
Wendell October ye 14*^ — 1785 —
Samuel Gunnison '\ Select men
moses true >■ of
Joshua Gage ) Wendell
500 EARLY TOWN PAPERS.
[R. 4-58] [^Statement relative to Service in the War: ad-
dressed to the General Assembly^ 1/86.']
The Petition of the Selectmen of Saville, formerly so called,
but w*** is now incorporated by the Name of Wendell, in behalf
of themselves and the Other Inhabitants of said Township, unto
Honours humbly Shews —
That the Hon^** Treasurer of this State, hath lately Issued an
Extent on Your Petitioners, for the want of their Proportion of
Men, during the War, which occasioned the Greatest Surprize
to Your Pef*, as they were conscious, that the said Inhabitants^
taken in a comparative View, have done more service During*
the war, than Any Town in the whole State, as they Humbly
coDcieve they shall make to appear to any committee of this
Hon**** Court ; Your Pet" never Received any List or Demand
for their Proportion from any Public Officer what ever, except-
ing a Letter from Col* now Gen* Bellows to Cap* Gunnison for
the Names of such men as went from s* Town unlisted for
Three Years or during the war with the Names of the Officers
under whom they Served, on which Your Pet" Gunnison re-
turned the Names of William Lang jun' W" M®Brittain Jun' &
S* Sisco Inhabitants of said town who were then inactual Ser-
vice engaged for Three Years, One of whom was wounded in
Battle & afterwards died thereof And excepting a few Old men
Every man in the town has Occasionally served in Person on
Alarms and Whenever Col" Bellows Sent Out for them, All
which they humbly hope to make appear Wherefore they Re-
quest a Committee of this Hon"* Court may be Appointed to
take the Prayer of their Petition into Consideration and to Re-
port thereon as to Justice belongs, And Your Pet" as in duty
Bound shall ever Pray
Sam" Gunnison ) Selectmen
moses true ) of Wendell
Wendell January 2* 1786.
[The foregoing petition was referred to a committee, who
reported in favor of allowing the town £60 on account of
Wm. Lang, and that Wm. Sisco had been hired by the town
of Croydon. The report was accepted and adopted. — Ed.]
[10-143] \_Relative to Soldiers* Bounties^ ^7<?9«]
A Statement agreable to the Resolve of the General Court
pased September 24**^ 1787 — ^the State of Newhampshire Deter.
to the Town of Wendal to Certain Bountys given for the Rais-
ing of men for the Continental Army and the Milia Service as
SUNAPEE. 501
they have been called into duty at Sundry times dureing the
late War and as they have been paid either by the Town of
Wendal (formerly Saville) or by Individuals in said Windal —
We the Subscribers have received the following Sums affixed
to each of our names as Bounty s for the Service we have done
in the Continantal Army and Militia during the late War, this
we have Received from the said town of Wendal or Individual
persons in Said Town equivalent to Silver money
Esek young £25 o o
Daniel Grendel ^00
his ^
Benj" X Howard 14 17 o
mark
44 17 O
State of Newhampshire Cheshire County ss:
Wendal December 22* 1789 —
Personally Apeared Esek Young Daniel Grindel and Benja-
min Howard and made Solemn Oath that they each of them
Received so much as is affixed to each of their names of the
Town of said Wendal or Individual Persons in said Wendal as
Bounty s for Serving in late Continental army and Militia
Coram — ^Josiah Stevens Justice Peace
William Lang Jun' Received Eighteen Pounds and eight
penc of said Town of Wendal and an Individual man in said
Wendal as a Bounty for his Service in the late war but the said
William died Some years Since and no proper Receit being
left We pray that the account may be allowed it was then equal
to Silver money
Wendell Decern**' 22"^ 1789
Joseph Cutts \ Select Men
Ichabod Perkins > of
Ebenezer freeman ) Wendal
[19-148] \^Petition for a new Town: addressed to the Gen-
eral Courts ^7^9'^
The Petition of us the Subscribers Inhabitants of Wendell
Lemster Unity Newport and Fishersfield living on a Tract of
Land lying in the Remote corners of the Towns Aforesaid
which makes it Exceedingly Inconvenient on Account of all
Town affairs as Publick Town Meetings and Religious Socie-
ties by our being at Such A Distance from the Center of those
502
EARLY TOWN PAPERS.
Towns that we are now Incorporated with, Therefore the
Prayers of your petitioners is that your Hon" will Consider us
in our Situation and Incorporate us as a Town as Shall be Set
forth in the Plan herewith Exhibited or otherwise as your Hon"
in your Wisdom Seem meet and your petitioners as in duty bound
Shall ever Pray
Lemster December 3^* 22 A D 1789
Asa Hebard
Benj- WiUey
Allen Willey J'
Milan Hebard
Luther Martin
Nathan Willey
Reuben Willey
Eleazer Cary
Daniel Shirbon
Daniel Shirbon J'
John Wheeler
James Libbey
rarker Tandy
George W. Lear
Joseph Lear
Benjamin Rand
Benjamin Rand
Junr
Nathanill Gunnison
Moses true
William Lang
Stephen Lang
Daniel Grendel
Arthur Humphrey
Stephen Gilman
Elisha Thacher
Ephraim Guliison
George Ayres
N : B Said Town to be bounded as followeth (viz) Begin-
ning on Newport South line About fifly Rods west of gilman*
mils thence South four milds and three Quaters or So far as to
be parrael with the South line of fishersfeild thence East four
milds thence North five milds and 140 Rods thence westerly
four milds and One third to the first mentoned bounds
[10-147] [RemoHsirance to foregoing^ ^790,"]
The Petition of a number of the Inhabitants of the town of
Unity humbly prayeth, that whareas a Petition was Presented
to the General Court at their Sessions in December Last signed
by Daniel Grindale and others praying that the East end of S'
Unity with part of sundry other, towns Mentioned in S** Petition
might be Incorporated into a Township Distinct, from those to
which they now belong, Your Petitioners humbly conceive that
it will be of great damage to S* Town of Unity to Spare any
part of S*" Township to the above mentioned Petitioners as we
are Sensible that the situation of S^ town is such that if in case
their request should be granted the remaining part of S* Town
cannot with any Conveniency be accommodated with one cen-
ter and it will Effectually prevent any other Division of S* Town
from takeing place which might otiierwise be done, And which
the Town are very unanimous in haveing done — and which we
think would be greatly conducive to the Peace welfare and Hap-
piness of S* Town — Therefore we do in the most humble man-
ner Request your Honours, that the Prayer of the petition of
SUNAPEE.
503
Sd Grindale, and others (so far as it respects S* town of Unity)
may not be Granted and your Petitioners as in duty bound shall
ever Pray —
Unity December 2"* 1790—
Samuel Chase
Nathaniel Huntoon
Chads Huntoon J'
Philip Huntoon
Caleb Huntoon
John Huntoon
Daniel Bachelder
thomas Nott
Stephen Huntoon
Joshua Bartlett
Jacob Bartlett
Benjamin Huntoon
Benjamin Clough
Samuel Huntoon
Matthias Bartlett
Cornelies Clough
Amos T Huntoon
Joseph Huntoon
Tun'
"William Long
Benjamin Smart
Joseph Hebet
Moses Chase
John Sleeper
Abraham Sandborn
Moses Fi field
Isaac Livingston
Jonathan Glidden
Barnabas S inkier
Elias Buckman
Asa Lam son
Amos Lamson
Sam^ P Glidden
Jonathan Glidden
Jn'
Stephen Buckman
Amos Buckman
Jacob Smith
iNathaniel Heart
Elephelit Breead
Nichelos peirce
William Neal
Josiah moody Junr
Daniel moody
Josiah Huntoon
Richard Moody
Samborn Cram
Jacob Cram
andrew Glidden
Jacob X Glidden
Elipelet Bodwell
Eliphelet Bodwell
Jun
James Bodwell
Stephen Brown
Joseph Glidden
Simeon Glidden
James Dudley
Darbon Sweet
asaph merrel
thomas Smith
Jeremiah Glidden
Ebenezer barker
Sam^ W. Thurber
f 10-150] ■[ Vote of the Town of Lemfster on the foregoing, '\
At a legal Town meeting of the inhabitants of Lemster held
in consequence of a Petition to the Selectmen of S* Lemster
from Moses True and other on the eighteenth day of Dec' A D
1 789 — On the Question being put whether the Town Approved
or disapproved of the design of S^ Petitioners in takeing off part
of S* Town of Lempster it was disapproved by 33. and Ap-
proved by 1 1 —
Meeting disolved —
A true copy Attest James Bingham T. Clerk
Lempster Jan^ 8, 1791 —
504 EARLY TOWN PAPERS.
[10-151] [ Wendell against the Separation. "]
Wendell Jan^ 3, 1791 —
Whom it may concern this certifies, that the Town of Wen-
dell have never voted to give of the South part of S* Town as
requested in a Petition Signed by Daniel Grendell and Othei-s
Also certifies that there are not more than Fifty four Rateable
Polls in s* Town of Wendell—
Ichabod Perkins Town Clerk
[10-152]
We the Inhabitants of the Town of Wendell whose names are
hereunder Written being Sensible of the Dificulties that we are
under by Reason of the Situation of this Town and the great
Distance that many of the Inhabitants have to Travel for pub-
lick Worship and all Town affairs of Every kind do Suppose it
to be Reasonable and Necesary and do freely Consent and Re-
quest that your Honours would Incorporate the South End of
Said Wendell with the Corners of Several other Towns agree-
able to the plan taken by M' Jese Lane or otherwise as your
Honours in your Wisdom Seem meet and your petitioners as in
duty bound Shall Ever pray
Wendell May y* 12"* 1791
Strokley angell Esek Angill Edward yong
Noel Angell James Scales Jun' James bock
Joshua gage Abiathar young Thomas Woodward
Eben angell Robard young Joshua Whitne
James young Daniel Moses Giles Bartlet
philip Huntoon Israel Bryant Job Williams
Cornalous young Esek young
[Portions of the towns of Wendell, Newport, Unity,
Lempster, and Fishersfield were combined, and incorporated
into a town named Goshen, Dec. 27, 1791. — Ed.]
[10-154] \^Petition to have the Corner Bound of Goshen eS"
tablished^ I7Q7»2
The petition of the Selectmen of Wendell humbly Sheweth
That Whereas a Mistake appears to have taken place in the
Act for Incorporating the Town of Goshen respecting the first
bound of Said Town which is mentioned in Said Act as begin-
ning at the northeast corner of lot No nine in the first range of
SHARON. 505
lots in Wendell & upon Fishersfield line, which Said northeast
Corner & the line of Fishersfield have Since been found to be
at Some distance apart & the Inhabitants of Goshen petitioned
the Generall Court the last Year to have this mistake rectified
& the Said first bound established either at the Said northeast
corner of lot N** nine without having any regard to Fisherfield
line or on the line of Fisherfield in the place meant to' be de-
scribed in Said Act — Therefore as it would be very inconvenient
for the Town of Wendell to have the Said bound established at
the Northeast Cornei: of lot No nine by reason that it would
leave a considerable point of land in Said Wendell lying in a
triangular form between Fisherfield & Goshen.
Your petitioners humbly request your Honours that the said
bound may be established upon the line of Fishersfield in the
place where it was meant & intended to have been made when
that part of Wendell was Set oflf to Goshen which was in Such
place as where it would form a Straight line with the Said
northeast corner of lot N** nine & the head lines of that range of
lots to Newport line thereby making one Straight line between
the Town of Said Wendell & Goshen from Fishersfield line to
Newport line and that the bound & line may be thus established
we in duty bound will ever pray
Wendell June 3** 1797
Whittier Perkins \ Selectmen
Nathaniel Perkins > of
Samuel George ) Wendell
[The line was established in accordance with this peti-
tion, June 22, 1797. — Ed.]
SHARON.
The territory in this town was formerly the westerly por-
tion of Peterborough Slip, and retained the name after the
east part was separated and incorporated into the town of
Temple. By an act passed February 6, 1789, the inhabi-
tants were invested with the privilege of levying and col-
lecting taxes for the repair of highways, and the laying out
and building of the same ; and by an act passed June 19,
1789, they were authorized to levy and collect a tax of one
penny per acre annually, for the term of three years, for the
purpose of repairing roads and bridges. January 24, 1791,
the town was incorporated by its present name.
The following documents were not found in time to place
the town in alphabetical order.
506 EARLY TOWN PAPERS.
f 1 0-210] \_Petition for Annexation to Peterborough: ad»
dressed to the General Courts ^TT?*]
We the Inhabitance of Peterborough Slip as Your Humble
Pctitionors do Beg Leave to Aquant Your honors that we have
Voted to be Anexed to Peterborough and Are Verry Desirous
for the Same for our Number* Being So Small that we Cannot
be a town of our Selves Nor have Any towne Privilidges while
we Are in this Situation and we humbly Pray that Your honors
would take it into consideration and if it be Your Minds to
Grant Us our Petetion Which we Now Request of Your hon-
ours let it be Don Soon as may be —
And we Shall Ever pray &C
Peterborough Slip May 27*^ 1777
ohn Tagg^rt Gilbert m^cay Josiah Crosby
n® Swan _ William Milliken Sam^ Gragg
"^ ~ ames Milligen Jn" Eliot
ohn m^allaster Andrew Conn
ames M*Nee
on* Taggart J'
ohn Swan Jun'
Samu* Milliken
John Whitemore Benj : Nutting
f 1 0-2 1 6] \Petittonfor an Act of Incorporation: addressed
to the General Courts i'/86.'\
The petition of the subscribers in behalf of the Inhabitants of
a place called Peterborough-Slip in the County of Hillsborough
in said State humbly sheweth,
That the said Inhabitants have for many years laboured under
great inconveniencies & difficulties in not being vested with cor-
porate powers. —
That the said place called Peterborough Slip is surrounded
by incorporated places — Peterborough on the north Jaffrey on
the west, Rindge & New Ipswich on the South & Temple on
the east — & that it cannot with convenience be annexed to either
of those Towns —
That the number of Inhabitants in said place now Amounts
to one hundred & eighty, And the number of Families to forty :
That the said Place contains about seventy lots containing upon
an average One hundred acres, & is capable of making fifty
good Farms or settlements — That your Petitioners are very de-
sirous of enjoying, in common with their fellow Citizens, the
Blessings resulting from a Gospel ministry — publick Schools —
good roads & all the other Benefits that flow from an organized
& well regulated Society — And your petitioners beg leave to
observe that should your Honours be pleased to encorporate
SHARON. 507
them, in their present situation, that most of the difficulties &
embarrassments which they now feel, would still remain ; &
that the only expedient whereby your Petitioners may be re-
lieved, is, as they humbly conceive, that a small Piece be taken
from each of the Towns that join upon said Peterborough-Slip
on the north and west and be added thereto-— Your Petitioners
humbly conceive that if One mile be taken off the east end of
Jafirey & one mile from the south end of Peterborough, as far
as they adjoin upon said Peterborough Slip, that such an acces-
sion would make them competent for all the purposes of corpo-
rate Society, and in no degree injure the said Towns of Jaffirey
& Peterborough — Your petitioners are led to conceive thus of
the matter from these considerations ; That the said Town of
Jaffrey is now seven miles from west to east, & only five from
North to South ; So that, when that part of said Jaffrey, which
it is the wish of your petitioners may be annexed to them, shall
be [taken off, the remaining part will be large enough for a
Township & will better accommodate the Inhabitants than now
That as to the said Town of Peterborough your petitioners
beg leave to observe, that a tract of land unincorporated,
called Society, lies adjoining to Said Peterborough on the
North — that this Tract is also surrounded by incorporated
places And may very conveniently, At least a part of it, be an-
nexed to said Peterborough, And will more than compensate
for that part of Peterborough which may be Annexed to said
Peterborough-Slip —
Your Petitioners Therefore pray that your Honours would be
pleased to annex, One mile taken off the east end of said Jaf-
frey, & One mile taken off the South end of said Peterborough,
to the Tract of Land now called Peterborough-Slip, and incor-
porate the whole into a Township vested with all the privileges
of corporate Societies in this State and as in Duty bound your
Petitioners shall ever pray —
John m^allaster") Committee
Sam* Gragg >■ of
Sam* Milliken ) Peterborough Slip
Heard and dismissed.
[10-217] S^P^tition for Authority to levy and collect Taxes
for the repair of Highways^ ^7^7"^
The petition of the Inhabitants of a place called Peterborough-
Slip, in said State,
Humbly sheweth.
That your petitioners, by reason of their being unincorpo-
rated, are subject to many inconveniences, among which are,
508 EARLY TOWN PAPERS.
first, That they cannot lay out new high-ways — Second, That
they cannot tax Non-residents lands, nor lands unimproved, to
help make and repair highways — And, Third, That they can-
not compell persons who are unwilling to labour on highways
to work on them at all : Wherefore, your petitioners pray that
your Honors would enable, empower and fully authorize them
to lay out high-ways in said Place, where necessary— to tax the
Non-residents lands and lands unimproved, in said place, for
the making and repairing highways in said place — ^And to com-
pell the Inhabitants of said Place to make, mend & repair said
high-ways — in as full and ample a manner as the Inhabitants of
incorporated towns and places in this State are by law author-
ised to act and do in such matters —
And your Petitioners as in duty bound shall ever pray.
June. 25*** 1787.
John Prentice for the Petitioners
[The foregoing petition was granted by an act passed
February 6, 1789, — Ed.]
SURRY.
The town was incorporated March 9, 1769, and comprised
territory severed from the towns of Westmoreland and Gil-
sum, largely from the latter. That portion taken from the
former had been known as Westmoreland Leg.
By the act of incorporation the first meeting was to be
called by Peter Hayward, the first settler in town, and Eb-
enezer Kilburn had liberty to " poll off " with his estate to
Gilsum.
Surry was one of the towns that voted to unite with Ver-
mont, and, in I78i,the majority of the selectmen refused to
call a meeting for the election of a member of the legisla-
ture, in obedience to a precept from this state, "being under
oath to the state of Vermont." See Vol. XI, p. 29.
Lead and silver were discovered on Surry mountain many
years ago, and attempts have been made from time to time
to mine the ore. A mine on the east side of the mountain,
which is being worked at the present time by the Granite
State Mining Company, produces gold, silver, copper, and
lead, in considerable quantities.
SURRY. 509
Surry men in ist N. H. Regiment :
Joshua Church enlisted March 18, 1777; discharged
April 30. 1780.
Anthony Oilman enlisted July i, 1777; taken prisoner.
Samuel Liscomb enlisted May 8, 1777; discharged De-
cember, 1779.
Jacob Bonney enlisted May 20, 1777; died July, 1778.
[10-156] \_Peiition of Lemuel Holmes: addressed to theGefi'
eral Courts JFebruary lO, lySo.']
The Memorial of Lemuel Holmes Captain of the Corps of
Rangers — Humbly Sheweth,
That your Memorialist was captivated by the British Army
on the 16* Day of November, AD. 1776, at Fort Washington
(so called) and carried into New- York, where he was detained
a Prisoner untill the 20*** Day of September, A D. 1778 ; — That
during this Period your Memorialist had scarce any Allowances
from the Continent & none from this State, & your Memorialist
is led to suppose that the Reason of his being neglected by said
State was, that thro' Mistake he was never returned as belong-
ing to the said State ; — That your Memorialist was detained in
New- York five Weeks after he was exchanged, for Want of
Money to discharge his Billet, having had no Remittances for
that Purpose ; — That after your Memorialist was permitted to
leave New- York, (having previously been obliged to hire the
Money to discharge his Billet) he was under a Necessity of tak-
ing a Journey to Philadelphia to procure said Money to be
granted & remitted by the Honorable Continental Congress,
which Journey cost him much time & nearly all the Money he
had before received, which was seven hundred Dollars on Ac-
compt. — And your Memorialist would also humbly represent in
Behalf of himself & Samuel Silsby, Daniel Griswold & William
Haywood, Soldiers from said State in the Corps commanded
by your Memorialist, that your Memorialist & the aforesaid
Soldiers were considerable Sufferers, by loosing several things
at the time of their Captivity & by Expences afterwards arising
from Sickness, the necessary Charges of getting Home & loss
of time afterwards, as will more fully appear from the Accompt
herewith transmitted. — Wherefore your Memorialist in Behalf
of himself & the aforesaid Samuel Silsby, Daniel Griswold and
William Haywood, humbly prays this honorable Court to take
the foregoing Memorial & Representation together with the
Accompt herewith transmitted into their wise Consideration
5IO EARLY TOWN PAPERS.
and act thereon as they in their Wisdom shall see just & proper ;
— ^and your Memorialist as in Duty bound, shall ever pray,
&c. —
Lemuel Holmes Capt
[R. 4-62] {^Petition of Thomas Dodge^ Soldier^ -^7*J-]
Humby Shews,
Thomas Dodge, that in the year 17771 he inlist-
ed into the continental service for three years, for the Town of
Surry in the county of Cheshire, and received from Said Town,
a Bounty of one hundred Dollars ; that he served during the
whole term ; and when he applied to the treasury of this State,
for his Wages, the receipt he had given The Town of Surry for
said Bounty was lodged against him, and reducted out of his
Wages — Your Petitioner therefore prays, that this Assembly
will take his case into consideration, and make an order to The
Town of Surry to refund said hundred Dollars, or grant such
other relief in the premises, as to this hon^ Court shall seem
expedient and proper — and your Petitioner as in Duty bound shall
ever pray.
Charlestown N* 4 Ocf 24*^ 1783 —
Thomas Dodge
[R. 4-63] [^Petition of Lemuel Holmes^ Soldier : addressed
to the General Assembly^ ^7^^*^
Humbly Sheweth
The petition and memorial of Lemuel Holmes— of Surry in
said State — ^that on the first day of January seventeen hundred
seventy six — your petitioner engaged as Lieutenant for the
terra of one year in the service of this and the United States —
and on the sixteenth day of November following was taken
prisoner at fort Washington — ^That previous to the captivity of
your petitioner (viz) on the first of September the same Year —
I had an appointment by his Excellency Gen^ Washington to
the office of Captain — That by being made prisoner, your peti*
tioner was prevented receiving a commission agp^eable to such
appointment — but was however returned and exchanged as
such — after having continued prisoner in New York almost two
years — That when released your petitioner immediately applied
to the Congress for direction and settlement of my accounts—
and there received a small sum in Continental money on ac-
count— and was directed by Congress to apply to the state to
which I belonged for a settlement of the whole — That your pe*
SURRY. 511
titioner in consequence applied to the hon. Assembly of this
State about two years since — but by a multiplicity of business
or some other cause to me unknown — my said application was
and has been since neglected — whereby a settlement of my ac-
counts has never yet been effected nor any sufficient payment or
compensation rendered for the services and sufferings of your
petitioner — That more over your petitioner hath been informed
that Congress ordered some allowance to be made to those su-
per-numerary Officers who returned home —
Your petitioner therefore humbly prays that your honors will
take the several matters herein before suggested into serious
consideration — ^and point out some eligible method for a speedy
settlement of my accounts — and whereby I may obtain the bal-
ance in my favor without greater cost and trouble — ^And that in
the mean time your honors would direct and order a reasonable
sum for my present relief and support — Or other wise g^ant
such relief and direction in the premises — as to your honors in
wisdom may seem best. —
And your Petitioner as in duty bound will ever pray
Lem^^ Holmes
Dated at Concord this 13**" June 1782 —
[In H. of Rep., June 14, 1782, he was granted an allow-
ance of £zo, " hard money." — Ed.]
[R. 4-65] {^Petition of Lemuel Holmes^ ^794*^
To the Honourable General Court of the State of New Hamp-
shire convened at Amherst on the first Wednesday of June
1794
The petition of Lemuel Holmes for himself and Samuel Sils-
by Niles Beckwith, William Hay ward & Daniel Griswold all
of the State afforesaid and County of Cheshire who are yet Liv-
ing who were taken prisoners at fort Washington in the Year
1776 with your petitioners that Belonged to the State of New-
hampshire and who have Never had any Compensation for the
time they were prisoners nor the Loss of their Baggage and
arms and what is infinitely wors the Loss of their health and
Constitutions : altho their accompts with mine were Considered
by our Committee and Sent forward to Congress but were with
many other State accompts not Considered So that we your
petitioners are without any Redress unless your Honours will
pleas to interpose in our Behalf and make a Grant of So much
of the unlocated Lands in Said State as your Honours in Your
Wisdom may think Reasonable under Such Restrictions as to
Setling as may Seem best for the State
512 EARLY TOWN PAPERS.
and I Your humble petitioner will be under Such obligations
to Survey and Settle Said Lands in Behalf of them as Shall be
Reasonable as Your petitioner has a Number of Sons who
would Settle Said Lands which might be of Some Servis to the
State but would Satisfy your petitioner that the State for which
he has undergon too many hardships to mention think that his
friends feel for his Misfortunes and will Compensate for his
Losses
and your petitioner as in Duty bound will pra}
Surry June y* 2** 1794*
Lemuel Holmes
[Hon. Lemuel Holmes was lieutenant in a company of
rangers from January i, 1776, until the first of September,
following, when he was appointed captain by Gen. Wash-
ington. On the i6th of November next following he was
taken prisoner at Fort Washington and carried to New
York, where he remained in captivity until September 20,
1778. He was town-clerk of Surry for some years, and rep-
resented Gilsum and Surry in the H. of Rep., in 1784-86,
1789-92. He was elected a member of the governor's coun-
cil in 1790, and held the office four years ; was a judge of
the court of common pleas for the county of Cheshire until
1808, at which time he was debarred from holding the office
any longer by reason of having arrived at the age of seventy
years. He lived for some years at the foot of Bald hill in
Surry, and is described as being an agreeable and courteous
gentleman, of strict integrity, and a prominent man in his
day. Subsequently he removed to Vermont, and there
died. — Ed.]
[10-157] \^Relative to the collection of Beef for the Artny^
M' Speeker Sir Whereas Co^ Gideon of Exeter Was appoint-
ed a Collector of Beef for the year 1780 and under him John
Mellen Esq' Collector for the County of Cheshire S^ Mellen did
in the year 1 780 Collect 739 lb of Beef more than he Recepted
for to Co^ Gideons and Because S*' Returns do not agree with
the Return on the Book the Treasurer Cant Credet the Town
of Surry for any Part of the Beef which was Delivered to S*
Mellen therefore it is Motioned that the House Give orders that
the Treasurer Receive Said Recepts and Credet the Town of
SURRY. 513
Surry for the Same which the Treasurer is Ready to do upon
Receiving the order
Portsmouth F*^ y* 22 17S6 Lemuel Holmes
Surry, Cap' Giddings returned 2600^^ Beef
[10-158] ^Return of JR at able Polls, 1783.1
A Return of the Male inhabitants of the Town of Surry of
Twenty one years of age and upwards pay each one for him-
self a Poll-Tax
Eighty two
Bv order of the Select- men
Lemu*^ Holmes Town Clerk
[10-159] [Relative to date of Annual Meeting: addressed to
the Council and H. of Ref,, ^784>1
Humbly sheweth your Petitioners Thomas Harvey Joshua
Fuller and William Barran Selectmen for the Town of Surry
for the year 1783 That whereas the Holding of Annuel Meet-
ings on the Last Tuesdays of March is attended by many incon-
veniencies, in consequence of the new Constitution taking place
and the inconveniency of Holding it by adjournment by reason
of its being so late in the Month
Therefore, We your Petitioners pray that if your Honours
see fit would appoint the Annual Meeting to be held earlier in
the Month of March for the Future
As in Duty Bound will ever pray
Lem" Holmes Town Clerk by order of the Selectmen
Surry March 24*** 1784
[By an act passed April 13, 1784, the time for holding
the annual meeting was changed froW the last Tuesday of
March, to the first Monday in the same month. — Ed.]
[10-160] \^Date of Annual Meeting changed, ^T^S'I
State of New Hamp'
In the House of Representatives Feb" 23* 1785
Whereas in and by an Act passed the 13*** of April A. D.
1784 it is Enacted that the Annual Meeting in the Town of
85
514 EARLY TOWN PAPERS.
Surry shall be held on the first Monday in March annually, but
as the Inhabitants have not had Notice thereof, and the said
first Monday so nigh that Legal notice cannot be given of the
business necessary to be transacted at said Meeting — There-
fore—
Resolved that the Meeting for the Present year be held on
the fourth Tuesday of March next and that the present Select
men give notice in the usual manner of the time place & Desiga
of Said Meeting and the Officers chosen at said Meeting are to
give notice that the annual meeting of said Town is to be held
on the first nionday in March annually in future —
Sent up for Concurrence
Geo : Atkinson Speaker
In Senate the same day read & Concurred
E Thompson Sec
[10-161] [Petition for Authority to raise Money by Lottery
to work a Silver Aline ^ J ^86."]
The Petition of the Subscribers Humbly sheweth that they
have Discovered a place in Surry in the county of Cheshire,
where they Are persuaded there is a Valuable Silver Mine,
that they Wish to make an Experiment of the worth and Quan-
tity of said Mine, that by the best computation they can make,
it will cost three or four thousand Dollars, before they can reap
any considerable advantage therefrom, that they conceive it
vrould be a very considerable advantage to the Publick, should
they succede to their Reasonable expectation, in opening said
Mine, that it will be extremely Difficult, if not impossible for
them, to advance the necessary Expences for effecting the Same
Experiment, that Encouraged by your Honours known Wisdom
and Public Spirit ; the Prayer of your Petitioners is that they
or others as your Honors shall see fit may be Authorised by the
help of a Publick Lottery for that purpose, to raise the sum of
two thousand Dollars, or any other oum that your Honours
shall see 6t, to assist them in opening the same, and they as in
Duty bound shall ever pray.
Feb^ i** 1786
Jed** Sanger 1 Committee in
Joseph Blake >■ behalf of the Owners
W" Russell ) of said Mine
SURRY. 515
[10-162] [^Remonstrance against the Incorporation of a
Baptist Society^ iSoo."]
We a Committee being appointed bv the Inhabitants of the
Town of Surry at a legal Meeting Octofcer 11, 1800, to remon-
strate against the prayer of the Petition of a Number of the In-
habitants living in the southwest part of said Surry that they
with others may be incorporated into a Religious Society to be
called and known by the Name of the first Baptist Society in
Westmoreland, beg Leave to state
First, That the Town of Surry is but a very small Incorpora-
tion and have not one Inhabitant to spare without injuring said
Town, there being not more than So Freeholders therein
Secondly, Those petitioning Inhabitants are not more than
three and a half and some not more than two Miles from the
Meetinghouse in said Surry
Thirdly, In their petition they have stil'd themselves profes-
sors of Religion by the Denomination of Baptists, and to say
the Truth, we are obliged to say, that not one of those petition-
ers belonging to Surry ever made any Profession of Religion of
any Denomination that we know of, especially, Baptist — and
we declare that whenever any or all of them shall have made a
Publick Profession of Religion of any Denomination whatever
contrary to our Denomination we will agreeably to the Consti-
tution freely relinquish all Right of Taxing such Professors to
the Support of our Minister
Fourthly, We doubt in our minds whether the Motive of their
thus petitioning is not more to answer sinister Views, such as
forming a Center to advance private property and continue
small Disputes than to promote Harmony and good Order
Lemuel Holmes ^
John Stiles 1 ^ ...
iona' Robinson 5- Committee
Nathan Howard
[10-164] \_Consent of sundry Persons to foregoing',']
We whose names are hereunto subscribed, Inhabitants of the
Town of Surry hereby give our Consent to the Remonstrance
of a Committee appointed by said Town against the Petition of
a Number of the Inhabitants thereof, with others praying to be
incorporated into a Baptist Society as in our minds we doubt
the Sincerity of some of those Petitioners belonging to said
Surry and that they do not duly consider the Consequence of
an Incorporation
5i6
EARLY TOWN PAPERS.
Lemuel Holmes
Nathan Howard
Abia Crane
Philip Monro
Jonathan Smith
Ichabod Smith
Sylvester Skinner
Abner Skinner
KIdad Skinner
Jonathan Skinner
Obadiah Willcox
Moses Field
Asa Willcox
Daniel Smith
Asa Holmes
Calvin Hayward
Jn' McCurdy
Levi Fuller
Cushman Smith
Asahel Harvey
John Stiles
thos Harvey
Cyrus Harvey
Eli Dort
Jona' Robinson
[The society mentioned in the foregoing was incorpo-
rated December lo, 1800, and comprised persons from the
towns of Surry, Walpole, Westmoreland, and Keene. — Ed.]
SUTTON.
The township was granted by the Masonian proprietors
in 1749, and was called Perrys-town, from Obadiah Perry,
one of the original proprietors. The town was incorporated
by the legislature April 13, 1784, and named Sutton.
June 18, 1795^ an act was passed authorizing the assess-
ment of a special tax of three cents per acre on all the lands
in town except public lands and "eighteen shares reserved
by the Masonian proprietors " for the purpose of building a
meeting-house.
Sutton contained 130 inhabitants in 1775, and 520 in
1790.
David Peaslee, who settled in this town in 1767. found
traces of an Indian settlement on the west side of Kezar's
pond, where implements of Indian manufacture have since
been found.
Jonathan Harvey was a member of the state senate from
1816 to 1823.
Silas Russell was in the ist N. H. Regiment, enlisted
April, 1780, and was discharged December, 1781.
[R. 4-67]
[Sutton Soldiers^ ^777 '2
Benj* Critchet & John Watts has Inlisted in Cap* fairwells
Company & in Co* Starks Ridg' in the State of Newhampshir
for three yeare —
the above Names is for Parrystown
SUTTON. 517
[R. 4-68] \^Asststance to Soldier^ s Pamily,'\
State of New Hampshire Hillsborough
Parsuant to an order from the General Court to the Select-
men of Perrystown to mak the bill of suply for the woman that
thare Husbands was in the Contanantal Armey for three ye' and
During the Warr
March 27*** 1781 Supplied the famly of Benj" Critchets who
was during the warr in the Present year L. M. 8-5-0
March 29*"* 1782 Supplyed the famly of Benj" Critchet Dur-
ing warr man in the Present yeare L. M. 25-10-0— Sum total
33-15-0
the above famely was left in varry Poor Surcomstances as to
the Nesercvs of life
A true Coppey Etest
Matthew Harvey \ Selectmen
Ephraim Gile > for
William Presey ) Perrystown
Perreystown Sept' 22 — 17S3.
[Superscribed] on Public Servise to the Committee of Claims
at Exeter
[10-165] \^Petitton for an Incorporation: addressed to the
General Courts i^&j.']
A petition of the inhabitance of a place Cald Parreystown
in the State of New Hampshire and County of Hillsborough
Humbly Prays : for that Body of Land Call** Parreystown
bounded agreeable to the Charter of said Land may be incor-
porated into a Town with all the previledges of other Towns in
this State by the Name of Sutton the disadvantaores that we the
Inhabitants labor under for want of Town previledges in mak-
ing and repaireing of Highways and many other disadvantages
two Numerous to be menchoned Causes us to pray for to be
incorporated for which faver we as Iti Duty Bound for you
shall ever pray —
Parreystown May 21 : 1783
Matthew Harvy ) Select men for
Ephrim Gile J Perreystown
Will" Presey Bengman Phelbreck John davies
david gill Jacob masten James Gillinham
Benj' Wadley Robert Heath Thomas Wadley
Peter Peaslee beniamin Heath Lsac Peasley
iDOses Camley Hesekiah Parker Ezekil Heath
518
EARLY TOWN PAPERS.
Samuel been
Benjamin Critchet
Lenard Colborn
David peaslee
Samuel Andrew
Daniel messer
Jacob Davis
£bn' Keeser
Jesse Parker
Jonathan Davis
David Eaton
Ruben Clough
Eliphlet Cheneny
Thorn' Walker
Jacob daveis
Aaron davies
Jeremiah daveis
Joseph wodley
Johnathon Keaser
Ezra Jones
^onathan Robey
ames King
onathan Stephens
' ^uben gile
[The town was incorporated April 13, 1784, by its pres-
ent name. — Ed.]
[10-166] \^Benjamin Wadleigh recommended for a yustzce
of the Peace^ 17^6. '\
We vour Pertishenors Humbly shueth that as we are Disti-
tute of a Justice of the Peace with us theirefore your Humble
Pitishenors Humbly pray that you wood take it into your wise
Consideration and appoint m' Benjamin wodly for oure Justice
in this town for us that Sivel authority may be Kept up —
In wittness ware off we have Subcrib^ our Names—
Sutton Jcnuary 26*^ 1786
Matthew Harvey
Sam^^ Bean
Daniel Messer
David Eaton
Willam Presey
Asa Nelson
Isaac Peaslee
Thom' Mastian
Hezekiah Parker
Silas Busel
Joseph wodly
Jonathan Stevens
Ezekiel Heath
Eben' Kezer
francis Como
David Gile
Lenard Colborn
moses Davis
Thom* messer
Benj** Chrichet
Jonath" Page
Timothy Peaslee
Abraham Peslee
Caleb Kimball
[10-168] \_Petitionfor the Appointment of a Committee to
fix Uncertain Bounds^ ^794' addressed to the General
Court,"]
Your Petitioners Humbly sheweth that thay are owners of
land in the town of Sutton part of that tract of Land that was
Laid out by the proprietors of s* town for the grantors of said
Sutton being about five miles on the Earsterly Line of the town
and Extending west on said town one mile but was not bounded
altho said Lots was Pland and Drawn and the old proprietors
are maney of them Decesed and there proprietors meeting^ are
all Decesd also there fore your petitioners Know no way that
SUTTON. S 19
thay Can have there Land bounded or Know where there Land
Lyes there fore your petitioners prays that the Honorable Court
wod take there Case in to ther wise Consideration and appoint
them a Committee to Run out said Land and Bound the same
according to the Charter and Plan of said town on the Petition-
ers Cost and as in Dutey bound will Ever Pray —
Caleb Kimbell Oliver French Samuel Kinrick
Ezekiel Flanders Beni" wiliam Beniamin Kindrck
Jacob masten thomas walker thomas Rowel
John Eaton Gorge walker Jonathan Rowel
nazekier Parker Jonathan Colborn
Green French Jun Dudley Kindrick
[In H. of Rep., Jan. 10, 1794, a committee was appointed,
consisting of Henry Gerrish, James Flanders, and Aaron
Greeley. The senate did not concur. — Ed.]
[10-169] \^Petition for Appointment of a Committee to fix
Bounds for Certain Rights^ ^795 ^^
The petition of the Subscribers humbly shew, that they are
owners in a tract of Land in Sutton, in the County of Hills-
borough in said State, which was reserved by the proprietors
of said Sutton, to make Eighteen Rights, for the grantees of
said Sutton according to the Charter of said Town being about
Seven Miles and one quarter of a Mile one way and about One
Mile the other way, the proprietors left the Land for said
Eighteen Shares or rights but did not make any bounds to the
same, but planned said Land & drew each man his Right, &
since that your petitioners have purchased some of said Land,
& the proprietors meetings are all done & the old proprietors
are many of them Dead & there is no way that your petitioners
can tell where their Land lays —
Therefore your petitioners humbl)^ prays that the Hon*^
Court would take their case into their Wise ConsiderHtion &
appoint them a committee of One Surveyor & Two Chainmen
to run out said Eighteen Rights by metes and bounds, accord-
ing to the Charter of said Town of Sutton, at the Cost of your
petitioners & we as in duty bound will ever pray —
Sutton Jan'' !■* 1795.
Caleb Kimball Benjamin Williams Samuel Kenrick
Oliver French Dudley Kenrick Jonathan Stevens
Jonathan Rowell Jonathan Colbam Eph™ Morrill
520 EARLY TOWN PAPERS.
Thomas Rowell Joseph Flanders Trustum Stevens
Thomas Wadleigh Ezekiel Flanders Caleb Kimball J'
David Coborn
SWANZEY.
The township was granted by the government of Massa-
chusetts to Nathaniel Hammond and sixty-three others in
1734, and was called Lower Ashuelot. The first proprie-
tors* meeting was held at Concord, Mass., June 27, 1734.
A church was formed, and Rev. Timothy Harrington, a
graduate of Harvard college in 1737, was ordained Nov. 4,
1 741. In 1747. in consequence of the withdrawal of the
guards at Fort Dummer and elsewhere on the frontier, the
inhabitants were obliged to leave this settlement and return
to Massachusetts ; and at Rutland, in that province, the
church held a meeting, Oct. 12, 1748, and granted Mr.
Harrington a dismissal.
The settlers returned to Lower Ashuelot about three
years after leaving it, and commenced anew. In 1753 ^^^Y
employed Col. William Symes to apply to the government
of New Hampshire for a grant of the territory and an in-
corporation of the town. The grant was made July 2, of
that year, to Nathaniel Hammond and sixty-one others, and
incorporated into a town by the name of Swanzey. One of
the grantees was Caesar Freeman, from whom came the
name of Mount Caesar. The name of the town occurs four
times in the record of the charter, and is spelled Swansey in
two instances, and Swanzey in the other two. It came from
Swansey, Mass., whence came some of the first settlers, and
that town was named from Swansea, Wales. The church
again organized, and Rev. Ezra Carpenter settled as pastor,
Oct. 4, 1753. He was appointed chaplain of the Crown
Point expedition in 1757.
On the receipt of the news of the battle at Lexington, of
April 19, 1775. the men of Swanzey rallied and marched at
daybreak on the 21st to the number of sixty-two, under
the command of Col. Joseph Hammond, who was chosen
captain for the occasion. Twenty-two of these men enlisted
for eight months, and the remainder returned home at the
end of thirteen days. At the battle of Bunker Hill, B. Parker
SWANZEY. 521
and Thomas Green were wounded — the former mortally.
Jonathan Whitcomb commanded a company in Stark's regi-
ment, and Dr. Calvin Frink was surgeon of the same regi-
ment. Corporal Joseph Hammond was in Whitcomb's
company. He was one of the men who marched on the 21st
of April, and was with his company at Winter Hill, Sept. 1 1,
1775-
Samuel Wright was appointed first lieutenant in Capt.
Gregg's company, Scammell's regiment, April 4, 1777.
Swanzey men in First N. H. regiment :
Joel Andrews, enlisted May 12, 1778; discharged Dec.
31. 1780.
Corp. John Cross, enlisted Jan. i, 1778 ; discharged Dec.
31, 1781.
William Frankford, enlisted Jan. 9, 1778 ; died April 17,
1779.
Silas Simonds, enlisted Jan. i, 1777; discharged Dec. 14,
1780.
Levi Simonds, enlisted Feb. 13, 1778; discharged Dec.
14, 1780.
Joseph Tucker, enlisted Feb. 3, 1778; discharged De-
cember, 1780.
Sergt. Amasa Parker and Solomon Hazeltine were in
Capt. Benjamin Ellis's company in I78i,and in the First
N. H. regiment in 1782.
Joseph Hammond was lieutenant-colonel of Ashley's
regiment, and marched with the regiment on the second
'•Ticonderoga alarm," but being too old for active service
he resigned his commission June 14, 1779. He was, how-
ever, employed in various ways during the war, acting as
mustering officer, and at times in charge of the transporta-
tion of supplies to the army at Ticonderoga, etc.
December 1 1, 1762. a triangular tract of land was severed
from Richmond and annexed to this town.
By an act approved Jan. 8, 1794. some territory was sev-
ered from the north-east part of the town, and annexed to
Marlborough.
December 10, 18 12, Thomas Thompson and Thomas
Thompson, Jr., with their estates, were severed from this
town and annexed to Keene.
A tract was severed from Swanzey June 23, 1815, com-
bined with portions of other towns and erected into the
town of Troy.
522 EARLY TOWN PAPERS.
December I5» 1842, another small tract was severed from
this town and annexed to Marlborough.
[10-170] [jR^r/ Dummer Committee^ ^744'^
These may Certify, That we the Subscribers, Being Chosen
by the Inhabitants of Winchester, Lower Ashuelot, Upper-Ash-
uelot and N* Two to Meet at Fort Dummer on the 20*^ Day of
March 1744 to Act in their Name and Behalf, what we may
Judge Expedient Respecting Preferring a Petition or Petitions
for help and Protection in this Time of Danger, Have Deter-
mined That the Matter be left with Coll* Josiah Willard Esq*
Coll* Eben' Hinsdell Esq', Major Josiah WiUard Esq' the Rei^
M' Joseph Ashley, Cap' James Heaton, and Cap* William
Symes, to Determine when and in what Manner a Petition or
Petitions Shall be Preferred and also which Two of them Shall
Prefer the Same, as Witness our hands
Nath^ Hammond Thomas Cresson thomas chamberlin
Jeremiah Hall Jethro Wheeler Ebenezer Force
William Symes Simon Willard
[Nathaniel Hammond was a descendant of Thomas of
Lavenham, county Suffolk, Eng., whose son William mar-
ried Elisabeth Penn, June 9, 1605, 2ind came to Watertown,
Mass., prior to 1634. His wife came in the ship " Francis/'
and joined him that year, bringing three of their children,
Elizabeth, Sarah, and John. They had nine children in all,
of whom the fifth was a son named Thomas, who was bap-
tized Sept. 17, 1618, and was grandfather of Nathaniel, who
signed the foregoing report.
Nathaniel Hammond was one of the first settlers of this
town, was the father of Col. Joseph, and the ancestor of the
Swanzey and Gilsum Hammonds. — Ed.]
[R. 4-69] {^Petition of Timothy Harvey^ Soldier^ 177^-^
Whearas Your Petetioner on the 5*** Day of march 1776 In-
listed into the Contental Service for the Expedition to Canada
Under the Command ofCaptWait in Col Bedles Regement
and March** to Canada and being Ordered into a Company Com-
manded by Capt Esterbrooks we March* to the Cedars where
Your Petetioner Among the rest was Deliv'd up to the Enemy
by which means your Petetioner Suffered Greatly and had the
SWANZEY. 523
following Articles taken from me by the Indians viz a Gun &
Bayonet, which then Cost me Three pounds : also a Belt and
Bullet pouch 8'/ a Cartridge Box 5V6 one Woolen Shirt 12'/ i
p' shoes 8'/6 i p' Leggins 5V i Good Blanket I5*/ a Large
rowder horn 2'/ 6** i Tomahawk 2'/ 5 — Said Articles Amount-
ing in the Whole to £5-18-1 i*-o and I would humbly pray
your honours to make as much Allowance to your Pettetioner
as you Shall think Just also that the Above Articles would as
Money now is Cost more than Three Times the Sum as Afore-
said— which if your Honours please to Grant Your pettetioner
as in Duty bound Shall Ever pray
Timothy Harvey
Swanzey Feb' 5*** 1778
f lo-i 71] \_Lieut. Col. yoseph HammoncTs Resignation^ ^779*\
Swanzey June 14"* 1779
To the Honorable the Council and House of Representatives
for the State of New Hampshire
Gentlemen
I Beg leave to Inform you that it is my Earnest Desire to Re-
sign the Trust Reposed in me as a Lieut Colonel of the Sixth
Regiment of Militia in the State of New Hampshire and I do
now by these Presents make a full Resignation of the Said
Trust and office of Lieut. Colonel, and pray that the Same may
be Ratified by the Honorable General Court —
I have the Honor to be your Most Obedient Humble Ser-
vant
Joseph Hammond Lieut Col®
To the Hon Meshech Weare Esq' to be communicated to the
Hon. Gen : Assembly
State of New Hamp' In the House of Representatives June
i8«»: 1779—
Voted. That the resignation of Lieu* CoP Joseph Hammond
as Lieutenant Colonel of the sixth Regiment of Militia in this
State be and hereby is accepted, & that he receive the thanks of
this house for his good services in that Station
Sent up for Concurrence —
John Dudley — Speaker pro tem*
In Council June 19* 1779 read and Concurred
E Thomposn Sec'y
524 EARLY TOWN PAPERS.
[R. 4-70] \^Relative to Moses Belding^ Soldier^ ^77^-^
Swanzey, State of New-Hampshire Aug. 17*"* 1778
This may Certify whom it may concern that Lieut. Moses
Belding in the Continental Service has been in a bad state of
Health since he had the small Pox whereby he has been Disen-
abled from Returning to his Regiment and has been ever since
that time under my care in the Medical way
Per Calvin Frink Physician
[R. 4-71] ISoldier^s Certificate, 17S1.'}
This may Certify that Noah Parkis Hath Due on my Role
for his Service at the Northard last year Seven Hundred and
Six pounds ten Shillings Contiantalmoney which was made up
only at Sixty Seven for one of Two pounds p' month for a pri-
vate
Ephraim Stone
Keen August lo*^ 1781
To the Town of Swanzey or whom it may Consern
[The name should be Noah Parkhurst. — Ed.]
[R. 4-7 -^3 S^Petition from some Soldiers: addressed to the
General Court, Dec, 1^82.']
The Petition of Antipas How, Andrew Nichols and Joshua
Jewett Prime all of Swanzey in the County of Cheshire in the
state of New-Hampshire —
Humbly sheweth
That your petitioners, did in the Year of our Lord 1779 Inlist
as private Soldiers in the Continental Service, for one Year
then next ensuing, and did Actually and faithfully perform one
Years Service in the present War, and were Discharged from
said service in June 17S0, for which said Service your Petition-
ers have never yet Received any wages, either from the Conti-
nent or this state, and we Humbly apprehend that we are Justly
entitled to a Reward for our services equal to others in the same
predicament —
your Petitioners therefore Humbly pray that this Honorable
Court would take the Premises into their consideration, and
SWANZEY. 525
gp-ant us your Petitioners such a Competent Reward for our
said services as in your Wisdom you shall think proper —
And as in Duty bound shall ever pray
Antipas How
Andrew Nichols
Joshua Jewett Prime
[R. 4-73] {^Soldiers' Orders^ ^7*^-]
Swanzey October 15*** 1784
To the Paymaster of the State of New Hampshire
Sir — Please to pay to Mj' Elisha Whitcomb all the Wages
and Depreciation that is due to me for My Servise in the Con-
tinental Army in the Years 1777 & 1778 and his Receipt Shall
be a Discharge from me in full
Moses Belding
[He was a lieutenant in Capt. William Ellis's company,
Scammeirs regiment, and was discharged Sept. i, 1778. In
H. of Rep., October 10, 1784, his pay was made up to that
date. — Ed.]
[R. 4-76]
Swanzey October 1784.
To the Paymaster of the State of New-Hampshire,
please to pay to Mj' Elisha Whitcomb the whole of the wages
that is due to Noah Parkhurst for his Servise in Cap* Stone's
Company, at Coos, for the Term of Six Months ; and his Re-
ceipt Shall be a Discherge in full from
James Adams Administrator
Attest Isaac Hammond
£10. 19. II
[R. 4-77] [ l^omas Green ^ Bunker Hill Soldier r^
The petition of Thomas Green of Swanzey in the County of
Cheshire in said state —
Humbly sheweth
That your Petitioner in the Year 1775 at the Commencement
of Hostilities between Great Britain and America Inlisted as a
private Soldier in defence of his Country in Capt Scotts Com-
pany, and Col Stark's Regiment, and that on the Memorable
17*** of June 1775 your Petitioner was called to Action at Bun-
526 EARLY TOWN PAPERS.
kers-Hill, in which Battle he Received a Wound by a Musket
Ball entering his Left Shoulder, whereby he was for a long
time totally Disabled from any Labour, and is to this Day un-
able to do much Hard Labour, and having no other means of
Subsistance for himself and Family but by Husbandry, & on a
new Tract of Land, renders his Worldly Circumstances very
Indigent —
Your Petitioner some Years since made Application to the
Genearal Court of this state, and was allowed Wages as a Gar-
rison Soldier for one year but being in Paper Currency and not
received till some considerable Time afterwards was of very lit-
tle Value by reason of Depreciation, since that Time your Peti-
tioner has been (as he is informed) struck out of the List of
such Soldiers which Received pay as fit for Garrison Duty —
while others in like Circumstances still Receive something from
the state, ns a Compensation for their past Sufferings
Your Petitioner therefore Humbly prays that your Honors
would take the matter into consideration and Grant him such
Releif as in your Wisdom you shall think proper —
And as in Duty Bound shall ever pray
Tho» Green
Swanzey June ii 1785
State of New-Hampshire, Swanzey June 11** 1785
We the Subscribers, do herebv Certifv that the above said
Thomas Green was wounded at the Battle of Bunkers Hill in
the Year 1775, and that the wound he then Received is now
broke open and become a Running Ulcer, and would Humbly
Recomend him as an Object Worthy of the Hon. the General
Courts Attention —
Elkanah Lane ) Selectmen
Elisha Scott j of Swanzey
Calvin Frink Surgeon
[In H. of Rep., June 16. 1785, Voted^ that he be allowed
eighteen shillings per month until further orders. — Ed.]
[10-172] [^Petition of yoseph Hammond: addressed to the
General Courts Dec, 13^ ij86J\
The Petition of Joseph Hammond of Swanzey in the County
of Cheshire Gentleman, Humbly Sheweth —
That your Petitioner (on the Twenty first Day of April 1775)
was Chosen Captain of the Company of Meletia in Swanzey and
on said Day Marched the Greater part of Said Company (viz)
5WANZEY. 5^7
one Lieutennant one Ensign 4 Sergents 4 Corporals and 52
Privats — In Defence of the Country against the British Troops
your Petitioner and his Company Marched to Cambridge where
we ware Stationed for one Week and until properly discharged,
of Said Company there was 22 Men who Inlisted for Eight
Months and drew pay from their first Marching but the whole
of Said Company who did not Inlist altho they ware in the Ser-
vice of the State 13 Dsiys and Cheafly on their own expence
have never yet Received any Reward for said Service
your Petitioner therefore in behalf of himself and his Men
Most Humbly prays this Hon" Body to take the Matter into
their Wise consideration and Grant both him and them a Re-
ward for their Service equal to what others have had for like
Servises
and as in Duty bound Shall ever pray
Joseph Hammond Capt
[10-173] \_Selectmen*s Statement of Affairs: addressed ta
the General Courts ^7^^'^
The Selectmen of the town of Swanzey in behalf of them-
selves and the Town Humbly shew —
That under the Present unhappy Situation of our affairs in
this part of the State, when most in many and many in all the
Towns have Revolted from under the Government and Ju-
risdiction of the State, bidding defiance to the Authority and
Laws of the same ; Absolutely Refusing to pay Taxes, or to
contribute any thing in any way or manner towards Raising
men for the Continental Army or Providing Supplies for the
same — We find it Extreemly Difficult for us to Comply with
the Requisitions of the State for altho' the greatest part of the
People in this Town Remain firm in their Allegiance to the
state ; Utterly averse to the late and present factious and Sedi-
tious conduct of a great (if not the greatest) part of the People
in this Western part of the State, Yet •wr affairs are extreemly
Embarrassed, for if Taxes are Assessed they cannot be Col-
lected, as some will Refuse to pay, and if Constables or Collec-
tors should Distrain Such Delinquents for their Rates, mobs
would Arise, and perhaps the power of the State of Vermont
would be employed for their protection —
We have exerted ourselves ns much as we could in order to
Raise our Quota of Men for the Continental Army and Also for
Six Months, but have not been able to compleatthe former, nor
to Raise any part of the latter, which Inability is owing princi-
pally if not Solely to the confused Situation of this part of the
825 EARLY TOWN PAPERS.
State : And unless Something can be done for our Assistance
it will be Absolutely Impossible for us to Raise Men or money
for the Service of the State —
We consider ourselves as Subjects of the state of New Hamp-
shire, and are firmly Resolved to persist in our Allegiance, and
expect the protection of the State, without which we shall not
be able to stand against the opposition that will be made —
We Humbly pray that your Honors would take the matter
into your Wise consideration, and make Such provision for our
protection and Safety as that we may not be Obliged to Yield
to unreasonable men and Measures —
Tho* Applin
Calvin Frink
Selectmen
Swanzey June 9* 1781
Elijah Belding V of
Isaac Hammond i Swanzey
Elisha Whitcomb j
[R. 4-79] \^Dtspute concerning' Amasa Parker^ 77^(5.]
The Petition of the Selectmen of Swanzey in the County of
Cheshire in Said State
Humbly Sheweth
That whereas there has heretofore Arisen a Dispute Between
the Towns of Swanzey and Winchester concerning Amasa
Parker a Man who has been a Soldier in the Continental Army
in the late War, and whereas the Said Town of Winchester
Claims the said Amasa Parker as a Man Inlisted for one of
Said Towns quota of Men for Said Service, which your Peti-
tioners Humbly conceive is an unjust Claim, as the Said Amasa
was an Inhabitant of and Hired into Said Service by the Town
of Swanzey During the War. Your Petitioners conceive that
the said Town of Winchester has no just Right to any Allow-
ance for said Parkers Service in said War, which your Peti-
tioners expect they are able to prove and verify. Your Peti-
tioners therefore Humbly pray that this Honorable Body would
take the Premises into your Consideration and Allow the whole
of said Parkers Service to the Town of Swanzey —
And as in Duty Bound Shall ever Pray
Henry Morse ) Selectmen
Elkanah Lane jun' j of Swanzey
SWANZEY. 529
[R. 4-80] [ Winchester claims Atnasa Parker."]
The Petition of Simon Willard in behalf of the town of Win-
chester Humbly Shows that Amasa Parker and Sam^ Epison
and Moses Powers Was hired into the Continantal Sarvice by
the town of Winchester Which they have not been Credited
for, and for Which Reason their is Extants against the town
for Defisiency of Soalders and your Petitioner Prays your
Honours to take his Case into your Wise Consideration and
Alow the town of Winchester Credit for those three men on
their Extant that is against them or grant them Such Releafe
as your honours Shall in your Wisdom See fit
As in Duty bound Shall Ever Pray
Simon Willard
Winchester January 24: 1786
[R. 4-81] \^Parker*s Receipt for Bounty,]
I reec* of Jonathan Whitcomb three pound Lawful Money as
a hire for Inlesting During the wor In the firs' New Hamp-
share Reg* and Do promis to Sarve for the Town of Swanzey
During Said Term —
Amasa Parker Serg*
Jany \^^ 1780 —
[R. 4-82] {^Deposition concerning a Soldier,]
I William Temple of Lawful! age tistifye and Sai that in the
year 1 779 I wen into the Contanental Servis as Solder and that
Sam** Epperson was hired by the Town of Winchester at the
Same time and went into the Servic with me and was in the
Servic a Cording to the Best of my Remembrance Six month
and then went into Col' Hasons Reg* as I afterwards under
Stood
William Temple
[Sworn to Feb. 3, 1786, before Reuben Alexander. — Ed.]
[R. 4-83] {^Certificate of the Muster Master,]
Walpole March 16** 1778
This may certify that Amasa Parker, Pelatiah Razey and
36
530 EARLY TOWN PAPERS.
John Woolley have been Mustered and entered upon the Rolls
for the Town of Winchester
F' Tho Sparhawk M. Master
Amasa Parker
John Woolley
pelatiah Rezy
[Said Parker enlisted in Capt. Wm. Ellis's Co. Feb. 28,
1778, during the war. In H. of Rep., March 2, 1786, it was
decided that he should be credited to Swanzey. At the
same time Moses Powers was credited to Winchester.
—Ed.]
[R. 4-86] [^yona^Aan Woodcock ^ Soldier.^
These may Certify whome it may concern, that we the Sub-
scribers, being a Committee appointed by the Town of Swan-
zey, to procure Soldiers for the Continental Army, in the Yer
1778, did agree with M' Jonathan Woodcock, to Inlist into
Said Army for the Term of two Years, from Some time in
February 1778 and we never agreed with, or Engaged him for
any longer Time
Samuel Hills
Joseph Hammond
> Committee
[Sworn to before Calvin Frink, Jan. 30, 1786.]
[R. 4-88] \_Deposttion relative to yonathan WbodcockS\
I Moses Belding of Swanzey of Lawful Age do Testify and
say — That I was a Leu* in the Continental Army and was at
home in February in the Year 1778 to Collect Recrutes for the
Service in which Time I went with a number of Soldiers newly
Inlisted (Some by my Self and others by Cap* William Ellis)
to have them Mustered at Walpole all of which was Inlisted for
the Term of two Years only amongst Said Soldiers was Jona-
than Woodcock of Swanzey Said Jonathan Woodcock was In-
listed by the S* Cap* W" Ellis, and I have often heard the Said
Capt Ellis Say that he Inlisted the snid Woodcock to Serve the
Term of two Years and no longer and further Saith not
Moses Belding
[Sworn to before Calvin Frink, Jan. 30, 1786. — Ed.]
SWANZEY. 531
[R. 4*-89] \^Relative to Bounties paid to Soldiers : addressed
to the General Courts 1788.']
The Petition of the Selectmen of Swanzey in said State
Humbly Sheweth
That in the time of the late war with Great Britain the Town
of Swanzey was called on by the Legislature of this State for
their Qiiota of Men for the Continental Army and in the Year
1782 the said Town Hired John Nicholson and John Bemas
for said Service During the war, and the said Men were Ac-
cepted by the Committee of Safety of this State as part of said
Town's Qiiota of Soldiers for said Service, but the Committee
on Claims Refused to Certify that the Bounty was due to the s'
Town as Promised by An Act of the General Court by reason
of the said Men's not being Mustered in this State, which Boun-
ty the said Town has never yet received nor any part thereof —
Your Petitioners therefore in Behalf of said Town Humbly pray
that your Honours would take the aforesaid matter into your
consideration and Grant the said Bounties with the Interest
thereon to the said Town of Swanzey —
And as in Duty Bound Shall ever pray —
Calvin Frink \ Selectmen
Isaac Hammond > of
Joseph Dickinson ) Swanzey
[The town was allowed ;£20 for Nicholson. — Ed.]
[R. 4-91] [Certijicate relative to foregoing. '\
Exeter Feb^^ 4, 1788—
It appears by the Books that John Nicholson & John Bemis
were allowed by the Committee of Safety as Soldfiers for the
Town of Swanzey in the Year 1782 It does not appear by any
Books or returns when they were musterd
J Gilman
[R. 4-92] \_Deposition relative to foregoing.']
I Solomon Hazeltine of Lawful Age Testify and say that I
was a Soldier in the Continental Service in the late War, and I
was well knowing that one John Bemas was a Soldier in said
Service in Capt Benjamin Ellis's Company and Col. Dearborn's
Regiment which said Bemas I was informed was inlisted during
532 EARLY TOWN PAPERS.
the War and I understood that he was return'd for the Town of
Swanzey in the State of New- Hampshire
And farther saith not
Solomon Hazeltine
[Sworn to before Calvin Frink, Jan. 14, 1788. — Ed.]
[R. 4-93]
[Jonathan Wooley stated that he was in Capt. Wm. Ellis's
company in 1777, and was wounded in a battle with Bur-
goyne*s troops, October 7th. He was pensioned, but remov-
ing to Thomlinson, Vt., in 1787; had not received anything
for four years. He asked to have his arrearages made up
to him. — Ed.]
[10-174] \_B ill for pasturing- Government Cattle.']
Swanzey December 20* 1789
Cap* John Jannison Collecter of Beef D' to the Selectmen of
Swanzey for Pasturing Beef Cattel as followeth (viz)
For pasturing thirty one Head of Beef cattel from the
16*'* Day of July till the 7*** of September being Sev-
en Weeks and four Days at nine pence pr Head pr
week — £8- 1 6-4
For pasturing Nine head 2 weaks and four Days (viz)
from the Seventh of Sept' till the 25 D*»— 0-16-6
For Pasturing thirty two Head from the 25 of Sepf
till the 1 1"* of Oct*" being two weeks and two Days — 0-14-9
For Pasturing Twenty two Head of Beef Cattel from
the nth of Ocf till the first Day of Novem' being
three weeks — 2— 9-6
For keeping one Beef Creture from the first Day of
Nov' till the 16th of December being Six weeks at
9* p' week o- 4-6
13- 1-7
Joseph Dickinson ") Selectmen
David Belding Jun' >- of
Calvin Frink J Swanzey
SWANZEY. 533
[10-175] [ Vote relative to Articles of Confederation.']
At a Legal Meeting of the Inhabitants of Swanzey Ocf 13*
1783
Voted With Respect to the Proposed Alteration of the Eighth
Article of the Confederation of the United States it is the Opin-
ion of this Town that each State Ought to be Taxed in propor-
tion to the Wealth of each State, but whether Numbering the
Persons or taking the VaUie of the Land According to Any
mode of Valuation that is Practicable be the best way to Ascer-
tain the Wealth of each State we are by no means Able to De-
termine: and do therefore confide in the Wisdom and Justice
of the Legislature of this State to Act in that Respect as they
shall think most Just and Equitable —
Extract from the Minutes
Attest Calvin Frink Town Clerk
[10-176] {^Return of Ratable Polls^ i/^J-]
Swanzey December lo*** 1783
We the Subscribers do hereby Certify that According to the
Best of our knowledge there is in the Town of Swanzey one
Hundred and Eighty two Male Polls of Twenty one Years of
Age and upwards paying for themselves a Poll Tax —
Isaac Hammond ) Selectmen
David Belding Jun' | of Swanzey
[Sworn to before C. Frink, justice of the peace. — Ed.]
[10-177] [^Relative to Beef Tax^ ^7^4- addressed to the
General Courts February^ ^7^5-]
The Petition of the Selectmen and Assessors of the Town of
Swanzey in said state for the Year 17S4
Humbly sheweth
That whereas in the Year 1781 the General Court of this
State Ordered and directed the Selectmen of said Swanzey. to
Assess the Inhabitants of said Town, their Quota of Beef for
the Continental Army, which was accordingly done, and the
greatest part of said Beef was paid by said Inhabitants, Yet
some were delinquent Refusing to pay their State Tax, Occa-
sioned principally by the Union of the Grants (so called) with
534 EARLY TOWN PAPERS.
Vermont by reason of which, ag^eably to an Act of the General
Court said Swanzey was Ordered to pay the Deficiency of said
Tax and a fine for their Delinquency, both of which amounting
to JB137 which the Treasurer of this State by his Warrant di-
rected to the Selectmen of said Town has ordered to be Assess-
ed, which has not yet been complied with Because your peti-
tioners think it very unjust to Assess Levy and Collect the
aforesaid Sum of those Persons who paid their Tax in due Time
and your Petitioners have no Warrant to Assess said Sum on
those that were Delinquent, and dare not venture to Assess said
Sum either on the whole or part of the Inhabitants, lest it
should make g^eat confusion, murmuring and Complaining
among the People of Said Town — ^Your Petitioners therefore,
most Humbly and earnestly pray that this Honorable Body
would take the above stated Case into their Serious considera-
tion and make such Order thereon, as in their Wisdom they
shall think most Just and Equitable —
And as in Duty Bound shall ever pray
David Belding ) Selectmen and Assessors
Isaac Hammond ) of Swanzey
[10-178] \^ReIative to Beef Tax: addressed to the General
Courts December ijy 1786. "]
The Selectmen of Swanzey in the County of Cheshire hum-
bly beg leave to lay before this Honourable Body their Embar-
rassments as to Assessing the Doomage for this Towns Defi-
ciency of Beef in the Year 1781 — your Petitioners immediately on
Receiving Orders for collecting Said Beef, Assessed the Inhab-
itents of Swanzey, Seting the Beef at twenty Seven Shillings p'
Hundred weight, and as your Petitioners ware Sensible of the
ImpK>rtance of the Order of Court being complied with, they
exarted themselves and Collected a considerable part of the
Beef by the Set time ; and would undoubtedly Collected the
whole, had it not been for a number of Political Heriticks in
this and Adjacent Towns, who by their Instigations and artful
insinuations Shook the Allegiancy (of the ignorant and unprin-
cipaled part of the community) from the State of New Hamp-
shire and Attached them to the usurped State of Vermont and
the Imbecillity of Government was so great at that Day that
your Petitioners thought it not wise to compel or use Coercive
measures with those who would not freely pay their proportion
of Said tax, and Since the Energy of Government has increas-
ed, and this Town has been caled upon to pay Said Tax with
a Doomage, the Selectmen have taken up the Matter, and finde
SWANZEY. 535
it Difficult if not Impossable to make an Assessment for said
Doomage in any way which will not blow up an unquenchable
fire in this Town — for if we Should Assess it on the Delin-
quants only, who in Justice Ought to pay the Same we Should
in so doing do injustice for a Number of said Delinquants are
Removed out of this Town and consiquently out of the lieach
of an Assessment: and should an Assessment be made on the
whole Town, it would be to make the Righteous be as the
Wicked which the Patriarch of the Hebrews Saith is far from
the Almighty
Your Petitioners therefore most Humbly pray this Honour-
able Body to take the Matter into their wise Consideration and
either except of the twenty Seven Shillings on the Hundred
weight which is already Assessed and which may be Collected
without Deficulty ; or Direct Your Petitioners in what manner
to proceed that they may escape the Publick Odium
And as in Duty bound Shall ever Pray
Isaac Hammond) Selectmen
Calvin Frink ) of Swanzey
[In H. of Rep., January i6, 1787, voted that "as there is
great difficulty respecting the assessment for the deficiency
of Beef in the Town of Swanzey the Treasurer be directed,
so far as respects said Beef Tax, to stay the Extent against
said Town until the first Wednesday of June next." — Ed.]
f 10-179] \_Instructions to Representative relative to Paper
Money ^ 1^86."]
At a Meeting of the inhabitants of Swanzey in the County of
Cheshire and State of New-Hampshire August 28*** 17S6 —
Voted to Choose a Committee to give instructions to the
Representative of said Town, for the Rule of Conduct, at the
next Session of the General Court Respecting the Emission of
paper Money
To M' Abraham Randall Representative of the Town of
Swanzey —
Sir Your constituents Reposing confidence in your integrity,
ability, and Zeal for the publick good, Chose you to Represent
them in the General Assembly of this State the present year —
This is a Day we are sensible when the greatest Wisdom, pat-
riotism firmness, Unanimity Publick Spirit and freedom, de-
tached from Selfish and Mercenary views are requisite, and
ought to be the governing principles in all our Publick Coun-
536 EARLY TOWN PAPERS.
cils — We therefore having a Constitutional Right so to do, think
it expedient to express our Sentiments to you respecting our
distressed Situation for want of a Circulating Medium, We
therefore instruct you to use your influence in the Assembly,
that as soon as may be, there be an Emission of paper Curren-
cy, as being in Our Opinion the best, Remedy left us, for Re-
leif, and it is the minds of your constituents, that, the Emission
of paper Currency, be applied Solely for the purpose of Re-
deeming the State Securities, which we conceive will be a
great easment, by stopping the interest of those Securities, but
we mean not to dictate the General Court but only to hint our
desires, confiding in the Wisdom of the Legislature of this
state, if they shall see fit to Issue a paper Medium, that it be
Emitted on such foundation as they shall think best for the
Community —
Henry Morse ) Committee in the
David Belding Jun' } Name and behalf
of the Town
[For legislative action, see Vol. XI, p. 130. — Ed.]
[10-183] \^P^tition front Sundry Inhabitants to he annexed
to Marlborough^ ^79S-2
We the Subscribers being Inhabitants of the Town of Swan-
zey. Humbly Sheweth, That we live in a remote corner of
said Town of Swanzey about five miles & a half from the Cen-
tre of said Town which is attended with great difficulty for us
to attend public Worship as well as other public meetings, and
we can be much better accommodated by being annexed to the
Town of Marlborough, the distance being but about two miles
& one quarter to the Meeting-house, and as we have got the
consent of the Town of Swanze\' as your honours will be fa-
vourd with attested by the Town Clerk, and also the Vote of
the Town of Marlborough to receive us. We therefore pray
your Hon" that we may be taken from the Town of Swanzey
and annexed to the Town of Marlborough & your Petitioners in
Duty Bound will ever pray —
John Harvey
Kiml
imber Harvey
Samuel Steams
Timothy Harvey
Swanzey May y* 29*** 1793
State of New Hampshire —
At a Legal meeting of the Town of Marlborough on the 13*
SWANZEY. 537
Day of March 1 792 — On the Petition of John Harvey and oth-
ers of Swanzey praying to be annexed to the Town of Marlbor*
ough,
Voted to receive them,
this Copied from the Town Records —
Marlborough May 29*** AD 1793
Ebcnezer Temple Town Clerk
We the Subscribers in behalf of the Town of Marlborough
pray your Honours that the prayer of the Petitioners may be
granted —
Reuben Ward ") Select men
Andrew Phillips >- of
Moses Tucker ) Marlborough
[10-18 1 ] [ Consent of Swanzey to foregoing, '\
State of New-Hampshire
At a Legal meeting of the Inhabitants of Swanzey on the
fifth Day of March A D. 1793 —
Whereas M' John Harvey and others Inhabitants of Swanzey
have requested the Town that they would vote that they and
their lands may be annexed to the Town of Marlborough, Rep-
senting that they live much more convenient to Marlborough
Meeting house than to Swanzey & The Town having consid-
ered of the said request think the same to be reasonable, —
Therefore
Voted That Mess" John Harvey, Kimber Harvey and Samuel
Stearns, and the lands whereon they dwell and the lands be-
longing to M' Timothy Harvey, be set off from the Town of
Swanzey and Annexed to the Town of Marlborough, said
Tract of land lies in the Northeastwardly part of Said Swan-
zey, and is the most Northwardly point of that gore of Land
which was sett off from Richmond to Swanzey, and is bounded
as follows viz. beginning at a heap of Stones being the South-
east corner of the Town of Keene then runs on said Keene
West 8 degrees North 32 rods to the Old corner of Swanzey,
then runs South 34 degrees West on Swanzey Old line 418 rods
to a White pine tree, then runs East 20 degrees 30 Minutes
South, on Common Land, 212 rods to a stake and stones in the
patent line, then runs on the patent line North 9 degrees 30 m
East 41 8 rods to the first mentioned Corner containing Three
Hundred and five Acres —
A True Copy
Attest Calvin Frink Town Clerk
Swanzey March 11*^ 1793 —
538 EARLY TOWN PAPERS.
[The petition was granted, the territory set o£E, and an-
nexed to Marlborough January 8, 1794. — Ed.]
[10-184 is a plan of the land set off. — Ed.]
TAMWORTH.
The township was granted October 14, 1766, to Lieut.
John Webster and others in sixty-eight equal shares. At
that time the south line of the town was the "supposed
head line of Mason's Patent ;" but the "curve line," as es-
tablished subsequently, crosses the north-west corner, tak-
ing in the entire town. William Eastman, Richard Jack-
man. David Philbrick, and Jonathan Choate were the first
settlers in 1771. Governor Wentworth's reservation was in
the south-west corner of the town.
A committee was appointed by the legislature, February
22, 1785. to establish the line between this town and Sand-
wich. The committee's decision was to be final.
January 10, 1796, a committee was appointed to fix the
lines between this town and the towns of Burton and Eaton.
The decision was to be final.
The matter came up again, however, and another com-
mittee was appointed December 23, 1808, to establish the
lines between the towns of Sandwich, Tamworth, Eaton,
and Burton, and report to the legislature.
By an act approved January 13, 1837, some territory was
severed from Ossipee and annexed to this town ; and the
same was severed from Tamworth and annexed to Ossipee
June 25, 1859.
[10-185] [^Answer to Sandwich Petition relative to Illegal
Election of Representative^ ^77^ *\
The joint & separate Answer of the Subscribers, legal Inhab-
itants paying Tax, in the Towns of Moultonborough & Tam-
worth in S* State ; unto a certain Petition, Memorial & Remon-
strance, of the Inhabitants of Sandwich now filed on the Rec-
ords of this Hon**'* Court, — Unto which Remonstrance wc hum-
TAMWORTH. 539
bly pray this our Answer & Depositions in Support thereof
may be annexed as part & parcel of the same Record, in & by
which Answer we your Respondents humbly shew, that the
Petition of the Inhabitants of Sandwich aforesaid is a false and
Scandalous Libel against many Respectable Inhabitants of
Moultonb^ & Tamworth aforesaid as well as against the Gentle-
man they have chosen to represent them in this Hon**'* Court — ;
& that the same was apparently fabricated as a base & insid-
ious Subterfuge to cover the Perfidy of the Select Men of said
Sandwich, who afler it was publickly known & even acknowl-
edged by themselves, that Jonathan Moulton Esq' was legally
& fairly chosen to represent said Towns in general Assembly,
did nevertheless afterwards refuse to make a true & proper Re-
turn upon their Precept, in Order to deprive the said Moulton
of a Seat in this Hon*''* House, as well as to deprive the Inhab-
itants of Moultonborough & Tamworth, of the Right of Repre-
sentation so precious to Americans & even of acting their own
Minds as free Agents which God & Nature has given evry
Man. —
Wherefore the Subscribers as aforesaid Shew, & in Answer
to the several particulars assignd as Reasons in the said Libel
furthermore say. —
!■* That the said Moulton is possessed of a large Interest in s*
Towns of more than five times the Value of the Estates of all
the Inhabitants of said Sandwich & has many Country Seats
within said Towns of Moultonborough & Tamworth at which
he usually resides much of his Time. —
2^ We deny that said Moulton or any of his Friends made any
Entertainments or distributed any Victuals or Liqors with the
least View of obtaining Votes for him ; But on the close of
the Day of Election the Inhabitants of Moultonborough &
Tamworth being from their own Homes, procured such Re-
freshment as they wanted at their own Cost & Charge, in a
Sober & peacible Manner — And the whole Business of the
Day & proceeding Evening was Calm <fc without any other
Bussle than the Select Men of Sandwich made by themselves
by putting one another under Arrest for Misbehavour —
3*^ We say that exclusive of all Proxies or seald Votes from
absent persons, there were a majority of seven Voters present
for Col® Moulton and no Objection made at that Time to the
legallity of any of them & therefore there was no Occasion to
make Use of any absent persons Votes, which were sent in be-
cause a like practice was made Use of last Year, when one of
said Select Men of Sandwich was elected Representative —
4'^ We say that no person to our Knowledge from by or for
said Moulton ever procured or offered any Vole or Proxy from
any person, who did not order, consent & assent thereunto—
540 EARLY TOWN PAPERS.
5^ We say the Moderator of said Meeting never appeared so
friendly to s^ Moulton as even to put in any Vote himself, much
more to shev^ any partiality to his Cause, neither was the Meet-
ing dissolved untill the Choice was fairly declared & even acqui-
esced in by the select Men of Sandwich themselves —
All which we are ready to aver & prove — ^and humbly beg
liberty to thank this Hon**** Court for the Liberty granted us of
another Choice, which we doubt not will decide the Matter now
in Contest but as the same Difficulty is ever likely to remain,
so long as any Captious select men of Sandwich, find them-
selves dissapointed in their own ambitious Views — ^that we may
be further relieved according to Equity & good Conscience,
We humbly pray the Interposition of this Hon**** Court, and
that those Officious select men of Sandwich may be repri-
manded for their aforesaid Conduct for the following among
other Reasons —
First, Because we humbly conceive it to be altogether un-
reasonable— that when a free people have made a free Choice
of their Representative, that it shoud ever be in the Power of
any person who may have Influence enough to cajole or Intimi-
date any weak select men & thereby deprive such Representa-
tive of his seat & such free People of their Priviledges —
2*^ Because if wheo any person has been once fairley elected
a Member of this Hon**** Court by any Town — If it is in the
power of the Minority or any litigious person in s* Town to
have a New Election when & as often as they please, there are
too many such persons to be found in every Town, who woud
gladly have Elections Time after Time untill they cou'd crawl
in themselves —
3*y Because, tho* your Honours have granted us Liberty to
manifest our Opinion of the said Election by a new Choice, yet
the aforesaid Libel remains on file to the great prejudice of
many of your present petitioners whose Characters are therein
impeached
And that this our Answer to the same Libel of them the In-
habitants of said Sandwich may remain as aforesaid on the Files
of this Hon**** Court — And your petitioners as in duty bound
shall ever pray —
Moultonborough Dec' 31 1776
Ebenezer Cowles James Flagg Joseph Richardson
Abiael Stevens Eben' Blake Bradbury Richard-
Phinehas Stevens Benj* Kimball son
David Folsom Jon* Philbrick David Bean
Nathaniel Ambos Jon* Chevit Obadiah Brown
James Brown Stephen mason Amos Whipple
James Jackson Daniel Ames Ebenezer meloon
TAMWORTH.
S4I
EHas Smith
ionathan Moulton
[athan Hoit
Joseph Chandler
Stephen Adams
James mason
rhinehas Graves
Sam^i Kalley
Jacob Brown
John glines
William Page
Nathan* Shannon
W" X Vittum
mark
William Evans
hb
John X Wallace
bia
James X Danforth
mark
Ephraim Hacket
Timothy Medar
John Sanderson
Ebenezer Clarke
Amos sanborn
Achra Penniman
Jona Penniman
Ezekiel moulton
Obadiah Dudv
Alexader magoon
Enoch Blake
Israel Glines
Enoch Sanderson
Richard
James Head
Jonathan Burges
menoer Elles
Joshua nickerson
Juner
William Plaisted
Levi Drew
Elisha Cumings
John Boynlon
Isaac Cummings
James Gorden
Simeon
Samel alles
hi*
Sanborn X Chandler
mark
Ephraim Drake
William Vittum Jun
[See Sandwich papers, ante, — Ed.]
[10-186]
[^Relattve to State Tax^ ^77^'^
To the Hon**** Council and House of Representatives in Gen-
eral Assembly Convened —
The petition William Eastman, Timothy Medar Bradbury
Jewell, Select Men of Tamworth, for and in behalf of said
Town Humbly shew, that in the Year i777 — when the Inven-
tory of this Town was sent to the General Court, there were
the following Persons and their Estates inventoried Viz* Joshua
Nickerson, Joshua Nickerson Tun' Reuben Nickerson, Daniel
Ames, Daniel Ames Jun' Jon* Burges, Tames Danforth, Menoah
Ellis and John Cooley— which persons lived without the Lines of
Tamworth, upon a Grant of Land granted to Jonathan Moulton
Esq' which persons in our said Inventory were expressed as
such, but as the said persons were settled for Tamworth, always
called and reckond as such the General Court included them in
the proportion of Taxes for this Town, agreeable to which the
Select-Men of Tamworth rated them for their equal proportion
of the State Tax for the Years 1777, and 1778 — which amounted
to Twenty Three pounds Twelve Shillings, and duly called
upon those persons for the same by the Collector of this Town,
which they refused to pay alledging that they cou'd not legally
be obliged to pay it, which we humbly conceive to be the Case
as the Land whereon those persons live, has for about one Year
past been incorporated into the Town of Moultonborough, and
as Moultonborough's proportion of Tax has not been enlarged
54^ EARLY TOWN PAPERS.
on Account of those persons, since the said Incorporation, the
Select Men of Moultonborou^^h have not called upon them for
the State Tax or any other Tax whatever — so that their falling^
into Moultonborough cannot be urged as a reasonable Excuse
for their not paying the Taxes here inasmuch as they are not
called u[K>n by any other place than this Town to pay Taxes —
We do aver that the abovenamed persons were rated no more
than their just proportion of the Tax agreeable to an Inventory
given to the Select Men by themselves — ^As it woud be a great
Hardship to the Inhabitants of this Town to pay the Tax for
the abovenamed persons as well as their own Taxes we hum-
bly pray your Hon^ Court either to Discount the said sum of
£23, I2S on our State Tax the current Year, or fullv enable
this Town to collect the same of the said Joshua Nickerson,
Joshua Nickerson Jun' Reuben Nickerson, Daniel Ames, Dan-
iel Ames Jun' Jonathan Burges, James Danforth, Menoah £lli&
and John Crowley, and that a just Deduction in our proportion
of Taxes for Time to come be made on Account of the afore-
said persons falling without this Town into the Town of Moul-
tonough & your petitioners as in Duty bound shall ever pray
Tam worth 31"* Oct' 1778 —
William Eastman*^ Selectmen
Timothy Medar > of
Bradbury Jewell j Tamworth
[10-188] IjReiurn of Ratable Polls, 1783 J]
Tamworth 8th of December 1783
Pursuant to an act of the general assembley of this State Di-
rected to us the Select men of S* tamworth to Return an ac-
count of all the male Polls of twenty one years old & upwards
Paying a Poole tax for themselves, within said town have taken
an Exact account thereof — and find them to be fifty three
David Oilman | Select
Timothy Medar f men
[Sworn to before D. Beede, justice of the peace. — Ed.]
[R. 4-94] [^Soldiers* Orders,']
To the Paymaster of Cap* Jacob Smiths Company of Militia in
the year 1781 —
Sir Please to pay Ben. I. Oilman or order all that is due to
TAMWORTH. 543
me I having been a Soldier in the aforesaid Company for the
Town of Tamworth — ^Value Rec*" Witness my hand
Joseph Eaton Keniston
Attest Moses Jewett 19 Jany. £6-2-0
[R. 4-95] To the Treasurer of the State of New Hampshire
S' Please to Pay William Eastman all the wages that is Due
to me for six months service in the Contenantal army, as a Pri-
vat Solder in Col® Reads Rig* & Cap' Dustens Company, his
Receipt shall be a full Discharge from your humble Servant —
Tamworth 12*^ June 1784
bis
Attest Nicholas -\- Kinestone
mark
David Gilman William Easman
[R. 4-96] Tamworth June 23* 1784
To the p'aymaster of the New Hampshire Six Months Men
for the year 1780— For Value rec*" please to pay M' Joseph S.
Gilman or order all the Wages, Bounty, Interest or whatever
may be due to me for my services — I having been a six Months
Man for the Town of New market in the year 1780.
his
Witness my Hand David X Kinerson
mArk
Witness Israel Gilman David Jewett
[R. 4-97] [ Certificate of Bounty Paid.']
Exeter April 24*^ 1786
The Bounty advanced by the Town of Tamworth to Joseph
Ames a Soldier for one year in 1779 is £7, la— , which has
been deducted from his depreciation —
Josiah Gilman Jur.
one of the Committee
[10-191] [Selectmen's Statement relative to Taxation^ etc.j
The petition of the Selectmen of Tamworth humbly shew-
eth, that whareas your petitioners are now called upon to return
an inventory in order for a new proportion — but the unsattled
544 EARLY TOWN PAPERS.
situation of aflfairs in the Town renders it impossible for us to
make an inventory with any correctness, the lines of the Town
being unsettled lays s^ Town under many disadvantages, — when
the last valuation was taken about one quarter part of our in-
habatants on the east part of the Town petitioned the General
Court that they might pay taxes to Eaton until the lines of the
Towns whare sattled, and s'^ Court for reasons unknoun to us,
set of s** petitioners which consisted of one mile and a half from
us and put them to Eaton, without giving us an opportunity of
shewing cause if any we had why the prayer of S^ petitioners
should not be granted, which we sopose very singular : — the
above being taken from us, leaves us but four and a half miles
East and West in stead of Six, as may be made to appear by
the plan of the Town, and as the s^ Town the last year was at
a great expence in sattleing a minister, and are now at a further
expence in building a house for public worship, your honours
may naturaly sopose that s** Town stands in need of all its in-
habitants— we therefore humbly pray s* Town may have the
privelidge of their former inhabetants until s' lines are sattled,
or be inlarged some other way — and your petitioners as in duty
bound will ever pray —
Tam worth May 28* 1793
Benj*^ Gilman ^
Edward Hayford > Select Men
George Dodge )
[10-193] \^Petition for the Appointment of a Committee to
settle disputed Lines: addressed to the General Courts
June, I7p6.'\
Humbly Sheweth Thomas Cogswell, Thomas Leavitt, John
Hale and Bradbury Cilley Agents for and in behalf of the Pro-
prietors of the Township of Tamworth and Winthrop Smart
iacob filasdel and John Banfill, Agents for and in behalf of the
roprietors of the Township of Eaton, And Moses Center
Henry Weed and Orlando Weed, Agents for And in behalf of
the Proprietors of the Township of Burton, all in the State of
New Hampshire, — That on the 14*^ of October A D 1766 the
Township of Tamworth was Granted And Soon after the Town-
ship of Eaton was Granted to Join on the East Side of Tam-
worth and Burton on the North That various disputes have
Arissen on the part of Eaton relative to the East line of Tam-
worth, and on the North by Burton relative to the North line of
Tamworth, that it Appearing to your Petitioners there is Land
TAMWORTH. 545
Sufficient to Complet the above mentioned Grants, According
to the true intent and Meaning of the Same, And from a Desier
to put an end to Altercation and Lawsuits, we have agreed to
lay our paypers and Evidences before the Hono^'* Simeon Olcot
of Charlestown, John Peirce of Portsmouth Esquires, in the
State of New Hampshire and Josiah Little of Newbury in the
Commonwealth of Massachusetts Esquire ; And in case of the
refuse! or Death of either of those Men, then Russell Freeman
Esquire of Hanover to be Joined, Shall bee a Committee to fix
the Line on the East between Tamworth and Eaton, and on the
North between Tamworth and Burton, Aid the Report of them
or Any two of them Lodged in the Secretary's office of this State,
within the time hereafter limited shall be final and conclusive
between the parties, and we do further Agree that fourteen days
Notice given to the proprietors Clerk of the Townships of Tam-
worth Eaton and Burton or to one of the Agents within Named
for Each of those Towns of the time and place of the Setting of
the said Committee on the business, shall be Sufficient Notice,
and if either party Neglect to Appear there to proceed Ex par-
te— and we do further agree to Petition this Hono**^* Court to
impower Said Committee to transact the business, and, twelve
month's be allowed from the passing the Act, for the Comple-
tion of the Same — In Compliance with which Agreement your
Petitioners beag leave to bring in a bill to impower the Said
Committee to Assertain and fix said Lines under the restric-
tions aforesaid and your Petitioners as in Duty bound will ever
pray—
Thomas Cogswell Jacob Blasdel Henry Weed
Thomas Leavitt Winthrop Smart moses Senter
Bradbury Cilley John BanfiU Orlando Weed
[The committee was appointed June ii, 1796, and con-
sisted of Simeon Olcott, Josiah Little, and Russell Free-
man. See following documents. — Ed.]
[10-192] \_Directtons toCoL Gerrish to perambulate the JLine
between Tamworth and Eaton^ -^ 79^-1
To Col. Henry Gerish Esq'
Sir
By agreement & consent of Parties you are appointed Sur-
veyor to take a Survey of the boundary line between the Town-
ships of Tamworth & Eaton, being the East line of Tamworth
& west line of Eaton you are to begin at a Pitchpine Tree mark-
ed with six notches, which Stands on the Patent line so called
37
54^ EARLY TOWN PAPERS.
about one mile East of Bearcamp River so called, being the
Southly comer between Tam worth & Eaton and from thence to
extend a North line between Tam worth & Eaton untill Six
miles are compleated where you are to erect a good & Sufficient
Monument or land make —
And from thince are to extend a line due West, between
Tam worth & Burton untill it Shall intersect the East line of
Sandwich addition, so called, where you are to affix a Monu-
ment or land make as above —
You will appoint Two good & qualified Chainmen who Shall
be Sworn to a faithfuU discharge of their duty & trust
You will notify the Agents of the Townships Tamworth —
Eaton & Burton when you Shall make s* Survey —
You will Compleat s* Survey & make a return thereof, on
Oath to me the Subscriber Chairman of the Com^ for Setling
the boundary lines between s^ Tamworth Eaton & Burton— on
or before the first Day of March next —
You are to expect your pay and reward for s' Services from
the Agents of the Township of Tamworth —
Concord 15*** Dec' 1796
Per order Sim. Olcott Chair"
[ Col. Gerrish^s Return J\
Pursuant to the within appointment I Notified the Agents of
Tamworth-^Eaton & Burton to meet roe on the 21 Day of De-
cember Instant at the within mentioned pitch pine tree with Six
notches, at the above time & place there met me Hon**^ Thomas
Cogswell Esq' Agent for Tamworth Jacob Blasdel Esq' and
Maj' Winthrop Smart Agents for Eaton and M' Henry Weed
agent for Burton, By mutual agreement of parties Col® Nathan
Hoit was appointed to Carry the fore end of the Chain and my
Self the hind End of the Chain after being Sworn to the faithfull
Discharge of our trust we began at the aforsaid Pitch pine tree
mark' with Six notches and thence measured upon an old Line
which was then agreed to by the parties which runs North one
Degree and about twenty five minits West by the needle Six
Miles to a beech tree about Seven Inches Diamiter which we
Spotted on four Sides for the Northeast Corner of Tamworth
which tree is also marked with the Letters H. G— N. H & T. C
& Dated it Dec' 22** 1796 and drove a Cent into the westerly
Side of Said tree, from thence I run and Spotted a line West
one Degree and about twenty five Minits South Which makes
it a right Angle with the old line, until I came to the line of
Sandwich Addition where I set up a Stake for the Northwest
Comer of Tamworth Said Stake is Spotted & mark* with the
Letters T C. about Eight feet Southeasterly from Said Stake I
TEMPLE. 547
also Spotted a red Burch tree which is ahout Eleven Inches Di-
ameter which I marked with the letters H G— T C & I G &
Drove a copper into the Side of Said tree facing the Bounds —
Tamworth Dec' 24*** 1796
Henry Gerrish Surveyer
TEMPLE.
The township embraced several tracts of land granted to
individuals by the government of Massachusetts prior to
1740. The territory was granted by the Masonian Propri-
etors in November, 1750, with the usual reservations. For
some years it was called Peterborough Slip, and included
the present town of Sharon.
The town was incorporated August 26, 1768, and included
one tier of lots on the west side of Wilton, and the easterly
portion of what was priorly known as Peterborough Slip, or
Sliptown, and was named for Hon. John Temple. Ephraim
Heald was authorized to call the first town meeting, which
duty he performed, and the meeting was held at the house
of Zedekiah Drury, October 10, 1768.
A dispute concerning a strip of land between this town
and New Ipswich resulted in favor of Temple.
By an act passed January 12, 1781, a tract of land con-
taining about 400 acres, lying north of this town, called
Borland's farm, was annexed to Temple.
January 29, 1789, some territory was severed from the
south-east corner of Peterborough, and annexed to this
town.
By an act approved June 11, 1796, a considerable tract
of land was severed from Lyndeborough, and annexed to
Temple.
Gen. Francis Blood was a prominent man during the
Revolution. He was a member of the H. of Rep. in 1777,
and on September 27 of that year was appointed commis-
sary to attend a guard sent to conduct prisoners of war to
Portsmouth. He was appointed January 27, 1781, one of
the two "collectors general of beef" for the army ; member
of the council in 1784, and of the senate 1784-85 ; judge of
the court of common pleas, and held numerous offices in
548 EARLY TOWN PAPERS.
town. He was born in Concord, Mass., March i8, 1735, O.
S., and died in 1814.
[10-196] [ Vote relative to the Incorporation of the Town^
I768.'\
att a meeting of The proprities of Peterborough slip Legaly
Called For that purpos Voted By S** proprietors To Divide The
Township at the Line Between The fifteenth & Sixteenth Teer
of Lots & Voted By S* proprietors to Git in Corporated Chose
Francis Blood John Marshall & Ephraim Heald as a Commit-
tee To Git it Done
25 January 1768
a Trew Coppy Errors Exsepted
Ebenezer Drury propr* Clarke
[10-197] \_Sundry Inhabitants of Wilton consent to joinJ\
We The In Habitants of The west Side of wilton in S*
province are willing To Be annexed To The East part of Peter-
borough Slip
Wilton April 27—1 768
Robert Mann William Felten
James mansur Stephen Putnam
Stephen farnam William mansur
William Thomson
[10-198] \_Petition of sundry persons relative to Separation :
addressed to the Governor and Council <^ lydS."]
The Humble petetion of the Inhabitants of a place Called
peterboroughslip on the west Side of the Mountains inS* Town
Ship Whereas we Cannot Be aComodated to Settle the publick
Worship of God with The Inhabitants on the East Side of the
Mountains By Reason of Sd Mountains
& Their Being in Corporated will Brake our Charter So that
we Cannot Raise money to make & Repair Roads Where fore
we Humbly pray your Excellency and Honours that we May
By a Special act Be Inabled From Time To time Raise Such
Sums as Shall Be Nessasery to make & Repair Roads in S^
TEMPLE. 549
peterboroughslip on the west Side of the Mountains & we as
in Duty Bound Shall Ever pray & : C :
April 1 8 day 1768
John M^allaster David m*allaster
Thomas Morison Peter m'Allaster
William Jack William m'Allaster
John Thom David Moors
andrew m'allaster James M*Alister
[10-199] \_Petition of a Committee to have the Town in-
corporated: addressed to the Governor and Council^ lydS,"]
We the Inhabitants of a place Called Peterborough-Slip in S*
province Humbly petetion your Excellency and Honours That
where as The Monadnucks Mountains Runs a Cross our Town-
ship which is Impractable For Roads So That we Cannot Set-
tle The publick Worship of God on one side of the Moun-
tains so as to aComodate the other side of the Mountains
where fore we Humbley pray That we May Be In Vested with
Town prevelidges To The following Bounds : To Witt Be Gin-
ing att Peterborough Southeast Corner Running west on s*
Peterborough Line Til it Comes to a Beech Tree marked Being
the Northwest Corner of The Lott N^ Eleven in The Eighth
Range of Lots in S* peterboroughslip Then Running South Be-
tween the Eleventh & Twelveth Lots on a Line marked on the
pinnacle of The Mountains til it Comes to the North west Cor-
ner of the Lot Eleven in the Sixth Range Still Running on the
pinnacle of the Mountain Through the Lots Twelve in the Sixth
and fifth Ranges on a Line marked to a Spruce Tree Being the
North west Corner of the Lot Twelve in the Fourth Range Still
Running on the pinnacle of the Mountain Through the Lots
thirteen in the fourth Range and fourteen & fifteen in the Third
Range on a Line marked on the pinnacle of the Mountains to a
white maple att the foot of the Mountain Called and Known By
The Name of Moffets Tree Then Runing west about fifteen
Rods to the west Line of the Lot Fifteen in the second Range
Then Runing South on S* Line to New Ipswitch North Line
Then Runing a bout East on New Ipswich North Line To the
Southeast Corner of S* petersboroughSlip Still Runing East on
wilton South Line the Length of Two Lots Then Runing North
Between the Eighth & Nineth Ranges of Lots in S* wilton in-
Cludeing Two Teer of Lots to Linds Borough South Line Then
Runing West on wilton North Line and Peterborough Slip
North Line To Peterborough East Line Then Runing South on
Peterborough East Line to the South East Corner first men-
SSO EARLY TOWN PAPERS.
tioned — all So we Humbley pray your Excellency & Honours
That the Loss of Wilton may Be maid up To Them By your
annexing a Tract of Land To Them on the East Side of wilton
Called & Known By The Name of The Mild Slip and we in
Duty Bound Shall Ever pray: &: C peterboroughslip : ii :
April 1768
Francis Blood )
John Marshall > Committee
Ephraim Heald )
[10-200] \^Statefneni of Wilton Proceeding's^ 1768. "]
Wilton June y* 9 day 1768 this Day it Being Town meeting
att wilton & we the Subscribers attended where was the Com-
mittee from peterboroughSlip to se wheather the Town of wil-
ton would Vote to ReCeive the East part of peterboroughSlip
or Give them haf a mild of wilton & when we Came to that
article mr Butter6eld who was moderator would not Call for a
Vote on it But Said we will ajorn the meeting til y* 7 of July
which he did the Committee a fore Sd Deziered a Coppy of
their proceedings But Could not obtain it
William mansur
test
Stephen Putnam
hit
Alexander 0 Milliken
mark
[10-201] [^Relative to a Road over the Mountains*^
June y* lo*** 1768
This Day Cap* Ephraim Heald of Peterborough Slip made
Applecation to us the Subscribers in behalf of the Inhabitants
Living on the East of the Mountain in Said Township, in order
to view the Mountain, to See if there could be a Road over to
Accomadate the people on the west side of Said Mountain to
Congregate with the people on the East — accordingly we went
with him and three men Inhabeting near the Mountain went
with us over the Mountain where they all Judge is the only
place where a Road could be made. We give it as our Judg-
ment that there cannot be a road over the Mountain that will
accomadate to Treavil in with any Conveniency
Benjamin Adams Ephraim Adams Isaac Appleton
TEMPLE. 551
[10-203] [^Ano^Aer Opinion relative to the Road."]
PeterboroughSlip June 8*^ 1768
Whereas we the Subscribers being Desired by the Inhabitants
of wilton to Vew the Mountain to See if their Could be a Pass-
able Horse Road over the Said mountain and upon our Vewing
the Same it is our Humble opinon that their maybe upon Prop-
er Serch and Vew a Very Comfortabel Passing over the Same
on Horse Back From the west Side to the East Side to the
meeting House Spot in Said PeterbourougSlip^
pr us Thomes moreson
John Swan Ju'
[10-202] \^Committee^s Statement relative to foregoing J\
Portsmouth June 11*** 1768
Wheras we the Subscribers being Agents appointed to Carry
on the Affair For Peterbourough Slip & wilton Relative to their
Pettetion Have agreed to Leave the whole Affair to His Excel-
lency and Counsel to Do as they in their Wisdom and Prudence
Shall think Best Praying Further oppertunity to Lodge Such
Papers as to Give your Excellency & Honours Further Light as
witness our Hands Prvided Such Papers are filed before the
Day apf>ointed for the Govern' & Councils Determination
agent For PerterbourougSlip Ephraim Heald
agents For Wilton — Joseph Butterfield
James Dascombe
[10-205] \_Petition from Wilton: addressed to the Gov^
ernor and Council^ 1/68.']
We the inHabitants of wilton Humbley petion your ExCel-
ency & Honours that The East part of peterboroughSlip May
Be anexed To wilton & Incorporated in to one Town with us
& we in Duty Bound Shall Ever pray &C
Wilton June the 10 day 1768
William mansur Ebenezer Perry
James mansur Jonas Perry
04 '■'u r ^ ^ Alexander O Milliken
btephen far nam ^
552 EARLY TOWN PAPERS.
[10-208] ^^Remonstrance from the Inhabitants of Wilton:
addressed to the Governor and Council^ 1/6S.']
May it please your Excellency and Hon" We the Inhabitants
of Wilton in said Province are Notified by m*^ Sec'^ Atkinson,
that the Inhabitants of Peterborough Slip have lately petitioned
your Excellency and Hon" for a Charter of incorporation grant-
ing Town priviledges &* with Addition of one mile in wedth &
the Length of the Town to be takenofffrom the Town of Wil-
ton, and Added to Peterbo' Slip : in Consideration whereof a
Slip to be Added on the Opposite part of the Town &c
That we may shew cause if any we have why the prayer of
said petition should not be granted. Therefore we take liberty
to say, that the Scituation and Circumstance of the said Peterb*
Slip was know by the late Gov' & Councel at the Time said
Wilton was incorporated ; Notwithstanding saw fit to incoqx)-
rate Wilton for a Certain Limmited Term according to its pres-
ent form, and at the end of said Term granted an other Charter
of the like Contents (which were Costly things to us) Add to
this the purchasers of John Tufton Mason Esq ; patent fix'd the
boundaries of said Wilton as it is now held by Charter, and we
have a meeting house in the Center of the Town very well
Scituated, have been at Large Expence in Making highways to
the same, and during the late War, many of us suffered largely,
Yet being Encouraged by having our Town Continued in its
present form surmounted those .Difficulties; and have found
means of late to defrey part of the Public Charge of the prov-
ince for which reasons among many others that may be offered
by our Agent, are humbly of Opinion that the prayer of the
petition above refer'd to ought not to be granted but if it should
be thought otherwise, \Ve beg leave to suggest further that the
Design of Granting an incorporation to us, which was to pro-
mot Good order, and encourage the Cultivation of our Lands
will be greatly retarded, that we shall be thrown into the ut-
most Confusion and Disorder about our meeting house. Bridges
and highways &c Indeed our Brethern of Peterb* Slip seem
Concious to themselves that taking a Part from us on the west
will be Detrimental to us and therefore propose to have the
mile Slip Added on the East to make amends, but we humbly
beg and pray, that if any part of our Town must be taken from
us that there may not be any Added to us on the Easterly part,
which Cannot lessen but must Augment our Difficulty — ^Your
Excellency & Hon" will reflect upon the premises and do as
Your wisdom and prudence shall Direct — And we as in Duty
bound will ever pray —
Wilton April 27, 1768
TEMPLE.
553
Joseph Holt
rhilip Putnam
Will" Peirce
Richard Taylor
Ephriam Butterfield
James Brown
Nathan Blanchard
Nathan Abbot
John Dale
Timothy Gray
Uriah Bolton
Jacob Putnam
Jonathan Cram
Timothy Dale
Nathaiel Putnam
Oliver Holt
David Kenney
Jonathan Burton
Simon Keyes
Totham maynard
>mes Brown junr
George Coburn
Jeremiah Holt
Jonathan Greele
George Lancey
Stephen Butterfield
John Burton
Amos Butterfield
Zela Holt
Abijah Perry
Nathan Ballard
John Brown
Jeremiah Abbot
Abiel Abbot
James Maxwell
John Holt
Abner Stiles
Amos Holt
1
]:
Richard Whitney
ohn Steel
osiah Parker
Thomas Richerdson
oseph Stiles
oseph Snow
Benjamin parker
Nathaniel Greele
Stephen Buss
Benja Rideout
oseph Holt Jun'
n® Burton Jun'
n* Cumings
oseph Putnam
William Felton
John Burton
amos fuller
John Cram Jun'
Stephen Putnam
[10-206 and 207 are plans of the territory in controversy,
one of which is supposed to be allotted plan of Wilton.—
Ed.]
[10-195] \^Petitton of Inhabitants for Incorporation^ iy68 ,'\
To His Excellency Governor Wentworth and His Majesty s
Councel in the Province of New Hampshier —
Where as the Monadnock Mountains Runs a Crost our Town-
ship of peterboroughslip wich is Impracticable for Roads so
that we Cannot be acomadated to settle the publick worship of
God so as to be Conveanant for the Inhabetents on both sides of
the Mountains we the Inhabitants on the East side of the Moun-
tains Humbly pray your Excellency and Honours that we may
Have part of wilton anexed to us or that we may be anexed to
wilton from the penicle of the mountains a Greable to the
Bounds set forth in the petition laid before your Excellency and
Honours by our Committee the fourth of may Last and we in
duty Bound shall Ever pray &C —
Peterborough Slip June lo*** 1768
Zedekiah drury
Thomas marshall
Seth Cobb
Jonathan Blood Jur Albe Serverance
'oseph Heald John Cutler
onathan Drury John Cutler Jun'
554
EARLY TOWN PAPERS.
Benj* Cutter
Jonathan Drury
Juner
[oseph richerd sen
fohn marshall
Ibenezer Drury
Francis Blood
Zacheus Richardson
Oliver Heald
Josiah Robins
Artemas Maynard
John Maynard
Stephen Cobb
Eldad Spafford
Petter Heald
Zedekiah Drury
Juner
Nathan Drury
Garshom Drury
thomas Drury
Stephen parlin
John Heald
Zechariah Emery
Daniel Drury
William Brewer
Joshua Todd
Abijah Goold
Joshua Foster
Ezektel Goodale
James Foster
Amos Emery
Ebnezer Drury Junr
Eleazer Taylor
Aaron Fellt
Peter Fellt
John Brown
Joseph Brooks
William Drury
Silus Anger
Jonathan Avery
Benj* Cragin
Joseph Reed
Ephraim Heald
[The town was incorporated Aug. 26, 1768. — Ed.]
[10-209] \_Relative to some New York Tories: addressed to
the Assembly^ or Committee of Safety^ ^776*^
Having providentially met with some Suspicious Circum-
stances in the Appearance and Behaviour of four men passing
thro' this Town — We pursued and apprehended them — On ex-
amining them seperately and together it Appeared plain from
their own Account that they had been sent from some part of
New York, by Committees in that Quarter, to Exeter on sus-
picion at least of unfriendliness to y* Cause of America — and that
they had been allow'd a large Liberty of Yard at Exeter, which
they improved in attempting an escape — their Names by their
own Account are Stephen Hunt, Asa Brown, Jacob Motts
Elisha Rose — they do not pretend any of them to have done
any thing for America, but only as expressly Called upon ; tho'
they would excuse themselves from any direct Opposition — We
have sent 'em down to be disposed ot as the Hon' Court shall
think proper —
The expences of Apprehending and Conveying them to this
Town we have expressed — in its particulars on a paper by it-
self— amounting to JC2 : 19:6.
Temple Decern' 30, 1776.
Sam^ Howard
David Spafford
John Cram ju
Sam" Webster
Ephraim Heald
Committee for
the Town of
Temple
TEMPLE. 555
[R. 4-107] Received of the Town of Temple by the Com-
mittee the sum of Ninety Two Dollars in full for enlisting into
the Continental service as a soldier in part of the Quota of the
Town abovesaid of the three Batallions raising in the State of
Newhamshire
John Hillsgrove
Temple March 28, 1777
Testis Sam* Webster
Rec'd of the Town of Temple by the Committee the sum of
Ninety Two Dollars in full for enlisting into the Continental
service as a soldier in part of the Quota of the Town abovesaid,
of the Three Batallions raising in the State of Newhampshire
Temple March 28, 1777
John Millet
Rec'd of John Cragin Oliver Heald, and Samuel Howard
Treas" and Receivars for the Town of Temple of the soldier
Rate — The several sums affix'd to our Names for enlistment in
y* Continental service — we say Rec'd by us
James X Hutchinson £10, o, o, 5 — Aaron Oliver 30, o, o, 6
imrfc
Elijah Mansfield 30, o, o, 7 — ^John Drury 30, o, o, 8
Us
James X Hutchinson 20, o, o,
Temple April the 7*^ 1777
Test Sam* Webster
[April 9, 1777, Josiah Stone signed a similar receipt for
^30 ; and Benjamin Smith did the same April 7, same year.
—Ed.]
[R. 4-102] \Receifts from Soldiers* Wives,"]
Rec'* of the Selecmen of Temple tew bushel of Rye at 4/8 per
bushel, my Husband Elijah Mansfield being a soldier in Col
Scam mils Regiment — I say Rec^ by me
Rebekah Mansfield
Temple Jan' 4: 1778
Then Received Ten dollars ofArchelaus Cummings one of
the Commite to provide for the familes of the Continental sol-
5 $6 EARLY TOWN PAPERS.
diers, my Husband Elijah Mansfield being a soldier in CoH
Scamils Regiment — ^I say Rec* by me
Rebekah Mansfield
Temple June 29 day 1 778
[R. 4-103] Recived of Benj* Tinney Jr of Temple one of y*
Committee for supplying y* families of y* soldiers in the Con-
tinental Army Five Bushils of Indian Corn at 3 /8 per bushil
£0-18-4. Also one bushil of Rie at 4/8 pr bushil 0-4-8 — ^My
Husband Ebenezer Drury being a soldier in Col® Scammils
Rig"* Recv^ by me
Miriam Drury
Temple May 27 — 1779
[Mrs. Drury also signed receipts as follows :
June 10, 17799 I bushel Corn
July 26, " 2J4 " Rye, ij4 of Corn, 6 qts Salt
Nov. 29, " 4 " *' 2 *' of Ephraim Brown.]
[R. 4-108] [Received of Benj* Cutter one of the Committee
for Temple two bushils of Corn at 3/8 — JCo-7-4
and Nine pound of Cash 9-0-0
My husband being a Soldier in the Continental Army
Mary Hillsgrove
Temple April i — 1779
[Mrs. Hillsgrove also gave receipts as follows :
May 1779, bushel of Corn, of John Patten
July 26, 1779, yi bushel of Corn, j4 bushel of Rye, and eight
dollars in cash, of Capt, Gershom Drury
Nov. 25, 1779, 72**** of beef at 18 shillings, of Oliver Heald
Oct. I '' £3, 6, o, cash " '* "
Dec. 7 " £15, 6, continental money, 2j^ bushels Com
at 3/8 per bushel, i^ bushels Rye at 4/8
pr bushel,— of Oliver Heald]
[R. 4-98] \^Petition of William Drury ^ ^77^- addressed to
the General Assembly^ or Committee of Safety."]
William Drury of Temple in Col* Enoch Hale Rig« & Capt
Gershom Drurys Company sheweth that he was Called upon
TEMPLE. 557
to go to the Relief of Ticonderoga on the alarm in June Last
that his hors went on request to carry packs and that at Charles-
town N® 4 the Horse was taken out or brook out of Jotham
Whites pasture and it was three weeks before I found him, and
that I paid for Advartising s^ horse and for a man and hors to
Go afeter him and for straying and Keeping — ^£2-6-0
Wherefore your petitioner Humbly prays your Honours that
He may be Repaid said sum of two pound six shillings as he
was Called upon to Go with his horse for the defence of that
post and your petitioner as in Duty Bound Shall Ever pray & :C
William Drury
Temple Feb' 2^ 1778
[Sworn to before Francis Blood, justice of the peace.]
[R. 4-99] [ Capi, Robert JFletcher^s Petition : addressed to
the Council and Assembly^ ^779 '2
The petetion of Cap* Robert Fletcher of Temple in the Coun-
ty of Hillsborough and State aforesaid — Humbly sheweth that
your petetioner Commanded a Company in the volentear in
Col® Enoc Hales Rigement on the Island of Road Island in the
Month of August last — that Henry Spaulding of Stodard was
in my Company the whole time a soldier that your petetioner
carried a list of the Company to the Committee on Claims and
they maid out a Muster Roll and Gave me an Abstract that I
did not compair the Roll Nor Abstract with my list Given in
til I came home — that said Henry Spalding was not in the Roll
Nor Abstract and that I did pay his waiges out of My own
pocket at His Request as by his order May appear — Therefore
your petetioner Humbley prays that the waiges of s^ Henry may
be Repaid to Me which was twelve pound two shillings and
your petetioner as in Duty Bound Shall Ever pray &c —
Robert Fletcher
Temple March y* 2^ 1779
[R. 4-100] \_Lieui, Goodale*s Petition^ i^So,"]
The Humble Petition of Ezekiel Goodale of Temple sheweth
that your Petitioner was Appointed a Lieutenant in Capt Frys
Comp* in CoY* Scammels Ridg* the 11"* of Feb' 1777 that he
marched with the first Devision the first of April to Ticondar-
oga — & Discharged the duty of a Leiu* to acceptance : was in
558 EARLY TOWN PAPERS.
the several Disputes with Gen' Burgoyne and then marched to
Penselvana : & Continued there til Ap' 30 1778 when by reason
of the Continued applycations from my Family of their Dis-
tressed Circumstances I procuered a Discharge & Come home —
your petettoner Lost at the vacuation of Tycondroga as by the
account £28-^-0
That your petetioner Never received a farthing for it Nor for
Depreshasion of mony for hiswaiges — ^therefore your petetioner
prays that your Honours will take his Case into your wise seri*
ous and Marcyful Consideration and make him such reward
for s' loss and waiges as your Hon** think Just and your pete-
tioner as in Duty Shall Ever pray —
Temple Feb' 14—1780
£zekiel Goodale Leu*
[The committee reported in favor of allowing him the de-
preciation of his pay. — £d.]
[10-21 1] \^Petitian from Inhabitants of^^ BorlamTs JFarm '*
to be annexed to Temple^ lySo.l^
To the Honorable Counsel and House of Representatives —
Humbly Sheweth your Petitioners Inhabitants of a Certain
tract of land Called and Known by the Name of Borlands Farm
in the County of Hillsborough & State afore said bounded as
Followeth (viz) Beginning at a beach tree Marked at the South
west corner of Lyndsborough and Runs North on Lyndsbor-
ough line about three Hundred & Eighty rods to Gray burch
marked with Stones about it thence west by land of Mason's
proprietors over the North mountain So Called about one hun-
dred & Seventy Rods to a rock maple with Stones about it at
Peterborough east line thence South on Peterborough east line
about three Hundred & eighty Rods to a rock maple tree
marked Sl Stones about it at Temple North line thence east on
temple North line about one Hundred & Seventy Rods to the
Beach tree first Mentioned Containing Near four Hundred
Acres that S*^ tract of land is not within the Bound of any Town
that your Petitioners are trying to make Improvements on S*
tract of land, that there is No road from any town to S* tract of
land, that S^ tract is So Situated by reason of the moun-
tains to the west North & Northeast that they Cannot Convean
at any of the adjoining towns But Temple— Wherefore your
Petitioners pray that the Said tract of land may be annexed to
the town of Temple and that the Inhabitants thereof & their
Successors may be Invested with all the Priviledges of Inhab-
T£MPL£. 559
itants of the town of Temple for Ever and that your petitioners
may have leave to bring in a bill accordingly : & as in Duty
bound Shall ever pray
Deem' 18—1780
Jonathan Avery
Thomas Richardson
Isaac Butterfield
[The territory mentioned in the foregoing petition was
annexed to Temple by an act passed January 12, 1781. —
Ed.]
[10-312] [Petition for a Lottery."]
Exeter Jenury 27*** 1781
A Petition of Rob* Hewes of Boston to the Honourable
Councel and House of Representatives of the State of New
Hampshire for the Further Incouragement of Glass Manufac-
tory sett by him in the Town of Temple in this State —
Your humble Petitioner Prayeth, that as he has been at, so
Great Expence and got the Manufactory so Nigh to Perfection
and being Unable to Procede further without Publick Incour-
agement a Lottery may seet on foot, for the Raiseing a Sum of
Money to bring it to Perfection, as Speedily as Possible, for if
no Incouragement. — Can be Given Your hum' Petitioner will
be Oblidged Drop the Enterprize and Lett his Work men go
to Connecticut, which Stands Ready to Receive and Imploye
them, but that the Honourable Court may do something to
Inable Your humb' Petitioner to keep them here and Imploye
them is the Sincere Prayer of Your humb' Petitioner.
Robert Hewes
[Authority was granted by an act passed March, 1781. —
Ed.]
[10-214] [^Statement of the Managers of the Lottery: ad-
dressed to the General Courts ^7^^^
The petition of the subscribers humbly sheweth that in con-
sequence of the petition of M' R : Hewes of Boston in the Com-
monwealth of Massachusetts, an Act pass'd the General Court
of said State of New-Hampshire in March A: D: 1781, grant-
ing a Lottery for the benefit of said Hewes in setting up and
560 EARLY TOWN PAPERS.
carrying on the Manufactory of Glass in the Town of Temple
in said State, and appointing your petitioners, Managers of said
Lottery, That your petitioners, in pursuance of their trust, im-
mediately proceeded to advertise the Scheme of said lottery,
and print the Tickets, and began the sale thereof in Bills of the
new-Emission, agreable to said Act. Soon after which your
Petitioners were obliged to take back the Tickets, by reason of
the failure of the paper Currency, and to give over the thoughts
of drawing the same. And as your petitioners were appointed
by the General Court without their previous Solicitation or
knowledge ; and having expended a considerable sum of money
in printing said Tickets &c — Therefore your petitioners hum-
bly pray the Hon"* Court to order the Treasurer to refund to
your petitioners such sums of money as they have been neces-
sitated to expend on account of said lottery : and, for that pur-
pose, that they may have leave to exhibit an Account to this
Court for Allowance, and your petitioners as in duty bound
shall ever pray &c
March 22* 1782.
T : Farrar
I. Abbot
Francis Blood
[10-215] \^Return of Ratable Polls^ ^TSj."}
State of New-Hampshire Hillsborough ss
Temple Dec' lo*** 1783
There is in y* Town of Temple one Hundred and fourteen
persons of Twenty onfe years of Age paying for them selves a
pole Tax Taken by us
Sam* Howard \ Selectmen
Francis Blood > of
Benj* Cutter j Temple
[Sworn to before Francis Blood, justice of the peace.]
[10-216] \^Petition for Authority to send a Representative
to the General Assembly^ ^7S4*^
Humbly apply the Subscribers Legal Voters of twenty-one
years of age and upwards paying for themselves a pole tax in
Temple and Peterborough slip in said State — That the new
TEMPLE.
S6i
Constitution or form of Government for this State provides that
every Town parish or place intitled to Town privileges having
one hundred and fifty rateable poles of twenty one years of age
and upward paying for themselves a pole tax May Elect one
Representative — and such towns parishes or places as have less
then one hundred and fifty rateable polls — shall be classed by
the General assembly for the purpose of Chusing a representa-
tive— and whenever any town or parish intitled to Town privi-
ledges shall not have one Hundred and fifty rateable polls and
be so situated as to render the Classing thereof very inconven-
ient, the General assembly may upon application of a Majority
of voters in such town parish or place issue a writ for their
electing and sending a Representative to the General Court —
that the subscribers Conceive that they fall within the last Dis-
cription Not being one hundred and fifty polls and being so
situated as to render the Classing thereof with any other town
very inconvenient — That they are ready to Contribute to the
support of Government and are willing to have a Voice in rais-
ing Agregate sums — Wherefore they pray that in the New
arangement for the Next Assembly a precept may issue to the
s* Town of Temple and Peterborough slip for Electing and
sending a Representative under such Regulations as other
Towns in the same predicament and as in Duty bound shall
pray—
Joshua Todd
Caleb Bancroft
Samuel Howard
Moses Sticknee
William Manser
Benj* Cutter
Will" Drury
Abraham Shelden
Benj* Crag in
Samson Walker
Ephraim Brown
Ebenezr Drury
Ezekil Jewet
Levi Peirce
Silas Brown
Isaac Butterfield
Gideon powers
Jacob Foster
Abner Felt
Ezekiel Goodale
Elias Colburn
John Patten
38
Francis Cragin
Asa Severance
Eldad Spafford
John Stowel
Josiah Fisk
William Searle Ju'
Aaron Felt
Joseph Heald
Abraham Dinsmore
John Cragin Jur
Peter Brown
Moses Lowel
Jacob Lowel
Andrew Lane
Jonas Brown
Isaac Barron French
Daniel Heald
Oliver Heald
Ephraim Conant
Josiah Stone
Abiel Holt
Joseph Kidder
John M*Allaster
James Milligen
Sam^^ Milliken
W"» Milliken
Josiah Sawyer
James M^Nee
Joseph Barnes
Gilbert M*^Cay
John swan
Joseph Miller
Nathan Boynton
John Marshel
Reuben Law
Rob' Potter
John Taggart
Benjamin Bacon
Reuben Cumings
And^ Conn
David Moor
James Moor
Jeremiah Andrews
John Taggart
562 BARLT TOWN PAPERS.
Gershom Drury J^^*^ Burnap Samuel Field
David Searl Sam^ Holt Aaron Colman
John Kendall Ezekiel Jewett
Nathan Wheeler Francis Blood
[In H. of Rep., March 31, 1784, the foregoing petition
was granted. — Ed.]
[R. 4-101] {^Soldier^s Certificate^ ^^7^4'^
These may Certifie that Jeremiah Andrews is Father & heir
to Andrews a Minor late of Temple DeceasM — ^who
was a Soldier in the Continental army — Hired by S^ Town of
Temple —
Dated Temple Dec' i, 1784.
Sam' Howard *) Selectmen
Eph" Brown > of
F. Blood ) Temple
[10-215] {,'R^^^^ive to Militia: addressed to the General
Courts 178s >']
Humbly Sheweth the Selectmen of Temple in the County of
Hillsborough and the Inhabitants of S^ Town — That at the last
Session of the General Court, a vote past by which the 12*^
Rig* of Militia >vas Divided and the west part Call' N* 12 and
the East pait Call' N^" 23, The Real situation & All the Sur-
cumstances of the Towns that Now Compose the East Rigi-
ment we Suppose was not then laid before the Hon^ Court for
we belive if they had it would Not have pased — wherefore we
beg leave to Say That the East Reg* (viz*) New Ipswich Ma-
son Wilton Temple Peterborough Lyndsborough Society
Hancock & Peterboroughslip was all formerly of the fifth Reg-
iment— That they pay £^^ — 15s — lod to every thousand of
the State Taxes as will Appear by the last proportion Act —
and that the west or 12*^ as by S* vote (viz*) Ringe Fitzwilliam
Jaffrey Marlborough Dublin & Packersfield pays but -£32 :i3-^
which is not two thirds so much, or in other words we pay
£1*] — 2s lod more to every £1000 than they which is more
than half they pay — That we are Nine Towns to their Six —
that more then 1 100 poles was returned in the last Inventory in
the Nine & but little more than 600 in the west Rig* And that
most of the Towns in the East Reg* was Settled (viz*) New
Ipswich Wilton Mason Peterboroug & lyndsborough a Num-
ber of Years before there was one Inhabitant in the Six towns
which now Takes away our Number — And that there is Now
four Field officers within this Reg* (to wit) Heald Willson
TEMPLE.
563
Abbot & Clark — (v^hich Cannot — hy the Militia Rules which
is only Honnour) renew their Commition in the 23d regim* —
That in every point of view we consider our Selves Agreav'd
by Said vote — werefore we humbly pray your Excellency &
Honnours that the East Rig* (to wit New Ipswich &c which is
Now caird the 23* regiment may be restored to their former
Number, or that The Division of s* 12 Regiment may be Made
Nul & void — And be put to Gether as but one regiment & as
In Duty bound Shall pray
Jany 27—1785
Moses Sticknee
Ab" Shelden
Rob* Howrd
Benoni Venton
Jonathan Stevens
Gershom Drury
Ezra Drury
Abraham Dinsmor
John Stowel
Caleb maynard
George Conn
David Ernes
Joshua Todd
John Todd
Joshua Todd Jun'
Thomas Marshall
Jonathan Marshall
Amos Dinsmor
Caleb Bancroft
John Ball
Jonathan Lovejoy
Benjamin Tenney jurDavid Drury
Nath» Ball W» Fletcher
Nath" Ball J'
Abiel Parker
Moses Lowell
tnoses Lowell J'
Jacob Lowell
Joseph Heald J'
Benj. Cragin
Eldad Spafford
Ezekiel Jewet
Nathaniel Jewet
William Jewet
Oliver Whiting
Nathan Wheeler
Silus Brown
Daniel Lamson
John Andrews
Tho' Dinsmore
his
Tho» Sewell X Ferington
mark
Samson walker
Levi Peirce
Josiah Fisk
Amos Heald
Benja Cutter
Peter Felt
Zebadiah Dinsmore
John Woodward
Nathaniel Griffin
Jonathan Avery
John Avery
Isaac Butterfield
Thomas Richardson
Danial forster
Samual Burnip
Bengmon Sevems
Abbe Severens
Asa Sevems
Royal Blood
Francis Blood J*
[10-220.]
Voted to answer the Request of Joseph Richardson and oth*
ers Inhabitants of Lynsborough Relative to their being annexed to
Temple Provided they will obligate themselves & heirs Not
thereby to involve S^ Town in any unnecessary Charges on
account of thier Being annexed or on ace* of Moving the Meet-
ing house &c
Attest Sam' Howard T. Clerk
Temple May 5"* 1794.
[See Lyndeborough papers, Vol. XII, p. 534. — Ed.]
564 EARLY TOWN PAPERS,
[10-221] [jR?r an incorporation of a Library: addressed to
the General Courts ^797-2
Humbly Shews
Noah Miles Benjamin Cragin & Eben' Edwards inhabitants
of Temple in S* State and others their associates that they
have Been at Great expence in Collecting a Considerable Num-
ber of Valuable Books for the purpose of establishing a Library
in S** Temple. But without the aid and Patronage of the Hon"
Legislature they find themselves under Great Disadvantage &
their endeavors to promote useful! Knowledge almost in Vain —
they therefore pray that they may be incorporated into a
Body Politic for the Purpose of establishing S* Library with
Such Powers & Privi ledges as are usually Granted to incor-
porations of a Similar Nature —
and your Petitioners as in Duty Bound will ever pray
Temple oct' 25 1797
Noah Miles '\
Benja Cragin v Comit*
Ebn' Edwards J
[Columbian library was incorporated in I795« — Ed.]
[10-219] \^Pctition for Authority to elect a Representatives^
Temple May 6, 1799.
To the Hon* the Senate and the House of Representatives in
General Court Convened the first Wednesday of June A D
1799
Humbly Sheweth the Subscribers inhabitants of the Town of
Temple in s** State, that S** Town for two years Last past have
been Constitutionally qualified to Represent themselves in the
General Court of S* State, but by Reason of Certain emigration
of the young Men in S** Temple to Various parts of the New
Countries the last year they Now have but 146 Rateable Polls
in S* Town and are therefore Deprived of that inestamable
Privilidge which is So Essential in a Government Like ours
Especially in Such a Cretical Day as y* Present, and Being
Willing to Bear our full Share of the Public Burden and to
Demean ourselves Peaceable and quiet Citizens of }'• State of
Newhampshire and firm Supporters of our General as well as
State Government & wish to use our united Exertions in Sup-
port of y' Constituted authorities of the union — we therefore
Pray that we May be admitted to the Privilidge of Representa-
tion for the future — and your Petitioners further Shew that it is
TEMPLE.
S65
Very inconvenient for them to be Classed with any adjacent
Town for Representation as y' Choice Must be in March which
is a Season of y* year when Travelling is Very bad in this part
of y* State, and also that we have Cartain persons in S* Town
which are Taxed for their Property & which are Not Liable to
be Taxed for their polls they being more than 70 years of age —
and it is highly Probable that we Shall Very Soon (perhaps
Next year) have the full Number required by Constitution to
entitle us to a Representation as we heretofore have had — and
as we at present Lack but 4 Polls of being qualified in point of
Numbers — We therefore Pray that our Peculiar Situation may
be taken into your Serious and wise Consideration and Grant
Such Relief in the Premises as Shall be agreeable to the Con-
stitution and to Right and Justice Doth appertain — and your
Petitioners as in Duty bound will ever Pray
Joshua Foster
Peter Powers
John Kimball
Jon' Kimball
Aaron Barns
Joseph Stone
Thomas Richardson
George Kimball
Benj' Cutter
Joseph Searl
Royal Blood
Abraham Shelden
Stephen Manser
Samson Walker
John Cragin
Nath^ Jewet
Stephen Cragin
Samuel Burnap Ju
Francis Cragin Jr
Francis Blood Jr
Joseph Hosley
Jacob Jewet
Moses Perkins
Charles Kirk
Stephen Austin
Jon' Spaulding
Seth Blood
Sam Webster Felt
John Ballard
Artemas Wheeler
Samuel Howard
Ezekiel Jewet
William Jewet
Asa Howard
Benjamin Tenny
Benj' Killam
Elias Colburn
Levi Peirce
Nathan Wheeler
John Patten
Peter Felt
Caleb Maynard
Daniel Heald
Levi Adams
Daniel Searle
Nath* Barrett
Benjamin Parks
Benja Cutter
William Searle
James W^alton
Elias Boynton
Josiah Fisk
Elislia Child
Sam" Killam
Aaron Felt
Eliot Powers
Timothy Austen
Silas Stickney
Phinehas Carlton
Oliver Whiting
John Brown
Zechariah Emery
Jacob Jewet
David Patterson
Gideon Powers
Eben' Stiles
William Drury
Joseph Towne
Thomas Towns J"
David Towne
Aaron Avery
Peter Avery
John Avery
Thomas Towne
Joseph Heald
Theoder Barker
John Rider
Joseph Killam
Samuel Burnap
Joseph Heald J'
James Heald
Ephraim Heald
Richard Palmer
Simon Farrar
Toel Averv
Eli Towne
Jonas Brown
Eldad Spaflfbrd
Ezra Mansur
James Crombie
Oliver Whiting J'
Edward pratt
Joseph Kidder J""
$66 EARLY TOWN PAPERS.
Benj* Cragin David fuller Silas Durkee
Francis Cragin John Winship William Mansur
ArchelausCummingsEdward Willson Jacob Foster
Gershom Drury John Start
Isaac Kimball andrew Parkhurst
[In H. of Rep.» June lO, 1799, the foregoing petition was
granted. — Ed.]
THORNTON.
The township was granted July 6, 1763, to Matthew
Thornton and others in seventy-three shares, and by this
grant contained 23,cxx) acres. It was named in honor of
Mr. Thornton, the leading roan in procuring the grant, and
subsequently a member from this state of the Continental
Congress, and signer of the Declaration of Independence.
No settlements were made under this grant, and another
grant was made October 21, 1768, including additional ter-
ritory enough to make 40,071 acres in the whole, which was
to be divided into ninety shares. The grantees were most-
ly men of Londonderry and vicinity, and settlements were
made in 1770. The town was incorporated November 24,
178 If Moses Baker being authorized to call the first meet-
ing.
By an act approved June 16, 1807, the jurisdiction of the
town of Thornton was extended over a tract of land lying
eastwardly of said town, called Blanchard's Gore.
June 14, 1808, Capt. Jotham Cummings, Jr., of Plymouth,
was appointed agenf on the part of the state to meet an
agent of the town» and establish the easterly line of the
town.
June 23, 1842, a strip of land containing about eighty
acres, known as Waterville Gore, was severed from Water-
ville and annexed to this town.
[10-223] \_Petition for a Second Grants iy68J\
To His Excellency John Wentworth Esq, Captain General,
Governor and Commander in Chief, in and over his Majesty's
Province of New Hampshire, &c —
THORNTON.
567
The Honourable his Majesty's Councel, Ac —
The Petition of Mathew Thornton, and Associates, Humbly
shews, That the late Governor, the Sixth of July, AD 1763,
Granted to your Petitioners, the Township of Thornton, in the
Province Aforesaid, on the Conditions, stipulated in the Char-
ter thereof, the Whole Duty, of settlement, to be Compleated,
within five years, next following said Date. And Whereas
by the Charter it Appears that said Township, is Twelve miles
in Length and at one End, Comes to an Acute Angle, it Can
never be convenient, in one parish, and is not Large Enough
for two, and the first survey, was so inaccurate, that made it
Impossible to Assertain, the Bounds, and the great number of
uninhabitable Mountains, makes it necessary, that a Large al-
lowance should be made, Otherwise what appears by the plan,
Enough for two, will not make one Good parish —
And Whereas Sundry, of the Grantees, have not been at any
Expence, or Trouble, neither for Obtaining, the Charter, nor
for veiwing, surveying, or Settling. And the rest have been at
great Expence and Trouble, in all the above Respects. And
have four men now dwelling on the premises, and a great num-
ber ready to make Immediate settlement, and only wait till the
Grant is Renewed, and we have lately surveyed said Township,
and laid it in a more convenient form, by order of Isaac Rindge
Esq, surveyor General, of his Majesty's, Lands, in the province
Aforesaid, a plan whereof is herewith Exhibited —
By which it appears, there will be about fifty acres to each
person in the familys, of your Petitioners —
Therefor your Petitioners pray your Excellency and Honours,
to take the premisses under Consideration, and Regrant said
Township as laid down in the last mentioned plan to the per-
sons named in the schedule here to annaxed or otherwise re-
lieve your Petitioners Agreeable to your known Wisdom and
Usual Clemency and your Petitioner as in Duty Bound will
ever pray —
September, 9"* AD 1768 —
Matthew Thornton in Behalf
of himself & Associates.
[The grant was made Oct. 21, 1768. — Ed.]
A schedule of the Grantees of the Township of Thornton —
The Hon"'—
Daniel Peirce Esq
Matthew Thornton
John Peirce
Joseph Peirce
Thomas Campbell
Jun'
John McCartney
James Alexander
George Davidson
James Moore
Henry Moore
John Moore Jun'
568
EARLY TOWN PAPERS.
James Thornton
Andrew Thornton
ames Doack
ohn Donck
ames Doack Jun'
ohn Gillmore
onathan Gillmore
ohn Moore
Robert Moore
Thomas Cristy
Andrew Jack
Andrew jack Jun'
Samuel Morison
Samuel morison Jun'
Joseph morison
Abraham Morison
Joseph Cochran
Isaac Cochran
Samuel Cochran
David Clindinin
Robert Clindinin
David Anderson
James Anderson
Andrew Clindinin
David Craige
Thomas Campbell
John Taggart
James Taggart
John Swan
'William M'Kea
Joseph Caldwell
Thomas Cunning-
ham
William Taylor
Hugh Gillice
William Alld
Samuel Alls
William Howard
Hugh Wilson
William Baley
Alexander M^^Colem
Robert M*^Colem
George Cochran
Peter Cochran
James Campbell
James Campbell
Jun'
William Boyd
George Duncan
James Duncan
reter Patterson
William Hogg
Noah Moulton
Charles Moore
Charles Moore Jun'
Ebenezer Griffing
Jonathan Sewall Esq
of Cambridge
Robert Temple Esq :
William Pynchon
Esq : of Salem
John Hurd Jun'
Seth Walker
Samuel Hall of
Salem
George Brinley
Titus Salter
Jacob Treadwell
Jun'
Hon''*^ John Temple
Col** John Goffe
Mark Hunkyn Went-
worth
Theodore Atkinson
Theodore Atkinson
Jun'
Robert Rindge Esq :
Isaac Dowse
[10-224] \^Inventory of the Town^ ^773"^
Apriel 22 y* 1773
A true inventory of the poles and estates in Thornton there
are Eightteene poles three horses one two year old Colt Six
oxen fifteeiie Cows two two year olds thirty five acres of land
Taken by me —
John Brown
[Sworn to before Moses Little, justice of the peace.]
I S Polls 10:16:0 6 Oxen 0:18:0
3 horses o : 9:0 Cows 15 i : 10 : o
2 2 Y old o : 9:0 Land i : 3:4
Sum Total £14 : 18 : 4
[10-225] [Petition for Arms and Ammunition^ ^776-^
To the Honorable General Court of the Colony of New ham-
shire —
THORNTON. 569
The Petition of the Town of Thornton in the CoP Affore
said Humbly Sheweth —
That Whare as by a Revarst of forTune We have it from
good athority that Canady is in the Prossession of the Enemy
as far as St Johns that being a front Teer Town We are in
Danger of being attacked by Our Canadian Enemy and that
Our Defitiancy in Armes and Amenition is such that it Renders
us unable to Make proper Defence In case of An attack thare
being Twelve Stands of Armes Wonting for the Number of In
Habtence and Intirelv Destitute of Amunition —
These are Tharefore Humbly to pray your Honnours In this
Exegence of affares to furnish us with 40 pounds of powder led
and flints or severale out of the Colony Stores and We will be
accountible for the Same —
Sined By Order and In behalf of said Town
Thornton June 27 177^
By us —
f Edmand Eliot ) Select
I Able Willey j Men
Please to -Deliver the above articles to Capt Edmand Eliot
Taking his Recep* for the Same
Edmen Eliot) Select
Abel Willey | Men
[10-226] [Petition to have the Town incorporated : ad^
dressed to the General Assembly^ Jj8i>'\
The Petition of the Subscribers Inhabitants of the Town of
Thornton in the County of Grafton in said State Humbly
Sheweth —
That the Inhabitants of said Thornton labour under many
disadvantages for want of an Incorporation, not being able to
Assess, levy and Collect Taxes, nor intitieled to any Priviledges
and Advantages enjoyed by Bodies Politic and Corporate within
this State —
Your Petitioner therefore Humbly pray that Your Hon'*
would be pleased to take their Cause under consideration and
grant the said Town of Thornton full Incorporation Investing
the Inhabitants thereof with all the Powers Priviledges and Im-
munities which any incorporated Towns within this State holds
and enjoys, or otherwise grant such Relief as Your Hon" in
your Great Wisdom shall think best —
Your Honours will be pleased to Observe that the State Tax
already aportioned to the Town of Thornton by the State for
the present Year cannot be Collected untill the inhabitants
570 EARLY TOWN PAPERS.
thereof are enabled by Authority to do the same and therefore
cannot be paid into the Treasury by the Time Mentioned in
the Treasurers Warrent. Your Petitioners therefore pray that
Your Hon" would allow such further Reasonable Time for
Assessing levying, Collecting & paying said Tax into the Pub-
lic Treasury as the Circumstances of the Case shall require and
Your Petitioners as in Deuty bound shall ever Pray &c —
Thornton 31* May 1781 —
Abel Willey Ezekiel Elliot William Vamum
John Brown Moody Cook John Fletcher
Edmund Elliot Richard Patee Alexander Lang
Sam C fuller James Rankens William Webster
[The town was incorporated Nov. 24, 1781. — Ed.]
[ia-227] \Letter from yokn Pierce to Mr. Thornton^ ijSoJ^
Portsmouth Nov' 8, 1780
Sir
At your request some time during the confignment of Col*
Stephen Holland in Exeter Jail, I inquired of him whether he
knew anything of an exchange, of a lot of Land in the Town of
Thornton between you and Governor Wentworth — to which he
reply d, that he knew the whole transaction, that the Governor,
to accomodate you with a mill priviledge for the benefit of the
Town, agreed to exchange a lot with you, and that the deed
from Governor Wentworth to you was executed in his presence,
and that he took the .Governors acknowledgment thereof, which
was certified on the Deed in due form — and that he had had some
time before the de^d in his possession, — but did not then know
where it was — He also said something respecting your convey-
ing the lot intended to be given in Exchange, but whether the
deed pass from you or not, I cannot recollect, that he told
I am
Your most Hum* Serv
John Peirce
Col* Mathew Thornton Esq'
[10-228] \^Receipt of yonathan Child ^ ^7^^*^
Receiv* of Richard Petty Constable for thornton one thou-
sand & Five hundred dollars for the Purpos of Supplying the
THORNTON. 571
Troops at Coos agreable to orders Received from the Council
of Safly at Exetor for that Purpos
Lime Jan' 15*^ 178 1 Jon* Child
1 ,500 dol'
[10-229] [^Return of Ratable Polls^ ^7^3*^
In conformity to the Order of Court we make the following
return of Male Polls twenty one Years of Age and Upwards
paying a Poll Tax, in the Town of Thornton — viz, 47 —
Thornton Decem' 13"* 1783 —
Noah Worcester ) Select
Abel Willey j men
[Sworn to before Moses Baker, justice of the peace. —
Ed.]
[10-230] \^Return of Ratable Polls^ H^S*^
This may certify that in the town of Thornton there are fifty
two ratable polls of twenty one years of age and upwards
Thornton 15 Octo. 1785
Noah Worcester ) Select-men
Enoch Colby j for Thornton
[R. 4-115] {^George Patterson n^ Soldier J\
Grafton ss. Haverhill January 9* 1793.
This certifieth that Moses Nichols of Thornton in said County
Physician hath this day received a letter of administration, upon
the estate of George Paterson late of Thornton aforesaid de-
ceased intestate, & has given bond as the law requires to admin-
ister said estate accordingly — Charles Johnston
[Mr. Johnston was judge of probate.— Ed.]
Thornton Jan^ 14, 1793.
Sir. Please to pay M' Caleb James whatever is due to the
Heirs of George Patterson from the State of New-Hampshire &
his rec^ shall be your discharge from the same, your compli-
ance will oblige your obe^ servant
Moses Nichols, admin',
to the estate of the s*^ Patterson
J. T. Gilraan Treasurer of s* State
572 EARLY TOWN PAPERS.
[10-233] [^Af, Thornton^ relative to a Dispute between this
Town and Peeling: addressed to the General Court ^yune
7^ ^797-']
Humbly shews the Subscriber that in the Year 1763 His Ex-
cellency Benning Went worth Esq Governor &c of the then
Province now State of Newhampshire, granted to Daniel Peirce,
your Petitioner and Associates, a certain tract of Land in the
County of Grafton and State aforesaid lying North of the Town
of Campton, and adjoining thereto, and gave it the name of
Thornton, some time after the Charter was signed. Your peti-
tioner examined the out lines of the Grant with more attention
than he did before he received the Grant, and easily perceived
it coud never be conveniet for one parish, and extremely incon-
venient for two. Your petitioner therefore took no care to pro-
cure Settlers, and let the time expire, that by the Conditions in
the Grant the settlement of said Town shou'd have been com-
pleated — Therefore Said Grant reverted to the Grantor, and
the Charter conveyed no title to the Grantees, His Excellency
John Wentworth at this time being Governor. Your petitioner
waited on him shewed him the plan, and by his direction ob-
tained a Second Grant of said Thornton, only varying the lines
of said Town, as soon as your petitioners received this second
Grant (which was dated Oct*^ 2i*' 1768) proceeded and laid out
the Home lots, and about one half the second divisions and pro-
cured Setlers as fast as possible, and notwithstanding its being
a Fronteer town, and the late War at that time raging between
Brittain and America, yet as I paid for Building Grist and Saw
Mills, and made the term of settlement easy, the settlement
went on cwisiderable rapidly, and is now become a fine flour-
ishing Town, which was but a short time past a howling Wil-
derness. The Inhabitance have lived quietly and happy untill
the Year 1793, at which time there arose a controvercy, be-
tween a Town called Peeling, and the Town of Thornton, the
history is as follows The Grant of Peeling bears date the 23 of
Sep' 1763, and was Regranted in the Year 1771 December 17'''
to other Grantees by the name of Fairfield — Some time after the
date of the Charter of Peeling, the Grantees sent a Commitee to
run the out lines of their Township, and after runing about one
& an half miles, held a Council and concluded it not worth the
notice of the Grantees, and so returned home called a meeting
of the Grantees, the Grantees when met approved of their Com-
mittee's report, nothing was done until the year 1790 then some
Gentlemen purchased of the Original Grantees, for a very triv-
ial sum their rights as Grantees — some time in the year 1793
Run the out lines of the Town called Peeling ex-party, by
which they took in a considerable part of Thornton as it was
TUFTONBOROUGH. 573
laid out by the Second Grant, and some of Goffs location they
immediately put on one or two Settlers on that part of Thorn-
ton which they say fell within the limits of Peeling, but none on
any other part of their Grant, —
Therefore your petitioner humbly prays that your Honors
wou'd take his Greiveance into your wise consideration and
Confirm the Charter of Thornton as laid out by the second
Grant and incorporated — or call those pretended proprietors of
Peeling to answer for not fulfilling the conditions of their Grant
or otherwise relieve your petitioner as in your wise Judgement
shall appear just and equitable, and your petitioner as in duty
bound will ever pray
M Thornton
Merrimack June 6'** 1797 —
TUFTONBOROUGH.
The township was granted by the Masonian proprietors
to John Tufton Mason, and named for him. Subsequently,
Hon. Woodbury Langdon became a large owner by pur-
chase. No permanent settlements were made until after
the close of the Revolutionary war, and the town contained
but 109 inhabitants in 1790. The town was incorporated
December 17, 1795, in answer to a petition from the inhabi-
tants, the act authorizing Nathan Hoit to call the first meet-
ing of the inhabitants.
By an act approved December 30, 1799, ^^^ island was
annexed to this town.
June 25, 1858. Whortleberry, Birch, Farm, and Little Bear
islands, situated in Winnipiseogee lake, were annexed to
Tuftonborough ; and on the following day, the homestead
farm of Benjamin Wiggin was severed from this town and
annexed to Wolfeborough.
[10-2363 [ Woodbury Langdon* s Statement relative to Town
Affairs: addressed to the Legislature^ lySg.']
The Petition of Woodbury Langdon shews that your peti-
tioner is the proprietor of the greatest part of the Town of
Tuftonborough that said town has been taxed for a great num-
ber of years very unreasonably considering its situation and not
574 EARLY TOWN PAPERS.
having any inhabitants untill very lately and now only five, that
notwithstanding this grievance vsrhich has prevented the settle-
ment of the town your petitioner and the other proprietors have
paid all the taxes on said town up to the year 1782 altho' many
others in the like situation have paid nothing, that since thea
the Taxes have accumulated to the enormous sum of four hun-
dred pounds in Cash and other articles which is now unpaid,
that in it is included a tax assessed in the year 1782 for two sol-
diers when there was not a single inhabitant in the town which
soldiers were not finally wanted and no uninhabited town as
your petitioner can find has paid for such non compliance, all
which matters being duly considered by your Honours he trusts
you will abate the tax for the Soldiers and whatever part of the
other taxes you may think reasonable and the remainder shall
be paid —
Woodbury Langdon
Portsmouth Decemljer y* 29*** 1789
[ 1 0-237] \^Petitionfor Abatement of Soldier Tax : addressed
to the Legislature^ ^794*\
The Petition of Woodbury Langdon, humbly, shews that
your petitioner is proprietor of the greatest part of the Lands in
the Township of Tuftonboroggh, that in the year 1782 said
Township was assessed for two Soldiers when there was not an
inhabitant in it, that he applied to a former Legislature for the
abatement of said Tax which was not granted, that the said
Tax has not yet been paid as your petitioner has conceived it
to be very unreasonable especially as said soldiers were not finally
wanted and he now is induced to apply to the present Legisla-
ture for the abatement thereof as he understands that most if
not all the Towns within this State in the like situation have
been abated the said Soldier Tax, therefore your petitioner
hopes if his request is not thought unreasonable that it will be
granted —
and your Petitioner as in duty bound will ever pray &c
Woodbury Langdon —
Concord December y* 19* 1794
[10-238] \JJose'ph Richardson^ s Petition: addressed to the
Legislature^ 1797^
Humbly Sheweth —
The Inhabitants of Tuflonborough that the said Township of
TUFTONBOROUGH. 575
Tuftonborough was called upon for deficiency of Soldiers when
there was no Inhabitants in said Town and the proprietors
Neglected paying the same since that time some Inhabitants
have settled in said Town bought their land at a Dear Rate &
are now Called upon for said deficiency which ought to have
been paid by said propriety —
Wherefore they pray that they may be Im power* to tax all
the lands in said town as unimproved land in a sum sufficient
to Discharge the sum due to the state for said Deficiency and
your petitioners as in duty bound will Ever pray
Portsmouth Dec' 5 1797
Joseph Richardson
in behalf of said Town
[In H. of Rep., Dec. ii, 1797, the petitioner was granted
leave to bring in a bill. Senate concurred Dec. 12. — Ed:]
[10-239] [ Complaint against Woodbury Langdon^ etc, : ad"
dressed to the Legislature^ ^797 *\
The Petition of the Subscribers, proprietors of a considerable
part of the unimproved Lands in Tuftonborough, humbly
shews — that at a Meeting of the proprietors of Tuftonborough
held on the 18*"* Day of September 17941 a Tax of six pence
per Acre was voted to be raised on all the Lands in Tufton-
borough, for the express purpose of paying oflT all Arrearages
of Taxes due the State, and for certain other proprietary pur-
poses— that the aforesaid Tax was amply sufiScient to meet
every Demand on the proprietors —
That Woodbury Langdon Esq" was chosen Collector of said
tax — that your Memorialists as early as the Month of Novem-
ber 1794 paid the aforesaid tax on all their Lands in said Town
and presumed that their Collector had appropriated the pro-
ceeds of said tax, or such part thereof, as was sufficient to the
payment of the Demand which the Government had on said
Propriety —
That your Memorialists to their astonishment now find that
their Collector has made no such Appropriation, but on the
contrary a petition we understand is now before the Honorable
Court, requesting permission to reassess this Arrearages of
taxes due the State from said Town — Your petitioners therefore
prays that so much further time may be granted them, before the
prayer of the aforesaid petition may be granted, as shall enable
them to compell their aforesaid Collector to appropriate the
proceeds of said tax, agreeable to the original Intention of the
5/6 EARLY TOWN PAPERS.
Proprietors or to refund the Money your Petitioners have
already paid —
Portsmouth December 14*** 1797 —
Nattf A. Haven
James Sheafe
A R Cutter
Jos: Haven
John Haven
Nath^ A. Haven
Attorney to Mrs. Moffatt
Guardian to R. C. Moffatt
1
UNITY.
The township was granted July 13, 1764, to Timothy
Goodwin and others, to be divided *' into such shares and
proportions as the major part shall agree upon/* The grant
was made to enable some parties in Hampstead and Kings-
ton to settle a dispute relative to some territory claimed by
Hampstead parties under a grant from New Hampshire, and
by Kingston parties under a grant from Massachusetts.
Enough of the territory in this grant was to be transferred
to the Kingston claimants to satisfy them. The controver-
sy had created considerable bitterness, but was amicably
settled by means of this grant, and the town was named in
commemoration of the happy termination of the dispute.
A portion of the town of Goshen, incorporated December
27, 1791, was taken from this town, and another small tract
was severed from Unity and annexed to that town July 6,
1837. By an act approved June 20, 1810, a tract of land
with inhabitants thereon was severed from the south-west
corner of this town and annexed to Charlestown.
December 29, 1828, a small tract of land with the inhab-
itants thereon was severed from the north-west corner of
this town and annexed to Claremont.
[ii-i] [ Warrant for Town Meeting-^ ^779 •'\
this Is to notify &° the Leagal Inhabitants paying taxes in
the towns of acworth Lempster Savel Croydon Unity & new-
UNITY. 577
port to meet at the Dwelling house of Cap* Nathaniel huntoon
in said Unity on the firstt tusday In December next at one of
the Clock In the after noon.
1*' to Chuse a moderater to Govern Said meeting
2*^ to Chuse one Good & Lawfull man to Represent them In
the General Assembly to Be held at Exeter for the year Ensu-
ing also to Chuse two Good & Lawfull men to Serve as mem-
bers of the Councel for the Year Ensuing
November the 29 1779
Amos Chase ^ Select Men
Jonathan Glidden >• of
John Lad ) Unity
[Col. Benjamin Bellows, Jr., made a return of the compa-
ny officers in his regiment March 15, 1776. The ninth
company was located in this town and officered as follows:
Captain, Nathaniel Huntoon; ist Lieutenant, Amos Chase;
2d Lieutenant, Moses Thurston ; Ensign, Simeon Giddens.
Joseph Frost, age 26, was in ist N. H. Regiment in 1778.
—Ed.]
[11-10] \^Elijah Weed relative to Pettingill^ ^T^S'l
The petition of Elijah Weed in behalf of the town of Unity
Humbly shews —
that the town of Unity did in the year 1777 hier one Jonathan
Pettangal Be longing to S** town a soldier who Inlisted Dureing
the war and Sarved through the hole of the war for said town
and throgh the Neglect of the select men he was not Return** for
said town, nor no other town, — therefore your Petitioner Prays
that the town of Unity may be Credited for Said Pettengal and
your Petitioner as in duty Bound shall Ever Pray
Elijah Weed
Conkord oct' 29*** 1785
[^^"■33 lyonatAan Pettingill^ Soldier^ ^777 •I
Unity May 8**^ A D 1777—
This May Certify whom it may Concern That I Jonathan
Pettingall do Bargain & Engage to & with Amos Chase of
Unity To do Eighteen Months Service in the Continental Army
for him the Said Chase To be half the Tour of three years
that I am Engaged for the Said Chase having Paid & Satisfied
39
57S EARLY TOWN PAPERS.
me for the Said Service as witness my hand the day & year
abov*
fall
Jonathan X Pettingall
mark
Witness
Rich* Brown.
[11-4] [^Deposition relative to yona. PettingiU^ r^Sd,']
the depotion of me the Subscriber this may Sertify that I did
in the year 1777 agree with Jonathan pettengal of this town to
Serve as a Conti natal Soldier for eighteen months as half a three
years tower and paid him ten pounds for Said Serves attest per
me
Abraham Sandbom
Unity January the 3 and 1786
[Sworn to before Elijah Frink» justice of the peace. — Ed.}
[ii-ii] [/Relative to State Tax: addressed to the Le^la^
ture^ June Session^ Jj86J\
The Petition of us the Subscribers In behalf of Ourselves and
others of the Inhabitants of the Town of Unity — Humbly Shew-
eth — that Sence the Contest with Great Britton the Town aforS*
Have Been Greatly Embarrast by having a Considerable Num*
ber Enimical Persons to the Common Cause — so far as to Lead
awa}' from there Duty a Number of S* Inhabitants so far as to
make a majority in said Town that the minor were Not able to
act or transact any Business as a Town whereby no regualor
Returns or Inventarories have been made for Some Years back
and that in the YeAr 1780 there was no Invoice taken And the
Town were Doomed and Set Equal to the Towns of Croydon
& Lempster whom have Sence Been abated the Seventh part of
there Taxes and we are fully Sencable that the Town of Unity
ought to be Set much Lower than either of S* Towns — and as
the Town of Unity are now Unamously Returned to their Duty
and are Determined to pay Up their taxes and have Sold a
Great part of their Personal Estate for that purpose —
Wherefore we Pray Your Honors to take the Case into Your
Wise Consideration, and make them Such A Batments as You
in Your Wisdom Shall Se fit — ^and Your Petitioners as in Duty
Bound shall Ever Pray
Cheshire ss Unity 15*** day Oc*' 1785
UNITY. 579
Charles Huntoon David Weed Elijah Weed
Nathaniel Huntoon Amos Chase Joseph Huntoon
Joshua Bartlett Abner Chase
[i 1-2] \^Relattve to warning' a Man out of Town : addressed
to the Legislature^ 1/86,']
The petition of us the Subscribers, In behalf of the Town of
Unity Humbly Sheweth That in Nov' 19"* A D 1778 — there was
a Warrant Insueed by the Selectmen of this Town to Caleb
Huntoon he being Constable of S** Town Directing him to warn
Dearbon Sweat Si others forthwith to Depart out of S* Town
a Greeable to the Law of this State in Such Case Made and
Provided and that Said Constable Did Serve Said Warrant But
Being mis Laid was not Entred and Cannot Now be found and
as this Town are Like to Suffer Greatly and to be put to Great
Cost by Reason of The Failure of Said Warrant not being
Entred on the files of the Court of General Session of the Coun-
ty of Cheshire —
Unless Your Honors will Interpose on our Behalf and Estab-
lish the Doings on Said Warrant as tho' Same had been actually
Recorded In the Clark Office for which Your Petitioners as in
Duty Bound Shall Ever Pray
Nathaniel Huntoon '\ Selectmen
Amos Chase > of
Matthias Bartlett ) Unity.
Cheshire ss Unity June 9*' A D 1786
[In H. of Rep., June 15, 1786, a hearing was ordered for
the next session, of which the selectmen of Brentwood were
to be notified. — Ed.]
[11-4] [^Depositions relative to Dearborn Sweat t."]
The Deposition of Amos Chase of Unity of Lawfull age Tes-
tifieth and Saith on the 19"* day of Nov' 1778 — Charles Huntoon
Elijah Weed and Amos Chase being Selectmen for Unity for
the Year 1778 — Granted a warrent Under our hand and Seal to
Caleb Huntoon he being Constable — ^To warn Dearborn Sweatt
and Others to Depart out of Unity a Greeable to the Law of
this State in Such Case made and provided — Your Deponant
further Saith not Amos Chase
[Sworn to before Charles Huntoon, justice of the peace.
—Ed.]
580 EARLY TOWN PAPERS.
[I 1-6]
The Deposition of Caleb huntoon of Unity of Lawfull agetes-
tifyeth and Saith that Some time In the year 1778 I Received
of the Select men of unity a warant to warn Dearborn Sweat
and others to depart out of this town, which warant I Served
and I Delivered the Said warant to amos Chase he being
one of the Selectmen of unity Said Chase was In Charles town
when I Deliverd him the Said warant and I Saw Said Chase
Deliver the Said warant to benjamine Giles Esq' and I heard
Said Giles promis Said Chase to Deliver the Said warant to the
Clerk of the General Sesions of the peace and further Saith not
Caleb Huntoon
[Sworn to before Charles Huntoon, justice of the peace.
—Ed.]
["-73
The Deposition of Elijah Weed of Unity of Lawfull age Tes-
tifyeth and Saith on the 19*** day of Nov' 1778 — Charles Hun-
toon Amos Chase and Elijah Weed Being Selectmen for Unity
for the Year 1778, Granted a warant under our hand and seal
to Caleb Huntoon he Being Constable To warn Dearborn
Sweatt and others to Depart out of Unity a Greeable to the
Laws of this State in Such Case made and Provided — Your De-
ponant further Saith not —
Elijah Weede
[Sworn to before Charles Huntoon, justice of the peace.
—Ed.]
[i i-i 2] [ Oath of Allegiance^ ^7^7-^
State of New Hampshire, Cheshire — ss
Unity October 23*** : 1787 —
These may Certify that we the Subscribers hath taken the
following oath of Allegiance and the oath of office —
I, John Huntoon, I, Stephen Gilman, I, Jonathan Glidden
Jun' & I, Caleb Huntoon — Do truly and Sincerely acknowledge
profess testify & Declare that the State of New Hampshire is &
of right ought to be a free Sovereing & Independent State & Do
Swear that I will bear faith & true allegiance to the Same &
that I will endeavor to Defend it against all treacherous conspir-
acies & hostile attempts whatever : & I Do fuither testify & De-
clare that no man or body of men hath or can have a Right to
UNITY. 581
absolve rne from the obligation of this oath Declaration or af-
firmation & that I Do make this Acknowledgement profession
testimony, & Declaration honestly & truly according to the
Common Acceptation of the foregoing words without any
Equivocation mental evasion or Secret Reservation whatever —
So help me God — witness our hands —
John Huntoon
Stephen Oilman
Jonathan Glidden J'
Caleb Huntoon
[Sworn to before Charles Huntoon, justice of the peace.
—Ed.]
[11-13] [ ^^^^ 9f T<ywn relative to the formation of Goshen^
1790.']
Unity January 14"* 1790 att a Legal meeting of the Inhabi-
tants of S* Unity met att Time & place agreeable to warning of
Said Meeting Firstly Cap' Moses Thirston Chosen Moderator
to govern Said Meeting 2ly Voted to Sett off at the East End of
our Town to Extend VVest So Far as the East Side Line of the
Lott N® 50 in the Second Rang of Lots with a Strate Line Far
as the East Side north to Newport Town Line also South to
Lemester Town Line to join in Union with a part of a Number
of Towns Forming into a new Town — Viz. Lemester Newport
Wendell & Fisherfield 3ly — Voted to Divide Remander part of
this Town into Two Seperate Towns or Parrishes's According
to quantity of Land by the plan of Said Town if it be Complied
by the General Court of the State 4ly — Voted to Choose a Com-
mitee to Settle the Line Between the two Towns 5ly — Cap*
Moses Thirston Charles Huntoon Esq' Jonathan Glidden Caleb
Gilman & Lieu' Joishua Bartlett Chosen the above Commitee
to Settle the Line in the Division of the Two Said Towns or
parrishes.
The within is a true copy taken out of Unity town Book of
records
Attest Jonathan Glidden Town Clark
[A portion of the town was taken to form the town of
Goshen, December 27, 1791. — Ed.]
[11-14] [ Vote relative to the foregoing^ ^79^'l
This may Certify that att a Legal Town meeting held by an
adjournment on the Ninth of Sep' AD 1791
582 EARLY TOWN PAPERS.
The Inhabitance met and Voted that the Town be Devtded
Voted and Agreed that the Line shall run on the North End of
the first Rang North of Corys Road in favour of a petition of
William Story and others
Joseph Cutts Clerk protem'
September the 12** AD 1791
[11-15] \_Petitton relative to dividing' the Town: addressed
to the Legislature y lygi."]
The Pertition of us the Subscribers Inhabitance of the town
of Unity Humbly Sheweth — that if the Inhabitence on the East
End of this town Should Pertition your Honours to be Set off
with part of Several other towns as a Seperate town we are
perswaded your Honours will think it Reasonable that they
Should Come as far west as the Court Committee Reportted
Last Sesions agreeable to a plan taken by m' Jesse Lane of
Newport Last fall and It is our opinion if it Should extend as
much as fifty or Sixty Rods further west it would be for the
benifit of this town and no damage to Said New town as there
is a Very bad hill Running a Crost Said town and all East of
Said hill will be much more Conveniant to the New town
than to any part of this town — and we give it as our opinion
that there ought to be a town Set off Nearly agreeable to the
S' plan of m' lanes as there Settuations is Such they Never Can
be accommodated with the towns they are now incorporated
with and we are Sensable it must be a great damage and Dis-
curagement to them not to be incorporated as it much detars the
Settlement in that part and the prayer of your Petitioners is that
they may be set off as soon as you in your wisdom Shall See fit
and we Shall Ever pray
Unity May 30'*' 1791
Amos Chuse "I Selectmen
James Lad j of Unity
Josiah Moody Eliphalet Bodwell Moses thirston Juner
Daniel moodey Jeremiah Dean Amos T Huntoon
Richard moody Sanborn Cram William Weed
Daniel Moody juner osteen Pike Nath* Huntoon Ju'
Jeremiah Glid<len Joseph Huntoon Rheuben Huntoon
Josiah Moody juner Ezekiel Challis Hezekiah Yong
Caleb Oilman Ephraim Cram Amos Hall
James Bodwell Abner Chase Abner Colby
UNITY. 583
[11-16] [ Vote of Town relative to the foregoing^ ^79^-^
Unity January 14*^ 1790 — At a Legal meeting of the inhabi-
tants of s^ Unity met at time and place agreeable to warning of
s* meeting —
I* Cap* Moses Thurston chosen Moderator to govern s*
Meeting —
2"* Voted to Set off at the East end of our town, to extend
west so far as the East side Line of Lot N® 50 in the Second
range of Lots^ with a Straight line to Newport town Line, also
South to Lemster town Line to join in Union with a part of a
N* of towns forming into a New town Namely Lemster New-
port Wendal and Fishersfield —
Copyed from Unity town records —
Attest Sam^ Chase town Clark
Unity 9*** June 1791 —
[11-17] \_jRemonstrance to foregoing: addressed to the GeH'
eral Courts lygi."]
The prayer of us a number of the inhabitants of the Town of
Unity humbly sheweth that we are informed that a Petition was
presented to your Honours at your last Sessions at Concord,
signed by a Number of Persons belonging to the Towns of
Unity Lemster Wendell & Newport, Praying that the East part
of s* Unity with a part of those other Towns mentioned in s*
Petition Might be Incorporated into a Township distinct from
those to which they now belong —
Your Petitioners humbly shew that we have not had any pub-
lick notice of s** Petition, by any town meeting. But suppose
that if our Selectmen have been serv'd with a Copy of s* Peti-
tion and order of Court thereon, that it fell into two of our
Selectmens, hands who from some self interested views, are
desirous to part with the Land mentioned in s^ Petition and
have kept it Secret, and not given the Town any notice of it —
We your Petitioners think that it will be very hurtful to s* town
of Unity, to Part with the whole of the Land Mentioned in s*
Petition But as the Town did vote to Let s* Petitioners have
a part in our Town, when they Petitioned for it in December
1789 we are willing that they should have the Land so voted to
them, which was all the Land lying to the East of a straight
Line ; running across s' Town Parallel to the East side Line of
Lot No 50 in the Second Range —
And we beg leave to inform your Honours that to part with
any More of s** Town would be very Hurtful to it on Many
Accounts, Therefore we do in the most Humble manner Re-
584
EARLY TOWN PAPERS.
quest your Honours, that the Prayer of s^ Petition should not be
Answered (so far as it respects s^ Town of Unity) by giving
them any more Land off of our Town than we voted to Let
them have —
And your Petitioners as in duty bound shall ever Pray —
Unity 24'** of November 1791 —
Joshua Bartlett Selectman of Unity
Samuel Chase Charles Huntoon
Nathaniel Huntune Josiah Huntoon
Samuel thurber
Daniel Bachelder
William Long
John Huntoon
Benjamin Smart
Wilson Shaw
Moses Chase
Benjmin Huntoon
Joseph welch
Joseph Huntoon JunrAmos Buckmon
Benjmin Huntoon Elias Buckmon
Reuben Huntoon
Jun'
Samuel Huntoon
Jonathan Glidden
Jacob Cram
Samuel P. Glidden
Jonathan Glidden
Jun'
Jacob Smith
Simeon Glidden
Andrew Glidden
Jacob Glidden
James Dudley
Barnabas Sincklear
William Neal
Joseph Glidden
Simeon Glidden Jun'Ebenez' Barker
Amos Lam son Samuel Neal
Junr
Cornelius Clough
Stephen Huntoon
Matthias Bartlett
David Peirce
Nickles Peirce
Moses fi field
Jacob Perkins
John Sleeper
Abraham Sambom
Isaac Livingston
Jacob Bartlett
Darbon Sweat
[i i-iS] \_Petitton for a new Town from Unity and Charles*
town : addressed to the Legislature^ ^794'^
The Subscribers Inhabitants of the west part of Unity in the
County of Cheshire, Humbly show
That the Township of Unity extends about eleven miles east
and west and about six miles north and south, that your peti-
tioners are separated from the Inhabitants in the east part of
said Town by a mountain running across The Town north and
south which renders their connection very inconvenient, that by
being separated from the east by a line on that mountain and
annexed to the north part of Charlestown, a Town might be
formed of the usual size, and its Inhabitants well united —
They therefore pray that the west part of Unity and the north
part of Charlestown maybe incorporated into a new Town,
and as in duty bound shall ever pray
Unity April }• zS^ 1794
UNITY.
585
Ton* Glidden J'
Jacob Smith
Aaron Marshall
Simeon Glidden
Joseph Glidden
Jacob Glidden
Simeon Glidden
Nathaniel Lad
Joseph Perkins
Jabesh Perkins
Jacob Perkins
Lemuel Wright
Jur Elisha Perkins
Jon* Dudley
Samuel Neal
James Dudley
David Dudley
James Dudley Junior
William Neal Jur
Derbon Sweat
James Harwood
Benjamin Webster
James Law ranee
Teremiah Merrill
Asaph merrill
Stephen Bucknam
[ 1 1 - 1 9] [^Remonstrance to foregoing^ ^794'^
The Subscribers Inhabitants of the Town of Unity in the
County of Cheshire and State afore S* Humbly, Shew that a
petition originating from some Gentleman (in the Town-Plot so
Called) in Charlestown has been Lately handed about in Said
Unity, praying the petitioners may be annexed to the North
part of Charlestown, for the purpose of making a new Town,
and by misrepresentation procured a number of Signers, who
on Consideration wish their names arased from s^ Petition, and
humbly pray that we may not be thus Anexed, for the Rea-
sons Following, (Viz) there is a mountain Separating those
Towns so dificult to pass that Nature Seams to forbid a union
for that purpose — and Should it take place, we think it will
make the most unhappy Situated Town on the Continent —
your petitioners therefore as in duty bound Shall Ever, Hum-
bly, depricate. Such a union.
Unity May 23"* 1794
Charles Huntoon
Moses thirston
Benj» Clough
Phinehns Sanborn
Enoch Johnson
Tames Graves
Barnabas Sinkler
andrew Glidden
James Bodwell
Benjamin Mathes
osiah moody
ohn Huntoon
ohn Sleeper
Charles Hunton 3*
Asa Lampson
Caleb Gilman
Jonathan Glidden
Amos Buckman
Stephen Glidden
Jacob Cram
thomas Smith
Jeremiah Glidden
Amos T. Huntoon
Joseph Huntoon
Moses Fi field
Richard Moody
Jonathan Glidden 3*
Eliphalet Bodwell
Jun'
Asa Glidden
Jacob Bartlett
James Bodwell
Abraham Sandborn
Junr
Danil Batchder
Jacob shaw
Wilson Shaw
Saml thurber
Nath* Huntoon
John Bartlett
Jonathan Bartlet
Daiel Moody Jun
Danil moody
Jacob Glidden
David Dudley
James Dudley Junior
Samuel Neal
Ezra Smith
586 EARLY TOWN PAPERS.
Abaer Chase Joseph Whiston James Harwood
John Bartlett 'jP^^ Ladd nezekiah yong
Amos Chase Elias Bucknam Josiah huntoon
ISaac Levingston Ebenezer Barker Kuben Huntoon
Nicholas Parce Enos Lam son epheram Cram
Joshua Parce Amos Lamson Stephen Buckman
Sanborn Cram Abraham Sandborn
[The project failed. See Charlestown papers, Vol. XL-
Ed.]
[R. 4-1 1 6] \Nathaniel Huntoon* s Account for furnishing'
Soldiers and receipt^ y^fy ^^9 ^777 •^
Sam^ White — Browns Company
ionathan Ston dudley — Robinson
[ath» frost— Bell
Jonathan folsom — Drew
wounded dogg — Rowel
Richard How — Robinson
Isaac morss — Robinson
Paul Sandborn — Rowel
Philip Blasdel— Rowel
moses Blacke — Robirison
John Cook— Bell
Victuals for the within Soldiers 13 meals — £0.13.10
toddy 2 & } of mugs o. 5. 6
0.19. 4
Rec^ of Ebenezer Smith the sum of nineteen shilling and four
pence L. M. for the expence of eleven Continental Soldiers who
he ordered to be Refresht at my house — for me
unity July 12'** i777« Nath* Hunton
[R. 4-1 1 7] {^Petition of yosefh Hunton ^ Soldier^ ^779^
Unity March 2* 1779 —
To the Honourable the General Court — ^May it please your
Honours — your humble petitioner prayeth to inform the Hon-
ourable General Court assembled in Behalf of the state of New
Hampshire, that your petitioner hath served his Country in the
present War (and the State of New Hampshire in particular)
UNITY. 587
from the first Commencement thereof untill the Glorious Battle
of Stil water, in the Capacity of a Subaltron belonging to the
Third Battal" of New Hampshire Troops Commanded by Col-
onel Scammell Esq' in battle Vitz at Stillwater I had the Mis-
fortune to receive a Wound in my arm, which hath proved so
far fatal to me as to disinable me from doing Regimental duty
any longer, as may be Certified as by letter from Colonel Scam-
mell, and also am not able to maintain my self and Family by
my Labour, sufificiently — ^You Humble petitioner prayeth your
Honours will Consider him and Grant him the benefit of a
Certain Act of the Honou* the Continental Congress made and
provided for that purpose. ♦ ♦ • ♦
Joseph Huntoon
[Huntoon was wounded October 7, 1777, at Stillwater.
In H. of Rep., June 25, 1779, his name was ordered to be
placed on the pension roll at half pay until further orders.
Senate concurred. April 19, 1780. he petitioned to have
the depreciation of his pay made up. March 30, 1 781, he
petitioned for some arrearages, and stated that his dwelling-
house was burned " on the 16*** of February last," and that
he thereby lost his house, furniture, and provisions. He
was appointed in 1781 a lieutenant in the battery at '*Pis-
cataqua Harbour.'' October 21, 1785, he again petitioned,
stating that his half-pay was reduced in December 1782,
and asked to have it restored, as his right hand and arm
were permanently disabled, and his family large. He peti-
tioned again January 7, 1790, for arrearages. — Ed.]
[R. 4-124] {^Richard Brawn ^ Quartermaster,']
To the Hon"* the General Court of the State of New Hamp-
shire. Oliver Tuttle and Mary his wife Humbly Shew — That
Richard Brown late of Unity in said state deceased, was a
Quarter Master in the second New-Hampshire Reg^ late in the
service of the United States — That the said Mary was the wife,
and is the sole administratrix on the estate of said Brown —
That the depreciation of wages, formerly due to the said Brown,
have never been paid — Your Petitioners humbly pray, that
your Honors will order all such depreciation (and other dues if
any there be) to be paid to the said Mary Administratrix as
aforesaid, or to the subscribers or either of them — and as in
duty bound will ever pray Oliver Tuttle
Claremont Nov' 14*** 1792 — Mary Tuttle administratrix
S88 EARLY TOWN PAPERS.
WAKEFIELD.
The town was incorporated August 30, 1774, by its pres-
ent name ; previous to which it was called East town, under
a grant from the Masonian proprietors.
By act of the legislature approved June 22, 1820, a gore
of land, containing all that belonged to Wakefield on the
northerly side of Province pond, was severed from this town
and annexed to the town of Effingham.
June 23, 1858, an act was passed severing from the town
of Milton a tract of land, and annexing the same to the town
of Wakefield.
Andrew Quimby was in the First N. H. Regiment, en-
listed March, 1781 ; discharged December, same year. He
died in the service the following year.
[R. 4-125]
Wakefield Accompts of what has been paid the Soldiers by
the Town.
Paid to M*" Benj" Dodge cont* Soldier in provisions delivered
to his wife in the year 1778, to the amount of JC7, 15, 7
Provisions at y* old usual Prices, Corn 4/ pr Bush*
Beef at 2^^ &c.
Ditto in the year 1779, Paid to M" Dodge in Provisions for
her family at y* same prices y* sum of 3, 13, 6
to paid Ditto p^ Ditto 2, 10, o
Paid to M' John Oilman continental Soldier in Provisions
delivered his wife at the prices above mentioned
in the year 177S the. Sum of JC6, 18, o
Paid to Jonathan Morgan Cont^ Soldier for Wakefield
for the year 1779, in. Provisions at the prices above
By a written obligation 24, o, o
Paid to Cap* Jeremiah Gilman & 15 Soldiers under him in
the Bennington Expedition in y* year 1777,
JC6, 8 each as Bounty 96, o, o
Paid to M' James Clark & Jon' Towl Soldiers for Wakefield
nt to Rhode Island in y' year 1778, £30, each
seas Bounty £60^ o, o
Paid to M' James Clark Soldier for Rhode Island
in 1779 so much as makes his wages equal to 40/ p'
month as money was 1774,
Strafford ss : February 2"* 1780 then Jacob Wiggin & Samuel
Hall as Selectmen of Wakefield personally appeared & made
oath that the within account is a just & true account —
Before Simeon Dearborn Jus' Peace
WAKEFI£LD. 589
[R, 4-126] \^Soldiers' Receipts.']
Wakefield April 28*^ 1781—
Received of the Town of Wakefield the sum of ten pounds
two shillings lawful money at the rate of four shillings per
bushel for Corn, in supply s for the family towards making up
the one half of my husbands wages, who is in the army this
for the year 1 780.
Rec* per Betty Dodge
[She also receipted, Feb. i8, 1782, for ;£io, I28 for part
pay for her husband's wages for 1781. — Ed.]
[R. 4- 1 28]
Wakefield October i8"» 1782.
Received of Jeremiah Bachelder the Sum of Six pounds and
twelve Shillings in provisions at the Rates Stipulated in the act
for Supplying Soldiers families —
Lydia Leavitt
Attest—
Thomas Perkins Thomas Perkins iun
[R. 4-129] [Peter Barter's Petition^ 1782,']
[In a petition dated Nov. 18, 1782, Peter Barter stated
that he served in Capt. Bell's company in Col. Hale's regi-
ment ; was taken prisoner on the retreat from Ticonderoga,
and was wounded in the thigh at Monmouth, in conse-
quence of which he was rendered unfit for duty and sent
home. He was ordered to the fort, and served under Col.
Dame and Capt. Deering for three dollars per month, and
requested to be put on half pay or discharged. — Ed.]
[R. 4-130] {^Soldiers' Orders.]
Wakefield Sept 21 1784
To the Treasurer of the State of New Hampshire —
Sir Plese to pay Daniel Cook or order all that is due to me
for the year one thousand seven hundred and eighty I having
ben a Soldier in the Second New Hampshire Regt
Value Rec* Witness my hand —
Timothy Ricker
Test-
Thomas Thomson James Chamberlin Thomas Perkins
590 EARLY TOWN PAPERS.
[Other orders were given as follows :
1784, Sept. 21, Joseph Green, 3* N. H. Reg't
** " 23, Dearborn Loverin, Capt. Jacob Smith's Co.
Reynolds Reg't.
** Oct. 4, Joseph Dearborn, Capt. Jacob Smith's Co.
Reynolds Reg't.
1785 Jan. 8, Jonathan Quimby 2* N. H. Reg't.]
[Joseph Edgerly, age 35, was in Nathan Hale's Second
Battalion ; Jonathan Haseltine was in Capt. Benjamin El-
lis's company, Scammell's regiment ; Joshua Edgerly, age
29, enlisted in Capt. James Carr's company* Feb. 17, 1777;
Jonathan Quimby, age 19, and Paul Sambourn, age 17, en-
listed in same company, April 9. (Rev. Pap., Secretar/s
office.) — Ed.]
[11-20] \^Petition for a Repeal of the Lumber Act: ad"
dressed to the Legislature,^ ^7^S*^
The Petition of us, the Subscribers, Freeholders and Inhabi-
tants of the town of Wakefield, humbly sheweth that we are
largely concerned in lumber, and understand Your Honours
has passed some late acts at your last Session very hurtfull and
injurious to us, and we believe to all other towns concerned in
the lumber way. Therefore Humbly Request you would re-
peal the Act that requires all boards to inch thick and square
edged, and other lumber in proportion —
And likewise to repeal the Act that prohibits any British ves-
sel from carrying lumber to the British Islands in the West
Indies that can procure British papers for that purpose, and to
repeal the other act in regard to duty laid on tunnage on Ships
or Vessels belonging to Foreigners which duty we look upon
to be equal to shutting up our Ports against them. But if Your
Honours dont see fit to grant the prayer of this Petition, we
would request a Paper Currency on loan, or in such other way
as your Wisdom may direct you to support the credit of said
money — As in duty bound we ever pray —
Wakefield Aug** 1785.
David Copp Thomas Lindsay Jacob Rundlet
Jeremiah Gilman Winthrop Wiggin Joseph Dearborn
Jonathan Palmer Jonas Rich Thomas Nudd
Andrew Gilman John Wingate William moor
Noah kimball Nathan Mordogh Nath*^ Balch
John Wiggin Porter Gilman John Gilman
WAKEFIELD.
591
Isaiah Wiggin
John Garland
Solomon Huchins
fames huchens
[osiah Moor
lamuel Chapman
William Blasdell
Simeon Blasdell
Phinehas Low
Clement Steel
John Chapman
Elijah Allen
Nathan Watson
Dudley Gilman
Benj* Gilman
May hew Clark
Benjamin Dodge
Benjamin Perkins
Jacob Welch
Eliphalet Philbrook
Reuben Gove Dear-
born
John Kimball
Spencer Wentworth
Dudley Hardy
Sam'i Hall
Daniel Hall
Joseph Chapman
Joseph Haines
Thomas Pirkins
Nathan Derborn
Richard wintworth
Simeon Wiggin
[11-31] [Relative to Arrears of Taxes: addressed to the
Legislature^ lygi*']
The Petition of the Selectmen, in behalf of the Inhabitants of
the Town of Wakefield,
Most humbly sheweth —
That Whereas the Expenses of hiring and paying Soldiers
for the Continental Army in the course of the late War, amount
to about ninety pounds more than have been already taxed on
said Town ; therefore your Petitioners pray the Honorable
Gen* Court may be pleased to pass some order im powering the
Selectmen of said Town to Levy the same on the Inhabitants;
with a proportional part on the Non-residents Lands in said
Town ; with power also, to appoint a proper person to collect
the said Tax ; or otherwise relieve your petitioners as you, in
your Wisdom, shall think most meet, and your petitioners will
as in duty bound pray —
Wakefield 26"* Novem' A. D. 1791.
Avery Hall '\
Isaac Fellows >- Selectmen
John Wingate J
[11-22] [Petition for an incorporation of Union Library^
^797-']
The petition of the subscriber in behalf of the proprietors of
Wakefield and Brookfield Union Library, being impowered by
a vote of the proprietors for the purpose aforesaid, humbly
prays that Timothy Johnson, Avery Hall, Jonathan Palmer,
David Copp, William Chamberlin may be incorporated into a
body politic with all the power and privileges that the Legisla-
ture in their wisdom may see proper for the benefit and con-
592 EARLY TOWN PAPERS.
tinuance of the said institution, and your petitioner for and in
behalf of said proprietors in duty bound will ever pray, &c.
David Copp
Wakefield, June 5*** 1797.
[In H. of Rep., June 10, 1797, the foregoing petition was
granted. Senate concurred.— Ed.]
WALPOLE.
The township was first granted by the government of
Massachusetts in 1736, and called No. 3. A meeting of the
proprietors was held on the 29th of December of that year,
at which they voted to ** Exceipt of the Report of what y^
Committee have Don in Laying out the House Lotts in said
Township." The document next following contains a list
of the drawing of said lots.
The township was granted February 13, 1752, by the
government of New Hampshire, to Benjamin Bellows, of
Lunenburg, Mass., and fifty-five others, with the usual res-
ervations, and named Walpole. A plan of Walpole, West-
moreland, and Chesterfield, in folio 5, office of secretary of
state, contains the following certificate :
" We the Subscribers Have Pursuant to the Direction of
M' Joseph Blanchard Ju' appointed Servey'of His Majestys
Lands In the Province of Newhamp' Serveyed and Marked
Round the towns of Chesterfield Westmoreland and Wal-
pole Lately Granted by his Exelency Benning Wentworth
Esq Governor of the Province of Newhamp' on the East
side of Connectcutt River In s^ Province & have here De-
lineated and Lay^ out the same according to the Lines
Drawn — finished the 18*** of March 1752
Benj' Bellows ) q »
Josiah Willard \ ^«^v«y«'"s
The conditions of the last-named grant not having been
fulfilled, an extension was granted March 12, 1761. to con-
tinue "until our Plenary Instructions shall be received."
The inhabitants did their full duty in the Revolutionary
war, and a respectable number remained loyal to New
Hampshire during the trouble with Vermont.
WALFOI^E. 593
By an act of the legislature passed December 31, 1783,
Col. Enoch Hale, of Rindge, was authorized to erect a toll-
bridge over Connecticut river at Bellows Falls.
Some territory was taken from the north part of the town,
combined with a portion of Charlestown, and erected into
the town of Langdon, January 11, 1787.
Walpole contains a large amount of excellent land, and is
one of the most prosperous farming towns in the state.
Walpole men in ist N. H. Regiment:
Daniel Ashley, enlisted Feb. 9, 1781 ; died Aug. i, 1781.
John Baldwin, enlisted Dec. 21, 1777; discharged 1780.
Jona. Eastman, enlisted Feb. 21, 1777 ; died May 11, 1778.
Francis Joiner, enlisted Jan. 1,1777 \ discharged Nov. 18,
1779.
Thomas Johnson, enlisted Jan. i, 1777; discharged De-
cember, 1 78 1.
Daniel Riter, enlisted Jan. i, 1777; died Sept. i, 1779.
John Still, enlisted February, 17S1; discharged Decem-
ber, 1 78 1.
The latter was in the same regiment again in 1782.
[11-23] [^Records of Proprietors' Meetings, '\
A Meeting of the proprietors of the Township N® three Ly-
ing on the Easterly Side of Connecticut River Decern' 29**
1736
John Flint Esq' Chosen Moderator for S*" meeting
Then voted and Chose Joseph Baker prop" Clerk and was
Sworn to the Faithfull Discharge of that office then proposed
Whether they will Exceipt of the Report of What y* Commit-
tee have Don in Laying out the House Lotts in s* Township —
Voted in the affermitive —
Then Voted that three Lotts Should Lye for publick uses
with three affler Divisions viz one for y* first settled minister
one for y* ministeral Lot and the other for y* School &c
Then the s* prop" proceded and Drawed there Lotts and
they ware Entered and Recorded as follows viz —
John Flint Esq' n® 12 on y* plain
Edward Flint N" 10 on y* plain
m' Stephen Chase n® 5 on y* plain
John Lawrance n® 15 on y' plain
Sam" Smith n® 39 on y* hill Lotts so Caled
David Whitaker n® 4 on y* plain
Thorn* munroe n" 9 on y* plain
40
594 EARLY TOWN PAPERS.
Samuel Lackey n^ i on y^ plain
Asa Doughlass n? 25 on y* hill
Sam" Hunt n* 20 on the hill
m' Daniel Rogers n** 22 on y* hill
"'onath" Fisk n* 3 on y* plam
eremiah Holman 3 on the hill
am*^ Wright n" 6 on y* plain
Benj* Harwood n* 9 on y* hill
Thorn' Jones n* 26 on y* hill
Ebenezer Harwood n* ii on y* plain
John munroe n* 40 on y* hill
Henry Yours n* 4 on y* hill
Sam" Winshop n« 8 on y« hill
Richard Armes n* 33 on y* hill
Benj» Reed n" 29 on y' hill
Abner Kent n* 7 on y* hill
Jonath" prescott n* 10 on y* hill
feenj* Fitch n* 2 on y* plain
Jonath" Wheeler n® 13 on y* hill
Anrow Macchure n* 21 on y* hill
John Muzzey n? 24 on y* hill
David Wetherbee 6 on y* hill
osiah Conant n^ 19 on y* plain
osiah Jones n* 18 on y* hill
oseph Wright n® 21 on y* hill
Joseph Baker n" 30 on y* hill
Francis Fletcher n* 23 on y* hill
Zacheus Whitney n* 34 on y' hill
Joseph Harwood n" 2 on y* hill
John Flagg n<» 15 on y* hill
Israll Connant n® 20 on y* plain
ohn Ludgate n? i on y* hill
illiain Stacy n^ 8 on y' plain
John Fox n? 2 on y* plain
Nath" Ball n« 7 on y* plain
ames Cuttler n** 18 on y' plain
oseph Adames n? 28 on y* hill
am" Whitemore 35 on y* hill
Jabez Keys n® 23 on y* plain
Thomas Ball n? 19 on y* hill
m' James Osgood n® 37 on y* hill
William Bowers n* 16 on y' plain
John Holding n? 32 on y* hill
Gershom Flagg n® 14 on y* hill
Hezekiah Dunkley n^ 31 on y* hill
Will" Johnson n** 12 on y* hill
Isaac Miller n" 17 on y* hill
^°
WALPOLE. 595
Charles Killiame n® 1 1 on y* hill
David Wood Esq' n® i6 on y* hill
Thomas Richardson 38 on y* hill
Zacheus Pirkins n** 14 on y* plain
Joseph Baker 17 on y* plain
David Come n® 27 on y* hill
Concord [Mass.] March 29^ 1738
A meeting of the propr" of the Township n** three Lying on
y* Easterly Side of Connecticut River the Following votes
were Past viz —
Chose John Flint Esq' moderator for s' meeting
then voted that they would Chuse a Committee to view and
Clear away from the Assuvalotts Townships in y* most Con-
venant Place to y* s* Township n** three and Bun y* woods
also voted to Chuse Seven of S^ prop" to Effect Said affair at
y* Charge of the prop"
voted that if Any of the Proprietors Shall See Cause to go
with s* Comm*^ and help Do v* work they shall have as good
pay as s* Comm*^ said Com**^ being Impowered to Take a
Suryeor to assist them in s^ affair
Decem'y* 5 1738
A meeting of y* prop" of the Township n® 3 m' James Osgood
moderator voted that they Exceipt of the Report of the Com-
mittee Chosen to view and Clear away from the assoway lot
towns to s* num' three voted that Each proprietor pay the Sum
of Twenty Shillings to y* prop" Clerk for y* Clearing and Lay-
ing out a way to y* afores* Township
A meeting of the Prop" of the Township n® three Lying on
y* Easterly side of Connecticut River August 20*** 1751 Cap*
Benj* Read Chosen moderator Proposed to Said prop" that if
Ten or more of said prop" or others in there Rooms to y' Ex-
ceiptance of said prop" Shall Go on and settle there Lotts
forthwith then Each proprietor Shall pay the sum of one pound
Six Shillings and Eight pence Lawfull money for y* In Cour-
ridgement & Speady Settlement of s** Township voted in y*
affermitive
y* meeting was adjoyrned to Novem' 28 1751 at y* house of
m' Joneses at Concord
the said proprietors mett according to y* adjornment Novem'
28 1 75 1 voted to Raise twenty Shillings old tener for y* use
of y* prop" for each Lott to pay then proposed to Grant to m'
Abner Sawyer for bulding a Saw mill in s* Township two
Hundred acres of Land if he bulds it at Cold River or two
hundred & fifty if he bulds it at a place Called bever brook to
596
EARLY TOWN PAPERS.
be Determined by a Committee which place it Shall be bult at
the Said Sawyer to keep it in Good Repair fifteen years for
Sawing and Said mill to be Completed and fit for Sawing by
y* first Day of October next after Date voted on y* affermitive
proposed wether Isaac miller David page Thomas Adams
Luke Brown & Benj' Stowell to be y* Committee to Determine
s^ mill place and to Take bond of Said Abner Sawyer for y*
true performance of the foregoing vote voted on y* affermitive
Worcester February the 5*** 1752
At a Meeting of the Prop" of the Township N* Three on y*
Easterly Side of Connecticut River and meett on y* Day
afores* —
Then voted and Chose John Hazeltine Esq' moderator for s*
meeting —
proposed whether they would Chuse a Committee to prefer a
pitition to the Grate and General Court of the province of New-
hampshire or to y* Gente" Conceirnd in Granting Townships
that they would be Pleased to Grant the afores* Township to y*
Said Prop" the said Township now falling within y* Said pro-
vince of Newhampshire Voted In the affermitive then Voted
and Chose John Hazeltine Esq' and m' Abner Sawyer to pro-
cute and EBect s' vote and Carry on s^ affair as they Shall think
proper
Votd and Chose mr Isaac miller and David Cuttler the Co-
lecters to Gather in s' money Granted and voted and Chose
Deacon Benj* Woodbury Treas' for s* propri"
the above and foregoing votes are True Copys Taken out of
y* prop" Book of Records of the Township N** 3
Att* Joseph Baker prop" Clerk
[^Original Gran tees »^
John Flint Esq'
Edward Flint
mr Stephen Chase
John Law ranee
Sam" Smith
David Whiteaker
Thomas Munroe
Sam" Lackey
Asa Douglass
Sam" Hunt
m' Daniel Rogers
John Ludgate
Will™ Stacey
John Fox
Nath" Ball
Jeremiah Hoi man
Sam" Wright
Benj* Harwood
Ebenezer Harwood
John Munroe
Thomas Jones
Henry Yours
David Wetherbe
Josiah Conant
James Cuttler
Joseph Adams
Samuel Whetemore
Jabez Keep
Thomas Ball
m' James Osgood
Will" Bowers
John Holding
Gershom Flagg
WALPOLE. 597
Jonath" Fisk Samuel Winshop Hezekiah Dunkley
Tosiah Jones Richard Armes Will*" Johnson
loseph wright Benj* Read Isaac Miller
foseph Baker Abner Kent Charles Killime
♦'rancis Fletcher Jonath" prescott David wood Esq'
Zacheus Whitney feenj' Fitch Thomas Richardson
Joseph Harwood Jonath" Wheeler Zacheus Perkins
John Flagg Androw Maclure David Come
Isreal Conant John Muzzey Joseph Baker
The above Persons were the orignall Grantees of the Town-
ship n** three Lying on y* Esterly side of Connecticutt River
and at the Grate Falls &c as Entered on the proprietors Book
of Records
Att* Joseph Baker pro" Clerk
Taken offs* Book ocf i8"* 1752 and is a True Copy
Atf Jos Baker pro" Clerk
[11-24] [^Petition for Encouragement to manufacture Lin--
seed Oil: addressed to the General Courts ^773'^
The petition of John Marcy and Ebenezer Swan of Walpole
in the County of Cheshire and province aforesaid — Humbly
sheweth that your petitioners, from the Generous motive of the
publick good, as well as their own perticular profit and advan-
tage, have determined to erect in the town of Walpole aforesaid
a mill, for the purpose of making Linseed Oil ; provided they
may Enjoy such privileges and Advantages as are hereafter
Mentioned and which (with Submission to your Excellencys
and Honours Superior Judgment) your petitioners imagine to
be absolutely Necessary either for publick utility or private ad-
vantage, experience teaches that when persons have under taken
to prosecute any new scheme, which, in a few hands, might be
advantageous to the publick and to the Managers, others (from
hopes and Expectations of the great gains arising therefrom)
undertake the same, to the Destruction of said business and to
great Damage of those who First engaged therein, as your Ex-
cellency and Honours can't but be Sensible has been the case
with regard to the Potash and Pearlash Trade your petitioners
therefore being Apprehensive, that they might in this way, be
great Sufferers, Humbly pray that Your Excellency and Hon-
ours would Grant them that no other person or persons what-
ever shall be allowed to Erect any Mill or Mills within the
County of Cheshire aforesaid for and during the Term of
598 EARLY TOWN PAPERS.
Twenty Years And your petitioners shall as in Duty Bound
ever pray &c
May y* 8*^ 1773
John Marcy
Ehen' Swan
[In H. of Rep., May 26, 1773, voted that the foregoing
petition be granted. — Ed.]
[R. 4-135] \^Petition in favor of Dr. Silas Baldwin^ ^7^3 •']
The petition of Benjamin Bellows of Walpole oar province
aforesaid attorney to Doc^ Silias Baldwen of Darby In y' Col-
loney of Connectcut Humbly sheweth that the said Silus Bald-
win In y* year 1757 was Desired by Majer Thomas Tash to
take the Care of Sundry Sick Soulders under his Command be-
longing to Coll Mescerves Ridgment then stationed on Con-
nectcut River below N® 4 So Called In y* province and that he
y* s^ Tash would Se that y* province of Newhampshire should
pay him for y* same acording to y* account here with presented
and your petitioners disires that your Excelency and Honours
would take it Into your Wise Consideration and Elow y* same
as you shall think proper and your petetioner will be Oblidg^
as In Duty Bound Shall Ever Pray —
B Bellows
June 9"» 1763
[In H. of Rep., June 11, 1763, he was allowed ^10 ster-
ling.— Ed.]
[R. 4-136] [^Sta^ement of County Committee of Safety^
1776.']
The petition of Asa Brigham and others Committee appointed
bv the free Suffrages of the County of Cheshire Humbly Shew-
eth—
That Whereas person Inimical to the Liberties of the free
States of America frequent as is apprehended by this County
Conveying Intelligence to our Enemies greatly to the Damage
of the Common Cause — Therefore Humbly pray in Behalf of
s^ County that some Resolve pass your Honours to hinder their
progress, we would not think to Dictate but we humbly Con-
ceive the method Come into by the Governor and Committee
of Safety for Connecticut would be a Ready method to accom-
WALPOLE. 599
plish the afores^ Designs all which is humbly Submitted and
your petitioners as in duty bound shall Ever pray —
Asa Brigham ^
Walpole Aug* 6* 1776
[Rev. Papers, page 11.]
Eph» Baldwin v Com«
Reuben Alexander)
[ CoL Bellows^ s Return of Officers in i6th Regiment^ ^776'2
Agreable to a Vote Passed in Congress at Exeter Jan^ 4*
1776, I herewith make return of the Commission Officers of
the Several Companys in the Sixteenth Regiment of Militia in
the Colony of New Hampshire —
!■* Comp' in Charlestown Abel Walker Captain, Samuel
Wetherbe !•• Lieut James Farnsworth 2* Lieut Bradstreet Spaf-
ford Ensign —
2* Comp' in Walpole Christopher Webber Capt John Jani-
son I"* Lieut Levi Hooper 2* D* Ebenezer Swan Ensign —
3' Comp' in Alstead Nathaniel Sartwell Prentice Captain,
Andrew Beckwith i** Lieu* Edward Waldo 2^ D^ Oliver Shep-
herd Ensign —
4*** Comp^ in Claremont Oliver Ashley Cap* Samuel Ashley
i"* Lieu* Asa Tones 2* D* Lemuel Hubbard Ensign —
5*** CompJ^ m New Port, Samuel Hurd Captain, Jesse Wil-
cocks !■* Lieu* Ezra Pamele 2* D® Jesse Lane Ensign —
6*^ Comp^ in Marlow, Samuel Canfield Cap* Ruel Royse i**
Lieu* William Reed 2* D® Eber Lewis Ensign —
7*** Compy in Ac worth, William Kyse Captain, Samuel Har-
per I"* Lieu* John Rogers 2* D*
8**^ Company in Lemster, William Cary Captain Samuel
Nichols i"* Lieu* Silas Bingham 2^ D® Jabez Beckwith En-
sign—
9*** Comp'' in Unity Nathaniel Huntoon Captain Amos Chase
I** Lieu* Moses Thirston 2* D* Simeon Giddens Ensign —
10*^ Comp*^ in Saville Samuel Gunison Captain Benjamin
Thurbour i"* Lieu* William Lang 2* D* George Lear Ensign
Benj* Bellows Jun' Colonel
Walpole March 15*** 1776
To the Hon*^ Council or Assembly of the Colony of New
Hampshire at Exeter
600 SARLY TOWN PAPERS.
[i 1-25] [Proceeding's of a Committee who proposed to man*
ufacture P^ire-Arms^ ^77^'^
Walpole Aug* 14*** 1776
At a Meeting of the Committee Chose by the County for to
Set up and Carry on the Manufactory of Fire Arms —
First made Choice of Benjamin Bellows Jun' Esq Chairman
of said Com*^ —
Secondly Chose Thomas Sparhawk Esq Treasurer &c —
Thirdly Voted that Nathaniel Sartwell Prentice Esq be Im-
powered to hire and recive out of the Colony Treasury or other-
wise the Sum of three Hundred Pounds Lawful money to be
Expended in the Business of making Fire Arms within the
County of Cheshire that he pay the same to Thomas Sparhawk
Esq Treasurer of said Committee and that the Com*** Chosen
to Transact the Business aforesaid be Suerties for the aforesaid
sum of money —
Benj* Bellows Jun' Chairman
[R. 4-137] [^ Thomas Messer^ sick Soldier ^ J777'']
Thomas Messer soldier in Cap Jason Waits Company and in
Col Bedels Reg* returning home to Walpole in the State of
New Hampshire Sep 4, 1776 very sick and infirm from Ticon-
deroga I being called upon lent him the following Assistance
which he is — Dr. —
Viz, Six visits 5 miles travel with medicine and sundry Med-
icines sent — X3, 12, 8
Errors Excepted —
Per Elkanah Day, Physician
Westminster 31, Ocf* 1777 —
[Sworn to before Benjamin Bellows. — Ed.]
[R. 4-139] [^Petition of Isaac Calcott^ ^77^*2
The petition of Isaac Calcott a Soldier in Cap* Jason Waits
Company in Col Ciellys Regiment Humbly Sheweth that your
Petitioner was taken Prisoner att the Battle of Hubbardtown
the 7*^ of July 1777 and has Remained A Prisoner Ever Since
till y* 17*** Day of October 1778 when he was Exchanged att
Boston by A Carteel from Halifax Whereby Your Petitioner
has Liberty to Join his Regiment but he is Entirely Destitute
of Money to Bear his Expences on the Road Wherefore Your
WALPOLE. 60I
Petitioner prays Your Honours to Grant him Some part of his
past wages or So much Money as will Enable him to Go to the
Army and Join his Regiment and to Leave Some with his wife
and Child who has Not had any Money Since he was taken
Prisoner and Your Petitioner as in Duty Bound Shall Ever
Pray —
Isaac Calcott
Exeter Nov' 6"» 1778
[November 7, 1778, he was allowed ;£io. Isaac Calcott
is on Col. Cilley's roll of absentees, dated Valley Forge,
January 10, 1778, age 43. Reported a prisoner in Canada.
—Ed.]
[R. 4-141] \^Soldier^s Order^ lySo.']
For Value Re* Sir plese to pay to the Barrer five pounds
Which is my Bunty money : and Six months Wages : or that
part of S* Wagges that the State pays ; for Six Months Sarvice
that I have Done in the Continental armey in the first New
Hampshire Reg"* Commanded By Co" Joseph Cilers and in
Cap' mody Dustines Companey Said Service Commenct on or
aboute the first of July and Ending the Last Day of December
1780, and this Order Shall be your Discharge for Said Bounty
and Wagges from me
his
Walpole December y* 22 1780 Hugh X Warrin
mark
Witness Elisha FuUam
Phinehes Brown
To the pay master General Orr his deputy or Who Soever
Shall pay the sad waggs
[Superscribed] This money to be paid General Bellows.
[11-27] \_Petition for Authority to raise Money by Lottery
to build a Bridge over Connecticut River: addressed to
the General Courts February^ i^So.']
Humbly show
The Inhabitants of the Towns of Charlestown, Rockingham,
Walpole, Westminster and Westmoreland. — That the having a
Bridge over Connecticut River, at a place called the Falls, in
the north part of Walpole ; would be greatly advantageous, not
only, to the Inhabitants of the Towns aforesaid ; but to the pub*
lick in general — And that it is the opinion of several skillful
602
EARLY TOWN PAPERS.
Architects, that a good and durable Bridge, might be laid across
the River, at the said Falls — ^And as the Benefits arising from
naving a Bridge there, would extend to numbers, who can't,
by the laws now in force, be compeled to contribute to the ez-
pence of it — ^Your Petitioners therefore humbly pray that a
Lottery may be granted for the purpose of raising a sum of
money for the building a Bridge as aforesaid, and that the busi-
ness may be commited to the Care of such persons (Inhabitants
of the Towns aforesaid) as to you shall seem good — and your
Petitioners as in duty bound shall ever pray &c —
Sam" Hunt
Liem^ Hastings
Joseph King
Oliver Corey
Elijah King
Shen Kentfield
ohn Hubbard
on* Hubbard
ohn Haskins
'i'ho' Putnam
Stephen Alvord
Abel Walker
Elisha Dickinson
Sim. Olcott
Ben. West
Bulkley Olcott
Josiah Johnson
Josha allcot
Oliver Lovell
Simon Sartwel
Eben' Swan
Robert Wier
John Smith
Isaac Johnson
Benj* Bellows
George Aldrich
Isaac Butterfield
Jonathan Cole
William Hutchins
Dudley Chase
Joseph Higgins
Step* Yeomans
James Butterfield
Aaron Brown
Edward How
Elijah Temple
Daniel Carlile
William Temple
Elias Gates
Abner How
Joseph Lord
William Brock way
[11-26] \^Relative to Convention to form a Constitution;
Grievances'^ etc*"]
To the Hon** Committee appointed by the Council and Assem-
bly of the State of New Hampshire to hear matters of Griev-
ance to the Inhabitants of said State on Connecticut River.
The Town of Walpole, by us, their Committee, lay before
your Honors the following matters of Complaint, to themselves
and others ; which were the ground and reason of their giving
such Instructions to Capt Webber their Representative as they
did, which, no doubt you are acquainted with ; We do not pre-
tend to give Law to others, but to assert our own Rights, and
to act the part we take as the Publick Good requires. —
The general uneasiness which subsists in the County above
us, on account of their supposed unequal Representation as
well as in other parts of the State, together with our transition
from Dependence to Independence in our opinion, render it
expedient to form a lasting Plan of Government as soon as may
be : The Precepts from Congress to choose the Representatives
that formed the present Plan and the recommendation from the
WALPOLE. 603
Continental Congress, had reference only to the continuance of
our Contest with Great Britain in our Dependent State ; which
now ceas^ we apprehend a new and lasting Plan is necessary to
be formed. And if the necessary' business of the State forbid the
dissolution of the present Assembly, and calling a new one for
the purpose aforesaid, that the present Assembly issue Precepts
to the several incorporated Towns within the State for such a
Number of Delegates to be proportioned to the several Coun-
ties within the state as they, the Assembly, shall think proper
for the express purpose of the Organization of Government ;
that a plan thereof be sent to each Town for their approbation ;
Which, being approved of by a Majority, shall be the Consti-
tutional Plan of Government for this State ; and after issuing
Writs for the choice of Representatives on said Plan the Con-
vention then to dissolve themselves. And we are the rather
inclined to persist in our Opinion of the expediency of this
measure, because of the alarming behavior of some that have
been and still are Members of Council or House, in recom-
mending one another or their particular inmates to places of
publick trust, confining all Offices as much as may be to
themselves, setting bad precedents of venality and avarice ; In
requiring Money for bringing up Commissions to Civil or Mil-
itary Officers ; In treating one another at the Cost and Charge
of the Field Officers of this Regiment under the notion (to use
the common phrase) of Wetting their Commissions, which
spunging practice we imagine has a dangerous tendency ; In
appointing a Sheriff in this County, before Col* Hunt, to whom
it was offered, refused to accept —
And in that no method is as yet taken to support the Minis-
ters of the Gospel, but a present Member has encouraged many
in Charlestown, to refuse to fulfill the publick Contract of the
Town for that purpose — ^And in as much as many of the Rep-
resentatives of this part of the State, are sent out of the House
to transact such business as might be done by others, whilst
their Constituents, during their absence, remain unrepresented.
We charge not these things upon all of the present Hon** Coun-
cil and House many of Whom we highly honor, respect and
esteem for their Spirited exertions for the Weal and Prosperity
of Church and State ; particularly in condescending to travel so
far to hear and enquire into the causes and grounds of our un-
easiness— ^Yet that what we complain of is real, we want not
proof; redress we cannot expect, while the persons pointed at
remain in the Assembly, with unlimited influence and impor-
tance, to which, we hope these Facts thus stated and held up
to publick view will at least be a curb and restraint. If any of
these matters of Grievance appear trivial to some, and of small
importance, they do not appear so to us; The instances of
6q4 sarly town papers.
Avarice and venality we have hinted at are alarming : And for
a Member of Council or House to encourage the violation of
publick contracts for destroying the standing Ministers and
Churches is what we cannot but dislike, in a peculiar manner;
as we are fully of the opinion that Religion is a principal Bar-
rier if not the foundation of Civil Government, and that the
Teachers of it ought, even in a political view, to be supported
and maintained. — Not out of a querulous humour, but anxious
for the preservation of our Rights not only Civil but Sacred,
wh^ are struck at, and which the disposition of to, too many
belonging to the Assembly, give us just reason to think, they
are no Friends to. — We here lay before your Honors our Com-
plaints, and are ready to be rectified in any Mistakes we have
made, much more are we desirous of being eased of these bur-
dens.—
At a Meeting of the Inhabitants of the Town of Walpole,
Feb^ 3* 1777.
Voted that Elisha Marsh Escf Lieut : Levi Hooper, Samuel
Trott Esq' Cap' John Marcy Capt Josiah Goldsmith, Lieut:
Amos Babcock and M' Barnabas Delano be a Committee to
wait upon the Committee appointed by the General Assembly,
to hear and enquire into the Cause of uneasiness, in this, and
other parts of the State ; And that the above be exhibited to
said Committee as the grounds of our uneasiness and discon-
tent.
Attest Benj* Bellows Jun' Town Clark
[11-28] [Statement relative to Vermont Controversy y etc.,
1781.-1
The representation of sundry Inhabitants in the Town of
Walpole in the County of Cheshire and State of New Hamp-
shire to the Hon^* Legislature of said State Anxious for the
good of New Hampshire, by an inclusion of all its Grants
within its Territorial Jurisdiction, and suspicious, lest thro' the
influence of some, who had not the same opinion with us, con-
cerning the true interest of said State, a Claim should not be
laid, and efficaciously prosecuted over said Tract of Land ;
Some, well affected then, and still firmly attached to the inter-
est of New Hampshire, did set forward a Convention of Dele-
gates from the several Towns in the County of Cheshire for the
purpose of a Union of the whole of the New Hampshire Grants
(so called) as their doings shew — when a more general Con-
vention from all the Towns on the Grants was agreed upon ; by
whom, at their meeting a Union was agreed upon with the
WALPOLE, 605
State of Vermont (so called) of this County and the County of
Grafton to Masons line, upon terms inconsistant (as we imag-
ine) with our connection with this State, and our fidelity to the
united States, and unequal in themselves ; as to us —
Against which union some protested in Convention but to no
purpose, we, in our Town Meetings for its ratification and
completion have entered our protests against it, but a Majority
have prevailed against us, so as to prevent a compliance with
your Requisitions, for Men, Money & Beef, except that agree-
able to our usual expedition we have raised our Men saveing
one for filling up the Continental Battalions. Our case is piti-
able and calls for speedy direction and relief; we have ever
thought ourselves members of one of the Thirteen united
States, and that all the Territory between Nova Scotia and
Canada was under the Jurisdiction of some one of these States :
We have been practically united with Hampshire in framing
the present temporary Constitution in form* and continuing the
Continental Congress, in submitting to, & complying with their
recommendations, and some of us have sworn to be faithful to
this State — To be cutt off from the United States (as we must
by a union with Vermont) and not be included in their Confed-
eration is what we most heartily deprecate — & if more strenu-
ous exertions are not made, by the State to which we profess to
belong, than we have yet felt, we must sink under the unequal
contest. Our scituation is perplexed a majority of our Select-
men are for Vermont, one Constable also. Town affairs are
stagnated, w.e know not what to do, desire you to inform us —
Orders have issued for choosing Officers Civil and Military &
some who were formerly suspected of being unfriendly and
were confined within certain limits by men forward in this un-
ion and under solemn Obligations of fidelity to this State, are
preferred to office — We have as many men required of us as
tho' we had done little or nothing in the War, — The denial of
the authority of Congress and a separation from the united
States fills us with solicitude — We look therefore to you as the
Guardians of our Rights and Priviledges as the Political Fa-
thers of this State for direction respecting the Premises. To use
importunity and freedom is our duty in present circumstances ;
we desire something Catagorical and conclusive by way of an-
swer to the following queries — ^whether you mean to consider
the Grants East of Connecticut River as a part of your State,
and to exercise jurisdiction over the inhabitants thereon?
Whether the Assembly will urge it upon our Delegates in Con-
gress that this unhappy dispute may be speedily bro't to an
issue? for by the by, we are unwilling to submit to a Constitu-
tion of Gover' we have no voice in forming and officers not of
our choosing, tho* Anarchy and confusion we deprecate More-
6o6
EARLY TOWN PAPERS.
over whether it be advisable to submit to any mandates from
Vermont, and how far to resist? whether we can raise Men,
Money Beef &c for the use of the Army, individually consider-
ed, and have the same discount so much of our proportion of
the publick Debt? By the exertions of the dying authority of
this State we have appointed the bearer hereof to continue to
set in the convention at Concord provided you give a favorable
answer to this we wait your resolutions with impatience —
wishing prosperity to this and the United States we Subscribe
Walpole May 25* 1781
Benj' Bellows
ohn Kilburn
osiah Goldsmith
ohn Bellows
Isaac Johnson
Martin Ashley
Joseph Griswold
Christopher wells
Samuel Trott
Alex' m^neill
Cons* Oilman
John Meriam
Jonathan Jenison
Aaron alien
ioshua Gilman
Loland Hall
James Lewis
John Meriam Junr
Abijah Parker
Lemuel Stone
Barnabas Willy
Daniel Whipple
John Jenison
Benjamin Smith
Elisha Fullam
William Joyner
Isaac Johnson Junr
Jon* Shipraan
Jonathan Bixby
Theodore Bellows
Thomas Bellows
[A superscription on the foregoing is as follows : " Peti-
tion from Walpole Westmoreland & Swanzey." — Ed.]
[11-29] \^P^tition for Authority to erect a Toll- Bridge
over Connecticut River: addressed to the General Courts
October^ 1783 J\
Enoch Hale of Rindge in the County of Cheshire and State
aforesaid Esq' Humbly Sheweth that the Passing over Con-
necticut River in the western Part of this State has in Some
Seasons of the year been Impracticable and at maney Times has
been attended with the Loss of Cattle horses and Even of mens
Lives — and your Petitioner beeing of opinion that a Bridge
might be arected & Built over Said River much to the advan-
tage and Safety of the Publick Travil — wherefore your Petition-
er Humbly Prayes, that he may have the Liberty and Previledge
Granted to him his Heirs and assigns forever of Building &
keeping in Repair a Good and Surficient Bridge over Said
River at or Near the Great falls in the Town of warlpole Com-
monley Called Bellow s"-falls and that your Petitioner his heirs
and assignes may be entitled To Receive the Same Pay from
all Passingers that may Pass over the Same for them Selves
WALPOLB. 607
their Cattle horses or Carrigies ft other accoutraments as aney
ferriman hath been entitled to Receive for doing & Performing
the Same Service v^ith a Boat over the Said River — ^and your
Petitioner as in duty bound Shall Ever Pray
Rindge October 24^ 1783
Enoch Hale
[A charter was granted to Col. Hale Dec. 31, 1783. — Ed.]
[R. 4-143] \^Soldier^ Orders.']
To the Treasurer of Newhampshire
Sir please to pay Jonathan Ramsey what wages is due to me
for the year 1781 and this Order shall be your Sufichant discharg
from me it being fo Vallue Rec* by me at Walpole this 24*
July 1784
his
Nath** Dow Isaac X Davis
mark
Rogers
Walpole Nov' i6**»
To the Treasurer of the State of New Hampshire,
please to pay to Robert B. Wilkins, all the Depreciation of
wages due to me as a Soldier in the 3** New Hampshire Reg* in
the Late Army of the United States and his Rec* Shall be your
discharge from me —
Test John moore John Marten
[R. 4-143] [^Samuel Sastman^ Soldier^ ^7^5*]
The Petition of Jonathan Eastman of walpole Humbley
Sheweth that your Petitioner had a Son Samuel Eastman who
inlisted february 1778 a Soldier into Jason waits Company in
Col* Cileys Rigement in the Continental Army and Served till
August 24 Da}*^ 177^ on which lie Died — and as their has
neaver Ben Eany Return of him on the Roals in the Comi^ on
Claimes Office I Am Deprived of his wagers and what is Just-
ley Due to me — now your Petitioner hath no Gather Resoit
But to your Honours — Therefore prays that you would take his
Cais into your wise Consideration and grant him Relaif By
giveing him An order on the Treasurer or Eany Gather way as
your Honours in your greait wisdom Shall Think fitt — and your
Petitioner as in Duty Bound will Eaver Pray
Jonathan Eastman
Walpole may 24"* 1785
608 EARLY TOWN PAPERS.
This may certify that the above named Samuel Eastman was
the Son of the above named Jon* Eastman that the said Sam-
uel hath no legal Heir excepting his said Father
Tho Sparhawk
Walpole Jan^ 26* 1785
[11-30] \^Benjamin Bellows for a Berry ^ ^7^S*2
To the Hon^* the Senate and House of Representatives to be
convened at Concord October 20**^ 1785
Humbly Shews Benjamin Bellows of Walpole in the County
of Cheshire
That a Committee being appointed by said County to alter
the road in said Town of Walpole in Order to Accommodate
the Public, it will be Necessary said road should pass through
Land of your Petitioner and others and that a Ferry will be a
great Additional Advantage thereto^
Your Petitioner therefore Humbly Prays Your Honors to
grant to him and his heirs the Privelege of a Ferry from the
South line of Walpole three miles as the River runs North,
which will not interfere with any other Ferry already granted
or now prayed for under such restrictions and Limitations as
Your Honors in Your Wisdom shall see meet and your Peti-
tioner shall ever pray —
Benj* Bellows
Walpole Ocf io**» 1785—
[The charter asked for in the foregoing was granted in
1786.— Ed.]
[i 1-31] \^Petition for a Grant of Powder to clear the Chan-
nel at Bellows Balls: addressed to the General Court y
Enoch Hale of Rindge in the County of Cheshire and State
aforesaid Esq' — in behalf of a number of the Inhabitants in the
western Part of said State most Humbly Sheweth that the Situ-
ation of the Great Falls in Connecticut River in the town of
walpole in said State is such by means of Large Rocks and in
perticular one Great Barr laying acrost the Chanel that maney
persons Suffer Grate damage in Giting masts and other Tim-
bers down said River — and as maney persons has proposed to
Subscribe according to there abillities to Clear the said Channel
for the Safety of bringing down Timber as also with hopes of
WALPOLE. 609
leting up the fish which has Ever been Stoped by the aforesaid
Barr — and as the want of pov^der appears to be the Greatest
hindrence in the prosicuting of said work wherefore your peti-
tioner Humbly prays that the powder Now Stored in Charles-
town in said State in the Care of Elijah Grout Esq' and belong-
ing to the said State may be Granted for the use aforesaid un-
der such Restrictions and Regulations as your Honors shall see
meet and your petitioners as in duty bound Shall Ever pray
Enoch Hale
Concord February ii'** 1785
f 1 1-32] \_Relative to Territory taken for the formation of
Langdon^ 1787.']
State of New Hampshire To the Honorable General Court
of said State —
The petition of Benjamin Bellows and others in behalf of the
town of Walpole in said State humbly sheweth, that at the re-
quest of a number of the Inhabitants of the Eastwardly part of
Charlestown in said State, the Inhabitants of said Walpole, (at
a legal meeting on the fifth day of April Anno Domini 1786)
voted very unanimously, to set off all the Land in said Walpole
North of the North Line of the Hon** George Atkinson's Land,
in the Northwardly part of said Walpole, beginning at the East
Line of said Walpole and extending to Connecticut River, for
the purpose of forming a Town or Parish with the said East-
wardly part of said Charlestown, that at the meeting aforesaid,
it was proposed to have such a part of said Walpole, only, set
off, as hath been set off and established by the last General
Court, to which proposal said Walpole would not agree, neither
would they vote off any part of the town, unless in the manner
first abovementioned, because it would leave Walpole in a dis-
agreeable form, besides other Inconveniences and Disadvan-
tages, notwithstanding all which, said Walpole have been in-
formed, that the Gentleman who represented them the last year,
used his influence and really did influence the hon^ Court in
this matter, contrary to the minds of his constituents — Where-
fore said Walpole at their Annual Meeting in March last, did
authorize and appoint your petitioners, the Subscribers, a
Com*** to lay before your honors the disadvantages arising from
said Walpoles being left in such a form as now is, and in order
hereto we would state in, addition to what is abovesaid, these
facts following viz that it leaves a Slip of Land adjoining the
River aforesaid, One Mile and two hundred Rods in length &
41
6lO EARLY TOWN PAPERS.
two hundred and Fifty Rods wide, that there is two Miles or
more of Road and some of it very bad, to repair that the inhab-
itants of said Walpole must be* obliged to travel nearly Seven
Miles to work upon said Road, and in order to give your Hon-
ors to understand more clearly as well as to prove the facts
aforesaid, a plan of the town agreeable to the first Survey, and
of its present form, will be herewith exhibited Wherefore your
petitioners (in behalf of s* Walpole) humbly pray your honors
to take the subject matter of this petition into your wise Con-
sideration, and grant that said Walpole may be divided agree-
able to the Vote aforesaid, or that the lands already set off may
revert and be reannexed to said Walpole and your petitioners
as in duty bound shall ever pray &c
Walpole June 4*** 1787
Benj* Bellows 1 c^^^tm
Tho Sparkawk J
[In H. of Rep., June 12, 1787, a hearing was ordered for
the next session. Senate concurred. — £d.]
[11-37] \,yohn Bellows for a JRerry: addressed to the Gen-
eral Courts Jjg2.'\
The Humble petition of John Bellows — sheweth — That for
the conveniency of the Inhabitants of the Town of Walpole in
perticular and benefit of the public in general it is necessary a
Ferry should be established across Connecticut river — between
the ferries already granted to Benjamin Bellows late of Walpole
deceased and Benjamin Bellows now of Walpole — Wherefore
your petitioner prays that a ferry may be granted to him be-
tween the aforesaid grants under such restrictions and regula-
tions as in your Wisdom shall appear good — and as in duty
bound your petitioner will ever pray —
John Bellows
[The grant was made in November, 1792. — Ed.]
[R. 4-145] [^Petition of John Nott^ ^793''\
More last words of John Nott —
most humbly and respectfully sheweth John Nott of Spring-
field in the State of Vermont, a poor, injured and much dis-
tressed Citizen of this depraved world, the Inhabitants of which,
he, to his great cost and distress perceives are subject and liable
WALPOLE. 6ll
to many and very great mistakes and false notions in respect to
what is in fact Just and equitable, and the more especially in
regard to questions in which the Judges themselves are a party
— Your honors will be pleased to pardon your petitioner, and
once more, in your clemency, with patience hear his cries,
prayers and entreaties, which he fully believes has long before
this time reached the throne of Grace — ^Your Petitioner had not
the fortune to be born a King, a Governor, a Senator nor a
Representative, but he had the misfortune to have been the
father of a Son by the name of Jesse Nott, who, though the son
of a poor and unfortunate man, was esteemed and perhaps was^
in nature, as likely as though he had been the son of a King,
Governor, Senator, or Representative, & one in whom your
Petitioner placed much greater dependance for aid and assist-
ance, in case of old age, poverty, or disability of body, all of
which have overtaken him, than any of the aforesaid classes of
men have any necessaty to place in a Son — ^Your Petitioner
further sheweth, that in time of the late war with great Britain,.
Glorious for your Honors, and much the reverse for your Peti-
tioner, and much more so for his poor and unfortunate son
Jesse Nott, the said Jesse Inlisted as one of the quota of this
otate, and was afterwards draughted into General Washingtons*
Guards, and the said Jesse, while in said service fighting*
in deiince of, and to procure your Honors liberty and the right
of holding your seats in the Legislature in order to do Justice
to the distressed, lost his life, at which time there was due to-
him upwards of twenty pounds from this State, to recover which
your Petitioner has gone through perils by sea and perils by
land, perils at home and perils in a strange Country, in order to-
remove all the objections that the art and cuning of humane, or
rather inhumane, creatures could invent against his receiving
said small sum, the price of his said Sons life — ^Your Peti-
tioner begs leave further to show, that having removed all the
objections that ever had been made against his receiving the
price of his poor & unfortunate Sons life, he came forward at
this time flush'd in the expectation of receiving something in
part to compensate him for the unwearied pains he has taken,
to recover the same, in order to save him from impending ruin
— the objections heretofore made against said money being paid
was that your Petitioner had given an order to one French
therefor, which is now proved to have been taken back, and
though it appears that said order, supposing it had not been
g^ven back was drawn in February 1789 and the money was
drawn on the 24*** of April 1788 — more than a Year before the
date of s^ order, and it is now suggested, as your Petit'' is in-
formed, that after s' order was taken back another order was
obtained from your Petif by virtue whereof s* money was prob-
6l2 EARLV TOWN PAPERS.
ably drawn, which is a felo-de-se — and beside as there is no
order, neither true nor forged in this State by virtue of which
8^ money was drawn, Your Petitioner flatters himself that your
Honors no longer will delay payment thereof — and thereby,
(in case of longer delay) be the means of numbering him with
his son Jesse Nott Deceas'd, whose life was as near and dear to
your Petitioner as the life of a Son of any of your Honors is, or
can be to you, or any of you —
wherefore Your petitioner, in the utmost distress, prays your
Honors once more to consider and reconsider his unhappy sit-
uation, and give him liberty to be heard before Your Honors
by himself and council, if any he can procure, and grant him
such relief as to you may seem Just and he, as in duty bound,
will pray no more —
John Nott
[He had petitioned several times before without success,
and this met with the same fate. In some of his petitions
he stated that his son served for Walpole. He petitioned
again in 1795. in which he stated, ** I have atended five sesh-
ons & two Jornies from Springfield into this State to the
amount of fourteen Hundred miles & from Springfield to
felodelphe seven hundred & fifty miles more forth & Back
in all twenty one hundred & fifty miles and also Eight
months & ten days time." In H. of Rep., June 11, 179S, he
was allowed ;£22. 1 1.6, and thereupon returned thanks as
follows. — Ed.]
To the Hon^* Gen'^ Court whareas your Hon" have with grate
Patience Considered my hard case & have Voted me my money
I with the Gratest grattetitude Give your Hon" my tJnfained
Thanks as your Very Hum*** Se'' John Nott
Hanover June 12, i795«
WARNER.
The township was granted by the government of Massa-
chusetts in 173s to Thomas Stevens and others, many of
whom were residents of Amesbury, in that province. It
was called No. i, and later, New Amesbury. The Ma-
sonian proprietors claimed the territory after the settlement
of the province line, and granted it to seventy-six men,
March 14, 1749. These grantees were mostly residents of
WARNER. 613
Rye and New Castle, many of them bore the name of
Jenness, and the town was sometimes called Jenness-town.
Settlements were made in 1762 by Daniel Annis and Reu-
ben Kimball, and the town contained about fifty families in
1774.
December 29, 1767, the township was again granted by
the Masonian proprietors to Jonathan Barnard and others,
in consideration of the sum of jQi^o. The town was incor-
porated by the governor and council, August 30. 1774, and
named Warner, although the inhabitants desired to have it
called Amesbury. This, however, is not an exception, as
Gov. Wentworth named several other towns to please him-
self and friends regardless of the wishes of the inhabitants
of the town.
A difference of opinion exists as to the derivation of the
name, which has led to some controversy. Hon. Walter
Harriman, the author of an interesting history of the town,
claims that it was named in honor of Seth Warner, of Ben-
nington, one of the New Hampshire grants, now situated in
the state of Vermont, and gives his reasons therefor in full
in that work. Others have claimed that it was named in
honor of Hon. Daniel Warner, at that time a member of
the governor's council. The editor, after considerable re-
search, finds himself of the opinion that Gov. Wentworth
named the town for his intimate friend. Col. Jonathan
Warner, of Portsmouth, who married a cousin of the gov-
ernor's, and was, at the time of the incorporation of Warner,
a member of the governor's council.
By an act approved June 13, 18 18, a tract of land known
as iCearsarge Gore, with the inhabitants thereof, was an-
nexed to Warner. Kearsarge mountain, one of the finest
elevations in the central part of the state, is located on this
territory.
Warner men in First N. H. Regiment :
Stephen Colby enlisted February 21, 1781 ; reported
killed November 2, 1781.
Isaac Lowell enlisted May. 1781 ; discharged December,
1781.
Daniel Young enlisted January 2^, 1778 ; discharged De-
cember, 1780.
6i4
EARLY TOWN PAPERS.
[11-39] \^Record of Proprietors' Meetings ^74^*^
att a meeting of the Propritors of the Township No. one in
the Line of Towns held by an Adjurninent from the 18** day of
January 1741 for first day of feburary folowing and then met att
the house of Jonathan Barnard Inhold'' in Almsburey
Att the Same meetinge voted That Thomas Rowel Esq' and
Joseph Juell Be a Committee to prefer a Petition in the name
of the proprietors to the Governour and Council in the province
of New Hampshire in order to obtain orders and directions
therefrom to bringe forward the Setlment of S* Township
a True Coppy.as attst by me
Jonathan Barnard Proprietors Clark
[R. 4-150] IJRoH of Daniel FloocTs Co.'\
this is a List of Captain Floods Company Daniel Flood Capt
thomas Rowell first Lev* Philip Flanders 2 Levi* Joseph Cur-
rier Ensign
Abner Chase James palmer moses Clement
Abner Watkins Isaac Chase Nathaniel Trumbull
Christopher Flanderslsaac Waldron JunerRichard Goodwin
David Bagley
Daniel Currier
David Annis
EbenEzar Eastman
Ezra Flanders
Edmond Sawyer
onathan gould
oseph foster
onathan Fyfield
ames Flanders
onathan Smith
John palmer
FranCis Davis Juner moses Call
Robert gould
Stephen Edmonds
Samuel trumbuU
thomas Anis
Wells Davis
Zebulon Davis
theophilus Currier
Jacob Waldron
Jacob tucker
Isaac Walker
Daniel annis
Daniel Flanders
Daniel annis Juner
Francis Davis
Isaac Waldron
gone in the Service
David Gilmore moses Clark
Daniel yong paskey pressey
Hubard Carter
Larm List men
oseph Sawyer
onathan palmer
acob Hoyt
Nehemiah Heath
permenius Watson
William Kelley
Baniamen Currier
Samuel Robe
Seth good win
Sir I have sent you a return of my Compeny according to
your ordrs wee mustered and Can not make out to Chuse any
Serjants as yet as for fire arms wee have not got half Enough
WARNER. 615
and where to get them wee know not our men Saith they Can-
not get guns for they are not in the Country & Shall See you
nex* week —
this from yours to serve Daniel Flood
To Major Chandler, in Hopkinton.
[R. 4-15 1] \_Soldiers* Deposition relative to Back Pay^
^777-']
November y* 8: 1777. Then Paskey Pressey Ezekel Good-
win Samuel Trumbrel franies Davis all of Warner in the State
of New ham psh ire in y* County of Hillsborough yeoman Par-
sonaly appeared and Being Duly Examined and Corshened
made Solomn Oath That Thay Sarved as Solders in Cap' Will-
iam Stillson Company in Colo^ Wymans Rigiment at Mont
independence in the year 1776, for five months and Rece'*
ower Pay untill the month of November and Never Recv* any
Pay for Said November Not by ower Selves nor orders Direct
nor inderact and that thay never Recv* aney Traveling money
Nor aney Saus* money During Said Sarves Except ower Trav-
eling money from hom to Said mount Independance which we
Recv* — and thare fore Prays that Honor" house of Representives
or Comitee of Safty of Said %State would alow Said month Pay
and the Remaining Part of ower traveling money and Sauce
money
Examined and Sworn before me —
Coram Jeremiah Page Justice of Peace
[R. 4-152] [^Beturn of Soldiers enlisted^ ^77^*^
Warner January the 28 — 1778
persuant to orders and according to the Resolution of this
State for Rasing and Equiping A Certain number of men for
the Servace During the war or for three year our prepotion was
Six men which wee have got in full their names are as follow-
eth—
Hubbard Carter During war
Amos Flood for three year
Philip Rowell for three year
Aquillar Davis three year
Daniel young for three year
william mcBrittan of Savell three year
* Money was furnished soldlen, •ometimes, to purchase vegetables, which was called by
tbem " sauce money." — Ed.
6l6 EARLY TOWN PAPERS.
all these men beionors to our own town but one which we
hired of Savell &c the town will pay Hubbard Carter the money
as soon as they Can Colect it Daniel yong is Ready for you
when you Call for him to go to the armey or to pass muster or
Elsewhere that he is wanted —
Daniel Flood Capt
To Colo. Thomas Stickney, in ConCord, with care.
[11-43] [^Relative to Election of Representative : addressed
to the Council and H, of Rep. ^ -^77^-^
Sirs acording to a Precept Received To Chuse a Representa-
tive we Proceeded and Chose mr Daniel Morrill who hes Since
Refused to Serve we therefore Pray your honors that a Precept
may Be Issued for the Choice of another
Warner Feb'y y* 11* 1778
Dan^ Flanders I Select
Jacob Hoyt J men
[R. 4-153] ^Return of Soldiers^ 1780,']
State of new Hampshir
Warner June the 30 — 1780
agreeable to an act passed June the Sixteenth for raising Six
hundred Good able bodied men out of this State for to fill up
the battalions of this state in the continental armey in Compli-
ance thereto wee have raissed said men which two was our pro-
potion as followeth — ISaac Dolton James pressey
this is the return of Cap* Daniel Flood
Colo Stickney I am afraid Said men Cannot get ready So Son
as is required of them by reason of having my orDers So late
[R. 4-154] [^Return of Soldiers^ lySoJ]
State of New Hampshire Warner July the 8 1780
persuant to orders Dated July the first for to raise five men
out of my Company and according to orders I have proceeded
have Raised four men for to Joyn the armey and gave them
orders to be at Amherst by the 1 2 Day of this month
John palmer
Nathaniel Trumbull
Israel Rand
Simon palmer
WARNER. 617
I have alSo Draughted EbenEzar Eastman for to go to Ha-
verrill in Coos and ordered him to be at Concord by the tenth
of this Instant to pass muster and then to proceed on to Coos
there to remain till further orders
Daniel Flood
To Col° thomas Stickney in Concord
[R. 4-155] [^Simon Ward^ Soldier,']
Warner Jan^ 23"* 1789
We do hereby relinquish all our right and title to any emolu-
ments that may be due to Simon Ward for doing a short Turn
of Service in the late American army for this Town of about
nine or 12 months in the year '79 or '80^
Benjamin Sargent ) Select men
Richard Bartlett j Warner
[R. 4-156] \^Certificate of Simon Ward's Service ^ 77^0.]
This may certify that Simon Ward has serv'd the United
States in Cap* Chase's Company, Second New Hampshire
Regiment, One year, being the time he engag'd for. And is
hereby discharged the service —
West Point June 25, 1780 —
Caleb Robinson Cap'
Command* 2* N H Reg*
Whom it concerns Civil or Military
[R. 4-159] [ William Lowell^ wounded at Bunker HilL]
This may certify that M' William Lowel of this town Was
badly wounded in the battle at bunker Hill, June 17*** 1775
Which has in a great measure rendered him unable to Support
His fajnily — he being then a Sargant in Cap' Will" H. Ballard
Company and Col' Frys Regiment to all Concerned
James flanders '\
Benjamin Sargent [-Selectmen of Warner —
Challis Foot J
€l8 EARLY TOWN PAPERS.
£R. 4-160] [ Certificate of Major Ballard. "]
Warner December 31'* 1788 —
This may certify that William Lowell a late resident in the
town of Amesbury and Commonwealth of Massachusetts ; and
now a resident in the town of Warner and state of New-Hamp-
shire ; served in my company in Col*^ Fryes Rigtment, as a
Sergeant and he the said Lowell was wounded in the battle at
Bunker-hill, June 17"^ 1775 ; and has suffered much by the bad-
ness of his wound, at that time was looked upon to be mortal.
W"" Hudson Ballard Major
[R. 4-1 61] [ Certificate of Dr. KittridgeJ\
This may certify, that William Lowell — a Soldier in Col*
Fry's Regiment, was wounded in the Battle on Bunker's Hill,
June 17"* 1775 by a ball passing through the cavity of the Ab-
domen, which enter'd in about 2 inches from the i^ vertebrae
of the Back, and so passing in an oblique direction, in through
the Latissmus Dorsi, & out through the Rectus Abdominis, was
under my care during the case —
Thomas Kittridge Surg^ to said Reg*
f R. 4-162] [Soldier's Order^ ^79^'^
Warner Ocf 26*** 1791
To William Gardner Esq Treasurer of the State of New
Hampshire please to pay to Rob* B : Wilkins all the wages in
your hands due to me as a Soldier in the 3' New Hampshire
Keg' in the late Army of the United States and his Rec' Shall
be your Discharge from me —
Test witness my hand
Samuel ordway Aquila Davis
£11-40] [^Relative to an Allowance for Soldiers^ lySd."]
To the Hon"* the Senate and House of Representatives in Gen-
eral Court convened at Concord on the first Wednesday in
June 1786.
The petition of David Bagley and others in behalf of the In-
habitants of the town of Warner in the County of Hillsborough
shews — that in February last, an Order was drawn on the
Treasurer of this State by the Hon"* John Langdon Esq then
WARNER. 619
President, therein directing him to pay to said town of Warner,
by Discount out of the State Taxes, due for the deficiency of
Soldiers, Forty pounds with Interest from May second 1 781, and
also forty pounds with Interest from June 14*** 1781, to this time
— being so much allowed to them for four Soldiers raised agree-
able to an Act of Court passed March 21 — 17S2 — which Order
has since appeared to be wrong, as one of the men to wit. Bar-
net Lowel, to whom the bounty was by said Order allowed, did
not serve for said Town the term then supposed or for any
Town in this State, but was held by the Town of Almsbury in
the Massachusetts, during the War —
Wherefore your petitioner pray that the said Order may be
received back, and another granted for the three men only,
who did actually serve as aforesaid —
And as in duty bound still shall ever pray —
June 22* 1786 —
David Bagley One of the Selectmen for the
Daniel Morrill Town of Warner
Francis ferren
Jacob Waldron
[The petition was granted June 22, 1786. — Ed.]
f 1 1-41] \^Relative to Dr. yokn Currier for yustice of the
Peace^ jyS6.']
To his Excellency John Sullivan Esq' President For the State
of Newhampshire and the Honourable the Privy Council in
Concord Conveaned —
Whereas wee your Humble petitioners are Informed that
Doctor John Currier of Warner Hath Heretofore been on the
List for a Justice of the Peace but by some means or other hath
Not been appointed Whereby the Expectations of the People
are Greatly Dissappointed, in our opinions Doct' Currier is in
some Good measure Quallify** for the Commission and a person
well dispos'd therefore Humbly pray he may be appointed Jus-
tice of the Peace and wee as in duty bound will Ever pray
Warner lo"" June 1786
Aquila Davis Abner Sargent Simon Ward
Thomas Annis Daniel Flood Isaac Lowell
Tappen Evans David Bagley Daniel Watson
iacob waldron Stephen Colby Benjamin sargent
loses Stevens John Colby Paskey Pressey
620 EARLY TOWN PAPERS.
Nathan Davis Israel Rand Richard Straw
Solomon Annas John Kelly Zebulon Morrill
W" H Ballard James Pressey Jonathan Rand
Robert Davis Abner Chase Philip flanders
Calvin flanders William Lowell Ezekiel Colby
Isaac Walker moses Clement Edmund Currier
Samuel Trumbal Abner Hervey
[11-43] [^Petition for the Appointment of a Committee to
locate a Meeting- House : addressed to the General Court j
1788.']
We the Inhabitants of the town of Warner your Humble pe-
titioners humbly shevveth, Whereas your petitioners have for a
Long time Greatly Suffered for the want of a Larger meeting-
house : and are so Unhappy as not to agree on a place to build
a New one, this is to prey your Honours to take it under your
wise consideration and appoint us a Committee to appoint us a
place for to set said Meeting house or Relieve us in some other
way as you in your wisdom shall see fitt and we your Humble
petitioners as in duty bound shall Ever prey
Warner June ii*** y' 1788
Benjamin Sargent ) Selectmen in
Rich* Bartlett j Behalf of the town
[The legislature appointed Ebenezer Webster, Robert
Wallace, and Joseph Wadley, who reported in favor of the
old meeting-house lot. — Ed.]
[11-44] \_yoseph Sawyer recommended for yustice of the
Peace ^ 1788,']
The petition of us the Subscribers Humbly sheweth that
whereas we understand that Commissions of the Peace are
soon to be Given. We wish that Joseph Sawyer who has here-
tofore been Honoured with a Justices Commission and behaved
with Integrity and Uprightness may again be favoured with the
Honour of that office. For the Town of Warner and your Pe-
titioners Shall as in Bound ever pray —
Warner Dec' 16: 1788
Daniel Flood Ellet Colby John Davise
Jacob Waldron Enoch Currier Isaiah Flanders
rarmenas Watson Robert Gould Nathan Colby
WARNER.
621
Daniel Watson
Moses Clark
Stephen Colby
Zebe^ Morrill
Zeb" Flanders
Moses Flanders
Tho* Barnet
Ezra Waldron
Abi* Currier
Benj* Serjeant
[11-45] \_Zebulon Morrill recommended for Coroner^ ^7^9 •^
To His Excellency the President of the State of New Hamp-
shire and the Honourable Council Gentlemen —
We your Petitioners Humbly sheweth that whereas there is
no Coroner in the Town of Warner, your Petitioners think it
highly necessary that there shou*d be one, and we also think that
Zebulon Morril of said Warner is a proper and Sutable Parson
for a Coroner, and we your Petitioners pray that your Honours
wou'd take it into your wise considerations and grant the said
Zebulon Morril a Coroners Commission if your Honours
shou'd think it consistant and Necessary, and we as in Duty
bound Shall Ever Pray —
Warner December 2"* 1789
Isaac Waldron
Jonathan Gould
John Kelly
Zeb* Flanders
Jacob Waldren
Wil" morrill
Wells Davis
Ezra Waldren
Enoch Currier
John Morrill
Asa Herri man
Isaac Eliot
W° Currier
Moses Flanders
ioseph Currier
foses Clark
Daniel Watson
Francies ferren
Challis foot
Parmenas Watson
Joseph foster
John Pearson
Edmund Sawyer
Ruben Kimbel
Beniamin Foster
Ellet Colby
Pa sky Pressy
Daniel Curier
Stephen Colby
Samuel Pearson
moses Clement
Thomas Annis
Parker Clement
Oliver Clement
Jonathan Watson
Joseph Greeley
Joseph Sawyer
Jo' Bartlett
David Gilmore
frances Davis
Nathan Davis
Jacob Whitcomb
Asa Putneny
Stephen Badger
moses Stevens
Aquila Davis
[11-46] \^Kearsarge Gore for a Division: addressed to the
General Courts 77^2.]
Your petitioner humbly Sheweth that the Inhabitants of a
place called Kearsarge Gore in s* State labour under many
Disadvantages by reason of bad roads and no mills and are very
poor and are not in a Capacity to choose Selectmen to assess
622 EARLY TOWN PAPERS.
Taxes and that the Treasurer of said State has Sent precepts
and requested them to pay State Taxes therefore your peti-
tioner prays that their past State Taxes may be abated or such
a part thereof as you in your Wisdom shall think fit and annex
all the northern part of the s* Gore with Andover Excepting
Seven lots (vis) N* 19: 20: 21 : 22: 23 : 24: & 25 and that
those lots be annexed to New london — the remainder of said
Gore to Salisbury and your petitioner as in Duty bound will
ever pray —
Joseph Flanders
in behalf of the Inhabitants
Dover June 13 : 1792
State of New-Hampshire —
In the House of Representatives June 13'** 1793.
Upon hearing and considering the foregoing petition Voted
that the Lots Numbered 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24 & 25, in the
North Westerly part of said Kear Searge Gore, with the Inhab-
itants thereon, be annexed to New London but that they be
held to pay their proportion of taxes with the other Inhabitants-
of said Kear Sarge Gore that are now due — and that they have
leave to bring in a Bill accordingly-—
Sent up for Concurrence —
Nath^ Peabody Speaker.
In Senate June 14°* 1793 Read & Concurred
Nath* Parker Dep^ Sec^—
[11-47] \,JCearsar£^e Gore for Change in Date of Annual
Meeting: addressed to the General Courts ^799'^
Wee your Petitioners Humbly Shews that the inhabitants of
Kearsarge Gore labour under many hardship and Disadvan-
tages by reason of their Annual Meeting being held on the last
Monday in March, for about that time the Winter brake up,
and Our Road are new and very bad, therefore it is almost im-
possible at that time of the Year to pass as we are obliged to
travel Seventeen or Eighteen Mile to git together on Meeting
Day by reason of Kearsarge Mountain cuting of the communi-
cation from one to another —
therefore we your petitioners pray that you will take our hard
case under your wise consideration and grant us releaf by ap-
pointing the first monday of March for the holding of Our An-
WARREN. 623
nual Meeting, or Some other Day in the said first week in
March and we as in Duty bound will ever pray —
27*^ May, 1799 —
Abner Watkins *) Select Men
Benjamin Cass >■ of
Foster Goodwine ) Kearsarge Gore
[In H. of Rep., June 11, 1799, the foregoing petition was
granted. Kearsarge Gore was annexed to Warner June 13^
1818.— Ed.]
WARREN.
The township was granted July 14, 1763, to John Page
and others, in seventy-two equal shares, and received its
name, probably, in honor of Admiral Warren of the British
navy.
July 5, 1770, an extension of the time for the fulfilment of
the conditions of the charter was granted, and an additional
grant of 3,877 acres was made to the proprietors. This ad-
ditional grant was of territory lying north of the town as
originally granted, and was to make good an alleged defi-
ciency in the contents of the first grant.
The boundaries of the town were settled by a committee
which was appointed by the legislature, October 27, 1780,
and reported September 4, 1784. See Vol. XI, p. 729.
Joseph Patch was the first white settler in town. He
went up from HoUis and built a cabin near Hurricane brook
in 1767, being at the time about 21 years old.
Various metals and minerals are found in Warren, includ-
ing some fine beryls and garnets.
[R. 4-163] [yames Aiken^ Bunker Hill^ Soldier J\
Colony of New Hamp'*
To the Hon*^* The Council and House of Representatives in
General Assembly Convened the 8*** June 1776.
The humble Petition of James Aiken of Warren in the Coun-
ty of Graflon yeoman — Sheweth
That Your Petitioner inlisted in Capt Kinsman's Company,
624 EARLY TOWN PAPERS.
& in Col. Stark's Regiment, and was in the Fight at Banker
hill.
That before the Fight, Your Per pulld off his Coat, that he
might the better work in the entrenchment, and was afterwards
forced to abandon his Coat, which he values at 12 Dollars.
Likewise that from the 8'** of May to the 11*^ July last past
Your Pet' has not rec'd one penny of Wages, and the same is
now in Arrear —
Wherefore he humbly prays a proper Recompense for the
premises — And will Ever Pray &c —
James akin
[11-49] \^Return of Ratable Polls ^ ^7^3*^
Warren December 3^ 1783
a return of the Number of powels in the town of Warren of
twenty one years old and upwards paying for them Selves a
pole tax which was taken by the Select man of Said town a
Cording to thare invoice which number is twenty Six in num-
ber a true a Count taken by us —
Obadiah Clement ) Selectman
Joshua marill j for warran
[11-50] [^Petition to have an Election of Town Officers
Legaltzedy or Declared Void^ lySd."]
A return of the number of inhabitants in the town of War-
ren—
The whole number of Inhabitants in Said Town is one hun-
dred and Eighteen no Indians or Servants
The Subscribers beg leave to represent to your honors that
at the annual meeting in march last the former town clerk was
not present and the Inhabitants proceeded to choose a modera-
tor & town clerk who officiated in that office without being
Sworn aflerwards and before the adjournment said town Clerk
was Sworn, but Some difficulty being started by the former
town clerk whether the town clerk and the Subscribers the
Selectman Chosen at Said meeting and Since sworn into office
are legal officers — & to prevent any further difficulty or law-
suits ; pray your honors determination ; that the proceedings of
Said meeting may be declared valid or illegal as to your honors
may Seem most Just, that your petitionors may proceed in the
duty of their office or be dismissed & Some way pointed out to
restore Said town to the previlege of choosing town officers in
WARREN. 625
Some regular manner as the law of Said State now in force for
that purpose may prove inaffectual as a sufficient number of
freeholders to petition for a meeting would be difficult to obtain
owing to Some divisions
and your petitioners as in duty bound Shall ever pray —
Warren June 5*^ 1786 —
Joshua Copp
Stephen Richardson
William Butler
To the Honbl Gerf Court to be holden at Concord on the
first Wednesday of June A, D. 1786 —
[In H. of Rep., June 9, 1786, the petitioners were granted
leave to bring in a bill to establish the proceedings of said
meeting, so far as related to the election of officers.— Ed.]
[11-51] [^Petitton for Authority to Tax Non-Resident
Lands, '\
State of New Hampshire — To the Honorable General Court of
said State convened at Portsmouth the fourth Wednesday of
December 1789 —
Humbly sheweth the Selectmen of Warren in said State;
that the highways in s*' Town are exceeding bad, and much out
of repair, that there are very few Inhabitants in said Town,
that they have in time past exerted themselves beyond their
ability in making and repairing the highways in said Town,
that there is now wanting a bridge in said Town of about twen-
ty rods in length to accommodate the public, — that they have
never had any assistance from the Prop' in making and repair-
ing said highways, notwithstanding the interest of said Proprie-
tors are much advanced in consequence of the exertions of Your
Petitioners in the making & repairing the Highways aforesaid,
they have never done anything toward helping Your Petition-
ers in regard to the foregoing premises, therefore they pray in
behalf of the inhabitants of said Warren, that the Proprietors of
said Township may be ordered and directed to pay a reasonable
sum for the purpose of making and repairing the Highways,
and bridges in said Town, under such regulations as to your
Honors may appear best and Your Petitioners will pray
Warren Dec' 21 — 1789 —
Nathaniel knight') Select men
Samuel knight >
Moses Copp 3 Warren
42
626 EARLY TOWN PAPERS.
[June 19, ijgo, authority was granted to assess and col-
lect two pence per acre, on all the divided lands in town
belonging to non-residents, the proceeds to be used for the
repair of roads and bridges. — Ed.]
WASHINGTON.
The township was granted by the Masonian proprietors
to Reuben Kidder of New Ipswich, and others, and called
Monadnock No. 8. It was settled to some extent in 1768,
and called Camden until December 13, 1776, when it was
incorporated with full town privileges, and named for George
Washington.
A portion of the town was combined with New Bradford
and Washington Gore, September 27, 1787, and incorpora-
ted into the town of Bradford.
A controversy arose relative to the line between this town
and Lempster in 181 1, which was settled by an agreement
of the town, and a divisional line established by the legisla-
ture November 27, 181 2.
Washington men in First N. H. Regiment :
Asa Jackson, enlisted April 18, 1781 ; discharged Decem-
ber, 1 78 1.
William Mann, enlisted April i, 1777; discharged March
20, 1780.
Nathan Mann, enlisted April i, 1777; discharged March
20, 1780.
Abel Merrill, enlisted April i, 1777 ; discharged March
20, 1780.
William White, age 24, enlisted January i, 1777 ; dis-
charged January I, 1780.
Ebenezer Lowell, enlisted in July, 1779, ^^^ service in
Rhode Island.
[11-54] [Petition for Incorporation^ ^77^*^
To the General Assembly of New Hampshire in New-Eng-
land.
WASHINGTON. 62/
The Petition of the Inhabitants of a certain non-incorporated
Township, of Land hitherto known by the name of Camden ;
in the County of Cheshire : in the Government above said
most hambly sheweth may it please your Honors
That whereas by reason of our being a non-incorporated
Township, we are subject to many Inconveniencies, & Disad-
vantages, as are common, & often incident to non -incorporated
Societies: both in regard to publick, & also our domestick
affairs: we therefore your Honors most humble petitioners
hereby intreat & implore that according to your wisdom &
goodness you would be pleased to remedy the Inconvenienciea
& Disadvantages to which un-incorporated Towns are liable as
such ; & to invest this Town with the powers, Liberties &
priviledges common to incorporated Towns within this Gov-
ernment ; may it please Your Honors to incorporate this Town-
ship by the name of Washington — and as in duty bound your
Honors most Humble Petitioners whose names are under writ-
ten shall ever pray
Dated at Camden aforesaid September 2' 1776.
Reuben Kidder Joseph Rounsevel Arche* White
John Safford feenj* Babcock Robertt Mann
Jacob Burbank Josiah Procktor James Maxwel
bavid Danforth J^^" Steel Jonathan Brock way
William Proctor Samuel Copeland i' Ephraim Severance
Nathan Proctor Abner Sampson Simeon Farnsworth
Eben' Spaulding Daniel Severance Arche^ White Jun'
William White David Lowell Junr Peter Lowell
David Lowell Simon Lowell Paul Hale
Lemuel Taber Sam^ Copeland Jacob Copeland
Church Taber William Steel
[The town was incorporated December 13, 1776. — Ed. J
In the House of Representatives Sepf 13*^ 1776' Upon
reading the within Petition —
Voted That the Petitioners Cause the Substance of this Peti-
tion and order thereon to be Published in the most Public
places in Said Township of Camden, and in the New Hamp-
shire State Gazette or Saturday Circulating Chronicle. That
any person Concerned may Appear before the General Assem-
bly of this State on the third day of their next Session, To Shew
628 EARLY TOWN PAPERS.
Cause if any they have why the prayer thereof may not be
Granted.
Sent up for concurrence P White Speaker
In Council Eodem Die read & concurred
E. Thompson Se*'
The petition of the freeholders and Inhabitants of the town
of Washington in said State Humbly sheweth, that the town-
ship of Washington in said State Humbly sheweth, that the
township of Washington was Laid out within the Curve Line
of Masons Grant and so settled and made their Farms and con-
tinued for a number of Years in a Quiet and Peaceable manner
till the Last tax went out from this State when the Selectmen
of marlow and Leomster thot proper to Lay a Tax on some
Part of the Lands within the Lines of the said Washington
which occations much Uneaseyness among the Inhabitants of
the said Washington and may be productive of many Evil Con-
sequences, Wherefore Your petitioners pray that Your Honors
wou'd Issue an Ord' that they may Continue to pay their taxes
as heretofore they have Done until the Line which occations
the Dispute between the said towns of Washington marlow &
Leominster, and many other towns in Similar Circumstances
may be settled by the Authority of this State and y' petitioners
as in Duty Bound shall Ever Pray &c
J Rounsevel
for y* town of Washingfton
Exeter 3d of march 1778 —
[In H. of Rep., March 5. 1778, "Voted that the inhabi-
tants of that part of the Town of Washington claimed under
the Grants of Marlow and Lempster pay their Taxes to
Washington as usual, until the Title to said disputed Lands
shall be settled." The dispute was finally settled in favor
of Washington. — Ed.]
[R- 1 64] [ Soldiers credited to Wash ington . ]
Committee of Claims Office Exeter June 27th 1782 —
This certifies that the Town of Washington are benefited in
the present years Tax Seventy two pounds Five shillings and
Eleven pence Lawful Money, being for Bounties paid the fol-
lowing Continental Soldiers viz W" White, Abel Morril W"*
WASHINGTON. 629
Man and Nathan Man £14, 19, o each, and to Enoch Smith
12, 9, 1 1 — Ex* per J Oilman
[i 1-56] \_PeHHon of Samuel Lowell^ Soldier: addressed to
the General Courts 1 784 J]
The petition of Sam^ Lowell of Washington in the County of
Cheshire who was in the Service of y' Continent in the Year
1776, and I Sam* Lowell your humble petitioner was taken
prisoner the 15 Day of June in Kanady Expidition and was
prisoner untill y* 25 Day of September following at that time
was Sat at Shore at Elizabeth Town in y* Jerseys During
which Imprisonment I was a great Sufferer as Your Excellency
and Honors may Conclude, &c. for I Lost a pair of Silver
Shoe Buckles and a pair of Knee Buckles, and Coat Jacket &
Briches and three good Shirts and a Silk Handcherchief which
Cost me Nine pounds, and when I was Sat at Shore I had
About three hundred miles to travel home and had to Bear my
own Expences and was held a prisoner untill y* Last Day of
December 1776, and Never have Receiv'd No wages from the
time I was first taken prisoner —
If it may please your Excellency and Honours — I Conclude
I ought to be Considered & paid as one who has Ever Served
faithfully in y* Service of y* Late War, and doubt not your best
Endeavours for the same, desiring to be under your Cair and
Protection as a willing Subject as under those who can Relieve
in All such Cases — And I your Excellency and Honors hum-
ble petitioners as in Duty Bound Shall Ever pray
Washington October y* 16'*' 1784
Samuel Lowell
[11-57] \^P^lition for the Apf ointment of Dr, Harris: ad"
dressed to the General Courts 1784^^
Whereas We y* Inhabitants of Washington in y* County of
Cheshire your Most humble Petitioners most Ardently De-
sire—
(If it might please your Excellency and Honors) being
Deeply Sensible how Essentially Necessary it is that our Civil
Rulers and those in Authority be men of principal, having y*
good of their Country and the peace and good order of their
fellow Citizens much at heart, and as these Qualifications most
Emminently Appear in y* Person and Character of D' David
Harris of s* town and County, We therefore most Ardently
630
EARLY TOWN PAPERS.
pray (If it Might please your Excellency and Honors) that y*
Honor and Dignity of a Justice of y* peace for s^ County, may
be Conferred on him y* s* D' David Harris hoping and believ-
ing that in person and Character he will give Satisfaction both
to Rulers and Ruled, Desireing your Excellency and honors
woud be pleas'd to Commisionate him Accordingly, Desiring
to be your willing Subjects as under y* power of those who
Rule in y* fear of God, Likewise wishing Yours, &c : All that
Happiness that Tongue can Express —
Hoping and believing, your Excellency and honors will be
pleas'd to gratify us in our most Impartial Request, and we
you humble Petitioners as in Duty Bound Shall Ever Pray &c
Washington Oct**' y' 3 : 1784
Sam* Copeland
Sam* Guild
David Lowell
Jacob Burbank
Ebn' Spaulding
Samuel Lowell
lames Maxwell
on**** Draper
»amuel Copeland
Jun'
Eliphelet Densmore
Stephen Meeds
Na^ Everitt
Josiah Davis
Thomas white
William Graves
Joseph woods
George Lesslie
Joseph Miller
John Woods
Asa Jackson
Levi Barney
Ep*»' Willson
Thdeus Grves
Isireal Foster
Elijah Foster
Josiah Richards
^ames Gay
osiah Lowell
iol* Lowell
£11-59] \^Relative to locating a Meeting' House: addressed
to the General Courts ij86J\
Humbly Shews, the Subscribers inhabitants of the Town
Washington in the County of Cheshire in said State —
That the inhabitants of said Town are in need of a House of
Publick Worship and are desirous to erect one the ensuing sea-
son, that great divisions have arisen in said Town About the
most proper place for setting the same — that the greatest num-
ber of Inhabitants is at present in the southerly part of said
Town altho' the Northerly part of said Town is quite as Capa-
ble of Settlements and probably in a very short time will be as
fully improved —
But the inhabitants on the southerly part (perhaps too atten-
tive to their own convenience) have by a Majority of Votes de-
termined to Erect said House more than a Mile South of the
Centre of said Town — and whereby reason of Swampey land
the roads leading to it must of necessity be more than a Mile
and an half southerly from the Centre, which your Petitioners
conceive will be very unequal and highly injurious to them and
WASHINGTON. 63 1
Others who may hereafter inhabit the Northerly part of said Town
—especially if they must be Compelled to pay their full propor-
tion towards erecting and maintaining the same, and the Min-
ister who may Officiate therein — and will lay a foundation for
Contention in future and probably for the removal of the same
at great expence of Money, and Brotherly kindness — But with-
out the interposition of this Hon^** Court your Petitioners Con-
ceive they are at present without remedy —
They therefore pray your Honors to take their Case into your
wise Consideration, and if consistent with Right prevent a
foundation being laid for so disagreeable Consequences, — or by
a Committee from your Hon**** Body lead them into the way of
Justice and Peace, before the present determination of the Ma-
jority of Voters in said Town is Carried into Effect, or other-
wise grant them relief in the premises in such way as to your
Wisdom shall seem meet —
And your Petitioners as in Duty bound shall ever pray &c
John Dunsmore Eben' Wood Thomas White
£benezer Davis Jesse Stevens Asa White
Josiah Gilburt Jesse smith W" Smith
"Terh" Baron Philip Smith Stephen Austin
[ohn Farnsworth William Steel Samuel Farington J»
lamuel Lewis Francis White Josiah Richards
Joseph Steel Eliphalet Dunsmore Samuel Farington
Robart Steel Isaac Stevens Josiah Daves
John Vose James Gay
Joseph Crane Amasa Gay
[11-61] lA portion of the Town voted off^ 17^7."]
Washington May 7* 1787
At a meeting of the freeholders and other Inhabitants of
Washington met this day on adjournment from the anual March
meeting Voted to set off to New-Bradford all that part of
Washington which lies east of a line drawn from the southwest
corner of said New Bradford thence Northwesterly over the
south end of Burnt hill (so calFd) continuing the same course
till it intersects a line drawn last November by a committee
chosen for that purpose thence Northerly on s* line to the north
line of that part of Washington which is included in Col® Reu-
ben Kider's charter being three miles from the northeast corner
of Washington from thence continuing the same course to the
south line of Fishersfield —
A true Copy
Attest David Harris Town Clerk
632 EARLY TOWN PAPERS.
[The portion of the town before mentioned was included
in the incorporation of Bradford, September 27. 17S7. — Ed.]
[11-62] \^Relative to Class for Electing a Representative:
addressed to the General Court. '\
The joint memorial & petition of the Towns of Washing^a
and Stodard, in the County of Cheshire, humbly sheweth —
That about ^\^ years ago, by order of the authority of this
State, the Towns of Washington, Stodard, Packer field & Gill-
som, were classed in one district, in order to their choosing a
Representative : — that about That time, in consequence of a
precept from the General Court, the Towns afores** met in
Stodard for that purpose : — That after a choice was made, tak-
ing into consideration the difficulty attending the meeting of all
these Towns in a body, they jointly and unanimously came into
an agreement to choose their Representative, annually for the
future, by committees of five from each Town, deputed & au-
thorized, with proper instructions, for the purpose: — That from
that time till this present year, they continued to act or choose
in this manner : — That this present year, the Town of Packer-
field, for reasons best known to themselves, changed their
method of proceeding, and came in a body to the meeting
appointed for y* Choice of a representative without giving the
least previous notice of their Design, to the other Towns con-
cerned : — That the town of Washington being present only by
their Committees were not in a capacity to act in Connexion
with the Town of Packerfield in the afiair : — That thereupon, a
committee of three persons, one out of each of the Towns of
Washington, Stodard, & Packerfield, was chosen to consider &
make report how to conduct in this matter: — That the said
Committee reported —
'' That the union between the Towns of Washington &
Stodard, and the other two Towns, with which they were con-
nected as a district, be dissolved — that the Towns of Washing-
ton & Stodard should jointly petition the Great & General
court, that they might, for the future, be connected by them-
selves, in choosing a Representative, & that a precept might be
sent to them for that purpose." — That the Towns, after hearing
the report of the Committee, voted that it be accepted, & that
Joseph Rounsevell Esq% of the Town of Washington, be the
person to present said Memorial & Petition to the Great and
General Court, — praying the Honorable Court to take the mat-
ter under their consideration, & unite the Towns of Washing-
ton & Stodard into a Class or district bv themselves, & accord-
WASHINGTON. 633
ingly send them a precept for the Choice of a Representative —
& your petitioners, as in duty bound, shall ever pray —
William proctor"^ Select men
Archabel white V of
Lemuel Taber ) Washington
Seth Wheeler ) Select men
David Haws j for Stoddard
[11-64] \^-R^l(^iive to Sales of Land at Auction^ ^790,']
The following are the Articles of Sale of one half of lot num-
ber three in the first Range of the first Division of lots, in the
Town of Washington, to be sold by Public Auction this 27**^
day of May, 1790, according to an Advertisement published in
the New-Hampshire Gazzette of the 31'' of March last.
Article i** The highest Bidder to be the Purchaser.
2^ The purchaser, immediately after the land is struck off,
shall give Security with a sufificient Surety for the Sum for
which s^ land is struck oflT, to be paid in Beef-Cattle at Cash-
price by the first day of December next with Interest, to be de-
livered at the Centre of the town of Washington, and if not
paid by that time, then it shall be paid by the first day of Jan-
uary then next in Silver or Gold, with Interest ; and as soon
as such Security is given, a good Deed of Conve3'ence shall be
delivered to the purchasers
3"^ Should the land be struck ofiT to any person who shall
neglect, or refuse to comply with the foregoing Article, he shall
forthwith pay the Cost of Vendue, and the land Shall be put up
to Sale again.
4*^ All Bidding to be in lawful-money, and nothing less than
six shillings shall be accepted as a Bid.
M' John Brown is appointed Clerk of vendue
Per John Orr Auctioner
May 27'*' 1790 —
The within mentioned Lands set up at 5 Dollars for the
whole by Doct' Tho' L Brown
at £1.. 16 — by Isaac Proctor.
2 — 2 — by Andrew Rob —
by Joseph Hide £ 2 — 8 —
Tho' Penniman Esq' 3 —
Tho L Brown — 3 — 6 —
John Taggett Jun' 3 — 12 — & 6.. 6 —
Tho* Penniman Esq — 4 — & 4.. 6 & £ 9 — & 11.. 10^
634 EARLY TOWN PAPERS.
Andrew Rob — 5.. 6. ft 7.. 6. & I2.. 6
John SafTord Esq'— 6 ft 8— & 9.. 10. ft
ft 1 1 : 4* ft I
Isaac Proctor — 7 —
Tho* Brown — 9.. 16 & lo. 6. & 10. i8&i2..i8
13. 10 £16
John SafibrdEsq' — £12.. 12. & 13: 4. 13. 16&16. 10
£16 : 10' being the highest Bid for s' Land, it was Knocked off
to John SafTord Esq' being the last Bidder —
Washington May 27** 1790—
John Brown
Clerk of s* Vendue
{11-663 ['^^^^^^'v^ ^o disputed Lines: addressed to the Gem'.
eral Courts ^793*^
The Petition of a Number of the Inhabetents of the towns of
Washing^n Stoddard and Sullivan Humbly Sheweth —
That your Petitioners some years since Did Purchace Lands
on which we now live under Masons Pattent in the Westerly
Part of Stoddard and Washington : and Being informed that
the Pattent line was Established by the Legislature as run by
Robert Fletcher Esq. then supposed that we had obtained an
undouted title of our Lands, as they held under the sanction of
said Law or Order of Court Confirming said line — since which
time the General Court have caused said Pattent line to be
newly run, and said pattent being found too large, has given the
Proprietors of Gilsum and Mario w Incouragement to Claim
nearly two Miles East of the Line first Established, and they
Have proceeded to Lot out the same by which our farms are
Cut very much to peaces — and they are Indeavouring by Law
to Difpossess your Petitioners — ^We your Humble petitioners
therefore pray to lay before the Hono* Court our Situation
We were in General such as had no Other way to get a Live-
lyhood but to venture ourselves and families into the Wilder-
ness, and by the good hand of Provedence and our own Indus-
try the moste of us have just arived to a Comfoitable Lively-
hood : We have once paid a generous price for our Lands,
paid all the publick taxes through a long and Expensive War,
and surmounted many other Di6culties which we have had to
Encounter in this once Wilderness — some of us by our Industry
have just arrived to a State of Comfort in life while others have
a prospect of Doing the same if they still Continue there Indus-
try and frugallity. But noways in a State Adequate to Pur-
chaceing our Lands again —
Your Petitioners therefore Humbly pray that if it should in
WASHINGTON.
635
Law be Determined in favour of said proprietors that some
meathod may be taken by the Honor^ Court to prevent them
from Building themselves up upon our ruin — and as We are In-
formed that there is no Law Exists in this state whereby we
may have a Compensation for our Buildings and Improvements
on said Land but by wholly at there Mercy —
We therefore pray that if it can be Consistant with the Con-
statution and Laws of the Land —
Your Honours would, in Immetation to Neighbouring States
make a Law or order whereby we may receive something for
our many years hard labour in Erecting Buildings Clearing
Lands and makeing it more Valueable, if at Last we are
oblidged to give it up—
Your Petitioners are far from wishing if the I<and is theres to
wrong them out of it But Desireing them ondly to Come to that
Rule of Doing by others as they would others should Do by them —
and your Petitioners as in Duty bound Shall ever Pray — ^Inhab-
etents of Stoddard
Nath" Joslin
Edward Phelps
Ebenezer Polley
Levi Phelps
David Joslin
Levi Blood
Sam^ Farnsworth
Semion Fisk
Nath^ Tuttell
David Hodgman
Jonathon Shed
feenj* Howard
Enos Locke
Ebenezer Blake
Oliver Hodgman
Ebenezer Wright
George Holmes
Eleazer Blake
Timothy Thomson
Asa Stevens
Jonas Tarble
Benj Tarble
Samuel Messinger
Nath" Evens
fohn Adams
[ohn Davis
lilvester Davis
Joshu Read
Ward Eday
John Henry
Bildad Royce
John Henry Junior
Isaac Barritt
Nathen monroe
Bani Henry
Jesse farly
Samuel Sever
ohn Osgood
ohn Osgood Juer
onathan Tomson
bseph Durent
Nathl draper
Supply Barny
William wright
nathan Reed
Willard Law ranee
Inhabitents of Wash-
ington
Abraham Estabrook
Samull Lowell
Nathan metcalf
Jacob Wright
William Procter
Dan it;! Farnsworth
Joh Safford
Tho' Farwell
Tho* Farwell J'
Eph" Farwell
Francis Faxon
Tho* Penniman
Simon Lowell
Ebener Spaulding
Jacob Burbank
Inhabetents of Sulli-
van
Josiah G. White
Calvin Locke
Ezra Osgood
Elijah Carter
Johua Osgood
Nathan Bolster
Jonathan Kindall
Samuel Seward
Ebenezer kendall
Grindal Keith
Jonathan Burnam
Luther Wilder
Michel Sanders
Josiah Seward
[See Stoddard, Marlow, and Gilsum papers. — Ed.]
636 EARLY TOWN PAPERS.
[11-67] {^Relative to the Election of Representative : ad-
dressed to the General Court.']
Cheshire ss. State of New Hampshire, Washington March
II, 1794—
The petition of the Town of Washington humbly sheweth —
That heretofore, by order of said Court, the Towns of Stoddard
& Washington were united in one class, in order to their choos-
ing a representative.
That it was order'd by the General Court that the meetings
for the purpose afores*^ should be held by rotation, viz. in each
Town every other year. It was agree'd that said meetings
should be held annually on the second monday in March, and
that the Clerk of each town respectively, by order of the Select-
men should notify his own town both of the time and place
That it has been reported, that the town of Stoddard, suppos-
ing the number of their ratable Polls to amount to what is re-
quired by the constitution, have made choice of a Person to
represent them, tho*, for reasons best known to themselves,
they have not seen fit Legally to notify us of their design to
detach themselves from our former union.
That according to the rotation abovesaid, the meeting for the
aforesaid purpose was to be holden in Washington this year.
That the Town of Washington were accordingly legally noti-
fied— that they met at the time and place appointed; and tho'
not joined by the Town of Stoddard, made choice of a repre-
sentative.
That we have almost the number of ratable polls required by
constitution — and that there is no other town in the vicinity
with which we can be classed with any conveniency.
We therefore earnestly request the honorable the General
Court to take our case into their consideration and grant our
member elect a seat in the house, and in future to allow us the
Priviledge of choosing a representative for ourselves, or afford
us such other relief in the premises, as they, in their wisdom
and goodness shall see fit — And your petitioners, as in duty
bound, shall ever pray.
By order, and in behalf of said town
Thomas Farwell 1
Jo* Rounsevel > Committee
E)avid Harris )
WE ARE. 637
WEARE.
The township was granted by the Masonian proprietors,
September 20, 1749, ^^ Ichabod Robie and others, and
called Hale's-Town.
The inhabitants petitioned, April 3, 1764, to be incorpo-
rated with town privileges, and in the petition call the place
*' that Tract of land known by the name of Hails Town,
otherwise called Col** Weares Town."
The town was incorporated by the governor and council,
September 31, 1764, and named in honor of Meshech Weare,
who was at the time one of the justices of the supreme
court of the province.
The town was settled by people from Massachusetts and
the east part of this state, and has been and is one of the
most prosperous farming towns of the state. A society of
Quakers was formed in the town at an early date, and still
exists.
By an act approved July 2, 1853, the divisional line be-
tween this town and Dunbarton was established.
Weare men in First N. H. Regiment, as returned by
Major Jeremiah Gilman, January 10, 1778.
Abraham Kimball, age 23, reported absent.
John Robarts, age 23, reported absent.
Samuel Hutchings, age 27, at home sick.
The following men were mustered by Col. Moses Kelley,
July 20, 1779, for the town of Weare.
Benjamin Powell,* Simeon Pope,* Jonathan Tucker, Elisha
Roberts, Charles Colburn, Joseph Colby, and Moses Fi-
field. Jonathan Tucker was in Capt. Enoch Chase's Co.,
2d Regiment, February 14, 1781.
Weare men in First N. H. Regiment :
David Bryant, enlisted November 12, 1776; discharged
December 1781.
Serg't Samuel Caldwell, enlisted July 3, 1777; discharged
July 2, 1780.
John Flanders, enlisted April 17, 1777; discharged April
20, 1780.
Jacob Flanders, enlisted February 20, 1777; discharged
December, 1781.
* Lived in Henniker.
638 EARLY TOWN PAPERS.
Ebenezer Sinclair,* enlisted February i, 1777; discharged
October 7, 1777.
John Swett, enlisted April 16, 1777; discharged April 20,
X780.
Benjamin Swett, enlisted April 16, 1777 ; discharged April
20, 1780.
Thomas Tuttle,* enlisted May i, 1777 ; discharged Feb-
ruary 17, 1778.
[R. 4-165] ^Tlkomas Kennedy^ Soldier^ 1760; addressed to
the General Assembly r^
The petition of Thomas Kennedy of Halestown in Said prov-
incc —
Humbly Shewith that your petitioner Inlisted as a Soldier
In the Year 1 760, under the Command of Col* Jn* Goffe In
Cap* Nehamiab Lovewelis Company, & behaved, In Said Cam-
paing as a faithfull & DutyfuU Soldier, as I have for many
Campaings before, for the truth of which I apple to the Colo-
nols of the Regiments, but So it was by Some means or Other
I was returned a Deserter on the Rolls, & have not Received
Any thing for my Service In S* Regim', Otherways then Usual
for Soldiers to Keceive at their marching, & presume it was
Occationed by Some Misrepresentation, tho Not Desiredly,
Wherefore your petitioner prays that your Excellency & hon-
ours would take this matter under your wise Consideration,
(Reference being had to my Letter to Col* Goffe of Feb^ 6*
1762 on this head) & Grant him Such Relief as you In Your
great Wisdom may think proper, & Your petitioner Shall as
In Duty Bound Ever pray &c
John Goffe for & in behalfe of
Tho» Kennady
[He was allowed ;^ii, 16, 10. — Ed.]
[R. 4-166] \^Stockfnan Sweaty Soldier: addressed to the
Legislature^ i7Si.^
The petition of Enoch Sweat of Wear in Said State Humbly
Sheweth —
That Whereas your Petitioners son Stockman Sweat enlisted
into the service of the united States and Served two years (viz)
the year 1775 and 1776 and on his return home he enlisted into
* Died in the tervlce.
WEARE. 639
the Light horse at the State of Connecticut wher he now re-
mains in Said Service and have never received either State or
Continental Bounties and is not likely to receive any Deprecia-
tion money with others his fellow Soldiers : So that notwith-
standing he the said Stockman Sweat your petitioners Son has
Served his Country he is Shut out from having the Justice Done
him that other Soldiers have had : and if your Hon" wants
further light in the matter and will point out to your petitioner
what he is to do in order to state the matter Clearly to the Hon*
Court and will take his Case under your wise Consideration
and grant such releif in the primises as your hon" in your great
wisdom may think fit your petitioner as in Duty bound Shall
ever pray
Enoch Sweat
Exeter Jany — 4!^ 1781
To lay.
[R. 4-167] [^JBdenezer Sinclair^ Soldier: addressed to the
General Court. '\
Humbly sheweth, Mary Sinclear of halestown in the County
of hillsbourough in the State of Newhampshire widow — that
her Late husband Ebenezer Sinclear was a soldier in Genera!
Poors Brigade, in Coll Silleys Reg' & Capt Morrells Company,
& was KilHatt Sarotoga att the taking of Gen*^ Burgoin, & that
your Petitioner is Left a widow with three small Children the
Oldest of which is under the Age of fourteen, and is So much
Disabled By a wound in His hand, & other weakness of Body,
which prevents your Petitioner from Getting a place for him to
Learn him a trade — that She has, (By Selling her house hold
Furniture & a Sett of Joiners tools which Belonged to her Late
husband) provided places in the Country for her Children for
the present, that her Late husband Died Intestate, Leaving one
hundred & fifty Acres of wild Land in the town of wentworth,
it Being all the Estate he possess**, & that your Petitioner is
Now out to Servis herselfe & finds it Verry Difficult to main-
tain herselfe, the Collector of taxes for the town of wentworth
has Call* on her for taxes, Some part of which She has pay*
But is unable to pay the Remainder, She therefore prays your
honours that She may Be Exempt from paying any more taxes
for the Above Land untill her Children are of age & what Ever
Else your honours, In your wisdom Shall please to Do in fa-
vour of your Petitioner & the Orphan Children, as in Duty
Bound shall Ever pray
Mary Sinclear
[Not granted. — Ed.]
640 EARLY TOWN PAPERS.
[11-71] \^Record of a Meeting' in the east part of Weare,
At a meeting of ye inhabetence of ye Easterly Part of weare
at the house of m' John Seliey in s'' weare on y* 12*** of Septem-
bec 1785 Chose L^ Ithamar Eaton moderator Chose Sam' Paige
J- Clark-
Voted to buld a meeting house on y* School lot N* 8 in y* 3"*
Range voted to buld s* house by Seling y* Pews voted Ca"* Na-
thaniel fifield L' Itha' Eaton Obediah Eaton Thom" Evens and
Sam' Paige jr a Commettee to Sell S^ Pews to buld ye meeting
house —
Voted to ajourn S* meeting to y^ 26''' int at y* house of m'
John Seliey s to Sell S^ Pews ; met according to ajurnment and
Sold thirty Eight Pews on y* floore ; for the Summe of five
hundred thirty Six Pounds Seventeen Shiling S^ house to be 56
feet long & forty two wide
January y' 24*** 1786
this Day met at y* house of m' John Seliey in weare Voted
to Put in a Petition to y* General Cort to See if they will Set
offy* Easterly Part of S* weare into a Destinct Pearish —
Voted L' Ithamar Eaton m' obediah Eaton and Sam* Paige a
Commettee to Present S'^ Petition and Support Sd Petition
Sam' Paige jr Clark
[11-72] [^Petition for a Parish in the east part of the
Town^ ij86,']
Your Humble Pertitioners Inhabetants of the Easterly End of
Weare Sheweth that We Labour under Great Inconvenciesof Set-
tling of a Gosple Minister With Us by Reason of a Large Society
of Quakers Nigh the Senter of Said town ; and the Remainder
of Said town is So Remote from us that We Cannot be Con-
venned in one Society ; theirfore our prayers is to your honours
that you Would Set us off A perish in Said town Invested With
town privilidges on the Easterly Sid of the Senter Road, So
Called, begining on Hopkinton Line and to Extend South by
Said Senter Road and by Dunbarton to New Boston or as far
as it Shall be made to appear to your honours to be for the
public benefit of your Pertitioners ; and your Pertitioners as in
Duty bound Will Ever Pray —
Weare January 25*^ 1786
Samuel Paig^e Levi hovey Sameul Ayer
Nathaniel Fifield Sam' Paige J' Wiir Ayer
Abner Hoyt Moses george Ezekiel Carr
WEARE.
641
Joseph Marshall
Joseph Webster
John Selly
Jacob Carr
Timothy george
Thomas Evans
Daneil goold
John fever
David Barnard
Benjamin Selly
Moses Boynton
Elijah Brown
Robard Johnson
John Ayer
Moses Faver
Jonathan goold
John Huntington
follansbe Shaw
Samuel Rowel
marden Emerson
thomas fowUinsbe
Obadiah Eaton
fames Hogg
fohn Paige
onathan Paige
Ithamar Eaton
Lemuel Paige
Edward fifield
Enoch Johnson
Benjamin Collins
John Brown
Joshua Maxfield
Moses Fifield
Isaac Levingston
Jonathan Brown
Tru strum Johnson
Samuel Straw
Levi Colbey
Joseph Pilsbury
Nathan Kimbell
Daniel Pearson
[In H. of Rep., Feb. 4, 1786, a hearing was ordered for
the next session. — Ed.]
[11-69] \jR^port of a Committee on the Ii'oregoing,'\
The Committee On the Petition of a Number of the Inhab-
itants of the town of Weare Agree to Report As Our Oppenion
that the Prayer of Said Petition Be So Far Granted As that the
Petitionars Be Set off As A Seperate town Beginning at Hop-
kinton Line And Extending Southwardly So far as to include
Six Ranges Exclusive of the Public Lands And Also Be inti-
tied to three Eights of All the Public Lands in Said Weare —
Which is Submitted By Us —
Eben' Webster
John Duncan
Robert Wallace
Rejected.
[u-70] [^Return of Ratable Polls, 178J.']
to the honrabel general Coart prsuant to your ordears we
have Nombred all the Ratabel poles upward of Twentey won
years old which are withen the town of weare which Nomber
is two hondread and fifley 250
Dated att weare this 16 Day of December 1783
Timothy worthly > Select men
James Emerson f for weare
48
642 EARLY TOWN PAPERS.
[11-73] [Relative to a F'ine fornot keeping' a Granumar
School: addressed to the General Courts JjSS."^
We your Pcrtitioners Humbly Sheweth that the Selectmen
of weare have been presented to the Court of General Sessions
of the peace in Said County for not keeping a g^ammer School
by which meanes we are Liable to pay a fine of ten pounds for
one month Neglect the town Considering their Scattered Situa-
tion as well as their inability Conclud it would be more to the
advantage of Said town to hire Several masters that Could teach
good English and at Such Seasons as they Could Reep most
advantage from Said Schools was the Reason their was Not a
grammar School hired as the law Directs no man in Said town
Kequired it Therefore we your pertitioners humbly Request
you would Release and Remit Said fine your pertitioners Shall
Ever pray
Dated at weare June 6*^, 17S8
John Robie '\
John Hodgdon y Selectmen
Ithamar Eaton J
WENTWORTH.
The township was granted, Nov. i, 1766, to John Page
and 59 others, in 66 shares, and named for Benning Went-
worth, who was at the time governor of the province.
Forty-two of the original grantees having failed to comply
with the conditions of the grant, their shares were declared
forfeited, and were granted to other parties by an instru-
ment dated March 13, 1772.
By an act passed Jan. 15, 1787, Thomas Clark, Daniel
Clark, Jonathan Herbert, and Asa Boynton, with their
estates, were severed from Piermont, and annexed to this
town. A small tract of land belonging to John Dana, Jr., was
severed from Orf ord, and annexed to Wen tworth June 28, 1 837.
[11-74] \^^^lillon for a Grant of some JPorfeited Shares^t
Province of New Hampshire. To his Excellency John
Wentworth Esq' Governor & Commander in Chief of said
Province in Council —
WENTWORTH. 643
The petition of Asa Porter of Haverhill in said Province &
his Associates humbly sheweth — That as the Charter of the
Township called Wentworth lying on the Road leading from
Rumney to Cohass is now expired & scarce any Duty done
agpreable to Charter and that the publick Road thro' the same
hath been greatly peglected for several years past as renders it
a great Obstruction to Travellers & at Times almost impassable
which is a great Discouragement to the Settlement of all the
Country above s* Township & the Trade of s* Country is there-
by diverted into other Provinces your Petitioners humbly pray
that They may be favoured with a Grant of the delinquent
Rights or Shares in said Township granted in the former
Charter to the twenty seven Grantees hereafter named — ^Viz —
Jonathan Greeley Jimr, Abel Davis, Nathan Currier, Ebenezer
Page, Lemuel Stephens, John Page, Winthrop True, Jacob
Stevens, Moses Page, David Evans, Jonathan Page, Thomas
True, Fra* Bachelder, Samuel Dudley, Jacob Currier, Jacob
Hook Esq', Joseph Greeley, NatW Greeley, Col* Ebenezer
Stevens, Ebenezer Stevens Junr, rev* Jeremiah Fogg, John
Paige Esqr, Jonathan Greeley Esq% Jacob Gale, Dyer Hook,
Jonath' Evens & Capt Thomas Marty n upon such conditions
as your Excellency may seem meet to direct — & your Petition-
ers as in Duty bound shall ever pray —
Asa Porter tor Himself & Associates.
Postsmouth March 25^ 1772*
[See introduction. — Ed.]
[11-76] [Statement relative to Taxation^ and Town Invent-
tory.'\
County of Grafton ss In the State of Newhampshtre
Whereas We the Poor inhabitants of wentworth, in Said
State haD a precept Sent us by the General Court of Said State
In the year 1777 for a new proprotion or Inventory of the Rate-
able Estates of this town to be Returned in by the first of June
in the aforesaid year, and whereas we then being under no
Lawfull Regullation to take Such Inventory So Could not Do
it, and Still Remains yet in that Lifeless Estate as than : our
Honnerable Court not knowing our Circumstance was pleased
to proportion our publick tax for us aCording to the best of
there Judgment not haveing any Inventory to go by. which
proportion we think is not Equal with other towns : we there-
fore the Inhabitants of wentworth have volantory met and
Given in what number of polls and Improved Land and Stoke
of Creatures we were posesed of at that time not Meddling
644 EARLY TOWN PAPERS.
with the wile Land in Said town which we have Returned in
Columns Some what aGreeable to the precept Sent and our
Capacity will a low of at pres'
13 polls* 18 acrears of I^and, 25 mowing land, o paster land, 2
horses, 2 oxen, 9 Cows, 7 3 year old, 5 2 year old, i i year old-
We therefore Humblv besech that your honers would Look
upon us in our State and Consider us in the abeatment of the
taxes Lead on us or to brinc^ us Down to an Equality with
other towns in this State and also to put us in a Capacity to
make Said tax, and Colict them in a Lawful way if we must
pay them and also Give to us a rul or precept of Velueation to
go by
Sined in behalf of the Inhabitants of wentworth.
John Akin
["-77] IBeturn of Ratable Polls, 1783.']
Wentworth December y* 12*^ 1783
We the Selectmen of wentworth Return to the General Court
of this State the Exact Nomber of male Poles from twenty one
years old and upwards paying taxes for them selves in this town
which is twenty seven agreable to our Invoise
attest per us —
John Akin ) Selectmen
Benj* Weeks j of wentworth
[11-78] [^Petition for Authority to elect a Representative^
17QQ: addressed to the General Court,"]
The town of Wentworth not haveing one hundred and fifty
rateable polls and is so situated as to render the Assessing there-
of with any other town parish or place very inconvenient.
Wherefore your petetioners (being the majority of voters in the
aforesaid town) prays that your Honors would Issue a writ for
sending a Representative to the General Court —
your petitioners as in duty bound will ever pray
Merrill Pilsbury Sam* Smart Will" White
Thomas Clark For** Stone Benjamin Page
Peter Stevens Eben' gove Nicholas Chase
Asa Smith John Akin Sam^ Haper
Warren Smith Timothy Clifford BenJ* Cotton
John Smith Ezekiel Akin Ruben Whitcher
Peter Martin David Gibson W" Haines
WENTWORTH.
645
Moses Eaton
Job Eaton
Absalom Peters
Amos Clark
[oseph Kimball
[on* Kimball
[saac Clifford
Isaac Clifford J'
Tonathan Eames
[onathan Eames jr
]amuel Eames
[R. 4-168]
Sam^ Elsworth
Jeremiah Elsworth
Joseph Smith
Benj* Smith
John Gardiner
Abel Willard
Hugh M^Clellan
David Smith
Sam* Johnson
John Page
True Page
John Haines
Matthias Haine
Thomas Hodge
Sam M^Murphy
Asa putney
Joseph putney
David Sanders
Ben^* Brown
Nathan Brown
James Putney
\_Soldier^s Order,"]
John T. Oilman Esq' please to pay Joshua Pickering all
arrears of wages Due to me for my services in the New Hamp-
shire line in Coll Jackson Regiment you will oblige yours to
serve —
Joseph Cooper
Wentworth y* 24*** July 1 792
fii— 79] [^Remonstrance against the Incorporation of the
Universalist Society^ i8oiJ\
Wentworth May 20"* 1801.
To the Honorable Leg^islature of the State of New Hamp-
shire to convene at Hopkinton the first Wednesday in June
next —
The Petition of the Undersigners Inhabitants of the town of
Wentworth humbly sheweth —
That Whereas a number of the inhabitants of the town intend
to petition your Honors for an act of Incorporation into a Society
by the denomination of Universalists, we pray your Honors NOT
to grant the object of %^ Petition, for it appears to us that such an
incorporation would operate greatly to the damage not only of
this town but also the towns adjoining, — by gaining the ap-
pearance of the sanction of so Honorable a Body in favor of
their licentious principles it would become a mean of recom-
mending them to the inconsiderate rising generation, to the
corruption of tlieir hearts and morals — It would have a ten-
dency not only to establish corrupt preaching among us, but
also to prevent our enjoying the true Oospel of Christ — and
such a Society would become an asylum for persons in other
towns, who merely from disaffection, will, and covetousness,
646 EARLY TOWN PAPERS.
wish to be freed from paying ministerial taxes, in the towns
where they reside, agreeable to a suggestion of some of their
leaders.
We would further state to your honors that were we to judge
by the general complexion of their deportment, we should con-
clude that it could not be a desire to promote real piety which
induces them to apply for an incorporation — Nor do we see
why they do not enjoy their Constitutional Rights without it
As it is probable that, in order to obtain the object of their
wishes they will present to your Honors what they call a vote
of the town that they would not oppose their obtaining an in-
corporation, we would, with submission, subjoin a brief state-
ment of the manner of obtaining it —
An article was inserted in the warning for town meeting ^'to
see if the town would vote that they might be incorporated,*'
which was clearly negatived, after which it was motioned by
one of them to see if the town were willing that the Univer-
salists should enjoy their Constitutional Rights, which was
voted in the affirmative — But this did not answer their wishes —
One of them then motioned to see if the town would vote not
to oppose their obtaining an Incorporation, and as such an
article was not contained in the warning, and the people had
not thought sufficiently on such a motion, the main body of the
Substantial Inhabitants did not vote on the subject, and the
Universal ists tho' a minority of the meeting, voted that they
would not oppose their obtaining an incorporation — Thus clan-
destinely was the appearance of a vote obtained to answer their
purpose, which we pray your honors not to consider as the
voice of the town
And now, we assure your honors that should they obtain
their object, it will much grieve the religious, sober, and well
disposed in this and the neighbouring towns ; and if we should
be so unhappy as to have such a society in this town, we are
extremely sorry that persons among us should become the
means of disturbing and injuring neighboring towns.
We intreat therefore that your Honors would consider this
our humble petition and grant our earnest request, and your
petitioners, as in duty bound, shall ever pray, &c —
Ephraira Page Moses Eaton Nathan Brown
Peter Stevens Isaac Smith Franis Davis
John Page Amos Heard Asa Smith
Beni* Knowlton thomas Clark Ezekiel Akin
John Ellsworth Amos Clark X^^" Kimball
Samuel Page AUexander Stewart David Currier
John Dana Job Eaton Edward Smith
Merrill Pilsbury Samuel Elsworth Isaac Clifford
Josiah Stevens Samuel Ellsworth Jr Moses Cliffi>rd
WENTWORTH.
647
Josiah Pilsbury
Isaac ClefTord
Samuel Stevens
Joseph Kimball
Samuel Currier
Reuben Smith
Benjamin Smith
Joseph Smith
Thomas Blodget
Hugh mc clellan
Samuel Johnson
Joseph Putney
Samuel Currier Junr
Samuel Hooper
John Akin
Thomas Hodge
Ebenzar Bradley
[11-80] \^Petition for Incorporation of the Universalist So»
ctety: addressed to the General Courts iSoz."]
Went worth May 24^ 1802
The Liberal Constitution and peaceable Laws of this State
not only tolerates but makes it the duty of every Citizen to wor-
ship God according to the dictates of his own Conscience pro-
provided he does not disturb others in their religious worship
we the subscribers inhabitants ofWentworth demeaning our-
selves Christians and good subjects of this State do pray your
honors to incorporate us and our associates into a body corpo-
rate by the name or appellation of, Wentworth, Universal Re-
ligious, Society, with power sufficient to make adequate pro-
vision for the support and maintai nance of a public Protestant
teacher of piety, religion, and morality, as in duty bound will
ever pray —
True Page
Jon* Hidden
John Munn
James Eaton
James Harris
Aaron Jewett
Jeremiah Jewett
Eben' Gove
Ruben Clifford
Isaac Clifford
Lemuel Kezer
Peter Morton
Joseph Clark
John Gardiner
Will" White
Benj* Page
Winthrop True
Ruben Whicher
[11-81] \JRemonstrance to foregoing : addressed to the Gen^
eral Court.']
The Subscribers, freeholders and Inhabitants of the Town of
Went worth In the County of Grafton, beg leave to State to Your
honors, that very lately they have, by mere accident discovered, in
a paper printed at Concord Stil'd the Republican Gfizette, Notice
given that William White and others inhabitants of said Went-
worth, have petitioned the General Court, praying that they
and their associates may be Incorporated into a Body Corpo-
rate, by the Name or appellation of Wentworth Universal Re-
ligious Society, that by the order of the same Court the peti-
tioners are to be heard on the first Tuesday of the present Ses-
648
EARLY TOWN PAPERS.
sion — Wherefore we beg leave to say that there does not ap-
pear to be a Majority of the Inhabitants of the said Universal
persuasion, that the principal part of professors consist of the
Congregational and Baptist Societys therefore we conceive that
if the prayer of this petition should be granted and an Incorpo-
ration of said petitioners shall take place it will be attended
with the serious consequences to the present professors and In-
troduce great confusion, by Increasing parties, and suppressing
the Settlement of any Standing order of Religion — Wherefore
we pray that your honors will take the matter into your wise
Consideration and postpone any further proceedings on the
Subject — As in duty bound will pray
Wentworth May 23** 1803
Samuel Els worth
John Kimball
6enj* Know 1 ton
Currier Page
John Akin
Peter Stevens
Joseph Kimball
Ezekiel Akin
[ohn Dana
fohn Page
lamuel Currier
David Currier
James Putney
Fraincies Da vies
Asa Putney
John Ellsworth
Samuel Ellsworth J'
Enoch Gove
Reuben Whicher Jr
Joseph smith
Josiah Stevens
Alexand Stewart
Peter Stevens J*
Moses Eaton
Robert Eames
on' Kimball
ob Eaton
ames
Samuel Johnson
Merrill Pilsbury
Edward Smith
Samuel Stevens
Benjman Smith
[In H. of Rep., June 8, 1803, the matter was postponed
until the next session. — Ed.]
WHITEFIELD.
The township was granted, July 4, 1774,10 Josiah Moody
and others, in ninety-four shares, and named Whitefields.
Levi H. Dodge, Esq., to whom the editor is indebted for
some data, and who is collecting materials for a history of
the town, believes that the town was named in memory of
Rev. George Whitefield, but is unable to account for the
plural ending of the word as written in the charter, and as
generally used until the town was incorporated, December
I, J 804.
The town was unsettled until 1801. About that time
Col. Joseph Kimball, Maj. John Burns, and John McMaster
staked out their claims, and during the following spring took
WHITEFIELD. 649
up their residence there with their families. The first town
meeting after incorporation was held in March, 1805.
By an act approved December 24, 1805, Levi Willard,
Stephen P. Webster, and Samuel Minot were appointed "to
direct the course of a road through Whitefield from Lancas-
ter to Bethlehem ;" and John Burns, John McMaster, and
Benjamin Brown were appointed a committee to assess a
tax of two cents on each acre of land in Whitefield, public
rights excepted, to be used in making said road.
Maj. Gen. John G. Foster was born in this town in 1823;
he died in Nashua in 1874. The first post-office was estab-
lished in 1824. William Dodge was appointed post-master,
and held the office until his death in 1837.
[11-113-2] [Petition for a Grant of the Town ^ lyyj.']
To His Excellency John Wentworth Esquire Governor & Com-
mander in Chief of y* Province of New Hampshire, and to
The Honorable His Majesty's Council of the said Province]
The Petition of Josiah Moody and his Associates humbly
sheweth — That your Petitioners being desirus of carrying on
some settlements in this Province, and having a number of
Families ready to remove into it. if they can be accommodated
with a suitable tract of Land : pray your Excellency & Honors
that they may have liberty to look out for such a Tract among
the unappropriated Lands in the northern parts of the Province
which they will engage to settle very speedily — And that your
Excellency & Honors will please to favor them with a Grant of
the same on the usual conditions and reservations — And your
Petitioners as in Duty bound shall ever pray &c. <&c.
Josiah Moody, &
Portsmouth 12*** April 1773 for his Associates.
[In answer to the foregoing a township was granted July
4, 1774, purporting to contain 19,077 acres, with an allow-
ance of 1.070 acres for unimprovable land, and named White-
fields. The name occurs four times in the record of the grant,
and it has the plural termination in every instance. — Ed.]
[11-113-3] [^Petition for Incorporation^ 1804."]
To the Honorable the General Court of the State of New
Hampshire
650 BARLY TOWN PAPERS.
Humbly Sheweth your Petitioners inhabitants of the Town-
ship of Whitefields in the County of Grafton in the State of
New Hampshire that many dificuhies they labour under would
be removed were they vested with priviledges of incorporated
Towns — therefore they pray the Tract of Land Situate in said
County of Grafton Now Called Whitefields Bounded as follows^
Beginning at a Beach Tree on the Southeast Comer of Lao-
caster being in Northeasterly Line of Apthorp and running
South twenty six degrees East one mile and one hundred Eighty
rods to the Northeasterly Corner of Apthorp thence on the
Easterly line of Apthorp South fifty six degrees West four miles
one hundred and twenty rods to the Northwest Corner of Lloyd
Hills thence on the Northerly of Lloyd Hills South fifty eight
degrees East five miles ten rods to the West Line of Britton
Woods thence on the West Line of Britton Woods North two
miles one hundred sixty six rods to the North West Corner of
said Britton Woods then on the North Line of Britton Woods
East three miles and one half to the Westerly Line of Dart-
mouth then on said Westerlv Line of Dartmouth North five
miles two hundred sixty rods to the Easterly line of Lancaster
then on said Easterly Line of Lancaster South sixty nine de-
grees west five miles fifty rods or to the first mentioned Bound
may be incorporated by the name of Whitefield — and as in Duty
Bound Shall Ever pray
Whitefields May 25*^ 1804
John Burne Jp^" M^master amasa Dutten
Aaron Bailey Jur David Burns Joseph Kimball
Jesse Kelsa William Burne Simon Sanborn
oenjamin Sanbon Abraham Sanbum
[In H. of Rep., June 20, 1804, "Voted that the prayer
thereof be granted." The senate did not concur, but voted
*' that the Petioners be heard on their Petition before the
General Court on the first Tuesday of the next session and
that they cause the substance of their Petition and order of
court thereon to be published in the Newspaper printed at
Hanover three weeks successively the first publication to
be six weeks prior to said day of hearing, and post up the
like subitance & order in some public place in said Town of
Whitefields."
In H. of Rep., November 27, 1804, the petitioners were
granted leave to bring in a bill. Senate concurred. The
act of incorporation passed, and was approved December
I, 1804. The preamble reads as follows: "Whereas the
WESTMORELAND. 65 1
Inhabitants of Whitefields in the county of Grafton have
petitioned the General Court praying that they may be incor-
porated into a township by the name of Whitefield and in-
vested with all such privileges and immunities as other
towns in this State hold and enjoy which prayer appear-
ing reasonable/' etc.
John Bums and Joseph Kimball, or either of them, were
authorized to call the first meeting. — Ed.]
WESTMORELAND.
The township was granted by the government of Massa-
chusetts about the year 1735, and called No. 2, and Great
Meadows, until Feb. 12, 1752 ; at which time it was chartered
by the governor and council of New Hampshire to Thomas
Chamberlain and others, by its present name. The condi-
tions of the charter not being fulfilled, an extension was
granted by an instrument dated June 11, 1760.
Settlements were made under the first grant in 1741, but
as the settlers were several times attacked by the Indians,
no great progress was made for some years.
A portion of the town called Westmoreland Leg was
combined with the westerly part of Gilsum, and incorporated
as a town by the name of Surry. March 9, 1769.
Westmoreland men in the First N. H. Regiment :
Nehemiah Gould,* enlisted Apr. 29, 1777; discharged
Aug. CO, 1778.
Sergt. David Johnson, enlisted Apr. 16, 1777; discharged
Dec, 1 78 1.
James Simonds, enlisted Jan. i, 1777; discharged Dec.
20, 1778.
James McKinsey, of W., enlisted July, 1779, to go to R. L
for the town of New Ipswich.
Sergt. Caleb Aldrich was in Capt. Benj. Ellis's Co.,
Scammell's Regt., Feb., 1781, and James Eddy of Keene
was in the same Co. for Westmoreland. Lieut. Jonathan
Holton was in Capt. Kimball Carleton's Co., and was
wounded in the face at Bennington.
^ Reported as having died in the aenrice.
6s 2
EARLY TOWN PAPERS.
[11-83] [^Petition for a Grant from New Hampshire;
addressed to the Governor db Council ., J750,'\
The Petition of the Subscribers hereunto most humbly
Shews — That sundry of your Petitioners Sometime viz* about
Seven years before the last Indian War, Settled under the mas-
sachusets at a place call'd Number Two laying on the East side
of Connecticut River about fourteen miles above Fort Dummer
(which by the late Running of the Boundary line between New
Hampshire and the Province of massachusets Bay falls within
the Province of New Hampshire) where they layd out their
substance and that at their own cost and Charge for their De-
fence against the French and Indian Enemy on the opposite
side of the River they built a Fort — that after the Indian War
broke out they were obliged to leave their Habitations and lost
Considerable of their Substance — that since the late Peace with
the Indians they have returned to the s* Place That Sundry of
your Petitioners are Children of Such as Set down at said place
at first and expended their money in making the first settlement
there — That your Petitioners have been at least one hundred
and fifly Pounds old Ten' Charge the last fall in making and
Clearing Roads — That as they have No Incorporation — They
labour under Insuperable Difficulty not being in a Capacity to
raise any Moneys for any public use or service — And That
unless they are enabled so to do. they shall be under an un-
avoidable necessity of leaving the said place and thereby loosing
all they have been out there —
Wherefore your Petitioners most humbly pray your Excel-
lency and Honours to make a Grant of the s** Tract of land
calld Number two to your Petitioners And such others as your
Excellency and Honours shall think proper so as to make up
the number sixty four in all — and your Petitioners as in duty
bound shall pray &c
Jan'y 30:*** 1750
♦Daniel How
* Jethro Wheeler
•Thos Chamber-
lain
Amos Davies
Amos Davis jun'
Jonas Davis
Samuel Davis
Ebenezer Davis
♦moses Wheeler
Isaac chamberlain
Josiah Chamberlen
•Hariden Wheeler
Junr
♦Jethro Wheeler
Simeon Knight
martin Severance
John Brown
♦Abner How
♦Josiah Foster
Samuel Foster
michal gibson
John Sheilds
Danil Sheilds
Williom Moor
♦Joshua How
Beniamin Knights
Silas Brown
♦meshach Taylor
John Alexander
Daniel Shattuck
Sener
Enoch Hall
Simon Hall
Thomas Chamber-
lain
WESTMORELAND.
653
Joshua Chambrlain *beniaman alldridge *Nathaniel Woods
jedidiahChamberlain*Jonathan hildrith *Jeremiah Hall
Job Chamberlain * Joseph How Isaac Stone
Aaron Davis *Daniel How Junr
Those Marked * thus are Grantees from the Mass* & Severall
of them have 2 & 3 rights apeice therefore they have Entred
Some of their Children as Chandler How Wheeler &c*
Mem°
Maj Willard
Coll Willard 5 Rights
Maj' ffowle - 3 rights
Philip alexander an original Grantee & Settler
rich* Ward an old Grantee to be Entred
[The charter was granted Feb. 12, 1752. — Ed.]
[11-84]
The Names of those men that are to be put In the Charter of
Township N° 2 on the East side of Conecticut River —
Thomas Chamber-
lain
Benj** Aldridge
Daniel How
Jethro Wheeler
I^aniel How Jur
Caleb How
Samuel How
Abner How
Josiah Willard
10 Oliver Willard
John Ames *
Volenti ne Butler
Samson Willard
John Fowl
James Fowl
Nathanel Woods
Jeremiah Hall
Timothy Harrengton
Josiah Foster
20 Edward How
Samuel minot
John Fowl Jur
Philip Alexander
Richard Ward
Nathaniel Harris
Cornelius White
Ebenezer Turner
Samuel Livermore
Samuel Williams
30 moses Hastens
John Chandler
Simeon Alexander
Ebenezer Hubbard
Joseph Harengton
John Rugg
♦Thomas marshall
Ebenezer Hinsdale
Samuel Hunt
John Alexander
40 Enoch Hall
William moor
Jethro wheeler Jur
Fairbanks moor Jur
Joseph Bellows
Heridon wheeler
Isaac Chamberlain
Josiah Chamberlain
Joshua Chamberlain
Amos Davis
50 Jedediah Cham-
berlen
Jonathan Cole
mical Gilson
Simeon Knights
John Brown
William How
Jonathan Cummings
John Chamberlain
John Taylor
Daniel Pearce
I Society for Propagation of 3^" Gospel i first Minister
I Glebe i Atkinson i Wibird i Smith i Downing
I Sheaffe i John Went worth Jur Esq i Govern' Lott
I Chace Min' of N. Castle
654 EARLY TOWN PAPERS*
[ 1 1 -^5] [ Complaint relative to Bounds of the Grant of 1752 :
addressed to the Governor and Council^ ^7S^\]
May it please your Excellency with the Honourable Counsil
to Condesend to hear the humble Petetion of the Propria tors
and Inhabitants, of the Town of Westmorland.
The Province of the Massachusetts Enjoying the land on this
part of this River which they then Claim'd as their property,
consonant with which supposed Title wee petetioned for this
Township, and being granted, wee immediatly proceeded to a
Settlement about Fourteen years since, when by the Running
the Line of the Provinces wee fell within the Limmitts of your
Excellencys Government, and by Renewed Petetion made to
Your Excellency for a Renewed grant of the Land, wee have
been favour'd with the same, but as wee Suspect not according
to the Intention of Your Excellency and Honourable Counsil,
for Major Willard and M' Bellows hath not Conformed to our
Original Grant from the Massachusetts nor according to our
Intention, which was to abide by our Original Lines, which are
at present destroyed, for the upper line is removed near Two
milles lower down the River from whence our grant first took
place, in which lay our Meadows or entervails, with our sec-
ond divisions and all our Improvements on them whith the best
?>art of our land and extending our line two milles lower down
ncludeing barren and Rockey Hills, no ways commoding the
town, and then stretching the Line upon the north side of the
Upper ashawhelock, which leaves us the barren land and
mountains betwixt us, which Lyeth so far distant from the
Body of the Town, that will never Commode the same, and
these our Grievances wee fear will disable this town, either for
the maintaining the Gospel, or sufficient Inhabitants to with-
stand the Indians, now wee prayeth for the Restoration and
Confirmation of our Original Lines
Wee would advertise your Excellency and the Hon^ Counsil
that when M' Bellows went with a Petetion for No**' 3 Called
walpole, he enter'd a number of names leaving out the names
of the Old propriaty of that Town, and particularly them that
had Cleard part of their land, and built also. Offering them but
Eaqual Encouragement with others never labouring there, and
depriving them of their labour without satisfaction for the
Same, and he went in with his Petetion which being gpranted
him, he is suppos'd to have purchased of them whose names
were inserted for a Small Consideration, and now will give but
the small Encouragement of fifty Acres of Upland to each Set-
tler, without any Entervail, and this Prejudices people against
settleing there, having before interrupted the former propriarty
in their Settleing and now discouraging them after great ex*
WESTMORELAND. 655
pence, which wee fear will be Very detrimental to the Settle-
ing his and our Town —
Neither petetion we for the additional grant of any other land
particularly the farm formerly granted to Lieutenant Gov' Tay-
lor but only for the bair Lines which wee Enjoyd until the late
Lines were Ran by the fore mentioned Gentlemen-—
Wee -would further Certifie Your Excellency and the Hon****
Counsil that we ware the first petetioners for land on this
River, and have sufter'd the greatest Losses from the Enemy by
fire and Sword, and have hitherto stood the Heat and burthen
of the day, and at last to be undone without the knowledge of
Your Excellency together with the hon"* Counsil, who if truly
knowing and fully understanding the same, wee hope from
your now Goodness and Clemency will redress these our pres-
ent difficulties which wee groan under and which is Submitted
By Your Excellencys humble Petetioners, who as in duty
bound will ever Continue to pray for you. —
In the name and by the ( Daniel How
Consent of the Inhabitants ( Jethro Wheeler
& propriators on the Spot,
Benjamin Aldridge Herrodiam Wheeler Samuel How
Amos Davis Isaac Chamberlin Edward How
Thomas Chamberlin Joshua Chamberlin Abner How
Daniel How Jun' Jedediah Chamber- Simeon Alexander
John Warner lin Phillip Alexander
Jethro Wheeler Ju' Caleb How
P, S, M' Bellows hath Layd out his Town about Nine
Milles long on the River but four milles wide at the Lower
end, and but three milles wide at the upper end —
And the four milles wide, & Two Milles in length is run
down in to our town that is the Occasion of our Grief —
Westmoreland April the 29"* 1752
[1 1-86] [Petition for Arms and Ammunition^ ^77^'^
Westmoreland June 30*^ 1776
To the Counsell and Hous of Representatives of the Colony of
New Hampshire, or the Committee of Safety for s^ Colony
Gentlemen we have Jest heard of the Retreet of our Nothard
armey Which Puts us in feere that the Savages Will Be Down
upon our frontteers and we in this Towne Being verey Short
for amunition ; as Well as Sum armes Wanting ; Have with
6S6 EARLY TOWN PAPERS.
our Naboring Towne agreed to Send mr Amos Babcock after
amies and a munition ; and we hope that we may Be Saplied
With those articals Without Which we Cannot Defend our
Selves Nor oure Country in order that each man have one
Pound of Powder we Want in this Towne sixtey wait ; and we
Want fore hundred flints one hundred w* of Lead and Twenty
guns Which Will Well aquip us for wor if mr Babcock Can Be
Soplied With the above articals we the Subscribors Being the
Committee of Safety for the Towne of Westmoreland Will in
Behalf of the Towne ingage the Pay
Joseph Burt
Ebne' Bretten Junr
John Chamberiin
[R. 4-169] [^yonai^an Holt on ^ Bennington Soldier^ lyy 8 S^
To the Honourable Counsel and House of the General Assem
bly of the state of New Hampshire —
The Petition of Lieu* Jonathan Holton of Westmorland In
the County of Cheshire and State of New Hampshire Humbly
sheweth that your Petitioner being A Lieuftenant In Cap' Carl-
ton' Company In Col* Nicholes Rigiment was in the Month of
August last past in the Fight at Bennington Badly wouned A
Ball striking his upper Lip and tearing it allmost off which
Ball came out in his right Cheek and allso was at the same time
hit by a buck shot which Entered his Left Cheek and Lodged
near his Right Eye by which wounds Your Petitioner is some
Disfigured and his speech some what Impaired and allso your
Petitioner by means of said wounds has all most lost seven
months Labour besides his cost to surgeons and some other
necessary expences to obtain A Cure which he has not yet
wholly obtained your Petitioner therefore prays that the Hon-
ourable Court would Grant him his Account and allso for his
Disfigurement and Great Pain make him shuch fuither Consid-
eration as they in their wisdom shall think proper and Your
Petitioner as in Duty Bound shall ever pray
Westmorland May 8 : 1778
Jonathan Holton Lieut
[August 20, 1778, allowed j^ii, o, 6, and half pay. —
Ed.]
WESTMORELAND. 6$7
[Rev. Papers, p. 291] [G?/. Bellows' s Return,^ ^779*]
We the subscribers Enlist ourselves as Soldiers in Captain
Ephraim Stones Company in Col° Herculaus Mooneys Regi-
ment raised in Said State to Serve at Rhoad Island for the
term of Six months and promise Obedience to our officers as
Good Soldiers —
Robert Packard ^ Elias Broton '\
William Hartwell [-July &^ Amasa Fuller >-y* 10*^
Samuel Slade ) 1779 Silas Royse )
Hezekiah Reynolds y* 12***
Isaac Tatten 1 „• t o*** ^^^^^ Walker ) ^ -,
Isaac Tatten Ju' p ^9 Samuel Willard j ^^ 3°
Edward Keyes Aug* y* 9***
The abovenamed men were raised out of the Regiment under
my Command
Benj* Bellows Col«
[Ephraim Stone was at Bunker Hill in Capt. Jacob
Hinds's Co. — Ed.]
[R. & P. Papers, p. 67] [^JSnsigyi Aldrich's Order^ -^77^'^
Westmorland Decemb 25 : 1 776 —
S' Pleas to send by M' Ebenezer Brittin the money that is
my Due for things that I Lost at Bunker Hill Fight and you
will oblige yours &c
George Aldrich Ens
Capt Hinds Co
the Hon* Timothy Walker Esq Col*» Reeds Reg*
[R. 4-170] [^Soldier's Petition^ ^779* addressed to the Gen-
eral Assembly,^
Humbly Shew Benjamin Whitcomb Esq' Major & Com-
mander of an Independent Corps of Rangers in the Continental
Service George Aldrich a Captain in said Corps & Jonas But-
terfield a Lieutenant in said Corps, all of Westmoreland in said
State. That by the Report of the Committee on Allowance to
soldiers in the Service, made to the General Court in Novem-
ber last they & said Corps were entitled to all the privileges
that the three Continental Regiments of this State are entitled
44
658 EARLY TOWN PAPERS.
to by a resolve of the General Assembly of this State of the
twenty Sixth Day of March 177^ on the same being ascertained
by a return from the Continental board of War That the said
Board of Ward have hitherto delayed to make said return
whereby they are as yet excluded from receiving the benefits
they are entitled to by said report the President refusing to give
an order for the Sums respectively due to them till said return
is made — They therefore pray that the President may be au-
thorized to give them orders on the Treasury for the sums due
to them according to their respective ranks for which they shall
be accountable till the said return is made & as bound shall
pray in behalf of said Petitioners
Joseph Burt
Dec' 27"* 1779
[In H. of Rep., December 29, 1779, the forgoing petition
was granted. Council concurred. — Ed.]
[R. 4-174] \^Relative to Moses Thamfson^ Soldier^ ^7^0,^
To the Honourable Council and assembly of the State of New
Hampshire
The Petition of Elijah Temple of Westmorland In said State
humbly Sheweth that whereas your Petitioner in the Month of
December Anno Domini 1778 Meeting with one Moses Thom-
son a Continental Soldier belonging to Cap^ Aldrich* Company
in Major Whitcombs Koore of Rangers with booth his Feet
Froze in such A Manner as Rendered him unable to Walk or
do Any Business and was Destitute of Money and the Necessa-
ries that his Condition Required Your Petitioner after Consid-
ering his Curcumstances out of Pitty Duty and Humanity toock
the said Moses Thomson into his House and by the Direction
of the Select Men provided Such Necessaries as his Curcum-
stances Required to the Value of two hundred and fifty two
Pounds as appears by Your Petitioners Account your Petitioner
therefore Prays that the Honourable Court would Grant him
the said sum of two Hundred and fifty two Pounds or other-
ways Act on this Petition as the Honourable Court in their
Wisdom Shall think proper and Your Petitioner as in Duty
Bound shall ever Pray
Elijah Temple
Westmorland January 23 : 1780
This May Certify that the within named Moses Thompson
WESTMORELAND. 659
was a Solder in my Company when he froze and that he was
taken Care of as within mentioned
George Aldrich Cap*
Westmorland Jan'^ 28*"" 1780
This may Certify that we the then Select men of Westmor-
land Did Direct the within named Tempel to Take Cair of S*
Thompson as is Specify* in the within Petition
Ephfaim Stone
Daneil Peirce
Westmorland Feb' 4"* 1780
[R. 4-176] [^£zra Gatesy Soldier ^ 1780."]
To the Honourable Council and Assembly of the State of New
Hampshire —
This May Certify the Honourable Court that We the Sub-
scribers being Select Men in the Year 1779 in the Month of
October the same Year did Request and Employ Lieut Isaac
Chamberlain of Westmorland in said State to Keep and take
Care of one Ezra Gates A Continental Soldier who was sick
with A Fever and allso did Employ Doc' Heber Miller to at-
tend him as a Physician
Nathan Franklin ) Select
William Hutchins ) Men
Westmorland May 27: 1780
[R. 4-177] iDr. Heber Miller's Petition^ 1780.^
To the Honourable Council and House of Assemble for the
State of New Hampshire —
The Memorial of Heber Miller of Westmorland in the Coun-
gand State Aforesaid Humbly sheweth that whereas one Ezra
ates of Haverril in said state on the thirtieth Day of October
last (said Gates being a Continental Soldier in Col® Hazens
Regiment and Capt Harrins Company) being on his March
from Haverril Aforesaid to Join his Regiment unfortunatly was
taken sick of A Fever at the House of Lieut Isaac Chamber-
lains in said Westmoreland by means of which Fever the said
Gates Continued at the said Chamberlains from the thirtieth
Day of October Aforesaid to the twenty fifth Day of December
then next following in which Time your Memorialist at the
Desire and Request of the then Select-Men made him sundry
Visits and Administred sundry Medicines to the Amount of one
660 EARLY TOWN PAPERS.
hundred and fifty seven pounds — as Appears by Your Memo-
rialists Account Accompaning this Petition, Your Memorialist
therefore prays that the Honourable Court would Grant him
the said sum of one Hundred and
And furthermore Your Memorialist at the Request of sundry
Freeholders of Westmorland Aforesaid did on the Eleventh
Day of August last past Issue a Warrant Against one David
Johnson Jun' of Westmoreland Aforesaid he being a Continen-
tal Soldier to shew Cause if any he had the Reason of his being
Absent from his Regiment on trial the said David plead Bodily
Indisposition and requested an Adjournment and an Examina-
tion by regular physicians which request from principles of
humanity I Granted and summoned Gideon Tiffiiny Obadiah
Blake Solomon Harvey and Moses Esq' physicians to Meet at
the House of Lieut Isaac Chamberlains in said Westmorland to.
Examin the said David Johnson who after being Duely sworn
did on the twentieth Day of August aforesaid Examin the said
David and brought in their Repourt that he was then unfit to
indure the fatigues of the Camp on which Repourt I then Dis-
mised the said David Johnson from his Confinement for which
servis the physicians Aforesaid Charged thirty five pounds as
appears by their Account which sum Your Memorial prays that
the honourable Court would Grant him and also the Constables
Account and an Adequate Reward for the servis of Your Me-
morialist or Otherways act on this petition as the Honourable
Court in their Wisdom shall think proper and Your Petitioner
as in Duty Bound shall Ever Pray
Heber Miller
Westmorland June 3 : 1780
[R. 4-17^] \_David yohnson^ Soldier^ ^779*\
Westmoreland Aug' 20"* 1779
To Heber Miller Esq^
In Obedience to your command we have taken into our con-
sideration of the state of David Johnson Jun"^ and upon mature
consideration at present look upon him to be unfit for to indure
the fatigues of the Camp by reason of bodily indisposition
Gideon Tiffany '^
Obadiah Blake
Solomon Havey
Moses Barnard j
, VPhisicions
WESTMORELAND. 66 1
[R. 4-179] Westmorland June 5 : 1780
To Serving A Warrant on David Johnson Junr Dated
the Eleventh Day of August last past, and the at-
tendance— JE6-0-0
To my Expences and the Attendants Expences — 9-0-0
Jonathan Goodenow Constable
15-0-0
[R. 4-180]
Physicans account for attending a Court of Examination on
David Johnson Ju for six days attendance for themselves &
horses with Necessary Expenses X35 : o : o
Gideon Tiffany Solomon Harvey
Obadiah Blake Moses Barnard
Westmorland August 20"^ '779
[R. 4-182] \^Petition of David yohnson^Jr.^ l^So.ll
To the hon**^* the Council & House of Representatives of the
State of New Hampshire in general Assembly Convened
October 1780—
Humbly Shews
David Johnson jun^ of Westmorland in the County of Cheshire
That having served in the Armies of the United States until
May 1777 he then enlisted in one of the New Hampshire Bat-
talions for three Years in which he served till after the Evacua-
tion of Ticonderoga — That soon after the Battle of Hubbardtown
he was taken sick at Williams-Town in the County of Berk-
shire & thereby confined there fifteen Months near eleven at his
own private Expence — That he has never since perfectly re-
covered his health, but has been in a very weak infirm state —
not able to join his regiment & do the duty of a soldier nor even
to earn his bread by bodily labour — Notwithstanding which he
has been taken up as a Deserter more than once but upon ad-
vice of Phisicians dismist — That last week on the Sabbath he
was again forcibly taken As a Deserter by one Britton a private
man & brot to Exeter in order to be committed to Gaol as such
— That were of sufilicient Ability he shoud gladly have dis-
charged his Duty in the said Regiment & performed his said
Engagement — But his said sickness has so entirely impaired
his Constitution that he is rendered totally incapable thereof
Wherefore he prays your honors Interposition in his behalf
662 EARLY TOWN PAPERS.
That he may have liberty to return home and live in peace
there & as in Duty bound shall pray &c —
David Johnson Junr
Ocf 30* 1 780—
[R. 4-183] [^Lots yohnson^s Petitions^
To the Honourable Senate & house of Representativs for the
State of Newhampshire To Be hold At Portsmouth on the
first of febeuary Next —
Gentlemen. Inasmuch as my husband David Johnson was
inlisted
And Served as a Soldier in Colonel Nathan hales Regt &
Carrs Company Untill Sickness Disabled him notwithstand-
ing
He Was Still Retained, at the Call of hiss Country ; Should
Hiss health have been Restored, as may appear by an act
Of The Honourable house of Representatives Dated Novem*
ber
The first 1780, 1 therefore thouglit good, humbly to Request
That the Wages Due to my husband, might be paid
To Me for discharging debts ; by him Contracted for
The help of Physians and nesasaiys of life While
He remained at the Call of Hiss Country, as May appear
By the testimony of the Committee of Inspection and Select
Men of Williamstown dated June 29 1 780 Therefore Hum*
bly Confiding
In your goodness and, generous disposition to plead the
Cause
Of the Widow and fatherless I Humbly Subscribe Myself
Yours as by dutty bound
January 23* 1786 Lioas Johnson
Administratrick of S* Estate —
[11-87] \^Statement concerning matters in Town ^ J ^81."]
Westmorland 13 Feb^ 1781 —
Sir-
Before this reaches you, you will undoubtedly hear of the
disorder in this part of the State, — I find that people pretend to
be actuated by several motives, — some say that the Court of
New Hampshire are so Arbetary that they ought to brake from
them, some say that New Hampshire had rather confine the
State to the Mason Line, then have any of the Grants west of
WESTMORELAND. 663
the River; but 8ome more bold Enemies to the State and
States^ such as Capt Daniel Carlile of Westmorland who on
the seventh of this Instant before several witnesses, — Did de-
clare, that for his part, he was for the Convention, not because
he saw what they was after, but the more disorder the better in
order to bring about a Revolution : for says he We must either
be subject of France or Britton and for his part, he chose Great
Britton^ and if the people would rise and drive the French
from the Continent, he would go in parson, or contribute one
hundred hard Dollars towards the same ; for says he, the peo-
ple must throw of the authority, and then they could make a
peace, for a peace with Great Britton was what he wanted and
said, I am not, afraid to declare my sentiments before your best
Authority, for said he your Authority is weak and if three
Towns will Combine together, the Authority dare not medle
with them, nor send for any Tax and as for myself says he I will
pay no more Taxes to New Hampshire, for a Revolt, from
Authority is what I want, and such like conversation, this Cap*
Carlile and some other disaffected persons have been very active
by one means or other to lead the people to Act as inconsistant
with and I think as much against their interest and the com-
mon good, as they could have acted ; this is not the only Town
for I am well informed that the disaffected persons are all en-
gaged in this new Plan, for seperating from New Hampshire,
as they please to term it ; but I believe it is more as Cap* Car-
lile desires it to be, to bring on all the disorder possible. He
and some others are grone to be very bold and I wish for heav-
ens sake that Authority might take place and all our domestick
Enemies might either be subjected to Authority or driven from
us for they are the Pest of Society, and I think they are on the
gaining hand in this part of the State — Sir I thought it my
Duty, to inform your honor of this that you might be ac-
quainted of what persons we have amongst us —
I am Sir
Your Honors most
Obed* and Hble Serv'
Joseph Burt
The Hon*^* Mesheck Weare
[11-88] \_Sundry Citizens against a Union with Vermont^
etc, : addressed to the General Courts ^7^^'^
The memorial of a number of the Inhabitants of the Town of
Westmoreland in the County of Cheshire, & State of New Hamp-
shire : — Humbly sheweth — Thatyour memorialist, ever Anxious
664 EARLY TOWN PAPERS.
to promote the grand cause of the United States of America, &
particularly the State of New Hampshire ; and at all times have
endevored to defend the same, and never sought by any means
whatever, to leave the government of New Hampshire by at-
tempting to Joine with any other State, or Body of People ;
yet conterary to our will, there has been Votes obtained in
many Towns in this Part of the State, to Joine Vermont so
called : the Town of Westmorland (at least a majority of it) has
Voted to Joine with them. Your memorialist conceive that
such Votes are unconstutinal, therefore cannot be binding upon
us: — We your memorialist viewing ourselves as part of the
thirteen confederated States, have a right to protection there-
from, and particularly from the State of New Hampshire, con-
sidering ourselves as part thereof; and your memorialist hum-
bly pray, that we may be protected from the usurped Authority
of Vermont or any unconstitutional Authority whatever, Hop-
ing your Honors will take our unhappy Situation, under your
wise consideration and grant us such relief, as shall be most for
ours and the States public good ; — we beg leave to say that we
are much exposed to the inroads of the Enemy — & in a defenc-
less State, through deficiency of Arms & irregularity of the
Militia, accru'd by the unhappy Dispute, — Officers EUected un-
der the Authority of Vermont; some of which have been, in
years past considered as inamical to the Liberties of America;
altho they are very zealous for the independence of Vermont —
we do not pretend to say that they are not good men now ; yet
we are not without fears, that their designs are not, altogether
so friendlv to the common Cause, Others who were under
the Oath of Fidelity to the thirteen States, have dispenced with
their Oaths, & have sworn to support & maintain the Inde-
pendence of another State ; which conduct creates much confu-
sion in this part of the State. — We have entered our protest
against their proceedings, and do appeal to the confederated
States for protection ; wishing that our unhappy situation may
be laid before Congress : — Altho those gentlemen that are for
the New State, say that Congress, will not take up to determine
any thing upon the matter, Nay some say, that Congress have
no business to Do any thing more then to receive Vermont into
confederation, they direct us to look upon the Other Side of the
River, where the New York party have been waiting some
years for protection from New York, and Congress, and cannot
obtain it, they also add that we had better unite with them, &
then Congress will establish the State ; but we had rather have
the consent of the confederated States first, which if they shall
determine that we leave the State of New Hampshire, & be
errected into the State together with the grants, west of the river
(which if done we trust will be upon a Just and equal footing)
WESTMORELAND.
665
we shall have no Objections, in whose wisdom and prudence
we confide, & as in duty bound will ever pray —
Westmorland June 8'** 17S1
Joseph Wilbur
Elijah Temple
ioseph Burt
fath^ Wilbore
Daniel Stone
ob Wilbore
bhn Peirce
bnas Butterfield
george Aldrich
Ephraim Lenord
Elisha Wilbore
Joseph White
David Brittin
Jeams Brittin
Ebnzr Brittin Ju
Ezekal mixer
Philap Brittin
John Adams
David Wilbore
Nehemiah Browne
george Clark
David Witherell
Ebnezer gilbart
Levi goodanow
Simeon Proutcy
Elias Chamberlain
William Brittin
Isaac Butterfield
Francis Putnam
Philap Wilbore
Philap Wilbore Jur
Joseph Tompson
Ebenezer Brettun
Caleb Aldrich
Nath* Tinney
Ephraim Wood
John Snow
Pendleton Brettun
William Adams
[R. 4-184] [^yames Stmonds^ Soldier^ ^7^-^*]
To the Honourable Council and Assembly of the State of New
Hampshire
The Petition of James Simons of Westmorland in the County
of Cheshire in said State humbly Sheweth that whereas Your
Petitioner has ben A Soldier in the Continental Servis in De-
fending the Just Rights of the united States Against their Ene-
mies in which Servis Your Petitioner has ben Captured and
Suffered the inhuman treatment and Severity of the Enemy but
after had the Good Fortune to Escape after which I again
Joined my Regiment and was in the Battle at Monmouth In
which I Extreamly Suffered by the Heat which Rendered me
unfit for the servis and obtained A Furlough after which by
Reason of my ill State of Helth I obtained several Certificates
and Lastly a Discharge and as Your Petitioner has Receiv* no
Wagers nor Cloathing Your Petitioner Prays that the Honour-
able Court would make him such Consideration as they in their
Wisdom shall think Proper and Your Petitioner as in Duty
Bound shall Ever Pray
James Simonds
Westmorland December 18: 1781
[James Simonds was in First N. H. Regiment. — Ed.]
666 EARLY TOWN PAPERS.
[Rev. Pap. p. 69.] [ Captain Stands Return^ -^T^^O
To the Commity on Claims — I send here inclosed an accompt
of what I have paid the men that was made up in my Role in
the year 1780 — at the Northard and I would [inform] you that
I have sent one before and thought you had it long agoe besides
an account I sent of two or three men singley
I*paid to folowing men the sum sot Down to each mans
name
£-S. £-S.
Sarg* Richard Holden 24 John Gibson 18 —
Sarg* £ben' Billings 120 Thos Hoit I3 —
fifer John Ganzey 120 Stephen Harris 240 —
George Alrige 24 Henry Merrill 638 x8
Caleb Balch 589-16 Benj'' Randal 240 —
Cyrus Balch 621- i Enos Tempcl 300 —
Gam Field 24 Tho« Williams 277 15
The above is all the money that I have got Recpts for the
unpleted situation of affairs in these parts prevented my gitting
the orders I had on some men from the Treasurer but I expect
to settel it soon now
Eph" Stone O.
Westmoreland April 8 — 1782
£11-90] \^Relative to collecting- Taxes^ ^7^^-^
This May Certify that the Situation of Publick Affairs Wara
such in this Town Last year that we think it ware Impossable
for M' Job Chamberlain One of the Constables for die Year
1780 to Collect his Tax that was uncollected M' Chamberlain
Informes us that he has a Quantity of Continental money which
He failed for want of an Oppertunity of Sending to the Treas-
urer As he Sayeth which we Cannot say anything about only
that he Is a man of Truth Therefore we Beleive him
Westmoreland May 27*** 1782
Benjamin Peirce'l
Abiel Eddy I Select Men
Joseph Burt J of Westmoreland
John Doolittle J
[R. 4-186] [Bounties Allowed to Soldiers."]
In Committee on Claims Mar. 15. 1783 —
The Bounty advanced by Westmoreland to W" Martin is
WESTMORELAND. 66/
Nine pounds which sum has been deducted from his deprecia-
tion Ex* Per Josiah Gilman Jun'
Concord June 22, 1786
The Bounty advanc'd by the Town of Westmoreland to Sol-
omon Robins a Soldier for one year, is Twenty two Pounds,
which has been deducted- from his depreciation
Ex* Per Josiah Gilman Jun'
£R.4-i73] [ Certificate relative to Nehemiah Pierce^ Soldier.']
I do hereby certify whome it may concern that Nehemiah
Pierce of Westmorland in the State of New-hampshire who
Served in the year 1776 in an Expidition against the British in
the Service of the aflbrsaid State under Cap* Levi Spalding in
Coll** Reads Rejiment and returned in the faul of Said year Sick
of a fever and a Sore on his under jaw bone and much exercised
with a scorbutick disorder also which several disorders in my
opinion have ben the means of disableing him from making
Such Provision for his own and families Support as he most
Likely would have been had it not ben for the hardships and
Sickness which he endured in the abovesaid expidition and for
a year or more after his return home during which time he
was under my own and other physicians Care in which time I
took out with my own hunds a part of his under jaw bone the
bad effects of which occasioned by a bad & dangerous Sore as
above mentioned may be better perceived by inspection than
described by writing
Solomon Harvey Physician
Chesterfield may y* 30*** 1 786
[Said Pierce petitioned Mar. 12, 1779, and was allowed
half-pay to continue until Jan. i, 1780. He petitioned again
May 7, 1786, and furnished the foregoing certificate, also one
similar from Dr. Lemuel Dickerman of Brattleborough. His
half-pay was continued.]
[ 1 1 -91 ] \Recofnmendations for Magistrates^ ^7^4* ]
To the Honourable Council and house of Representatives of the
State of New Hampshire.
Gentlemen the town of Westmoreland having ben destitute of
a Justice of the peace for a Considerable time the Inhabitants
thereof finding it to be very inconvenient in many respects to be
without they accordingly in town meeting assembled on Y* 29*
668 EARLY TOWN PAPERS.
day of march 1784 voted that they would bring in their votes for
a Justice or Justices of the peace at their adjournment of that
meeting to be recommended by the select men of the town to
your Honours to be Commitioned the town being met on y* 7*** of
April according to adjournment they firstly voted that M' John
Doolittle Should be recommended as above mentioned to be
Commitioned as a Justice of the peace
William Hutchins > Select
Azariah Leach f men
and 2°*ly at the same meeting Voted that M' William Hutch-
ins Should also be Recommended to be Commitioned
Westmoreland April 10*** 1784
From our honours most Humble Searveants
John Doolittle ) Select
Azariah Leach j men
[11-92] [^yosiah Willard relative to a Perry : addressed to
the General Courts ^7^5*]
Humbly sheweth Josiah Willard of Winchester in said State»
that he hath been at the Expence of keeping a Ferry across
Connecticut River for more than thirty Years at a Place called
Lord's Ferry between Westmorland and the Great Meadow (so
called) in Putney — that your Petitioner was one of the original
Proprietors of said Town of Westmorland, and in selling his
Right in said Town reserved a Tract of Land for the use of
said Ferry, and that he owneth a large Tract of Land in Put-
ney on the opposite Side of said River — that the said Ferry hath
been very expensive to your Petitioner, & that he hath received
but little advantage from the same hitherto, but expecteth for
the future that, as it is situated to accomodate the People on
both Sides of the River, there will be much passing that Way —
And that the said Ferry will be not only serviceable to the Pub-
lic, but profitable to the Person who shall be privileged to keep
it. Wherefore your Petitioner prays that the exclusive Right
of keeping a Ferry beginning one Mile above the Place where
said Ferry is now kept, and extending two Miles down s** River,
may be vested in him, his Heirs and Assigns, And as in Duty
bound will ever pray
Josiah Willard
[In the H. of Rep., February 28, 1786, a hearing was or-
dered for next session. — Ed.]
WESTMORELAND. 669
[11-93] [^Solomon Robbins for a JFerry: addressed to the
General Courts ^7^5*]
The Petition of Solomon Robbins of Westmorland in the
county of Cheshire, and State of New Hampshire, yeoman,
Humbly Sheweth, that your Petitioner lives almost upon the
Bank of Connecticut River in Westmoreland aforesaid, within
about half a Mile of Westmorland Meeting house where the
Proprietors of Westmorland formerly layed out a Lumber yard,
and where there Has for many years been a Ferry Kept, that it
is the most convenient place for a Ferry across said River, of
any within Some Miles, and Situated on the most direct road
from Westmoreland to Putney, where a Ferry must be Greatly
beneficial to the Publick. —
He therefore Prays your Honours to Grant unto him and his
heirs and assigns, the sole Right of Keeping a Ferry across the
River aforesaid against his Dwelling house in Westmoreland
aforesaid, under such Regulations as you in your Great Wis-
dom shall see fit, and that all others may be excluded from
keeping a Ferry across said River, within one Mile Either up
or Down said River, from his house aforesaid. And He as in
Duty bound shall ever Pray, &c
Solomon Robbins
Westmoreland February the 9*** 1785
[^Several Citizens in favor of Robbins J^
To the Great and Honourable the General Court of New Hamp-
shire
We the Subscribers inhabitants of Westmoreland and Towns
adjoyning having frequent occasion to cross Connecticut River,
do conceive the Ferry at the House of m' Solomon Robbins to
be the most convenient of any within several Miles of the same,
and Earnestly request that his Petition within Mentioned, may
be granted, and we as in Duty bound shall ever pray.
Westmoreland February the 9*** 1785-
Joseph Burt Abel Wheeler
Ezekiel Mixer Tlio. Brintnal
Amos Babcock Jas' Wait
James Gleson
[The exclusive privilege of a ferry at that place was grant-
ed to Mr. Robbins in 1786. — Ed.]
6/0 EARLY TOWN PAPERS.
[11-94] [^AfscaA Reed for a Ferry: addressed to the Gen*
eral Courts •'Z^J-]
The Petition of Micah Read of Westmorland in the county
of Cheshire, and State of New Hampshire yeoman, Humbly
sheweth, that your Petitioner has Kept, a constant Ferry across
Connecticut River, in the Town of Westmorland aforesaid,
from said Westmorland to Putney, for a Number of years,
against your Petitioners Dwelling house in said Westmorland,
that there is great need of a Ferry where he has Kept the same,
and that he has been at considerable cost for Boats to Keep said
Ferry, and is now well provided with Boats and other accom-
modations for Keeping the Same, He therefore Humbly Pray*
eth that your Honours, would Grant unto your Petitioner His
Heirs and Assigns, the Sole and Exclusive right of Keeping a
Ferry for the future, across said River, against his said Dwell-
ing House in said Westmorland, under such regulations, as
you in your Wisdom shall see fit, and that all other Persons
may be Excluded from Keeping a Ferry across said River,
within sixty rods up or two miles down the Same, and He as
in Duty Bound shall ever pray.
Micah Read
Westmorland June the !■• 1785.
We Do Hereby certifie that we are of opinion, that there is
Great need of a Ferry, against the House of m' Micah Read of
Westmoreland, across Connecticut River, and that said Read
has Kept the same to General Satisfaction, and is a Suitable
person, and well accommodated to Keep the same. We there-
tore Humbly pray that his Petition above may be granted.
Georgp Aldrich *) Selectmen of
William Hutchins ) Westmorland
Westmorland June 1* 1785.
[Granted in 1786. — Ed.]
[11-95] \Relative to a Horse lost in the Service: addressed
to the General Courts ^7^5*^
I Ebenezer Britton Ju' of Westmorland in Said state, do pray,
and Humbly shew that I being a Lieutenant in the melitia of
this state in the year AD 1780 in October — at which time there
was a Call for the melitia to go forward and Repel the force of
the Enemy who at that time burnt the town of Roylton — the
Command of the Company whereof I was Lieu* devolving upon
WESTMORELAND, 6/1
me I accordingly Endavoured to forward on the Company under
my Command as quick as possable and for the purpose of Con-
veying the baggage did impress Several horses one of which
Was the property of M' Elisha Wilbore of Westmorland and of
the value of ten pounds Silver money, which Sum I have paid
to the said Elisha wilbore — ^as an Equivelent for the said horse
as the said horse while in Said Service Loaded and traveling
fell and broke his Sholder and was thereby lost in the publick
service — ^Your petitioner humbly prayeth that the Said sum of
ten pounds — with the Interest thereon may be Allowed to him
and paid out of the treasury of this State
Ebenezer Britton Leuet
[Sworn to before John Doolittle, Oct. i8, 1785. — Ed.]
[11-97] \^Isaac Butterfield for a Ferry: addressed to the
General Courts ^7^5*^
The Petition of Isaac Butterfield of Westmoreland in the
county of Cheshire, and State of New Hampshire Esq' Hum-
bly sheweth, that there Has been for a Number of years past, a
Ferry Kept a cross Connecticut River, Between the Town of
Westmoreland aforesaid, and the Town of Putney, Commonly
called Lords Ferry, that your Petitioner Owns the Land ad-
joyning the Ferry aforesaid, in said Westmoreland, that he is
very desireous of Keeping the said Ferry, and that there is no
other person in said Westmoreland that could be equally ac-
commodated to Keep the same, and that he no ways doubts
that your Honours would prefer a Citizen of New Hampshire,
before any others to grant the same unto, that he is confident
that no person (even on the other side of the River) is so well
accommodated to Keep the same, as himself. He therefore
Humbly Prayeth, that your Honours, would Grant unto your
Petitioneis, Ilis Heirs and Assigns, the sole and Exclusive
right of Keeping the said Ferry for the Future, under such
Regulations as you in your great Wisdom shall see fit, and that
all other persons, may be excluded from Keeping a Ferry
across said River ; within one mile and an half of said Ferry,
Either up or Down Said River.
And your Petitioner as in Duty bound Shall ever Pray.
Yours Isaac Butterfield
Westmoreland February the 1785.
6/2 EARLY TOWN PAPERS.
[11-99] [^JSbenezer Brittonfor Major ^ ^7^/0
Westmorland October iS*"* 1785
Sir a greeable to your Desire I hearby informe you that
Ebenezer Brittin Junr is the oldest Capt in the 2** Reidgement
and I Know of No objection (in Case the Reidgement Should
be filled) why He Should Not Be a major —
I am Sir your Humble Servt George Aldrich
Gen^ Sulaven
[i i-ioo] [ Vote relative to Paper Money ^ iy86J\
The State of New Hampshire,
Westmoreland, November the \^ day in the year of our Lord
1786—
agreeable to a request from the Legislative authority of this
state the Inhabitants of s' Westmoreland on the afores^ day of
No^ being legally assembled in town meeting for the purpose
Collecting their opinions relative to the proposed plan sent out
by the Hon^ Court for making paper money —
i"**^ the Question's being put by divideing the house to
know the number for having paper money, and the number
against it, there appeared to be forty for having paper money
made, and twenty against it.
jiidiy there appeared on aneother Division thereof to be thirty
one against haveing paper money on the present propos^ plan :
and twenty one for haveing it agreeable to s* plan. —
jrtiy Nineteen of those that ware against money's being
Emitted agreeable to y* propos* plan which is sent out — ^Voted
that they would have a bank of money made of paper Equal to
the sum of this states debt, on the following plan Viz to have it
made a tender in all Cases or payments and to have it not on
Interest, and to have it given out for to run twenty Years, and
to have it sink one twentyeth yearly until it should be Dead
the above is a true Journal of the meeting aforesaid
Attest John Doolittle Town Clerk of s* Westmoreland
[See Atkinson papers, Vol. XI, p. 127. — Ed.]
[i 1-103] [ Certificate of Nails made^ J7Qi*2
State of New Hampshire
Cheshire ss Westmorland May y^ 30**^ 1791
Wee the Subscribers select men of s* Westmorland hereby
Certify that Abiather Shaw of said Westmorland has since may
WESTMORELAND. 6/3
one thousand seven Hundred & Eighty nine made and Caused
to be made in his workshop one hund and Ninety Eight thou-
sand of ten Penny nales and one hundred and fifty four thousand
of four Penny nales and fourteen thousand of Twenty Penny
nales <& thirty live thousand of six penny nales the Whole of
the above Nales were bonafidely Wrought and made in the
Shop of the aforsaid abiather by himself and hands in his Im-
ploy
Caleb Aldrich ) Select men
David Hutchins j of Westmorland
Counter Signed by me Amos Babcock the Neighest Justes of
the Peace to s* abiathers Work Shop
Concord June i6 1791
Received an Order on the Treas' for eight pounds in favor of
Abiather Shaw as a bounty on 100,000 of 10" — & 100,000 of 4*
nails —
Archelaus Temple
[The state paid a bounty on hand-made nails. — Ed.]
[i 1-104] [ Certificate of Nails made^ ^792*'\
State of Newhampshire
Cheshire ss Westmorland, February y* 2"* 1792
this may Certify that Daniel Cobb of Said Westmorland has
sence the Seventh Day of February one thousand Seven hun-
dred and Eighty Nine to this Date made and Caused to be made
in his work Shop in Said Westmorland one hundred and fifty
Seven thousand of Ten penny Wrought Nales and one hundred
and three thousand & five hundred and fifly Four penny
Wrought Nales in Witness whereof Wee have hereunto Set
Our hand*
Caleb Aldrich ju' ^ Select men
David Hutchins >- of
Ezra Peirce ) Westmorland
[11-108] \yohn Kathanfor a Ferry ^ ^799*^
To the Honirabel General assembly of the State of New Hamp-
shire to be conveined in December next
The Petition of John Kathan of Dummerston in the County
of Windham & State of Vermont — humbly Shewlth that your
45
6/4 EARLY TOWN PAPERS.
petitioner, was one of the first familay, that setled in the town
of Dummerston, then Caled the aquivilant Land* as early as the
year — 1752. — which was then a howling wilderness, ft we in-
joyed our Selves, Very Comfortaibly, for a bout three years,
without aney neighbours within five miles, til the french & In-
dian war broke out, ft took Cap^ James Johnson & familay
from N^ 4, & Carried them to Cilnoday, this Put us in Grait
fear, ft distress, we must then Leave our farm, ft all & flee to
Gairison, & so on for several summers, til the war Cesed —
then we betook our Selves to our farm, after having our house
burnt & property Distroied — & as my buildings are Close on
the west bank, of the river against Westmoreland, where I the
pertitisionar haive Cept a ferry, at all times, by day and night,
when Caled on, with botes for teams & Droves of Cattle, &c, ft
now I am informed, that the same ferrey is about to be Grant-
ed, to som other person — therefore your humbel Petitisonar
prays, your honours, to take your petitionars Case, into your
Serious Consideration, & stil Continue the privilige, to me your
humble Petitisionar together with one mile north and South on
Said River & as in Dutey bound shall ever pray —
John Kathan
Dummerston 20*^ of November, 1799 —
[11-109] lyostaA Marsh for a Perry ^ ^799*^
To the Honorable Senate & House of Representatives now
holden at Concord in the State of New Hampshire
Prays Josiah Marsh
That whereas a Ferry established by law and under good
regulations across Connecticut River at the lower part of West-
moreland in s^ State would be a great benefit & accommodation
to the Public, it being a place of much travel, your Petitioner
humbly prays the Honorably Senate & House of Representa-
tives to grant him the sole right & privilege of erecting ft main-
taining a Ferry at any suitable place within foure miles & one
half mile from the south line of s^ Westmoreland extending
northerly on s*^ river, and your Petitioner as in duty bound shall
ever pray
Josiah Marsh
Westmoreland June 1799
[In H. of Rep., December 13, 1799, the foregoing peti-
tion was granted. Senate concurred. — Ed.]
WESTMORBLAND.
675
[11-113] \,Pct%tton for the Incorporation of a Baptist So*
ciety: addressed to the General Courts yune 4^ 1800.']
Humbly Shew Your Petitioners, Inhabitants of the Towns of
Westmoreland, Walpole, Surry and Keene, Professors of Re-
ligion by the Denomination of Baptists — That for many years
last past they have assembled together for public Worship as a
Baptist Society ; and, for the more orderly and regular manage-
ment of the same — ^pray that they, with such others as may
hereafter be admitted as members, may be incorporated into a
religious Society to be called and known by the name of the
First Baptist Society in Westmoreland with sufficient
power and authority to support and Settle a minister — to build
and repair meeting Houses and to raise and Collect taxes for
those purposes — ^To warn and hold meetings and to choose all
proper officers for transacting and managing the Concerns of
said Society and to make by Laws for regulating the same,
C)vided the same are not contrary to the Constitution and
W8 of the State — ^and for Liberty to bring in a Bill accord-
ingly— Or, that the Honourable Court would make such Order
on the premises as to them shall seem meet — and as in duty
bound pray
Caleb Aldrich J'
W» Brettun
Sammuel Robbins
John Brown
Asa Hancock
Noah Fuller J'
Eben' Wright
Chever Fowler
John Chamberlain
John Chamberlain
J'
Levi Ware
Oliver Smith
Nehemiah Brown
Cyrus Staples
Joshua Fuller
John Snow
Amos Brown
Samuel Woodward
Jon* Winchester
Seth Bretun
John Paul
Dudley Thomas
Daniel Wilber
Paul Clark
Ephraim Brown
Joseph Whitney
Stephen Bowker
John White
Levi Hancock
Benj^ Leonard
Jonathan Wilber
Oliver Wright
Jabez Straton
Philip Britton
Benjamin Merryfield
Benjamin Carpenter
Elijah A Hall
Zephaniah Leach J""
William Aldrich
Rufus Smith
Joshua Hall
We hereby Certify that the Select men of Westmoreland
Walpole Surry and Keene have been Served with a Copy of
the within petition and order of Court thereon agreeably to the
within Directions
Sept 15**^ 1800
'\ Committee
Asa Hancock > for s^
W" Brettun ) Petitioners
6/6 EARLY TOWN PAPERS.
We hereby Certify that the within Named Petitioners that
are Inhabitants of Surry have been Exempted from Ministeral
Taxes In Said Town for many years Last past on Acount of
their Belonging to the Baptist Society in Westmorland —
The Number of Said Petitioners Belonging to Surry Are
Nine Only
Surry October 17'*' 1800
Sam' Hills ^
Asa Hancock > Selectmen of Surry
Sarel Hayward )
[The act of incorporation was passed December 10, 1800
See Surry papers, ante. — Ed.]
WILTON.
The township was granted by the Masonian proprietors,
Oct. I, 1749, to Thomas Read and others, and called No. 2.
A lotted plan may be found in manuscript town papers,
Farmer's collection, vol. 6, in office of secretary of state.
Settlements were made there as early as 1738. The town
was incorporated June 25, 1762, to continue until Jan. i,
1765, and named Wilton.
January 2, 1765, the town was again incorporated, " to
have continuance until his Majesty's pleasure shall be fur-
ther known."
An addition was made to the first grant of the town by
the Masonian proprietors, of territory priorly belonging to
or claimed by the town of Lyndeborough (see Vol. XII, p.
513). With this exception I fail to find any record of any
change of the boundaries of Wilton.
Wilton men in First N. H. Regiment :
Timothy Abbott, enlisted Feb. 27, 1781 ; discharged
Dec. 31, 1781.
Corp. Israel Howes, enlisted Feb. 27 ^ 178 1 ; discharged
December, 1781.
Daniel Holt, enlisted Jan. 27, 1781 ; discharged Decem-
ber, 1781.
Joel Holt, enlisted Feb. 27, 1781 ; discharged December,
1781.
WILTON. 677
Nath. Needham,* enlisted March i, 1777; discharged
Jan. 2, 1779.
Benjamin Pierce, enlisted February, 1781 ; discharged
December, 1781.
Asa Redington, enlisted Feb. 27, 1781 ; discharged De-
cember, 1 78 1.
Howes, Daniel and Joel Holt, Pierce, and Redington were
in the same regiment in 1782. Sergeant Archelaus Batch-
elder was wounded at Bennington and pensioned.
[11-114] \_Petttton relative to County Bounds^ etc. 2
To his Excellency John Wentworth Esq' Capt" General and
Governor in Chief in and over the Province of New Hamp-
shire, and to the Hon^** his Majesty's Council and House of
Representatives in General Court assembled —
The Petition of us the Subscribers humbly sheweth, That
Your Petitioners being Inhabitants within the Lines of the
County Prescribed, (viz) Peterborough West Line and the
Easterly Line of Litchfield, And Whereas by Information we
are by a Petition from others to your Hon" rendred inca-
pable by the Reason of the Fewness of Inhabitants and the
Unlikeliness of Increase to Support the Officers of the County
in such Sort, That any Gentleman sutable therefor will be Un-
willing to Undertake the Same : All which is a Mistake, The
People are Many And as We think able and Sufficient and the
Increase More and More, the greater part of the County within
8* Lines being Unsettled, And that is Small in Comparison of
other Advantages accrewing if Amherst be made the Shire
Town, All the Roads leading from the Towns adjacent center
to Amherst and there is Food and Forrage and other Things
necessary. But if carried further East will increase Travel and
if over the River will make it inconvenient both for Men and
Women in many Seasons of the Year. Therefore We pray
that the Lines prescribed may be fix'd and no Additions made
and that Amherst may be the Shire Town, And Your Petition-
ers as in Duty bound shall ever pray.
Wilton April 5, 1769.
ioseph Holt John Brown Jonathan Cram
lathan Ballard Jeremiah Abbot David Cram
Jacob Abbot David Blanchard moses Stiles
Abiel Abbot Stephen Blanchard Solomon Cram
* Reported aa having died in the service.
678
EARLY TOWN PAPERS.
Timothy Gray
Tohn Burton Jur
fames Dascombe
[oseph Holt Tur
[eremiah Holt
Daniel Barker
Nathan Abbot
Francis Putnam
Joseph Putnam
Jonathan Cram
Kichard Taylor
Abner Stiles
Jonathan Burton
Stephen Buss
Ephraim Peabody
Jacob Putnam
William Brown
William Pierce
Jonathan Greele
Joseph Stiles
Philip Putnam
John Burton
George Coburn
Asa Cram
John Cram Juner
otephen Putnam
Joseph Cram
Nath* Haseltine
William Ball
ohn Cram
acob Putham jun'
oseph Butterfield
Ephraim Butterfield
James Maxwell
Amos Butterfield
Amos Fuller
Benjamin Cram
Ephraim Putnam
juner
george Person
Jonathan Chamber-
lin
Ephraim Putnam
Jonathan Chamber-
lin iun'
Samuel Chamberlin
John Caskir
William Carson
ohn Hutchansoa
ohn Stiles
acob Well man
ohn Johnston
James Johnston
Adam Johnston
James Boutell
Osgood Carleton
Daniel Gould
George Gould
Timothy Carleton
Jonas Kidder
Melcisedek
John Stephenson
David Stephenson
Robert Badger
Banjaman Dutton
[i i-i i6] [^Relative to a Bridge over Souhegan River ^ ^773^
Wilton Feb'y y* ii — 1773
To the Honourable the Coancil and House of Representatives
for the State of New Hampshire in General Court to be Con-
vent at Exeter on the Second Wednesday in February In*
stant —
The Petition of the Subscribers humbly sheweth —
That the Bridge (in the one Mile Slip) Over the River form-
erly known by the Name of Souhegan River, is in Great want
of being Repair^ or Rebuilt, that the Bridge is of Publick Bene-
fit being in the Direct way from Exeter to Charleston N* 4 that
Three Bridges, have been Erected in that Place, and Repaired
from time to time at the Expence of the Inhabitants of Wilton
and few other Persons — ^that the Inhabitants of the one Mile
Slip are few in Number and they think it a Hardship to be put
to the Charge of it Alone — Therefore Your Petitioners pray
that Your Honours would take it into your wise Consideration
and Direct in what Way the same shall be Rebuilt — and your
Petitioners as in Duty Bound Shall ever Pray —
WILTON.
679
Amos Fuller
Samuel Shelden
Stephen Buss
Ebenezer Chandler
Joseph Abbot
Benj* l^ewis
Jacob Abbot
Joseph Snow
William Brown
Fifield Holt
Fifield Holt J'
30 Petioners
Amos Holt
Mary Pettengill
Samuel Hutchinson
David Chandler
Uriah Wilkins
Simon Blanchard
Jotham Blanchard
Ben"* Lewis Ju'
Richard Boynton
William Pearson
Juncr
Will" parson
Tho* Pearson
Ebenezer parson
Samuel parson
Nathan Hutchinson
Benj* Hutchinson
Nathan Hutchinson
Junr
Sam^ Mitchel
William Alld
[11-115] \_Pravistons sent to Cambridge^ jyy§^'\
To the Honnorable the Provincial Congress Seting at Exeter
Gentelmen —
We your Humble Petitioners Beg leave to present to your
Honnors an Account of Provisions procuerd and sent to Cam-
brige for the Support of the Contenentel armey —
Which Account we pray may be allowed in Money, or by
an order on the Province Treasurer the Account is £9 : 1 1 : 2
Lawful Money and in allowing the above Account you will
Oblige your Humble Petitioners —
Abiel Abbot ) Select men
Philip Putnam j of Wilton
Wilton Octo' y* 24"* 1775.
P S. for further Perticulers Inquire of our Deligate.
[11-118] [^Objections to Articles of Confederation^ ^77^^'\
To the Honorable the Council and House of Representatives
for the State of New Hampshire in General Court to be con-
vened at Exeter on the Second Wednesday in February In-
stant—
The Petition of the Subscribers Humbly Sheweth, that upon
hearing the Articles of Confederation and perpetual Union pro-
posed by the United States in Congress assembled, distinctly
and repeatedly read and maturely considering the same We
find ourselves constraned, (painful as it is) to petition your
Honors to examine with a Candid yet Jealous Eye the follow-
ing Articles of Confederation, And if your Honors think best,
to Remonstrate and Petition to the Congress of the United
680 EARLY TOWN PAPERS.
States respecting the same the Articles which strike our Mind»
with concern are as follows,
In the Fiflh Article one clause is, that in determining Ques*
tions in the United States in Congress assembled, Each state
shall have one Vote, this has no Regard to Numbers or Prop-
erty ; and We fear will have a Tendency to break our Union.
The Eighth Article directs that the Continental or publick
Chest shall be Supply'd by the several States in proportion to
value of granted and surveyed Lands, improvements and build-
ings thereon. This has no Reference to the N^ of poles, live
stock, stock in Trade or at Interest
The Ninth Article, the first Clause, grants to the United
States in Congress assembled, the sole and exclusive Right and
power of Determining on Peace and War, except in the Cases
mentioned in the sixth Article : Is it not a power Greater than
the King of great Brittain in Council or with the House of
Lords ever had? or Greater than the seven United States of
Holland gave their Statholders? May we not suppose that the
Members of that August Body, conscious of the Rectitude of
their own Intentions ; have no Room left to Suspect the Integ-
rity of any future Members thereof? But altho' We admit and
believe that Virtue fills the Breast of every Member of that
Honorable Body at this Day : We have no good Degree of
Certainty, that That will be always the Case.
If Canada should acceed to this Confederation, there will be
Fourteen States, then it will take Eight to make a Majority, in
this Case it requires the Assent of Nine which is but one more
than a bare Majority, those Nine, admitting there is a possibil-
ity of their being vicious Men, may in some future Time, by
one exertion involve us in a War that may cost us much Blood
and Treasure.
Another Clause in the Ninth Article mentions their Trans-
mitting to every State a Coppy of the sums of Money they bor-
row or Emitt. We could wish they had added, (and the Ex-
penditure or applying the same). We your petitioners could
wish an Alteration in the above mentioned Articles, but Sen-
sible of our Unacquaintedness with Politicks we presume not
to prescribe ; but pray your Honors mature Consideration
thereon —
Sign'd in behalf of the Town
oseph Holt *) Select Men
Wilton Feb'y lo** 1778,
on* Burton > of
ohn Dale jun' ) Wilton
At a Legal Town Meeting held at the Meeting House in
Wilton on Tuesday the 10*^ Day of February A-D-1778 by
WILTON. 68 1
Adjournment, af^er hearing the above petition repeatedly and
distinctly read, and maturely considering the same, Voted that
the Select Men of Wilton in behalf of the Town Sign and
Transmit the same to the General Court.
Attest Joseph Holt T. Clk.
[Rev. Pap. p. 309] [ Wilton Soldiers^ ^77^'^
In obedience to the Honnorable the Provincial Congress of
the Colony of New Hampshire holden at Exeter December 27,
1775. — We have taken an Account of the Number of the Sol-
diers of our Town, who served in the Summer past in the Con-
tinental Armey, and are enlisted there for the year Coming.
And there is in Amos Fullers Collection, The Number of Sol-
diers Six. The sum of their Rates [Taxes] is Eleven Shillings
Four Pence and Two farthing. And in Richard Whitneys Col-
lection, The Number of Soldiers five the sum of their Rates is
Nine Shilling Five Pence and three Farthing.
Philip Putnam ) Selectmen
Nathan Ballards ) of Wilton
Wilton March y* 4, 1776.
The following persons names are Included above and the
sum of their Poll Tax is one Shilling Teen Pence and Three
farthing —
Francis Putnam, Isrel How Nuss Sawyer,
John Vernam Nathaniel Heseltine, Eben' Carleton,
Christopher Mar- Jerimiah Holt, Elezer Kingsbury,
tain, Jonas Perry, Daniel Brown,
[Sworn to before Jacob Abbott. — Ed.]
[P. & R. Papers, p. 63] [^yonatAan Gray, Bunker Hill
Soldi er,'\
To Nicholas Gilman Esq' Receiver General for the Colony
of New Hampshire Sir Please to Pay to Jacob Abbott the
bearer hereof the sum Due to Jonathan Gray of Wilton who
was in the Continental army in Cap* William Walkers Comp''
and Col* James Reeds Rigement Due to the Said Jonathan
Gray for what he Lost in the Engagement at Bunker hill also
for a Coat Given as Bounty Reference to Cap' Walkers Return
being had the said Jonathan Being Sence Dead the care thereof
682 SARLY TOWN PAPERS.
falls upon the Subscriber being the Father of the Dec' your
Complyance will Greatly Oblidge
Wilton March y* 4, 1776, Your Humble Servant
Timothy Gray
1776 March 19 Rec. of Tim® Walker Jr four Dollars for a
Regimental Coat for the within named Jon* Grey also Two
Pounds L my for the loss which s' Grey sustained at the Bat-
tle at Bunker Hill June 1775 Jacob Abbott
fii-119] \_Petiti(m for Town Representation,^ iyBo.'\
To the Honorable Council & House of Representatives In
General Court Assembled —
The Petition, of the Freeholders & other Inhabitants, of the
Towns of Lyndeborough, & Wilton, Humbly Sheweth That
Wilton, Lyndborough, the one Mile Slip, & Duxbury School
farm, by the Convention of this State, in the Year i775i were
annexed to make but one Represantation, — That Sensible of
the Importance of General Cause, in which we are engag', we
have hitherto, patiently Submited to the Disadvantages of an
Inadequate Representation, rather than Interrupt the Honora*
ble Court by Petitioning for a Redress — But hoping you may
have a leisure Moment, that you may improve, in attending to
our Situation — We beg leave to lay Before your Honors, the
following facts — ^That in Wilton, there is 154 Rateable Polls,
in Lyndsborough 180, and in the one Mile Slip and Duxbury
School farm, 19, all which make, 353 — That from the North-
west part of Lyndsborough, to the South side of the one Mile
Slip, (following the most Publick road), is about 10 Miles, and
that to every iooo£, Paid by this State, the afore** Places Pay
i7£.. 3.. II. 2, — And that when the Representative is Chosen
in one of the Towns, it is Impossible for the other Town to Vote
with propriety in the Choice, Being ignorant of the abilities of
the Inhabitants of s* Town — add to this, their Ignorance of the
Proceedings of the General Court, and consequently of their
Political duty. Therefore your Petitioners Humbly Supplicate
your Honors to grant to Lyndsborough, & Wilton, the Previ-
ledge of a Separate Representation, — ^And your Petitioners as
in Duty bound shall ever prav
Dated at Wilton Octo** 5* '1780
Jacob Abbot
feben' Rockwood >• Com*^ for Wilton
William Abbot
David Bager
Levi Spaulding \ Com*** for Lyndsborough
William Barron
1
WILTON. 683
[i i-i 22] [ yustice of the Peace wanted^ ^7^3 •^
To the Hon"* Council and Assembly to be Conven* at Con-
cord—
The Petitition of us the Subscribers Humbly Sheweth That
the Town of Wilton hath for some time past been deprived of
a Justice of the peace (which we esteam a great priviledge)
And at a legal Meeting of the Inhabitants of said Town, Voted
to recommend William Abbot Jun' to your Honors to be ap-
pointed to the Office of a Justice of the peace, a Compliance
of this our request will greatly Oblige your Humble Petitioners
— ^and as in duty bound Shall ever pray —
Abiel Abbot 1 Select Men of
Jon* Burton >■ Wilton in behalf
Abr" Burton ) of said Town —
Wilton December lo*** 1783
[ir-124] [^Sundry Persons recommended for Pield Offi'
cers."]
To His Excellency the President & the Hon"* Council of the
State of New Hampshire —
We the Selectmen of Wilton for the Present Year — beg leave
to recomend the following Persons for field Officers of the I2*^
Regiment of Militia in s* State (Viz)
Cap* Philip Putnam of Wilton— for Col«
Cap' Ezra Towne of New Ipswich for L' Col*
L* Samuel Gragg of Peterborough for Maj'
M' Abijah Wheeler of Temple— for 2"* Maj'
Which we think give as great Satisfaction as any four Men
we can think of that will take s^ Commissions all things Con-
sidered
William Abbot J' ^ Select Men
Joseph Abbot >■ of
John Dale ju^ ) Wilton
[i 1-125] [ Vote relative to an Issue of Paper Money ^ 1786. '\
At a legal Meeting of the Inhabitants of the Town of Wilton
qualified to vote in Town Meeting, on Thursday 16**^ of Nov*
1786
It was put to Vote to see if the Town would chuse to have
paper Money emitted on the plan the Gen* Court hath proposed
— ^passed in the negative Unanimously Voters present 47 —
684 EARLY TOWN PAPERS.
Put to Vote to see if the Town would chuse to make any altera-
tions in the proposed plan passd in negative Unanimously Vot-
ers present 47 —
A true Coppy from the Minutes
Attest William Abbot Ju' T : Clerk
[11-126] [^Relattve to Militia Affairs^ 1/86.']
Wilton June 19"* 1786
May it please your Excellency — ^your letter of y* 17*** Instant,
was received by Col® putnam, on which we are meet, & in an-
swer— after Congratulating your Excellency on your arival to
the presedency of the State — hopeing beleving & Joyfully rely-
ing on your wisdom & Goodness to stear us & Guide us in our
Defiqualtys — We say, that we have taken all the Care in our
power, to have the Regiment settled — & all the Defiqualty that
we Know of was the resolve respecting y* Number, time & our
attention, for y* good of y* Melitia hath, so far succeed, that we
are now, able to return a respectable Number — for officers &
Desier y*Comis" may Com by Col® putnam — & Intreet that the
Blanks (if Consistant) may Com for ye remainder — as we hope
to make a settlement very soon : unless sum persons return from
Court should advance, a New Doctring — we are unable to De-
term in the N® of each Company to day — & beg blank for it —
the returns we will Make as soon as posable of those. Not Now
returnd — we Intreet your Excellency to beleave us when we
say that, under the Defiqualty we have been brought in to by S*
resolve : we have Done all in our power to still the Com-
plaint— & rejoice that we have succeeded so well — & remain
your Excellencys most obediant & very Humble Serv**
Francis Blood
Ezra Towne
Samuel Gregg
N.B — we have Not had one of ye Melitia Book but think we
shall in due time — We Desier Col* putnam may make up by
writing, or by word of mouth — all we have omitted
[11-127] \^Relative to School Matters: addressed to the
General Courts yune^ 1788. "]
The Petition of us the Subscribers Humbly Sheweth
That a law of this State entitled an act for the settlement and
support of Grammer School obliges every town, of the state,
WILTON. 685
consisting of a hundred families, to maintain, yearly, a gram-
mar school ; and, for every month's neglect, imposes a Rne of
ten Pounds. That the town of Wilton, several years last past
has made peculiar provision for the instruction of its youth. It
has employed, from the seat of the muses, several well accom-
plished young gentlemen, and some aged experienced gentle-
men of literary accomplishments for the spase of twenty years
last past And it has expended for a number of years, upon
schooling, eighty seven pounds, and some it has assessed
more, — at least a sum sufficient to support, here, two grammar
schools annually. —
Apprehending the end of law, in general, to be the interest
and happiness of its subjects, and the end of the school Law, in
particular, to be the good education of youth, we presumed, a
compliance with the spirit of this law, would atone for a small
deviation from the letter ; especially as this deviation has facil-
itated the progress of our Youth, and gratified the wishes of
their parents, and guardians.
The town of Wilton with this view of the matter, and from a
view of its local situation ; mountainous land, long winters,
deep snows, inhabitants scattered, town divided by a rapid
stream, rendering a passage to its centre, at some seasons of the
year, inconvenient and impracticable ; from a view of public
expences, the scarcity of specie, the inability of the people to
provide necessary schooling in the extreme parts when obliged
to support a grammar school in the centre, our annual expence
for the support of a number of bridges over rapid streams,
building a convenient and decent house for public worship, the
charge of which is not entirely settled, the importance of the
labour of our youth and of their being instructed in agriculture
and the manual arts. Voted, to raise money sufficient to sup-
port two grammar schools, to divide the town into as many
districts as was convenient, and to appoint Committees in each
district to see that the money was faithfully improved in the
instruction of their youth. This method of education we have
found by many years' experience very beneficial. The state of
Learning in Wilton sufficiently evinces the expediency of it.
Notwithstanding, one month preceding the general session
of the peace in the County of Hillsborough in September last
past, being destitute of a grammar School, the grand Jury found
a bill against the select men, and they were accordingly Cited
to appear. Though the sessions were convinced that we had
adopted a more advantageous method of education, than we
should have practised had we adhered to the letter of the law,
yet the penalty of that law being absolute, they could not acquit
us, or lessen the fine. We therefore pray your honours for
leave to bring in a bill acquitting us from the mulct imposed on
686 EARLY TOWN PAPERS.
US by tfae general sessions. Apprehending from experiencet
that the method of education we have adopted might oe bene-
ficial to many towns, we beg leave to suggest, without presum-
ing to dictate, and with humble deference to your Honours
authority and distinguished abilities, the possibility of advan-
tage to the public by a revisal of the aforsaid law, and as in
duty bound will ever pray. —
William Abbot Jr 1 Select Men
Jonathan Burton ) of Wilton
[i i-i 20] [Statement relative to the Proficiency of the ChU--
dren of Wilton^ 77W.]
Wilton June 4^* 1788—
I am happy in being able to certify that the youth of Wilton
are in general very good readers, writers and cypherers. They
are farther advanced in Learning than those of most towns in
the county, within the compass of my knowledge, who have
maintained grammar schools, and inferior to none with which
I am acquainted — I believe I might safely affirm that there is
no town in the state, of the same ability, that can produce so
many youth so well qualified for common business, so well
accomplished in all those branches of learning which are essen-
tially useful in every department of Life as can the town of
Wilton. Josiah Burge —
[ii-iai] [ Certificate of Abel Pish relative to foregoing, ]
Having made it my Annual Practice to call the Youth to-
gether in diflerent Parts of the Town to advise and instruct
them, I have taken Occasion to examin them in respect to the
Improvement they have made in Reading, and have been highly
pleased with the great Accuracy and Propriety exhibited in that
Branch of Literature —
I have likewise been present at School when the Children
have been examined respecting the Names and Uses of those
Stops and Characters that are made Use of in the English Lan-
guage, and they have answered the Questions proposed to Ad-
miration— I have seen their Writing &c —
And it appears to me from the Observations I have made that
the People- in Wilton have paid a particular Attention to the
School-Education of their Children —
Abel Fisk
Wilton June 4** 1788
WINCHESTER. 68/
WINCHESTER.
The township was granted by the government of Mass.
to Josiah Willard and 63 others, and went by the name of
Arlington until 1740. Settlements were made as early as
1732, by said Willard and others. Feb. 29, 1750, Josiah
Willard petitioned for a charter from the government of
N. H., in answer to which a grant was made, July 2, 1753,
to said Willard, Samuel Ashley, and others, and the town
named Winchester. On the 26th of the following Septem-
ber the town of Hinsdale was chartered, and the line be-
tween that town and Winchester established, which took
off the north-west part of this town as chartered in July,
and made an addition on the west side as far north as the
old line of Northfield. By the grant of July 2, 1753, the
northerly part of Winchester extended to Connecticut river,
taking in "Col. Hindsdale's Fort." The plan of the two
towns in charter records shows the old Northfield line ; the
location of the fort ; and also of Fort Dummer on the west
side of the river.
By an act approved July 2, 1850, the north-west corner
of Richmond was annexed to this town.
Winchester men in First N. H. Regiment :
John Simons, enlisted Jan. i, 1777; discharged Dec. 14,
1780.
Abner Wise, enlisted Feb. 14, 1777; discharged July 5,
1 78 1. He was in same regiment in 1782.
Jonathan Wooley was wounded at Stillwater, Oct. 7, 1777,
in shoulder and ribs. He was in Capt. Ellis's Co., Scam-
mell's Reg't.
[11-128] \^Petitton for Incorporation^ ^753 -^
To His Excellency Banning Wentworth Esq' Cap* General
Governor and Commander in Chief in & over His Majesty's
Province of New Hampshire & the Hon"* His Majesty's Coun-
cil for said Province —
The Humble Petition of Josiah Willard of Winchester So
Called in the Province of New Hampshire but within no Town-
ship In behalf of himself and others Settlers there a List of
whose names is herewith Presented — Shews
That the Said Settlers have been Improving the Land at the
Place aforesaid near Eighteen Years last past & have made
6S8 EARLY TOWN PAPERS.
Considerable progress therein Apprehending when they first
Enterd the Land was within the Province of the Massachusetts
Bay and by Countenance of the Government of that Province
they Enterd upon the Lands & Carried on their Settlement So
Far as to make a Proportion & Division of Said Lands to ft
among the Persons aforesaid who have been at very Considera-
ble Expence in making the Said Settlement and Defending
ofit—
That in order to carrying of it to Greater Perfection & making
of it a more useful Place it is Necessary the Settlers & Inhabi-
tants Shoud be Incorporated & vested with the Rights and
Privileges of Towns which it is well known is a very necessary
Aid & Support of Such a Design — and as the Persons already
there have done so much to make it a useful Settlement they
Seem to have a Claim to Your Excellency's favour in this Re-
spect preferable to any others — ^Wherefore your Petitioner
Humbly Prays as aforesaid That your Excellency woud be
pleased to make a Grant of the Lands Called by the Name
Winchester to him & the Persons afores*^ in Proportion & ac-
cording to their Respective Claims & the Proportion & Division
made as aforesaid and That they may be Incorporated & Inti-
tled to the Rights and Privileges of other Towns in Said Prov-
ince of New Hampshire and your Petitioner as in Duty Bound
Shall Ever Pray Ac-
Portsmouth June 22* 1753 Josiah Willard.
[11-129] [^Relative to Original Grantees^ IJSJ^I
at a Leagal meeting of the Grantees of the Township of Win-
chester Held at Winchester on Tuesday y* 21 day of August
1753—
voted, that maj' Josiah Willard be Desired Carry the Charter
of the Township of Winchester Granted us — and Request that
Gains Field, — and all others who can make out a fair Claim to
any of the Lands Contained In s* Charter may have their names
entred therein. —
A True Copy from y* votes of s* meeting
attest Josiah Willard Clerk
Winchester may 28 — 1759
I hereby Certify that John alien & Thomas Taylor have re-
spectively made out their Claim to Land Contained in the Char-
ter above mentioned & that the Proprietors Desire their Names
may be respectively Entred in the Charter afores' —
Josiah Willard
WINCHESTER. 689
[R. 4-1 91] [CoL Samuel Ashley s Resignation^ ^779'^
To the Honourable the Council and House of Representatives
of the State of New Hampshire — March the 20 1779
The Subscriber haveing been honoured for some time Past
with the Command of the Sixth Regiment of militia in this
State and at the same time Employed in other Public Services
of a Different nature and being of opinion that there is an im-
propriety in the same persons acting in a Civil and military
Character at the same time and being very desirous to be dis-
charged from his military office begs leave and does hereby Re-
sign his Command of said Regiment and hopes his Resignation
will be acceptable to your Honours & I am with the greatest
respect your most obedient Humble Servant
Samuel Ashley
[His resignation was accepted June i8, 1779. Col. Ash-
ley was a prominent man in his time. He was a represent-
ative for some years ; elected a member of the council in
1776, and held the office four years. He was elected, March
24, 1779, by the legislature, a delegate to represent this state
in Congress, but declined. Subsequently he removed to
Claremont, and died there Feb. 18, 1792, at the age of 71
years. — Ed.]
[11-130] [Relative to an Omission in Returning Soldiers."]
To the honorable the Council & house of Representatives;
The Memorial of the select men in the Town of Winchester
humbly sheweth —
That whereas the Year past the Order of Court was that
every Town make return of the continental Soldiers they respect-
ively had in the public Service, that were inlisted during the
war — the select men in their return of s* men for the Town of
Winchester, made a great Mistake by omitting & therefore not
returning two men who are now in actual Service, & engaged
during the war, as your Memorialists are able to make appear —
Your Memorialists therefore humbly petition that the above
mentioned two men may be admitted into s* Return by Order
of Court — In so doing your honors will lay a special Obliga-
tion upon your Petitioners —
And your Petitioners, as in Duty bound shall ever pray &c —
Winchester 11*** March 1782
Reuben Alexander")
Ezra Parker >■ select men
Simon Willard )
46
690 SARLT TOWN PAPERS.
[The foregoing petition was granted March 14, 1782. —
Ed.]
[1X-X3X] {^Relative to Ftsk in Askueiot River^ 1784.']
To the Hon^the General Assembly now setting at Conkerd —
The petition of the Selectmen of the Town of Winchester
humble Sheweth
that the River Caled Ashewilet formerly produced a laige
number of Salmon and Shad with a Veriaty of hook fish but <rf
late the Corse of S^ fish is intirely Stoped by Reson of three
Dams a Crost Said River (Viz) one in Hinsdale one in Win-
chester and one in Swansey which is a Create Damage to this
and the Neighbouring Towns, and notwithstaning the Repeated
Request of the people in this Town to the owners of Said Dams
to open a Corse for Said Fish they Still Refuse to Do it which
Wtty much Displeases the people in general and if there is
nothing dun to prevent it there is a prospect of the people Ris-
ing in a hostile manner and puling Down Said Dams
to prevent which and to Establish a free Corse for Said Fish
we beg your Honnours to take this matter under your Wise
Consideration and pass Such an act as you in your wisdom
Shall think proper
and we in Duty Bound will Ever pray
Simon Willard » Select
John Alexander ] men
Paul Richardson
Prentice Willard
Winchester June — 1: 1784
[An act was passed, January 15. 1789, requiring a sluice
to be kept open in every dam on said river, in the towns of
Hinsdale, Winchester, Swanzey, and Keene, between the
tenth day of May and the twentieth day of July in any
year. — Ed.]
[11-133] [Petition of Solomon Willard to be restored to
Citizenship: addressed to the General Courts Oct. ig^
17SS''}
Humbly shews Solomon Willard late of Winchester in the
County of Cheshire in the State aforesaid, that in the late War
between Great Britain and America he was so unfortunate as
to differ in Sentiment from his Countrymen in general who
WINCHESTER. 69 1
were strugling to gain and support the Independency of the
United States —
— that in the Year 1777 he left his native Country — went to
Long Island and took Protection under the King of Great Brit-
ain— that in the Year 1778 he was proscribed by an Act of the
General Assembly in the State of New Hampshire — that dur-
ing the sail) War he spent most of his time upon Long Island
in a State of Neutrality — that soon after the Conclusion of the
said War he returned to Winchester where he found his feeble
Parents almost in a helpless Condition, and very fond of his
continuing there to assist them in their declining Years — that
since his Return he hath spent hi» time chiefly with them, and
is now the principal Supporter of an Aged Father, who has
spent most of his Time and Strength in the Service of the Pub-
lick — who was one of the first Settlers in the County of Che-
shire— ^and has been perhaps as industrious, influential and
successful in settling the Western part of the State of New
Hampshire as any person inhabiting the same. And was ever
careful to impress upon the Minds of the people a due Regard
to the Laws of New Hampshire and to make them happy and
contented under the same — That the said proscribing Act, tho'
judiciously made in a time of War, cannot be beneficial to the
publick in a time of peace. The Design of said Act (as men-
tioned in the preamble thereof) was to prevent the many Dan-
gers that might accrue to this, and the other united States, if
the persons therein named should be again admitted to reside
in this State. Had such persons then been permitted to reside
in any of the United States, they might have been very detri-
mental to the same by giving Aid or Intelligence to the Ene-
mies of said States, or by Dispiriting the people ; or by sowing
Discord and Dissention amonst them. Bat those Dangers are
now removed. The Design of the said Act is accomplished;
Your Petitioner conscious of the Rectitude of his Design — rely-
ing upon the Goodness of this Hon"* Court — and hopeing for
their Mercy to one who hath offended thro' Sentiment, and not
thro' any Design of injuring his Countrymen, and hath now no
inclination or ability to hurt them, presumes to lay before you
this petition humbly praying that the Act aforesaid so far as it
respects your petitioner may be repealed, and your petitioner
be permitted to live in the State of New Hampshire, and to en-
joy the Rights and Privileges of a free Citizen and subject of
the same. And he at the same time promises that if the prayer
of this petition should be granted, he will ever behave himSelf
as a good and faithful Subject of said State — will observe the
Laws and Regulations thereof, and will endeavour to promote
the Peace, Happiness and Dignity of the same. And as in
Duty bound will ever pray Solomon Willard.
692 EARLY TOWN PAPERS.
To the Hon^^ Senate and House of Representatives above
mentioned —
Humbly Sheweth Josiah Willard of Winchester, Father of
the above named Solomon Willard that he the said Josiah
heartily joineth witli the s' Solomon in the prayer of the above
petition, and earnestly prayeth that the same may be granted
not only for the Benefit of the s^ Solomon but for the Solace
and comfort of your aged, feeble petitioner in his declining years
and as in Duty bound will ever pray
Josiah Willard
Winchester Oct' 19 1785
Whereas Solomon Willard of Winchester prefered a petition
to the Honourable Court for Naturalization, we the subscribers
Select Men of s** Winchester hereby Certefy Our Consent and
desire y* the prayer of the s^ petition may be Granted —
John Alexander
Simon Willard
[11-133] \^Relattve to I^ish in Ashuelot River ^ 1^86. 2
To the Hon^ the General Assembly of the State of New Hamp-
shire now setting at Conkerd —
The petition of the Selectmen of the Town of Winchester
Humbly Sheweth that the River Called Ashawilet Runing
Threw said Town formerly prodused a large number of Sam-
mon and Shad with a Vrity of hook fish but of late the Cours
of said fish is intirely Stop* by Reson of three Dams a Crost,
said Rever — (Viz) one in Hinsdale one in Winchester one in
Swazey to the grate Dammig of this and the Neigbouring
Towns — we therefore prey your Honors to take this matter un-
der your wise Consideration and pass such an act as shall open
said Dams and Restore to us the usual Corse of Fish —
And we in Duty Bound will ever pray
Danil Ashley ")
Moses Chamberlain > Select men
Asa Alexander )
Winchester June 3*** 1786
[See document relating to the same subject, ante, — Ed.j
WINCHESTER. 693
[i I -1 34] [^Another Petition relative to Fish^ 1788.']
The petition of the Selectmen of the Town of Winchester
Humbely sheweth that the River Called Ashewellet Formely
produced a Large Number of Salmon and Shad with a Veriety
of Hook fish But the Course of said fish is Intirely stoped by
Reason of three Dams a Cross said River in Hindsdale Win-
chester and Swansy which is To the Grait Damage of the In-
Habentants of said Towns — Wherefoure your petitioners pray
your Hon" to take this Matter under your wise Consideration
& pass such an Act That shall Open a free Course for said fish
that the Inhabetents May Receive the Benefitt of the same and
Wc as In Duty Bound shall ever pray —
Dan* Hawkins^
Winchester May 30-1788
Ezra Parker > Selectmen
Asahel Jewell j
[11-136] \^Petition for Authority to raise Money hy Lottery
to make new Roads ^ ^79S-^
To the Honourabel general court of the State of Newhampshire
in general court assembled on the First Wednesday of June
1795—
Your Petitioners the Inhabitents of the Towns of Winchester
Hinsdale and others humbly sheweth that whare as your peti-
tioners as well as the publick at large, suffers grate Incon-
veanences for want of a good publick road leading from Co^
Whealors in said Hinsdale on the North side of Ashawillot
River till it comes oppersett to the furnace in said Winchester
and there to cross the River allso a road to begin about one
mile East of said Co* Whealers on the same road and Leading
in the most convenant place tell it strikes the great road leading
from Chesterfield to Northfield about 50 — or — 60 Rods south of
Daniel Fishers in said Hensdale and, Whereas there is no In-
habetants for about Three miles of the Distance partly in Win-
chester and partly in Hensdale and several bridges to be made
acrose small Streams, and one large bridge across Ashuwillot
river and much diging on the side of Hills, &c, all which to
make a good road, is too hevy a burden on the present Inhabe-
tants to do, and as it will so much accomodate the Inhabitants
in general as well as the publick at large by having a good road
four or five miles Nerer from Dummer ferry through the south
part of this State then any at present.
Your petitioners humbly pray your Honours would take the
694
EARLY. TOWN PAPERS.
matter into your wise considerations and grant us a Lottery to
raise three Hundred pounds Lawful Money for the purpose of
making said road and bridges and whare as we are veiy confi-
dent that about three quarters of the Tickets may be Sold in
in the states of Massachusetts Rhodeislaml and Vermont as the
road will very much accomodate- the Inhabetants of those States,
all which is — humbly submitted and in granted of which your
Petitioners as in Duty Bound shall ever pray —
Reuben Alexander
Theodosius Moore
Andrew Dodge
Dan^ Hawkins
Thomas AlexAnder
Stephen Hawkins
Dan* Hawkins Ju'
Nathanael Brown
Dodge
Abel oldham
Abel Scott
Nath Bartlet
Thad* Bancraft
Peter Wilder
Abram Scott
John M. Field
£phraim Leach
Curtis Gould
Asa Alexander
Ezra Healy
Sam* Brown
Lewis Watkins
Philip Goss
Elisha Knapp
Jonah French
Keuben Alexander
Ebenr Scott
John Curtis
David Hammond
Moses Chamberlain
John Stearns
Amos Wiliard
Ezra Cooant
John Butler Ju'
William Gould
Mark Packard
John Alexander
Seth Wiliard
Jacob Martin
Richard Peters
David Cass
Grindell Thayer
Moses Tyler
Abraham wheeler
Nath* Clarke
Jolm Badger
Daniel Shattuck
T L Arnold
Uriel Evans
Nathaniel Fisher
Abner Fisher
John F : Vent
Daniel Fisher Junr
Nath" Walton
Reuben Clarke
Daniel wise
Elezer Ripley
Ezra Parker
Henry Foster
Nathan Parker
John Peirce
Josiah Wiliard
Charles Grimes
The* Green
Jeremiah Pratt
Paul Richardson
Richard Gale
Samuel Dickinson
Edward Battels
Benjamin wright
Stetson Holmes
Benj"" Sanger
Nathan Sanger
Cyrus Shattuck
Thomas Butler
William Howe
David Wolley
Sam* Well man
Vine Coy
Thomas Rockwood
Nathan Wiliard
John Barret
Gord» Chandler
James Salisbury
Isaac Crosby
Elisha Peirce
Imry Evans
Tilley Wilder
Elnathan Allen
Ephr" Holland
Geo. H. Hall
John W. Blake
Samuel wood
John Higons
Nathaniel Ripley
Ephraim Hawkins
Ben'* Easterbrooks
Josiah Allen
William M'Kinsy
Isaac Crandell
Abiathar Dean
Levi Ripley
Dan* Healy
Dan* Ripley
Amasa Houghton
Eleasor Lawrance
Eleaser Lawrence
Junr
Daniel Ridar
Ezra Parker Jun'
WINDHAM. 695
WINDHAM.
This town was formerly a part of Londonderry, and was
separated from that town by an act of the general assembly,
passed Feb. 12, 1 741-2, O. S. The first town-meeting was
called by Robert Dinsmore, Joseph Waugh, and Robert
Thompson, and was held on the eighth of March next fol-
lowing the date of its incorporation. The line between this
town and Salem was settled by mutual agreement, and rati-
fied by the governor and council January 9, 1752. This
took from Windham that portion of its territory lying south-
cast of a line drawn through the easterly side of Policy
pond, and annexed the same to Salem. By an act passed
September 26, 1777, several persons were severed from
Londonderry and annexed to this town.
November 26, 1778, the estate of Samuel Clark was also
changed from the former to the latter. An act was passed
Nov. 22, 1782, changing and establishing the line between
this town and Londonderry. By an act approved Dec. 25,
1805, some territory was severed from the latter-named
town and annexed to Windham.
Windham men in First N. H. Regiment :
James Brown, enlisted Apr. i, 1777 ; discharged Dec,
1780.
Serg. W** Darrah, enlisted Jan., 1777 ; discharged 1780.
Jamgs Gilmore, enlisted Apr. 25, 1777 ; discharged Apr.
Sf 1780.
Hugh Moore, enlisted Mar. 10, 1781 ; discharged Dec.,
1781.
Joseph PoUey, enlisted Apr. 7, 1777; discharged Apr. 10,
1780.
[11-138] \^Relative to Province Taxes ^ ^743-\
Province of Newhampshire In the House of Representatives
June 23* 1743
Whereas for want of Knowlidge of the True Bounds of the Dis-
tricts of Methuen & Dracut : how it interfered on the Bounds of
Londonderry Township when the act was passed last yeare for
Proportioning the Towns & Districts within this Province.
The within Persons were Doubly Return'd. viz.' By the Dis-
trict of Methuen & Dracut : And by Londonderry : Whereby
the within named persons has been Rated for their Province
696 EARLY TOWN PAPERS.
Tax to Londonderry : & also to Methuen & Dracut District — ^It
being ag* Reason that they Should be Rated to both places —
Voted — ^That they pay their Respective Rates for the Prov-
ince Tax for the yeare 1742 — to the Constable or Collector of
the Parrish of Windham as Rated in Windham : And that the
District of Methuen and Dracut be abated the Sum of Nienteen
pounds Seven Shillings & four pence part of the Proportion
they were to pay for the Province Tax for the yeare 1742 —
And what the Collector of the District of Methuen & Dracut
has received of the persons within named. Thatt all Such
Money So rec' be repaid by S^ Collector to the persons from
whome y* same was Collected —
And that the Said Sum of Nienteen pounds Seven Shillings
& four pence Equall to old Tennor be taken out of the Money
put into the Treasury for Contingencies. & to Ly in the Treas-
ury as a Fund to Exch* the old Bills of Credit of this Province
in order y* they may be Bro* in & Burnt
James Jeffry Cle' ass"
[Council concurred, and the governor assented to the
foregoing. — Ed.]
[11-139] [ Windham Men assessed in the Meihuen and Dra^
cut District J ^743'^
methuen Ju" 6- 1743 —
To the honrabell cooart m new hamshar —
wee Reseved your later baring dat the 3 of jun whar in we
Ar in for med that mr : samuell Morison of windham has Ree-
ported to the cort that sundry parsons belonging to windham
have bin Raeted by the selact man of the destrict of methuen
And Draket wee hear by in form the coort that wee have Raated
none but what was in eluded in the destrict And in the plan
lay' befor his Exelancy but for furder informacion to the cort
consarining this mater we have transscrbed out of ouer list
those mens names that Ar claimed by wanham with the sum
Each man is A sased As folloeth —
heads toll
John hall
Johnnathan woodbry
Robert Elenwood
John Cofferen
Samuell Armur
hanery sanders
Oliver sanders
timothy sanders
X
I
I
I
I
0-15- 5-0
I- I- 5-
0-18- 0-
0-19- 6-
2-8-4-
2
I
I- 2- 0
I
0-13- 0
WINDHAM.
697
William Sanders
Samuell sanders
nathaniell woodbery
John gills
Richerd EngsuU
Ad ward bay lee
Ebenezer woodbery
bendman Corner
John ober
John ober iu"
willuam Killeres
I- 4- 4
0-13- o
0-18- I
0-16- 8
I- o-io
0-16- 9
I- 3- 9
I- 4-1 I
1-6-8
0-13- o
0-13- o
19 •. 7 .. 4
[Petition for Incorporation. '\
whar As we the selactt men have meet together And Con-
sidered the Difficalt cas we laber under of unsateled paster
As to our publick Afair not weth standing owr Repeeted per-
tisions to the cort for in Corporating or imboding of us in to A
Society to carry on our publick Afair As the suport of the
minestry And other nasory [necessary] Afairs And if those
twanty inhabtants be taken from us thair will be but thirty
Rasedent in habetance in the destrect of methuen : draket ex-
apted whar As we your humbell protisnors prays that the
Englelish in habetance within mancened in the list which Ar
All but three — namly coffrian Armer And Killereas may be
imboded with us in caring on owr poublack A fir thos being
part of the Sosiety hoo Built the meting hows And satelled the
minister A mung us And Exapt those Remain with us wee
Shall be in tierly broken up
Henry sanders '\ Selact mean
Isaac Clough >- of methuen
Daniell Peaslee ) And Dracket
[Incorporated with the Haverhill District into the town
of Salem, May 11, 1750. — Ed.]
[11-141] [^Relative to an alleged illegal Election . ]
To the Hon"* House of Representatives for said Province in
General Assembly Convened June y* 6 1768 —
The Humble Petition of the Subscribers being Inhabitants
and freeholders in Londonderry and Windham in the province
698
EARLY TOWN PAPERS.
Aforesaid Qualified by Law to Vote in Electing Representa-
tives Most Humbly sheweth —
That the Select-men of Londonderry for the Current Year
Gaye Your Petitioners but thirteen Days Nottice Before the
meeting for the Election of a Representative for said Towns
and that the Moderator of said meeting and the select men of
Londonderry afores** at said Election did Refuse to permit!
some of the Inhabitants of s' Towns to vote in said Election tho
qulified by law to vot in 'said Election, and permitted Other
persons to Vote for said purpose who were not Qualified by
Law for y* same —
Wherefore your petitioners most Humbly pray that the Rep-
resentative so Elected may be Dismissed — and that you would
Grant us a precept for a new Election and Your petitioners as
in Duty Bound shal Ever pray —
Nenian Cochran
Sam* morison
John morison
Edward Aiken
Alex*' m*Calester
John Wight
Joseph Willson
ames Gregg
"ohn woodburn
Reuben Senter
Will" Butterfield
Joseph Senter
Sam' Senter
John Alexander
Will- Alexander
Rob** mack
Jabez Towns
Elijah Towns
Tho* Anderson
George Clarke
John Armstrong
Isaac Cochran
Alexander Wilson
Hugh Brown
John Wilson
Isaac Bnister
Sam* Miller
Sam* miller Jun'
Tames m'Murphy
John pinkerton
John Duncan
James Taggert
James Campbel
Kob'* mcClure
Will- Ranken
Jonathan Adams
Sam* Ranken
Will- Cochran
Peter Cochran
Tho- Walker
Rob** Wallac
James Walac
>me8 Anderson
patrick Douglas
John Hunter
Rob** moor
Henry Campbel
Joseph Oughterson
Will- Anderson
Tho* Taggart
John Walace
Nath* Aiken
Rob"* Adams
James Adams
John Mitchal Jun'
Kob' Anderson
Will- Rogers
David Anderson
Mathew Clark
[ohn Alexander
[ohn Aiken
lam* Fisher
Rob** park
Alex** park
Rob'* Hopkins
James Gil more
Alex^ Richy
John morrow
mark Owen
Adam Templeton
Alex^ Simpson
John Wilson
John smith
John mills
Will- Gregg
John m*Cay
David Gregg
George Davidson
John Davidson
Hugh Graham
Sam* Clark
Sam* m* Adams
James Jameson
Will- Jamison
Will- Dinsmore
Rob** Dinsmore
John Cochran
John Cochran Jun'
Thom* Jamison
James Wilson
James Cochran
Rob' More
Ramsley Plomer
John Dickey
Adam Dickey
John Highlands
Tho* Highlands
WINDHAM. 699
John Duncan Tun' James Oughterson James Wilson
John Barnett J un' David Oughterson Wil" Smith
Joseph Bell Sam^ Grege
ames m^Corrmick John Duncan 3'
ames Todd Sam^ Wilson
fohn Craige Robert Wilson
Joseph Hogg Sam* Anderson Roly* Duncan
William moor Adam Dickey Mathew Dickey
John Barnett John Stewart James Cochran
Rob** Barnett Kob'* Cochran George Duncan
Will- Duncan John Tuft
[In H. of Rep., Feb. 24, 1769, the foregoing petition was
dismissed. — Ed.]
fii-142] \^Certificate of Publication of Warrant for Town"
Meetings 1768. "]
Province of Newhampshin
Windham Aug* y* 20*"* 1768
These may Certifye whom it May Concern that I the Sub-
scriber here of Rec* the Warrant for to Call a Meeting for to
Chouse a Representitave for our Last Election on a Monndy or
Tuasday the Sabauth following I published the Same and no
More for I had not the oppertunity of a Norther Sabauth Befor
the Meeting — John Morison
Constable for Windham
[11-143] [,'Samue/ Bart^s Statement relative to the for e*
going named Meeting."]
Honr^ Sir At our Last Election of a Representative things
was Caried on very Strangly for our former Costom was to give
three Sabaths Days notice before Election when the Kings
writl allowd that time — but in our Last warning, the two first
parishes had only one Days warning for it so hapned that ther
was a Silent Sabath In Each : and ther was but thirteen Days
from the first notice : and time Enoch In the precept Sent us :
and windham had but a few Days : as to our Electors they
Caried it on so that Savrel voted that had only ther pool Rette :
and some had Got Deeds of Small Bitts of Land the night be-
fore the Election : praying your Honner Exceus which is from
your Honners verey Humbel Sarvent &c
Sam^ Barr
Londonderry October y* 1 7 : 1 768
700 EARLY TOWN PAPERS.
[ Warrant for Toixm^ Meetings 176B»'\
Provance of Newhampshire —
To M' Samuell Alleson town Constable
You are hereby Required in his Majestys Name to warn the
freeholders of your Respective bounds Duly Qualified to Elect
Representitives to Meet at the old Meeting-house on fridaj
the Sixth Day of May next at ten oClock in the fore Noon to
act and Vote on the following artickles
I** To Chuse a Moderator to Moderate in s* Meeting —
2^ to Elect one person Quail ified by law to Represent the
town in Generall Assembly —
and this Shall be your warrant Given under our hands —
Londonderry Datted Aprill 22* 1768 —
£k]ward Aiken
Rob' Moore
Gorge Moore
Sanv* Huston
Peetter Patterson
* Select Men
A true Return of the foregoing warant —
Attest per Mo' Barnett Clk
[11-147] \_Consiable*s Statement.']
Province of Newhampshire —
Londonderry Oct' y* 15** 1768
This may Certify whoroe it may Concern that I published
the warrant the first Sabath After I Recvied it and the nixt
Sabath ther was No meeting at our meeting hous and So I
Could not put up the warant
pr me Sam" Alison Town Constable
[11-148] [^Remonstrance to the Poregoing PetitionJ]
Province of New Hampshire — To the Honourable Speaker
& Gent" of the Assembly of said Province —
The Petition, of the Select men, & Other, Freeholders, &
Inhabitants, of Londonderry, And Windham, in said Province,
Legally, Qualified to Vote, in Chusing, Representatives, Hum-
bly Sheweth. —
WINDHAM.
701
That the said Selectmen, have been served, with a Copy of a
Petition, signed by Robert Wallace, & Others, Complaining of
Illegality, in the Choice, of our Representative, & praying, he
may be Dismised, &c. —
6ut your Petitioners, beg leave to inform your Honours, that
said Choice, was Regular, fair & Legal, According to the best
Of our Knowledge, first the Notification, or Warrant, for
Calling said Meeting, was Published, two Publick, days.
Agreeable to our Custom, & signed by the Select Men, fifteen
days, before the Choice, in Compliance with the Sheriff's, pre-
cept, Altho, we are of Opinion, the Law, Does not Require it.
2'y No Legal Voters, were Refused, the privilege, of Voting,
only James Cochran June'^ who Came, as the Select men, had
done, telling the Votes, & did not insist on Voting, whose Vote
was for the present Representative. —
3^ If any unqualified person. Voted, in said Choice, it is,
unknown to us, none Such, were Challenged, at the time of
Voting, which Agreeable to the Law (as we understand it)
was the time, the Right of any person, to Vote, ought to have
been Disputed. — Therefore your Petitioners, pray that said
Wallace's Petition, may be Dismised, &c —
September 15*^ AD 1768.—
Mathew Thornton
Stephen Holland
Moses Barnett
William Neill
Christopher Eayrs
onathan Gill more
ohn Brown
ohn McCartney
James Lyons
Alexander Craige
John Montgomery
John Raside
Robert Wallace
John Doack
George Cochran
Robert Rogers
Andrew Jack
John Willson
William Wallace
James Miltmore
Joseph Cochran
John Patten
Peter Patterson ^
George Moore
Robart Moore
Samuel Huston
Edward Aiken
Selectmen
of
Londonderry
David Montgomery
Thomas Creage
David Craige
Daniel McNeill
Alexander Nichols
John M*Keen
Robert Gillmore
Robert McNeill
John Gillmore
John Mitchell
Arthur Archibald
John M'^Curdy
Thomas Nesmith
John Ramsey
James Crombie
Robert Hunter
John Carr
James Stinson
Alexander M^Colom
Robert M*Colom
Samuel Awls
William Betty
David Taylor
Elias Sergent
Trueworthy Sergent
William Taylor
John Humphry
Nathaniel Martin
Daniel Chaney
Jacob Sergent
John Taylor
Andrew Clindinin
John Vance
702
EARLY TOWN PAPERS.
James Vance
John Moore
James Cochran
Robert M^farland
Joseph Morison
John Durham
John Cochran
James Doack Jun'
John Cate
Thomas Cristy
William Vance
Daniel Runnels
Abraham Reid
James M'Hard
Moses Senter
John Boyd
Robert Clark
Thomas Dunshee
John M«Duflee
Hugh Dunshee
William Patterson
Robert Archibald
Moses Watts
Hugh Moore
fames Ramsey
fohn Crombie Jun'
>amuel Alison
Samuel Eayers
William Morrow
James Miller
James Ewins
Samuel Morison
Adam Tavlor
William Cunning-
ham
Samuel Gregg Jun'
Samuel Morison
James Blair
James Willson
Robert Willson
John Clark
Samuel Clark
Henry Campbell
Hugh Grifham Jun'
John Wallace
Geoi^ Reed
ohn Crombie
ames Cochran Jun'
oseph Clyd
saac Cochran
Robert montgomery
Hugh montgomery
William Gregg
Robert Thomson
Robert Fulton
James Anderson Ju'
William Boyd
Charles Mellen
Samuel Thompson
John Thompson
Jun'
William Dickey
Robert Mack Jun'
"ohn Rogers
ames Patterson
ohn M*Allester
Archibald M*Alles-
ter
William Eayers
Simeon Morell
David Colbie
John Wiear
William Qindinin
James Humphry
Samuel Taylor
David Clindinin
James M^Keen
Elisha Cuming^s
Ezekiel Grele
John Senter
Lfevi Andrews
John Marshell
John White
David Peabody
Peter Robison
Sampson Kidder
Simon Bradstreet
Nathaniel Hills
Asa Peabody
Ebenezer Tarbox
Daniel Marshell
William Hord
George Burrows
Richard Marshell
Philip Marshell
David Lau ranee
Ruben Page
Richard Marshell
Isaac Page
William Waugh
Hugh Clyd
John Clyd
David Gregg
James Bettin
Samuel Eastman
John Davidson
Joseph Smith
i66
Sign'd Wallace's Petition & Since for Squir Livermore ij
John Stinson
179
I
180
Samuel Livermore Esq. the Legallity of Whoes Election,
was this day to be Disputed, being Necessarily absent the sub-
scriber, on his Behalf prays your, Honours, to Dismise s* Wal-
WINDHAM. 703
lace's Petition, or putofTthe Hearing said Dispute, till Some
future day, that Squire Livermore may be present
Mathew Thornton
Ocf 20, 1768.
[11-149] {^Severed Petitioners recant ^^
Province of New Hampshire —
To the Hon^ Speaker & Gentlemen of the Assembly of said
Province
The Petition of Sundry of the Inhabitants of Londonderry in
said Province, Humbly Sheweth
That your Petitioners being misinformed, & over perswaded
by Robert Wallace, & some other unquiet persons of this
Town, did Sign a Petition to your Honors, Setting forth the
Proceedings of the Meeting for the choice of our Representa-
tive, were illegal, and praying the Representative so chosen
might be Dismissed &c.
But on better information from Gentlemen of known Capac-
ity, & Veracity. — we after Mature Consideration find the said
choice was Regular, fair & Legal.
We therefore pray the above said Petition may be dismissed
&*, & your Petitioners as in Duty Bound will ever pray &°,
September 15*** AD 1768
Joseph Hogg John Willson Hugh Graham
Sam^ Rankin Hugh Brown Adam Dickey
William Gregg John Mills Mark Owen
James Gil more John M^'kay
Alaxd' Simpson George Davidson
October 20** 1768
A Copy £xam'd per
Province of New hampshir
Sam» Hobart CI P T
these May Sertify to Honorable hous of Representatives that
I the Subscribors having Perused the Within Petition and I See
my name Sigen therto this is the firs time that aver seedd Such
a Petition Nor Signed aney Such Petition as Witness my hand
at Windham December ye 21 1768
George Davidson
704 EARLY TOWN PAPERS.
[11-151] [ Statements of Hugh Graham and others.^
Province of New hampshire
These May Sertify to the honorable hous of Representatives
of Said Province that I the Subscriber Signed a Petition
Sigpied by Cap* Robart and others Seting forth that Samuel
Livermor Esq' Wase not Legaily Chosen Aas a Represent!*
tave at our Last election and Praying that He Might be Dis-
mise : but since being thretned by James Beton to-Sumose
Me to Portsmouth and put Me to a Grait Cost I ordred him to
Put in my name but I Neve Saw his Petition Nor Did Not
know the Import of it Witness My hand at Wind ham Decem-
ber ye 21 1708
Hugh Graham
and the Said Grhams further Declairs y* his sone Hugh
Grhams Jun' has No Reall Estate in Said town altho he Signed
Esquier thorntonns Petition Witnese My hand the Day and
year above Mentioned
Hugh Graham
I the Subscriber Do hear Declar that I Can Sertify to all the
abov that Hugh Grhams has Signed to but I saw the Petition
and for fear of trubel and Cost Signed the Second Petition
Signed by Joseph hoge and others
John M^Cay
Province of New hempshire
this May Sertify to the honorable hous of Representitaves
that I the Subscribor by the Means of the threatning of James
Beeton to Sumes us to Court if We Would not Sign Esquer
thorton and hogs Petitions the Which We Did but being
Showed the Copey of Said Petitions atested by the Clerk of the
asmbley and We find them Not agriable to the origonall that
We Signed therfor We Beg that the Prayer of Robart Wallace
Petition may be Granted & the other Dismised Witness our
hand at
Windham December ye 21 1768
Will" Gregg
David Greg^
Province of New hempshire
these May .Sertify to the Honarable hous of Reprsentatives of
Said Province that I signed a Petition to Said hous Which I
thought Was Wallaces Petitition. Not knowing that ther Was
aney other Petition Caring about But Since I am Informed that
it Wase Esquier thortons Petitition Which I Never Intend to
WINDHAM. 705
Sign therfor I Beg that the Prayer Said Wallaces Petition May
be Granted and the other Desmised
Dated Londonderry December y* 22 1768
Samuel gregg Junier
{n-152] [^Relative to an Astronomical Instrument, '\
Portsmouth New Hampshire 8** May 1773.
Whereas M' John Tuffl of Windham in the Province of New
Hampshire has for some time past applied himself, in forming
an Astronomical instrument, which may prove useful in Navi-
gation if perfected : We the Subscribers, being desirous to aid
& encourage every effort of laudable ingenuity, do freely give
to the said John Tuf!l the respective Sums we hereunto sub-
scribe, to enable him to proceed in his invention
J Wentworth Ten dollars — paid
[11-155] \_Letterfrom yames Betton^ ^776*'\
Windham July o*** 1776
Honr-Sir ^ '^
By these I would inform you that I am this Day Returned
from Albany I left my house at Windham the 24* of June and
we arrived at Albany the 30*** on the first of July we Delivered
the money to the Pay-master General by Gen* Skylers Order
we thought that the money might not be wanted as our army
was Returned to Ticonderoga and mentioned it to Gen* Skyler
he told us the money was Due at Canada —
We hired two men to go with us as a guard the sum we paid
was £1 147,, I, o for Which we took Duplicate Receipt : affirs
at Albany Carry a Dark aspect the people seem Discouraged
we was Informed that there was a fleet at New-york Consisting
of one hundred and twenty Sail and that our army was got Back
to Ticonderoga
The Inhabitants of Otter-Creek and Onion River leaving
their Settle-ments time only can Discover the Events —
I am Sir with all Due Respect yours to Serve
James Betton
P S M' Giles have a letter from Gen* Schuyler to you
47
706 BARLY TOWN PAPERS.
[11-156] [Insiructions to yames Betton^ Commissioner to
Congress^ the Army ^ etc.^ 1776.']
The Committee appointed to report a Draught for Instructions
to James Betton Esq' to regulate his Conduct in Executing his
Mission from this State to Philadelphia — Beg to lay the fol-
lowing before the Court for their Approbation —
To James Betton Esq' Pursuant to the Vote of General
Assembly of the 26*^ Inst You' are to proceed on your Journey,
taking with you some trusty person as an Assistant, as you go
forward you are to call on the Committee for detecting & defeat*
ing conspiracies against the States appointed by N York Con-
vention &. deliver the Letter directed to them & Desire them to
forward Money to Support their prisoners here — Then endeav-
our to find the Col^ Stark, Poor, and Scammil, and know of
them what Money they have drawn from Continental paymas-
ters to recruit their Regiments, and urge it on them to procure
the Money from Said Paymasters or Congress sufficient for the
Afores' purpose, as soon as the Service will permit them, &
repair to this State to raise their Regiments — ^And if such Diffi-
culties should Arise as to convince you that they cannot Effect
the Business that then you apply for the Money as directed by
the Vote, Otherwise not.
The Money you are to Solicit for procuring Cloathing has
been requested from Congress by the Committee of Safety in
their Letter of the 14*** Inst which may be rec* by Congress
before your Arrival which money You will endeavour to pro-
cure & bring forward — The Money you are directed by said
Vote to request as part of the Balance due from the Continent
to this State. You are Instructed to Inform the Congress, or
our Delegates there, that the Depreciation of paper Bills is so
Great that this State find it Necessary to desist from Emiting
any more, and have not Money in the Treasury to carry on the
Important demands for the Soldiery &c — That the Continual
and very Interesting Matters relative to prosecuting the War
has commanded the Attention of this Legislature so far as to
hinder the Necessary Examination into the Accounts of the
Several Persons Entrusted with the publick Money Sufficient to
Close the Account and send forward to Congress for their Allow-
ance. But expect soon to be able to com pleat & Transmit the
same — After you have compleated your Business with the Con-
gress you are to Consult with our Delegates on the Most safe &
convenient Method of proceeding back — and return as soon as
your Busin.ess, and the Circumstances of travelling will Admit
hereof — Geo : King Chairman
In the House of Representatives Dec'. 27, 1776. The above
Instructions being read & Considered Voted that the same be
WINDHAM. 707
Transcribed & and Delivered to James Betton Esq' : as orders
to him from this house
Sent up for concurrence John Langdon Speaker
In Council Eodem Die read & concurred
E Thompson Secy
[11-157] [Petition for a Lottery^ ^777'2
To the Honorable Assembly of the State of New Hampshire
The Petition of us the Subscribers, Humbly Sheweth That
Whereas the Town of Windham, or at Least a Great Part of
the Inhabitants of it, are under the Disadvantage of Going to
mill within the Bounds of Pelham, and for want of a Bridge
over the Stream Near Said mill, which is Called Butlers mill,
they (after Getting within ao Rods of S' mill) are obliged to Go
Round a full mile, which is a Great Trouble to S' Inhabitants,
and many Travellers Likewise are under the Same Disadvan-
tage on the Same account and it is a Rode that is used by the
Inhabitants of a Place Call' LondonDerry Qaim, Litchfield,
Part of Nottingham west & Part of Pelham, & also by People
Travelling into the upper Towns (as Amherst, Hillsborough,
Society Land), &c. —
it is thought that a Good Bridge would Cost 280 Dollars or
more ; and as the Town of Pelham is Remarkably Embarrassed
with Bridges already, having no Less than five Large ones over
S' Stream or River, and Several over a brook Call'd Golden
Brook, which are Exceeding Costly to keep them in Repair by
Reason of a Quick Rise of S' Streams, and moving of the Ice
— and it is Look' upon to be a hardship for the Town of Pel-
ham to Build a Bridge in S* Place — Therefore we your Peti-
tioners have Thought Proper to ask Leave of this Hon^*^ Court
to form a Lottery Sufficient to Build a Bridge as afores' — This
is therefore to Pray your Honours to Give Liberty for the Same,
which if you Do, your Honours may Depend upon it, that it
Shall be Carried on faithfully without fraud or Deceit for the
Public Good, for which Purpose we Desire that m' Nehemiah
Hadley of Windham & m' James Gibson of Pelham be the Per-
sons appointed to Carry on S* Lottery if Granted, &c. and in
Gratifying your Petitioners in Granting the above Request, you
will not only oblige them But will Greatly Promote the Public*
Benefit— &c—
and as we are in Duty Bound Shall Ever Pray
Windham March y' 6^ 1777 —
7o8
EARLY TOWN PAPERS.
John Mussey
Samuel Hutler
Caleb Butler
David Cumings
John Strickland
Samuel Wason
Stephen Lowell
Joseph Lowell
Timothy Lowell
Stephen Lowel juner
Benjamin Kidder
Edmund Hardy jun'
Daniel VVyman
£benezer Richardson
Alexander graham
James Caldwell Ju
Seth Wyman
Joseph Baldwin
Asa Baldwin
Josiah Burroughs
Henry Campbell
William Burns
Stephen Hadley
Asa Davis
David Glover
Thomas Saris
Thomas marsh
Tho" Wason
Jeremiah Hills
Samuel Caldwell
Sam* French
Thomas Caldwell
oseph Caldwell
ames Wason
Tn« Caldwell
bhn Hale
Levi Dakin
Seth Hadley
George Burns
Moses Hadley
Page Smith
oseph Greele
eremiah Blodget
ohn Gibson
William Shed
James Barnard
David Larrance
Juner
Zaccheus Grele
Daniel Hutcherson
Samuel Hutcherson
Amos Johnson
Samson 'Kidder
Stephen Kenney
Sanders Bradbury
Sam* Greele Ju'
Peter Cross
Samuel Greele Ju'
Asa Hardy
Edmund Hardy
Cyrus Hardy
W" Johnson
Nehem*» Butler
Simeon Barret
Gideon Butler
Samuel Haywood
George Davidson Ju'
Timo^ Smith
Abel Gage
John Haseltine Jun'
Josiah Tohnson
Thaddeus Butler
Jesse Butler
George Davidson
David Davidson
Dan* M^ilvaine
Aron wyman
Jesse wyman
Joseph buttler
Alex^' Gregg
Amos Kenney
Will"" Gregg
Alex*' Wilson
James Wilson
Samuel Wilson
Will" Gregg Jun
Amos merrill
Henry Campbel
i
David Gregg Jun'
John anderson
William M«Cay
George Williams
David Gregg
Peter Merrill
Sam** Morison
William Smith J'
William Simson
James Jameson
James Campbell
Ephraim kyle
Robert Hemphill
Daniel Clyd
James Davidson
John Cochran Ju"'
ohn Dinsmoor
ohn Wilson
Alex**' M*^Cay
Thomas Gregg
Tho« Wilson
David Lawrance
Alex*' Simpson
James Willson
Peter Merrill Ju'
David Currier
Daniel M^ilvaine Jun*
William M^ilvaine
Joseph Smith
Jonas Richardson
Thomas McCay
Henry Henry
Benjamin Melven
Jon* Bradley
Jonathan Laurance
moses Barrett
Daniel Marshall
John Davidson
i)avid Butler
Henry Campbell
Alex*' Boyd
Hugh Graham
Nathaniel merrel
The Whole 130 Signers
WINDHAM. 709
[11-160] [^Relative to a disputed Line between this Town
and Salem ^ iy82,'\
These may Certify whom it may Concern that We the Sub-
scribers were Sellect-men for the Town of Windham in the
year 1781 Whereas there was a petition prefered to the then
Gen* Assembly of the State of Newhampshire by the Sellect-
men of Lond'^ in Said State Setting forth that by the Act for
Incorporating Said Windham into a parish it included a Cer-
tain Peice of Land which Ought not to be included in the same
and Wheras the Hon" Court Did Recomend it to the Sellect-
men of the aforesaid Towns to Settle the matter : In Conse-
quence of Said Recommendation we the Sellectmen of Said
Windham Did meet with the Sellectmen of Londonderry afore-
said and made a Verbal agreement Concerning the Same Wit-
ness our hands
Oct*" 22', 1782.
Alex' Wilson \ Select
Ja* Gilmore J Men
[11-162] ^^Remonstrance against taking the Oath of Alle^
giance^ 1^82.']
State of New Hampshire, Rockingham ss
To the Hon*»*« the Gen* Assembly of the said State—
The pettition of the subscribers Inhabitants of Windham in
Said State Humbly sheweth
That Whereas the Hon" Court in their session in June Last^
Did pass an Act, requiring the Male poles from twenty one
years and upwards, to take an Oath of Alligance to this state,
and upon refusal to Be Deprived of the right of Voteing in
Town meeting, we your petitioners Beg leave to Observe, that
we have Done our Equal proportion with the Other towns in
this state towards the Defence of our rights and Liberties ; and
however an Oath of Aligance may be proper, yet we further
beg leave to Observe, that the Oath refered to, are filled with
Ambigious terms, that we Do not fully understand, also that
the penalty for refusal is too high : There is at Least four fifths
of this town that do not see their way Clear at present to take
said Oath.
We therefore pray that the Hon" Court may repeal that part
of said Act respecting the penalty or at least suspend the Act
for such a time, as the Hon" Court may think fit : We Like-
wise understand, that there is some Evil minded persons in this
7IO EARLY TOWN PAPERS.
state, that are in A tumultious manner, Going about to Alton-
ate the minds of the good people of this state, against the Gov-
ernment of the same, more Especially against the Hon^ Court,
under Varies false pretences ; We therefore further pray, your
Hon** to take such measures, to surpress the spirit of Anarchy,
and Confusion, that seem to prevail, and as in Duty bound shall
pray &c.
December i6*^ 1782
Sam* M^Adam Samuel Clyde Henry Cam*
Hugh Clyde John Clyde Amos Merrill
Fetter Merrill Daniel Clyd John Wilson
Henry Campbell James Wilson John Karr
to lay
[R. 4-192] [ Windham Soldiers^ ^777'^
Windham, May 8* 1777
their is Enlisted out of Windham
William Darough Robert Stuart in the Continental Armey
to serve for the Term of 3 years — Enlisted with Leut Chirey
John Job Nich* Vickstrem
Enlisted with Lev^ Senter — ^James Gilmore James Wilson
James Brown Joseph PoUey
Enlisted with Lev* Tho* Hardy — James Easman
Enlisted with Lev' Senter — Jacob Hardy
James Gilmore Cap*
[R. 4-193] [ Windham Soldiers^ ^77^'li
Exeter aprel 17* 1778
This Day Received of James Batten [Betton] Esq' of Wend-
ham fore hundred pounds Lawful money in full for fore Sol-
gers that I hired to serve in the Contenental Servis for three
years and march* For head Quarters with Co^ Dearborn the
mens Names are as Follows
Etinns auberts, Gawrette antoine, Jacques honores and
Bradhebury Cabny these are to sarve for the town of Wend ham
in this state — Sam^ Folsom
[R. 4-194] •
Certificate for David Campbell — Windham man
Highlands December the 6 1780 this is to Certify the state
of New hampshire that David Campbell has not Received any
WINDHAM. 711
wages nor sauce money* nor any thing out of Continental nor
State stors dureing the time he was in the Servise
Ebcn' Frye Gap*
[R. 4-185] {^J^okn Simson^ Bunker Hill Soldier. "]
To the Hon^^ the Council and House of Representatives for the
State of New hampshire in General Court assembled now
sitting at Exeter in said State
The petition of John Simson Humbly sheweth that your pe-
titioner was a soldier in Cap* Elisha Woodberys Company and
Col* John Starks Regiment in the year 1775 and being in the
Battle at Bunkers Hill on the 17'*' of June had the Misfortune
to have part of his hand shot away by a Cannon Ball which
renders your petitioner in some Measure unable to get a living
by labor ; and as he humbly Concives his case comes under the
Resolve of the Continental Congress wherein provision is made
for wounded soldiers &c — He therefore prays your Hon" to
take his Case under your consideration and grant him such re*
leive as you in your great wisdom shall think fit and your peti*
tioner as in duty Bound shall ever pray
John Simson
Dated Windham March 8*^ I779
[He was placed on the half-pay roll for three years. He
petitioned in 1783 asking to be continued on the list " of half-
pay pensioners;" and again in 1784, when bis name was
ordered to be placed on the roll, pay to commence at the
time his half-pay ceased. — Ed.]
[Dr. Thorn's Certificate relative to John Sitnson.'\
To the Honorable Council and House of Representatives for
the State of New Hampshire —
This may Certify that the bearer hereof John Simson of
Windham had the Misfortune June 17* 1775 to Loose two of
his fingers & part of his hand in the Battle on Bunkers Hill by
a shot from the Enemy & was attended for the same wound
by Isaac Thom Surgeon
Windham lo*** March 1779—
* Money furnished soldiers in tome cases to purchase Tegetables from inhftbltants d««lliB(
OB their hne of march. — Ed.
712 EARLY TOWN PAPERS.
[R. 4-188] IJames Wilson^ Soldier.']
State of Newhampshire > To all whom these presents
Rockingham ss ) shall come —
This may Certifie whom it may concern that Thomas Willson
and Grizel Simpson his sister are the only heirs now living to
James Willson late of Windham deceased who served in the
Continental Army the term of three Years (Viz) 1778 1779
1780
Given under our hands at Windham aforesaid this 2*f^ day of
Feb 1793—
John Anderson '\
Sam^ Morison V Select Men
Will» Gregg )
[R. 4-189]
[In a petition dated Windham, June 4« 1794, David Gregg
of that town stated that he ^' served in the Capacity of a
Captain in Defence of his Contrey in the year 1758." He
asked for a grant of land by virtue of the proclamation of
the king, of October 7, 1763, which proclamation directed
that grants be made to all reduced officers of the French
war. — Ed.]
[11-163] \^Petition to have the Town enlarged: addressed
to the General Courts 1^82,']
The Remonstrance and petition of us the subscribers sellect-
men of Windham in Said State Humbly Sheweth — that Whereas
the Sellectmen of Lond'^ did petition the Hon^* Court attheirlast
session — setting forth that there is a Certain strip of land Included
in the Bounds of said Windham which ought not to be in said
Bounds we humbly beg leave to inform your Hon" that the
Town of Londonderry did vote that a parish should be set of!
in the Bounds of the southerly side of said Town with Certain
limits without any Reservation which limits was meant to
Comprehend one third part of the Town of Lond'^ aforesaid
Notwithstanding said Windham do not comprehend more than
one fifth part of said Township of Londonderry and the soil
Exceeding poor —
We further beg leave to Observe to your Hon" that it gives us
pain to trouble the Honb* Court with such matters but the court
will please to Observe that it is not our Motion : the sellectmen
WINDHAM. 713
of Londonderry for the year 1781 or reather one M' Paul under
their signiture did prefer a petition to the then Gen^ Court pray-
ing that the above said strip of Land might be disanexed from
Windham and anexed to Lond*^ the Hon" Court after consid-
ering the purport of said petition recomended it to both Towns
to sittle the matter : agreeable to said recomendation the sellect-
men of Windham did meet with the sellectmen of Londondeiy
and made a Verbal agreement : The agreement was that the
said Town of Windham was not to tax said M' Paul and Lon-
donderry was not to tax certain Land that lay over the line we
Expected the matter was wholly settled : but to our surprise
we were served with a Copy of a new petition and order of
Court: we the sellect men of said Windham Humb* pray your
Hon" to take the Matter under your wise Consideration and
enlarge our Bounds half a mile to the northward of the east
and west Line discribed in the Act of our Incorporation that is
Extending half a mile to the North and runing East from Bea-
ver Brook so Called to the Easterly line of said Lond*^ &c &c
and your petitioners as in duty Bound shall pray
Windham Nov**' 4"* 1782
Alex' Wilson") Sellectmen
Ja' Gilmore > of
Nath" Henry ) Windham
[11-164J \^Instructtons to Representative to oppose paying"
Officers after the Close of the JVar, i^Sj."]
Wheras we the Subscribers being Chosen a Committee to
consider of the third Article in a warning for a Meeting held
in the Town of Windham on the 25*** of August 1783 (viz) to
consider of the propriety of allowing the Officers in the Conti-
nental Army five years pay after the Conclusion of the War we
the said Committee beg leave to Report as our Oppinion that
our Representative be Instructed to move at the next session of
the Gen* Assemly of this state that a remonstrance be sent by
said court to the Continental Congress against the Resolve
passed in said Congress that the Ofi[icers in the Continental
army have five years pay after the conclusion of the war —
And we your constituants further Instruct you that in case
the foregoing Motion is Overruled that you enter your Protest
against the said Measure. As we Judge the same to be Op-
pressive and unjust —
Sam* Campbell for the Committee
Windham September 12*** 1783
The Freeholders and other Inhabitants of Windham Being
mete at the adjournment of the aforesaid Meeting taking the
714 SARLY TOWN PAPERS.
Report of the aforesaid Committee into consideration Unani*
mously Votted that the same is their opptnion and that our
Representative conduct himself accordingly —
A true Coppy, attest John Morison town Qerk
[11-165] [ Vote relative to Eighth Article of Confederatum^
>75j.]
Whereas at a legal Meeting^ of the Inhabitants of the Town
of Windham held on the 25^ day of August Instant Voted to
Choose A Committee to consider of the second Article in the
warning for s* Metting —
Agreable to said Vote we the said Committee have meet to
consider of the second Article in said warning (Viz) the Alttra*
tion of the Eighth Article of Confederation and in Lue thereof
to substitute the number of souls —
We the said Committee beg leave to Report as our oppinion
that the said Eighth Article of Confederation be Altered and in
Liu thereof to substitute the number of souls as recomended by
the Continental Congress
Sam' Campbel for the Commitee
Windham September 13* 1783
The Freeholders and other Inhabitants of Windham Being
mete at the adjournment of the aforesaid meeting, taking the
Report of the aforesaid Committee into consideration Unani-
mously Votted that the same is their oppinion and that this
Copy be Sent to the Court
John Morison town Qerk
A true Coppy attest
[i 1-167] [^Petition for Authority to elect a Representative:
addressed to the General Courts ^7^4'2
The Humble petition of the subscribers Inhabitants of Wind-
ham in Said State Humbly Sheweth
That said Town not having the number of poles reqired by
the new Constitution to intitle the same To Send one repre-
sentative to the Gen' Assembly of Said State and not being
convenient to Class with any other Town whatever : Therefore
agreeable to A proviso in the Said new Constitution in that
case Provided we your petitioners pray that the Hon^ Court
may issue a writ for our Electing and Sending a Representa-
tive to the Gen' Court and as in Duty Bound Shall pray &*
Dated at Windham Feb'^ 27*^ 1784
WINDHAM.
715
Robert Burk
James Betton
Alex*' Wilson
Ja* Gil more
Nath" Hemphil
David Gregg Jr
John Mori son
Alex*' Simson
Petter Merril
John Cochran
John Dinsmoor
6ain Armour
John Simpson
Benj" Thorn
John Anderson
Henry Cam> jun'
Decon Sam*^ Camp-
bell
Will" Gregg Jur
Will™ Gregg
Samuel Mori son
Robart Stewart
Joseph Clyde
Daniel Clyde
Henry Campbell
Hugh Graham Jr
Robert Morison
John Davidson Ju'
Moses Cristy
Daniel M^alvain
Juner
Samuel M*adams
Jun'
Robert Hemphill
James Cochran
Eliphalet Ladd
James Davidson
Alex*' Morrow
James M'ilvane
John Gregg
Job Pingry
Hugh Clyde
James Wilson
David Currier
James Dinsmoor
William Davidson
Ebneser Hall
Jesse Davidson
John Wilson
John Clyd
Alexander Park
thomas Wilson
John Davidson
Peter Merrill J'
Rob* M^ilvaine
John M^Keen
Abner Foster
Abraham Reid
mattbew Reid
Alex' Park
Thomes Jameson
Asa haseltine
Samuel Smith
Rob* Dinsmoor
George Davidson
George Davidson Jur
David Gregg
David Armstrong
William Dickey
Robert Speer
James Eastman
Abner Campbell
Joseph Smith
Will- Shedd
Will" Thom
David Hobkens
Will™ Dinsmor
Robert Dinsmoor Jn'John Armour
Sam" Clyd Se» Armour
Allex*' M'Cay
Philip Hesletine
Robert Smith
John Campbell
Jonathan Thomson
William M«Cay
Samuel Wilson
[In H. of Rep., Mar. 31, 1784, the foregoing request
was granted. Council concurred. — Ed.]
[11-168] [^Afore effective Sunday Laws wanted: addressed
to the General Courts Oct, 20^ 1784.']
The petition of us the Subscribers Selectmen of the Town of
Windham Humbly Sheweth That it appears to us that the
Lords Day is very much prophaned by persons traveling with
and without Loads which is a sin henious in the Sight of the
Supreme Being we wish to look up to you as our Policitacel
fathers to make Such Laws for punishing Such Crimes —
And Wheras the Law now in force for the Observation of
the Lords Day are insufficient to answer the purpose intend :
7i6
EARLY TOWN PAPERS.
in the first place it is not so Explicit as it ought to be : and the
fines are not high enough : in that Law refered to it mentions
^^to restrain untill he pays his Said fine" Wheras we think
the offender ought not to have Leave to proceed untill the
Sabath is over : we also think there is not Oflicers Enough to
Execute the Said Law — We your petitioners Humbly pray
your Excellency and Hon" to take' the Subject Matter of Our
petition under your wise & Serious Consideration and pass
Such Laws as may answer the Salutary purpose proposed and
as in Duty bound Shall pray
Windham Oct**' 20*** James Betton by order
of the Selectmen of Windham
[11 -1 70] \^yames Betton recommended for a Magistrate J\
State of New Hampshire — Rockingham ss —
To his Excellency the President of said State with the Hon****
the Privy Council Convened —
The Humble petition of us the Subscribers of Windham, in
Said County Sheweth that whereas by our new Constitution,
we understand that all Commissiones both Civil & Military are
Vacated and A New Arrangement is to take place we your Pe-
titioners in Behalf of Said town Humbly pray Your Excellency
and Hon** to enrole James Betton Esq' to Continue as A Jus-
tice of the peace for Said County and town as he has Given
General Satisfaction in Said Office as in Duty bound Shall
pray
Dated Windham Dec' 24**^ 1784
David Johfison
Will" Shed
Alex' Simpson
Henry Campbell
Tuner
John Clyd
John Gregg
Tho" Templeton
Sam** Clark
John Anderson
Ja* Davidson
Jn* Davidson
Jn* Davidson Juner
Will" Davidson
Gorge Davidson
Juner
Robert Hemphill
Mathew Reid
Caleb Balch
David Nevens
Dea» Robert Park
Tho' Dougless
Will" Rogers
Sam** Simpson
John Rollings
David Rollings
John Corning
Hugh Campbell
Abra" Reed
Joseph Hull
David Merrell
John Merrell
a* Cochran
ohn Templeton
ohn Cochran
Alex' Park
Sam** Mori son
John Mori son
Alex*' Morrow
Andrew Park
Eliph* Ladd
Philip Haseltine
Moses Cristy
Jonathan Thompson
Alex" Grimes
John Grimes
Josiah Gage
Dea" Gawin Armour
WINDHAM.
717
David Campbell
Henry Campbell
Alex' McCay
Will" Gregg Juner
ohn Campbell
ob Pingry
rho- Wilson
David Armstrong
John Armstrong
Doc' John Arm-
strong
Cap' Asa Senter
Robert Dinsmoor
Asa Haseltine
Tho* Jameson
John Smith
John Simpson
David Hopkens
Ja* Gil more
John Dinsmoor
Sam" M*" Adams Ju
Ja' Sanders
Tho' Acheson
Stephen Pingry
Sam" Ayer
Sam" M® Adams
Cap* Joseph Clyd
Abner Foster
Robert Smith
Will" Dinsmoor
Joseph Smith
Nath" Hemphill
David Gregg
Robert Stewart
Robert Dinsmoor J'
George Kezer
Will" Thom
Benf Thom
Hugh Montgomery
A true Copy from the other petitions
[James Betton was appointed. — Ed.]
[11-171] {^Afore Complaint concerning Sunday Laws: ad-
dressed to the General Courts iy88J]
The Humble petition of us the Subscribers Sheweth
That whereas an Act intitled an Act for the better Observa-
tion and keeping the Lords Day passed June 23* 1 785 proves
insufficient to answer the Valuable purpose thereby intended :
Your petitioners Humbly Concive that the true intent and
meaning of Said Act is that every person or persons whatso-
ever. Do Carefully apply themselves to the Duties of Religion
& piety Publickly & Privatly on that Day : but we find by
Daily Experience that the Contrary is often practised : we See
persons boldly Driving their Loaded Teams and also Horses
Loaded with goods on that Day : and by reason of some Incon-
sistances in Said Act (as we Concive) it cannot (or reather is
not) Carried into Execution : We Humbly Beg leave to point
out to the Hon'** Court those parts of Said Act that we think
Ought to be ammended and first it is the Duty of every Sheriff
Coroner Tythingman Constable & Sellect man to inform of all
the Breaches of Said Act and we Humbly think that they are
Oblidged to Do it by their Oath & office : but in Case Either
of Said Officers Do Complain to any Justice of the peace for
the Breach of Said Act and Prossess is Issued against the Sup-
posed offender and he Brought to Tryal and found Guilty and
he appeals to the next General Sissions of the peace & if he is
there aquited the Complainant or informer (Notwithstanding
his Oath & office) must pay all Cost one other part of Said
Ack we Humbly think ought to be ammended that is in Case
7l8 EARLY TOWN PAPERS.
any supposed OfTender lives in any other County in this State
and either of Said Officers Returns the persons name to a jus-
tice of the peace the Justice is Authorised to Direct his warrant
to the Sheriff of any County in this State or his Deputy for ap-
prehending and Bringing before him any person or persons
Offending as aforesaid : but the Sheriff is not Oblidged to Ex-
ecute Said Warrant untill his fees is paid or is tendered to him :
and in Case the person so offending is aquited at the General
Sessions of the peace the person who pays the sheriff his fees
must Loose it : and also the person who Complains must pay
all other Costs: We your Humble petitioners beg the Hon*^
Court to take this Matter under your wise Consideration & pass
an Additional Act to ammend the above Resited Paragraphs or
otherwise Repeal the Said Act and pass another in liew thereof
& your petitioners as in Duty Bound Shall pray
December 17* 1788
Sam" Cochran Jun' Sam" Cochran George Russell
John Betton James Wallace Jp^" Pinkerton
Peter Dustin James Betton i>aniel Davis
Rob^ Dinsmoor xhomes Patterson James Aiken
Alexander M Cay Joseph Morison Ip^^ Ewins
Alexander Park James Dinsmoor Robert MacMurphy
[11-172] \^Location of the Meeting»Hause complained of:
addressed to the General Courts ^79^ *\
The petition of us the Subscribers Inhabitents of windham in
Said State Humbly Sheweth
That your petitioners Labour under Great Deficulty with
Respect to the unjust Situation of the Meeting house in Said
town — we beg leave to Inform the Hon*** Court that your peti-
tioners was Much Discontent with The Situation of Said Meet-
ing house when it was Built and Since that time the Bounds of
Said Town are Much Altered their being three thousand Seven
hundred Acres of land, set off to Salem so that the Meeting
house Stands Near six Miles.from the North-west Part of Said
town and about one Mile from the Southeast part ; Wherefore
Your petitioners Humbly pray the Hon^ Court to appoint a
Commitee to View the premises And Consider the Situation of
Said Meeting-house and make Report to this Hon^ Court as
the Matter May appear to them and that the Said Commitee
Maybe paid at the Expence of the town— And Your petitioners
as in Duty Bound Shall ever pray —
Dated at windham March y* 26^ 1791 —
WINDHAM.
719
Will™ Davidson
John Davidson
Ja* Davidson
George Davidson
George Davidson
Richard Estman
Will" Shed
Will- M«Cay
David Gregg
Daniel Gregg
David Gregg Ju'
Mathew Clark
John Karr
Henry Camphell Ju
Isaac Campbell
Amos Merrill
John Campbell Ju'
Abnor Campbell
John Anderson
Tho' Davidson
Henry Campbell
Ja* Moor
Will- Moor
Daniel Anderson
Nath^ Martine
John Ray
Tames Clark
John Armstrong
David Armstrong
Sam^ Clark
David Gregg 3*
Will" Gregg Ju'
' Will" Gregg
Sam^ Campbell
Alex' M«Cfay
Hugh Wilson
David Campbell
Rob* Clark
James Anderson
Sam^ Anderson
James Clark Ju'
7ohn Clyd Ju'
[oseph Clyd
[oseph Clyd Ju'
Daniel Clyd
Peter Merrill
Timothy Merrill
Bayley Merrill
John Montgomery
Hugh Clyd
John Clyd
John Davidson Ju'
Rob* Hemphill
John Hemphill
[11-174] [yames Betton*s Account of Travelling' Expenses
while on a yourney to Baltimore after Money for the use
of this Statey 1777*1
An Account of the Expences on the Journey, to Baltimore in
Maryland with the Distance from place to place
Distance Tavemkeepers names or Towns —
36 miles from Exeter To my house —
To Dunstable 12 miles Esq' Lovells —
8 miles to Woods in G rotten Lodging —
5 to Chiles gotten Breakfast —
6 to Hartford—
4 to Athertons Lanchaster —
7 to Whites in Ditto —
8 to Beamans in Shrewsbury Lodging —
8 to Starns in Wooster —
8 to Low troops in Lister Dinner —
5 to Weights in Spencer —
4 to Hichcocks Brooklield Lodging —
5 to Cuttlers in Westerly —
10 to Greaves in Palmer —
65^ to Warners in Welbrham —
12 to Kingsbury Enfield —
i)^ to Granges Suffield Connecticut —
Expences
6„
5.
0,
: J
5.
2,
9 0
9 8
o„
I,
9 10
On
ii
, I
o„
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2,
6,
» 4
9 2
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2,
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9 8
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6,
9 10
o„
2,
9 8
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I,
9 0
o„
2,
9 0
'99
6„ IX
720
EARLY TOWN PAPERS.
>^
6
7
i
12
II
lO
lO
lO
4
9
»3
5
4
7
7
lO
15
12
12
II
lO
7
4
lO
7
12
8
3
5
II
7
II
12
s
12
to Kents in Suffield —
Blacksmiths Charge —
to Oakhams in Simsburry —
to Phelps in Ditto —
to Hum preys in Ditto —
to Yeals in farmigton —
to Phillips in herrington —
to Litchtield Doltens-*-
to CogsDales New Milford —
to Beaches at Bulls Iron works —
to Haldes in Dover —
to Deenes —
to Cap* Griffens fish kills —
to fish kills —
to Warrens in the Highlands —
to Lunts Peekskill —
to Kingsferry Shoeing and Breakfast —
to Haverstraw —
to Keakeat Dutch mans —
to Soverens at Rampock —
paid for Buck Wheat and corn —
to Garrisons in Pumpton —
to Conick to Mandivels —
to Moristown —
to Prudents in Ditto^
to Vealtown —
to the White house —
to Flemingham —
to Robinsons ferry at Delaware—
to Bougers Tavern —
to kilevals —
to Buttlers —
to Jenkens —
to Philadelphia Carsons Sign of the Harp &
Crown —
to Smiths at Derby —
to Duttens —
to Wilminton —
to Newport —
to Cristine —
to Elk River—
to North East—
to Rogers at Sisquhanna River for Pilot &
Lodging—
to the head of Bush River —
to the Iron works —
to Carmicaels Sign of Masons arms —
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WINDHAM. 721
^ to Baltimore at M*^ Mackindles for one
Days — o,, 16,, o
at the Coffey house — i,, i6„ 4
for Shaving and Washing While at Balti-
more— o„ 14,, 3
Powder Bullets and Shoot — o,, 11,, 10
at Macandleys in Baltimore 21 Days 2 men
& 2 Horses — 21,, 14,, o
"J to Carmichaels Left Baltimore the 11*** of
Febr^ — o„ 17,, 6
at the falls Lodging 6 men and 9 horses — i,, 10,, 6
at Bush — o,, 16,, o
at the River Sisquhannah Dinner & fer-
rage— i„ 12,, 6
more to Treating the Negros for helping the
Loading out — o„ 4,, 3
at North East Lodging — 2,, 9,9 10
at the Elk — o,, 15,, o
at Dowdies Cristine — j,, 6,, o
At Grays in Newport Lodging — 2,, 7,, o
At Elots — o,, II,, o
at Duttens — i,, 7,, o
at Chester — o,, 3,, o
at Briants Lodging — i,, 16,, 3
at Smiths in Derby — i,, 2,, 4
at Philadelphia Saturday the 15*^ o,, 13,, o
at Rising Sun Lodging for 2 men and
Horse — o,, 11,, o
at Pauls in Frankfort 2/6 and 12/ to the
Waggoner— o„ 14,, 6
at Macvays in Frankfort Lodging — 3,, 13,, 9
at Comlys Tavern for Dinner &c — i,, i,, o
at Bennets for Lodging — 2,, 3,, 8
at Correls at the ferry — o,, 16,, o
to the ferrymen — o,, 4,, o
at amuels — o,, 2,, 2
12 miles from Dalaware to M' Dalwickos — o,, 9,, o
8 to Redintons Lodging — i,, 4,, o
3 to White house — o,, 8,, 6
7 to the Stone house — Dinner — o,, 18,, o
10 to youngs Lodging — 2,, 19,, o
paid for Shoeing Horses— o,, 7,, 9
8 to Howels — o,, 8,, o
8 to Mandevals Dinner — o,, 6,, o
Cap* Throops Expence in going to Morris-
town — o,, 17,, o
paid to the Waggoner for Oats — o,, lo,, o
48
.1
y22 EARLY TO^^ PAPERS.
15 to Rampock Lodging — i„ 4,, o
for my Expences when alone at Ditto— 0,9 3,, o
J to Soverins Tavern — o„ i„ 6
to Caroll Dinner — o,, 3,, o
xo to Kingsferry — o„ 4,, o
5 to Peekskill Lodging — i,, lo,, 6
more at Peekskill — o^, 6,, o
miles to the Dutchmans-r o,, i,, o
to Dutchy County where I came up with
the Waggon — o,, 13,, o
Cap* Throops ace* for the Companys Ex-
pence — 3„ 4,, o
more paid Co'' Gregg Expences in the Jer-
seys— 3„ 3„ 6
8 to Shermans Lodgings i,, lo,, o
paid to M' Sherman for Carrying part the
load to Milford o,, ii,, o
zi to Milford — o„ 7,, o
6 to Fowlers in Milford, Dinner — o,, 6,, 6
5 to Stones — o,, 3,, 6
3 to Stodders Lodging — i,, o,, o
3 to Litchfield Breakfast Buels — o«, 6„ 6
3 to Buels Snow Storm this Day — o,, 3,, 8
3 to Philips Lodging and Washing — a,, I9) 11
3 to Catlines — o,, 9,, 6
14 to Farmington Coll' Lodging — i„ 4,, o
paid to M' Potter for Carrying the load 33
miles — I,, lOf, 6
more paid for Ditto 3 miles — ^ o,, 6,, o
10 to Hartford M' Jones Lodging & Horse
keeping— i„ 3,, 3
8 to Windser — o,, 3,, o
8 to Endfield Dinner — o,, 7,, 9
13 to Wilbraham — o,, 3„ 0
7 to Graves Tavern Lodging — i„ 3,, 6
5 to Bliss Tavern Breakfast — o,, 7,, o
10 to Hitchcocks — o„ 3,, 10
ZI to Lister Dinner-^ o,, 8,, o
zo to Woster Starns — o,, 3,, 4
8 to Farras Lodging — i„ i,, o
Z4 to Hows Malbury — o,, 8,, o
zo to Jones Wet ham — o„ 4,, o
Z3 to Bakers Rocksbuny — o,, i„ 6
Cap* Troops Expences when from u»^ i,, zi,, o
to Boston came to Boston Saturday the z** of
March 4 of the Clock afternoon
3 Expences at M' Moores in Boston 3,, z8,, 8
WINDSOR. 723
3 Other Expences at Boston & Elswhere paid
by Co" Gregg— o„ 8,
10 miles to Wymans in Wooburn Lodging — i,, i,
10 to Deacon Ballards Willminton — o,, 2,
8 to Mastens at the river — o„ 2,
7 to Deacon Kelleys New Salem Dinner — o,, 5,
8 Horse Shoeing — o,« 2,
9 to Chester Ingols — o,, i,
7 to Towels Kingston — o,, 3,
8 at Exeter when returning the money — o,, 13,
at Towles kingstown — o,, 3,
at Ingalls in Chester — o,, 2,
3
4
3
I
6
2
I
4
o
o
[James Betton was born in Scotland in 1728 ; he took up
his residence in Windham about 1753, and was a prominent
man in the town and state, and was employed on several
important commissions during the Revolutionary war. He
was a member of the state legislature in 1777, '79, *8o, *8i,
'82, '84,-86, '89, '91, and '93, and died March 18, 1803. —
Ed.]
WINDSOR.
The town was formerly called Campbell's Gore. By an
act passed June 21, 1797, a tract of land known as Wheel-
er's Gore, situated between Campbell's Gore and the town
of Washington, was annexed to said Campbell's Gore.
The town was incorporated December 27, 1798, at which
time it received its present name ; and by the same act
Joshua Lovejoy was authorized to call the first meeting of
the inhabitants, and preside in the same until a moderator
was chosen.
This is one of the smallest towns in the state, territo-
rially considered, and contained but sixty-five inhabitants
in 1880.
[11-176] [Petition for Authority to tax Non-Residents :
addressed to the General Court ^^ 1787."]
Gentlemen —
We the Inhabitants of Campbells Gore in the County of
Hillsborough, humbly petition — ^whereas Labouring under many
Difficulties & Inconveniencies for the want of a Road through
724 EARLY TOWN PAPERS.
said Gore from Antrim to Washington, & in making said Road
passable, there must be a Bridge built of considerable Length &
Heighth, which will be of great Use & Benefit to the Publick,
as well as to the Inhabitants And often being requested to build
said bridge by the people above & below us, & we not being
able to perform said Work, begs that your Honours will allow
us the Subscribers, to Tax the Non Resident Lands to the high
Ways so as to Enable us to perform said work as it will be as
beneficial to their Interest as Ours. — ^And also humbly desire
your Honours to call the Name of this place Scituate — which
Requests we are Continually Praying for —
Campbells Gore May 25* 1787
Joel Richards Jonathan Swett David perkins
Stephen Wyman Asa Dresser Nathan ^arker
Thomas Stickney Elijah Green John Gordon
John Roche John Roch J' Josiah Swett
[11-177] \^Petition of Inhabitants of CantpbelVs Gore and
part of Hillsboroughyfor Incorporation^ ^79^'^
To the Honourable Senate, and house of Representatives in
General Assembly convened at Portsmouth, within & for the
State of Newhampshire —
The Petition of us the Subscribers being Inhabitants of a
track of Land, called Campbells Gore — and also of Sundry of
the Inhabitants, living in the Southwest part of the town of
Hillsborough — Most humbly Shews — That the said track of
Land first Mentioned, containing but About 3000 Acres, which
is too small ever to become a town or parish Sufficient to Main-
tain the Gospel or carry on publick business, and its Situation
is such, that it cannot be Joined to any Lands for its Relief,
except a track of Land, Lying in the southwest part of said
Hillsborough, on which a number of your Petitioners reside,
and are desirous of being United with the Inhabitants of Camp-
bells Gore, by an Incorporation vesting them with such town
previleges and Immunities as other towns in the State hold and
do enjoy — That the whole town of Hillsborough contains about
26000 Acres, and the part hereby requested to be Joined to the
said Gore contains only about 6000 Acres — That should the
prayer of this petition be granted will then contain about 20000
Acres, a Quantity Sufficient to afford Ample support for a Min-
ister & remain a respectable town, and we cannot see any Ill-
convenience that will attend the granting this Request, as the
town of Hillsborough have Erected a new Meeting house and
WINDSOR. 725
have Settled a Minister of the Congregational Standing, the old
parish of Hillsborough being the greatest Majority carries all
Votes to their Liking, & we being Presbyterians cannot Join
with them — Although we have helped to defray all charges,
and not willing to make any Difficulty in a new Country, and
as Opportunity now presents to Join said Gore, to be releaved
from our present bondage, we trust they will make no Opposi-
tion in this our request, which we hope will appear to your
honours very Reasonable & draw a small part of your Atten-
tion on the Premises — Your petitioners therefore most humbly
pray, that an Act may pass the Honourable Assembly, Incor-
porating into a town the said Gore, with the Southwesterly
part of Hillsborough, according to the following Directions and
Boundaries (Viz) Beginning at the Southeast corner of Lot N**
39 in the third Division (so called) being the south bounds of
said Hillsborough, thence North about 15 Deg"" West, in the
east bounds of the Westermost range of the said third Division^
Lots to the Northeast corner of Lot N** 6 in said Division, thence
south Eight Deg' and an half West, to the North West corner
of said Lot N** 6 thence Northerdly about 30 Rods to the North-
east Corner of Lot N® 58 in the Second Division, thence West-
erdly in the North bounds of said Lot N* 58, N** 27 and N* 16
to the West bounds of said Hillsborough — Then pursuing the
North west and South Lines of said Gore as the same are now
reputed to be, till it shall come to the South west Corner bound
of said Hillsborough, thence Easterdly in the South Line of
Hillsborough to the place of beginning — Your petitioners there-
fore most humbly pray, that a Committee be sent on said prem-
ises viewing our Situation, and setting of so much as said
Boundaries specifies, or any other Lines, as they in their Wis-
dom sees fit — And Your petitioners as in Duty bound will ever
fervently Pray &c &c &c —
Dated Jan^ 6"* 1790 —
Names of the Signers belonging to Hillsborough —
David Goodell William Love Tho miller Miller
John m* Clintok David Livermore James Miller
John M® Cleary Samuel Pope William Tallant
Andrew Bixbe Issachar Andrews Samuel Preston
Moses Steele benjaman Jones Robert patten
Thomas murdough benjaman Jones Jun hugh Smith
John Bixbe John Gibson I John m*NeaiIl has
Joseph Taggart Archibald Taggart nothan against be-
Alexander m*Clin- 1 william Hutching- ing Sat of
tok son has nothan
Fortu"* Wheeler against being sot
Solomon Andrews of —
726 EARLY TOWN PAPERS.
Names of the Signers belonging to Campbells Gore
bsiah Swett Jun Eben' Curtice
ames Jones Daniel Gibson
bhn Roche Henry Bagley
ohn Roach J' William Jones
ames Roche Daniel Gordon
onathan Swett
Josiah Swett
David Perkins
Stephen Wyraan
John Goodell
Nathan Barker
Joshua Jones ^
Daniel Bixbe Asa Dresser
[In H. of Rep., January i6, 1790, Robert Wallace, of
Henniker, Nenian Aiken, of Deering, and Capt. Daniel
Miltimore, of Antrim, were appointed as a committee ^^ to
view the situation " and report to the next session. Coun-
cil non-concurred. — Ed.]
[11-1793 [^Afto^Aer Petition for Incorporation: addressed
to the General Assembly^ iygoJ\
The petition of us the Subscribers, being Inhabitants of a track
of Land called Campbell Gore — and also of Sundry of the Inhab-
itants living in the South west part of the town of Hillsbo-
rough—
Most humbly Shews —
That the said track of Land first Mentioned, containing be-
tween 3 and 4000 Acres, which is to small ever to become a
town, or parish Sufficient to maintain the Gosple, or carry on
publick business, and its Situation is such, that it cannot be
Joined to any Lands for its relief, except a track of Land, lying
in the South West of said Hillsborough, on which a number of
your petitioners reside, and are desirous of being United with
the Inhabitants of Campbells Gore by an Incorporation vesting
them with such town previliges and Immunites as other towns
in the State hold and do Enjoy —
That the whole town of Hillsborough contains about the
Quantity of 26000 — and part hereby requested to be Joined to
the said Gore Contains only about 6000 Acres — ^Your petition-
ers therefore most humbly pray, that an act may pass the hon-
ourable Assembly — Incorporating into a town the said Gore,
with the South West part of Hillsborough, According to the
following Description & Boundaries (Viz) Beginning at the
South east Corner of Lot N®39 in the third Division (so called)
being the south bounds of said Hillsborough thence North about
15 Degrees West, in the east bounds of the Westermost range
of the said 3'' Division Lots, to the northeast Corner of Lot N*
6 in said Division, thence south Eight Degrees and an half
WINDSOR.
727
West, to the North West Corner of said Lot N* 6,thence North-
erdly about 30 Rods to the North east Corner of Lot N^ 58 in
the second Division, thence Westerdly in the North bounds of
said Lot N® 58 N^ 27 and N"* 16 to the West bounds of said
Hillsborough, Then pursuing the North West and South Lines
of said Gore as the same are now reputed to be — till it shall
come to the South West Corner bounds of said Hillsborough-*—
thence easterdly in the south Lines of Hillsborough to place of
beginning.
Your petitioners therefore most humbly pray, that a Com-
mittee may be Appointed to come on to the premises, to view
our Situation, and set of so much of said Boundaries, together
with so much of the Adjacent towns of Washington and Stod-
dard, as your Wisdom sees fit — ^And your petitioners as in Duty
bound, will ever fervently pray &c &c &c —
Dated May 28^ 1790—
Names of the Signers belonging to Hillsborough
John m*Clintok
David. Goodell
Andrew Bixbe
Moses Steel
John Gibson
John M*Cleary
iBenjamin Jones
Benjamin Jones Jr Samuel Preston
Fortunatus Wheeler Solomon Andrews
Samuel Pope David Livermore
Joseph Taggart Elexander ma^Clin-
Thomas murdough tock
William Tallant
John Bigsbe
Names of the Signers belonging to Campbells Gore —
Josiah Swett
Isaac Procter
£ben' Curtice
Asa Dresser
Henry Bagley
Josiah Swett Jun
William Jones Jun'
John Roch J'
John Goodell
Asa Goodell
Nathan Barker
John Roche
Daniel Gibson
Issacher Andrews
Joshua Jones
Stephen Wyman
[In H. of Rep., June 11, 1790, a committee was appointed
consisting of Stephen Dole of Bedford, Elijah Frink of
Lempster, and Timothy Taylor of Merrimack, to report to
the next session. They reported as follows : — Ed.]
[i 1-181] [ Committers Report on foregoing^
Your Committee beg leave to report on the petition of the
Inhabitants of Campbels Gore and Sundry of the Inhabitants of
the West part of Hilsborough, That after Viewing the prem-
728 EARLY TOWN PAPERS.
ises according to their Request and hearing all parties, give it
as our Opinion that it will be Convenient to be a Town Incor-
porated and Bounded as Followeth Beginning on the South
line of Hilsborough at the South East Corner of Lot N* 43
thence Running Northerly on the Range Line to North Bast
Corner of Lot N" 27 thence Westardly one Mile to the North
West Corner of the Lot N® r6 in the Second Divition on the
West Line of the Town of Hilsborough Thence Running West-
erly on the North line of the S^ Campbel Gore to the East Line
of Washington thence Continuing West one Mile to the West
Line of the Second Range in the first Divition so Called in the
Town of Washington thence Southerly on the Range line to
Stodard North line thence So far West as to the North West
Corner of the Lot N"" 28 in the third Range So Called in S'
Stodard thence South on the Range Line So far South as to be
parrellel with the South Line of the afore Said Campbels Gore
Thence Easterly to the first Mentioned Bounds
Which is Humbly Submitted Stephen Dole for the Com***
[In H. of Rep., January 14, 1791, a hearing was ordered
for the next session ; meanwhile, the petitioners were to
notify the selectmen of Hillsborough, Stoddard, and Wash-
ington.— Ed.]
[11-182] [ Voters in CampbelVs Gore^ ^79^*^
Campbels Gore June the 9 y' 1791
A trew Record of the inhabetance of Campbels Gore being
Voters at the Prescent Day
fames Jones Nathan Barker Danil Gibson
►anill Gorden Issacher Andrews Ebenezer Curtis
William Jones Jun' Joshua Jones John Curtis
Benjaman Jones Stephen Wyman Isace Curtis
Juner David Piritins David Morrison
Josiah Swett Juner Asa Dresser Henry Bagly
Sam^ Jones Jonathan Swett Saml Bradford
Josiah Proctr John Roch Abither Eaton
Isace Dodge John Roch Juner
Joel Richards James Roch
A trew Coppy of the above inhabetance
by me
Joel Richards T : Cleark
WINDSOR. 729
[11-183] [^Sundry Citizens remonstrate against being in^
corporated with any fart of Washington or Stoddard: ad-
dressed to the General Courts yune^ jygir\
The Petition of Sundry of the Inhabitants of Campbells Gore,
humbly Sheweth, that whereas there is a Petition, now laying
before your Honours the Prayer of which is — that Campbells
Gore part of Hillsborough and other Lands be Incorporated into
a town — the Order already taken on said Petition now lays in
the Report of your Honours Committee and Appointed for a
day of hearing, and as it Appears to us your Petitioners, that
if the Report of said Committee Should be that we are to be
Annexed with any part of Washington or Stoddard it would be
much more to our Disadvantage, than to be as we are — We
your petitioners, therefore humbly Pray, that we may not be
Incorporated into a Town, with any part of Washington or
Stoddard — ^All which is humbly submitted to your honours to
do as in your great Wisdom may see meet —
And your petitioners as in duty bound shall ever Pray —
Given at Campbells Gore
Feb^ 23* 1791 —
Jonathan Swett James Jones Benjamin Jons Jr
David Perkins Sam'Bradford Juner John Roche Jr
Saml Jones James Roche Stephen W^yman
William Jones Jun' Abiathar Eaton Isace Curtice
Nathan Barker Joel Richards
Josiah Proctor Jur Danill Gordon
[11-185] \_Petition for Authority to Levy Taxes^ ^79J'2
State of Newhamp'
To the Honarable the Sennat and house of Representatives at
Concord Convened on the first wensday of June 1793
The petition of the Selectmen of Campbels gore in the County
of Hillsborough in Said State humbley Shews that by Reson of
our not being a body Corprate we Consider ourselves not other-
ized to lay out aney Roads as the Select men of incorprated
towns are by law nither Can we oblidge persons to work to
open or Repair Roads tho of Ever so much Utility to the pub-
lick nor are we by law Enabled to Raise aney money for Schools
&c : So that we are Denied the Common privilege of our fellow
Sitysens notwithstanding we are taxed to Support goverment :
and whereas the County Road Leading from Amherst to Charls-
town is laid out through Said gore with Sundry other Roads of
730 EARLY TOWN PAPERS.
publick Utility and the publick is greatly Ing^ed by Said Roads
not being mad pasable wherefor we your petionars pray your
honors to take our Case into your wise Consideration : and pass
an act Enableing the Select men of Said Campbelsgore in futter
to Raise money for the Suport of Schools in proportion to our
tax as other towns are by law otherised to do : also to lay out
and Repair all needfuU Roads : or otherwise grant Such Relife
as your honors in your wisdom Shall See meet and your peti-
tioners as in duty bound will Ever pray
John Curtice '\ Selectmen
Samuel Preston >• of
Joshua Jones ) Campbells gore
[A hearing was ordered for the next session. — Ed.]
[i 1-186] \^Petition for Incorporation^ ^79^-^
The inhabitants of Campbels Gore, humbly Sheweth that
they have for A considerable time bin Subject to paying their
proport* of State and County Taxes, and feel them Selves will-
ing to bair their proportion of burden in peace or War, and
wish to be incorperated into A Town, by the Name of Winsor,
or any other Name that your Hon' May think best, if in your
Wisdom you Should think best to Grant our Petition, and we
as in Duty bound pray —
Dated at Campbells Gore June y* 5 1798
Joshua Lovejoy )
Will" Hoopper V Select Men
Allexander McClintock )
[See introduction. — Ed.]
WOLFEBOROUGH.
There is no record of the grant or incorporation of the
town in the office of the secretary of state. John Farmer
states that it was granted by charter in 1770, to Gov. John
Wentworth, Mark H. Wentworth, and others ; and in a foot
note in '^ Farmer's Belknap," be states that it was incorpo-
WOLPEBOROUGH. 731
rated in 1770.* The first reference to the town by name
in the secretary's office is in council and assembly records
of October 26, 1768, and in records of the H. of Rep. of
same date, and relates to making a road from Wolfeborough
to Stonington (now Northumberland). In the journal of
H. of Rep. the word is Wolfsborough, and in the council
and assembly records, Wolfborough. The latter spelling is
also used in both records in March, 1769. The derivation
of the name is uncertain. December 4, 1800, a tract of
land known as Wolfeborough Addition was annexed to this
town.
By an act passed June 27, 1849, some territory was sev-
ered from Alton and annexed to Wolfeborough. June 26,
1858, the farm of Benjamin Wiggin was severed from Tuf-
tonborough and annexed to this town.
[11-187] \_Minutes of Laying out a Road from Wolfebor'
ough to Plymouth^ -^77^'^
In Pursuance of our Appointment By Act of the Generall
Assembly, We Have Sui*vay* Mark* & Measuf^ a Road, From
the Governor* House in Wolfborough To Plymouth, Which
Road is Mark*" for Three Rods Wide, Begining at The Gov-
eror* House in Wolfborough Affor**
Running from Thence N** 27 Degrees East i Mile And }£ to
to M' Rindges—
From Thence W — 45 — N : J^ of a Mile on Wolfborough
Road
From Thence W— 4 N— 7 Mile' To Miles Road So Call*
From Thence W — 45 N — ^ of a Mile To Sq' Livinis
From Thence No. 40 W. 5 Mile* on Miles*- Road To Mel-
vins River
From Thence N — 32 W — 3 Mile* & j4 on Said rode to Col-
one" Moultons
From Thence N— 34 W— i Mile To Ebenezar Blak*
From Thence W— 20 S— 6 Mile* & ^ To Senters
From Thence W— 40 N— 8 Mile* & ^ To Sheperds
From Thence N— 20 W— i Mile & J4 To Sq' Livermore*
From Thence N — 25 W — 2 Mile* & ^^ To Pemagawasset
River at the Entrance of the Mill Brook So Call* The Whole
of Which Being Computed To Be 36 Mile' & 5<th' All Which
we Have Carefully, Survay* Plainly Mark* And Do Report
Capable of Being Made a Good Road Of Which Survay We
r^The petitloo for incorporation it in Vol. IX, p. 894.— Ed. J
732 EARLY TOWN PAPERS.
Have Herby Mad a True Return All Which is To Your Excel*
lency & Honour* Most Humbly Submitted —
Dated Sept 20"* 1771 —
Joseph Senter
Joseph benter \
i)avid Copp > Com"
Samuel Sheperd j
[11-188] [^Account of Taxes on Gov, Wentworth*s JB state J^
The state of New Hamp«*»'
To the Town of Wolfborough D^
1779 To Taxes due from the Estate formerly belonging to the
late Gov' Weiitworth — (Viz)
I** Continental Tax for 1779 — ^75i I5» ^
State Tax — 50, S, 11
Town Ditto — 38, 14, iij4
— 164, 19, o)i
2* Continental Tax — 236, 19, 1%
Taxes due on the Lot N® 7 belong-
ing to the above Estate being
set down in the first List of
Rates, to George Meserve Esq'
thro' Mistake viz'
1** Continental Tax for 1779 — £3, 10, 9^^
State Tax — 2, 7, 6j^
Town Ditto— i, 16, 65^
7, 14, ii}i
Deduct for Cash rec'd of the
Com"** Mess" Maj*" Hodgdon
&M^Hansonby the Constable J 126, 4, 1
Com"** Mess" Maj' Hodgdon > £409, 13, i
Due from the State Farm —
Taxes due from the Estate lately
belonging to George Meserve
Esq'— (viz')
Lot N« 9— !•' Continental Tax
for 1779— £3» io» 9}i
State Tax— 2, 7, 6}^
Town Ditto— i, 16, 6}^
2* Continent^ Tax — 10, 13, 6^
N" 20 I'' Continent^ Tax— 3» i7» 9
State Tax— 2, 11, 8^
Town Ditto— i, 19, 8>^
2* Continental Tax — 11, 12, 2%
£283, 9,0
WOLFEBOROUGH.
733
N» 21 , !•* Continental Tax-
State Tax —
Town Ditto—
2* Continent* Tax—
3»
2,
7i
4i
ii H» 5J4^
lO,
4
4Ji
55» i9i 9y^
^339» 8, 95<
due from Meserve's Estate —
Wolf borough March 28, 1780
Errors Excepted in behalf of the Select Men
Per Matth" Stan^^ Parker— One of the Select Men
Exeter April 25*** 1780
In Committee on Claims
The above Account amounts to Three Hundred and Thirty
Nine Pounds eight shillings, Nine pence three farthings —
Exam* per Josiah Oilman Jun'
29* April 1780 Reed an Order on the Treasurer for three
hundred <fc thirty nine pounds eight shillings, nine pence three
farthings the Amount of the within Account —
In behalf of the Selectmen of Wolf borough
Per Matth* S. Parker
[R. 4-190] \^Men in the Army^ ^77^-^
Wolf borough July 9*** 1776
This may certify who it may Concern that the persons whos
names are underritten are gone in the Army out of this Town
Viz'
Sachariah Bunker
Moses Tibbets
Ichabod Tibbets
William Twombly
Poll Rats
2-6
Samuel Mellows
2-6
2-6
Garret Byron
2-6
2-6
Archibald Camble
2-6
2-6
1-7-6
Henry Rust ")
Robert Calder V Select Men
Moses Ham )
[R. 4-1 91] [^^ames Wiggin^ Soldier^ lySo."]
Camp Soldiers Fortune Dec' 9*** 1780
Jam* Wiggens soldier in the 3* N Hampshire Reg* Inhabi-
tant of the state of N. Hampshire is hereby discharged and per*
mitted to return to the above state —
Ja» Wait Maj' 3* N. H.
734 EARLY TOWN PAPERS.
To whom it may Concern —
All issueinfr Commissary's are desired to supply the within
named Jam* Wiggens with provisions on his way to New
Hampshire, none to be delivered by this order after the lo*^
Ins*—
Ja- Wait Maj' 3* N H.
Issued Two Days Provisions
Dec' 12—1780 Tho* Pratt ACS
Wolfborough man for 6 m*
[R. 4-192] ISoIdier^s Order.']
Wolfborough December 23*^ 1783
Sir Please to pay to M' Reuben Libbey the wages due to
me as a soldier in the scouting under Command of Cap* Jacob
Smith at Shelburne in the* year 1781 in so doing you will oblige
your H'ble servent
Jeremiah Sincler
To the Hon^ Mesech Weare Esq'
President of the state of New Hampshire
[R. 4-193] {^Petition of Reuben Libbey <, Soldier.']
State of New Hampshire
To the Hon** Senet and House of Representatives Convend at
Portsmouth
February 1* Day 1786 —
The Petition of Reuben Libbey of Wolfborough in said state
Humble Shews — that your petitioner some time in the Month
of July in the year 1779 Engaged as a soldier in Col" Mooney
Regment and Mustred by Col^ Bager and went to Providence
Joined Capt Emerson Company and served untill Sep' 10*^ day
1779— and then discharged and your petitioner hath never
Recvied a Peney for his Time or Traviel or was not maid up
in any Company or upon any Roll in the Regment wherefore
your Petitioner begs that he May Recive the same in Every
shape as the Rest of the Regment for the time he was in the
sarvice and Your Petitioner begs that he may have some Intrest
for his Money your Petitioner as in duty Bound shall Ever
Pray—
Reuben Libbey
WOLFEBOKOUGH. 735
[li-ic^.] [Petition relative to a new Town : addressed to the
General Assembly^ yune^ ^7^5 •]
The petition of the Inhabitants of the south west part of the
Town of Wolfborough —
Humbly Sheweth —
That your petitioners were unexpectedly Notified of a peti-
tion being preferred to this Hon^* Court in the Course of their
Last session at Concord, by a small number of the Inhabitants-
of s* Wolfboro* living on the Northeasterly side of s* Town (in
Conjunction with the Inhabitants of the second Division of
Middletown Containing about thirty Families) for the purpose
of Dividing said Towns, in Order to Erect a New Township—
the prayer whereof your petitioners humbly conceive (as well
as the Inhabitants of the first division of s^ Middletown) to be
exceeding unreasonable for the Reasons following — (viz^) First,
Because the whole Number of Families now living in s^ Wolf-
boro', does not Exceed Forty five, & those in Middletown about
twice that Number, so that to divide two such small Number
of Inhabitants to make three Towns would be very injurious &
expensive to said Inhabitants, as well as, the Community at
large, at they cannot be Benefited at present by being annexed
to any other Town —
That the whole Town of Wolfborough together, are poorly
able to support proper Town Government & Order, & by Rea-
son of their low Circumstances & the dificultyof the late Time&
have never been able to settle a Minister of the Gospel, or even
to hire Necessary schooling for their Children, and now to cut
off a quarter or one third of s^ Inhabitants would entirely dis-
enable & even Obliterate all prospect of enjoying such a Bless-
ing for a long time to Come, as their are not aiiy near settle-
ments in the Towns adjoining to be united to us, and but little
prospects of there being any at present as the Lands are held
by the Proprietors in large Bodies & not to be obtain'd without
a large price being given therefor —
Secondly — That though the Inhabitants may not exceed the
Number abovementioned, who have petitioned for the separa-
tion. Yet that part of the Land they would be glad to have set
oflf is above one half in Value as to the quality, of the whole
Town, the Middle part being exceeding poor and very little
thereof suitable for settlements —
Thirdly — That your petitioners mostly live on one direct
Road thro' the southwest part of s* Town adjoining to Winne-
piseokee Lake & the land on said Road for one Miles Distance
from said Lake being wholly taken up (which contains in a
manner all the land upon that Quarter suitable for settlements}
they cannot be Benefited by any more or at least but very few
736
EARLY TOWN PAPERS.
settlers there, and few Inhabitants living in the Towns adjoin-
ing under the Distance of Eight or Ten Miles & those very
Scattering that the prospects of any Benefit from a Connection
with them at Present is entirely Chimerical —
Lastly — That however practicable such a Division may be in
some future Day when those Towns become Inhabited, that a
Division would be exceeding injurious for the Reasons already
Suggested which contain plain matters of fact, and indeed
would totally compleat for a long space of Time the Ruin of
two Towns to build up one, & which if effected would not ac-
commodate so many persons as it would injure, & only serve
to gratify the Ambition of two or three Designing persons who
would be glad perhaps (in this Case) to advance themselves
tho' at the same time their Neighbours should be injured,
which would verily be the Case, if their Prayer should, be
granted — As to their great Objection they make of having so
far to travel to the Annual Meeting of s* Town they have never
once ask'd or desired, to have the Meeting held over upon that
quarter, which if they had, would have been readily granted,
tho' then but very few of them would be Benifited thereby, as
they live so Scattering —
Therefore your Petitioners humbly conceive, that the prayer
of their Petition appears at present to be so unreasonable that
your Honours will not so greatly injure the Majority of two
Towns of your peaceable Subjects only to gratify the Ambition
of a few Individuals by granting the prayer thereof but will of
Course dismiss the same, & in so doing, as in Duty Bound
your Petitioners will ever pray &c &c.
Wolf borough June 1785 —
Benjamen Blake
Jeremiah Gould
John Home
Benj : Evens
John Fuller ton
Eben' Meder
Jonathan Harsey
Tohn Lucas
ohn Lary
[oseph Lary
^homas piper
John Piper
Lemuel Clifford
Henry Rust
Matth* S. Parker
Eben' Home
Andrew Lucas
ames Lucas J'
ames Connor
[enry Rust Jun'
Richard Rust
Jacob Smith
James Fullerton
Enoch Thomas
Samuel Tibbets
Jonathan Chase
Ithiel Clifford
Andrew Wiggin
James Wiggin
Benj' Wiggin
Stephen Home
Isaiah Home
Ebenezer Home J'
[See Vol. XII, pp. 598, 599.— Ed.]
WOLF£BOROUGH. 737
[11-195] {^Petition for a New Town^ Wolfehorough and
Middleton^ lySS'"]
To the Hon^** the Council and House of Representatives sit-
ting at Exeter —
The Petition of the Subscribers Inhabitants of the Towns of
Wolfborough and Middleton Humbly Shews —
That, your petitioners from Wolfborough are put to great
Inconveniencies in transacting Town Business by reason of a
very large pond which lays between them and the place of
holding their Meetings —
That, your petitioners from Middleton (Inhabitants of the
Second Division) are subjected to as great Inconveniences by
reason of the great Distance they live from the place of holding
their Meetings and the Badness of the Roads which for a great
part of the Year are almost impassable —
That, the Eastermost part of said Wolfborough and the Sec-
ond Division of s* Middleton are well calculated for a Town-
ship— Your petitioners therefore pray that the said two Tracts
of Land may be annexed, and erected into a Distinct and seper-
ate Town by such Metes & Bounds as your Honors shall or-
der— and as in Duty bound your petitioners will pray &c
Nicholas austin Ebzer Bennett Simon Dearborn
Benjamin Clay Peter Stellings John Palmer
Josiah Robinson moses Perkins Wolfborough
Stephen Lyford wellaim Wile Robert Calder
Jonathan Clay Ezekiel Sanborn William Cotton
Bartholomew Rich- Josiah Wiggin
ards Samuel Tibbetts
Jedidiah Drew Josiah Wille
David Durgin Isaac Drew
Daniel Croxford John Fornel
oseph Leavitt
ames Sheafe
onathan Lang
ohn Costelloe
[In H. of Rep., June 10, 1785, a committee, consisting of
Ebenezer Smith, of Meredith, Daniel Beede, of Sandwich,
and Moses Baker, of Campton, was appointed to investigate
and report at next session. — Ed.]
[11-197] \_Refort of the aforenamed Committee.'^
State of New Hampshire
To the Hon^*' the House of Representatives
We the Subscribers Pursuant to our appointment having Re-
pair* to Wolfborough & midleton & haveing fully Vewed Said
49
738 BARLY TOWN PAPERS.
towns find the Situation of Wolfsborough to be such as will not
admit of a division without great inconveniances & hurt to si*
town We have also Viewed the town of midleton & find the
Situation thereof Such that there is no Passing from one end
thereof unto the other with out going out of the Limits thereof
to get round a mountain Which makes it exceeding dificult for
the Inhabatance to meet together on any ocasion And the In*
habatance of Wolfsborough have fixed upon a Place to Sit their
meeting house & hold their Public town Meetings as near the
center of s^ Wolfsborough with two miles of the Northeast end
of Midleton if annex' thereto which Place is on the Westerly
Side of LfOt N* 4, and about thirty rods Northerly of Smiths
Pond Which the Inhabatance of wolf borough with the Agents
of the Petitisioners of the Northeasterly end of midleton have
agreed to have established by the act of Incorporation if it
Should be the Courts Pleasure to Pass an act to Incorporate any
Part of midleton with Wolfsborough We therefore recommend
it Conveniant for four ranges of Lots or more which contain
about one half mile each of the Northeast end of midletown to
be annex' to Wolfsborough if Pray' for by Such Part of Midle-
town—
Wolf borough oct' 7"* 1785
Ebenezer Smith
Daniel Beede V Committee
Moses Baker
I
[11-198] \_Remonstrance to the Formation of the New
Town : addressed to the General Courts February^ iyS6J]
Humbly Shew, the Inhabitants of the Town of Wolfborough
in the County of Strafford & State aforesaid, That they were
very unexpectedly surprized by receiving a few Days since, a
Copy of a Petition signed by Nicholas Austin in behalf of the
Settlers of the Second Division of Middletown with the order
of Court thereon, praying that the s' second Division of Middle-
town, might be annexed to Wolfborough
Your Petitioners are exceeding sorry that thro* the restless
Machinations of designing Persons they should be drawn into
the disagreeable necessity of taking up your Honours time upon
a Subject they thought already fix'd and Determined — ^Your
Honors will perceive by the Report of your Committee y* last
Sessions at Concord, That, the Town of Wolfboro' was well
situated & could not be divided without great injury, and we
dare say had this plan been within the limits of their Business,
they would have reported, that, such an addition as prayed for
WOLFEBOROUGH. 739
by Friend Austin would be as injurious, to more than three
fourths of the Inhabitants as a Division of the Town — ^Yet not-
withstanding the inconvenience of a Connection at all, the
Agents in behalf of Wolf borough consented that two Miles of
Middletown next to Wolfboro' should be annexed thereto as it
was so disadvantageous for them to tend public Business in
their own Town, conceiving that the lower part of said second
Division, would in that Case poll off to Wakefield, as Many of
the Settlers living on s* Tract are intermixt as it were with
those of that Town, & as was proposed by sundry of them —
Such a connection as that was consented to by the Agents of
both parties in the presence of the Committee as they reported,
and as your Petitioners thought would have been a Conclusion
of the matter so far as it concerned them, & in consequence
thereof they agreed upon a place for building a meeting House,
not thinking that after said Austin (as Agent) had Consented
thereto in presence of the Committee, would have been so dis-
honourable as to have attempted any thing further, & M' Cab-
bott being then present was so far satisfied with the agreem*
made by the Agents as to propose the place for setting a Meet-
ing House himself & accordingly gave his word in writing for
a lot of Land for the purpose, which was agreed by all parties
should be established by an Act of Court as reported by y*
Committee —
Now if in Case any more than the two Miles should be an-
nexed to Wolf borough, it would be the means of sowing such
seeds of Discord & Dissention in the Town as the age of man
would never see ended — Therefore your Petitioners humbly
beg that the prayer of s* Petition may not be granted — But that
if the proposed Connection will not satisfy their restless Agent,
they may be continued together until the s^ Division becomes
sufficiently Inhabited for a Town or Parish by themselves which
no doubt will be very soon when perhaps some plan may be
tho't of for the first Division of s' Middletown, which if at pres-
ent separated will approach near to annihilation, or at least ap-
pear to be in a similar Situation of that of Ishmael of old, hav-
ing every mans hand against them, as to any connection — such
being the circumstances we humbly pray that their s** petition
may be dismissed, & that we may be left to enjoy the fruits of
our Labour under our Vines & fig Trees unless the Agreement
already made will satisfy our restless adversary, whose Conduct
has already too clearly appeared to be absorpt in selfish princi-
ples— But if in your Wisdom you should think proper to grant
the prayer of their petition, we humbly pray that, the place
already agreed on for Building the meeting House may be first
established by an Act of Court, otherwise the Dissention will
rise to a great height, which we earnestly wish may be avoided
740
EARLY TOWN PAPERS.
by the Assistance of your Honourable Body-
tioners as in Duty bound will ever pray &c —
Wolf borough Jan^ 26*'' 17S6
— And your Peti-
Henry Rust
Benjamin Blake
David Piper
Lemuel Clifford
Andrew Lucas
Enoch thomas
John fullerton
Samuel Tebbetts
James fullerton
Ithal Clefard
andrew Wiggin
Paul Wiggin
James Wiggin
Thomas Piper
John Lary
thomas Piper Jr
David Blake
Jonathan Harsey
William Fullerton
John Lucas
Henry Rust J'
Jeremiah Gould
Levi Tibbets
Ebenezer Tibbets
John Piper
James Lucas J'
ames Connor
acob Smith
oseph Lary
John Shores
Matth* S. Parker
Eben*" Home
Eben' Meder
John Home
Eben' Home J'
Benj' Wiggin
Jonathan Chase
[The scheme failed. — Ed.]
[11-203] Petition of Suftdry Persons to be annexed to Os-
si pee : addressed to the General Courts yune^ ^79S-^
Humbly shews —
We your Petitioners Inhabitants of the Town of Wolfborough
living on the Northeasterly part of Said town and on the land
known by the Addition which Addition was takeing from a
Gore of land now called ossipee — labour under many difficul-
ties espechely those of your petitioners who live on the North-
Easterly Side of White face mountain (so called) are upwards
of Seven miles from the Meeting House in Said Wolfborough
and are obliged to go through a part of Said ossipee to travel to
Said Meeting House — likewise can have little or no benefitt of
School therefore Your petitioners pray that Your Hon" would
in Your great wisdom disunite said Addition of land and annex
the Same land to the now town of ossipee from which it was
formerly taken — or otherwise if your Hon" See fitt to grant a
day of hearing on the premises at which time your petitioners,
will produce a plan of Said Wolfborough — together with the
Addition, likewise a plan of said osspee
Which will fully appear we believe to your Hon' if we can
be indulged with a day of hereing that by taking said addition
from said Gore of land has rendered the Easterly part of said
ossipee to be not more then three milds wide — and on the west
line upwards of Seventeen miles long, — your petitioners fully
WOLFEBOROUGH.
741
relying in your Grate wisdom and that you will grant us such
relief as you shall think proper — in the premises
as in duty bound will ever pray
Wolf borough May 28"* day 1795
John Young
Samuel Hide
Nathaniel Hyde
Thomas young
John Swaesy
Isaac Goldsmith
William Goldsmith
Isaac Goldsmith J'
James Fernald
[11-205] \,P^tition from Wolf eborough Addition : addressed
to the General Courts iSoo,']
The Petition of us the subscribers Inhabitants of a certain
Tract of Land known and called by the name of Wolf borough
addition — Humbly Shewj
That said Addition has ever since the first settlement of the
Town of Wolfborough been considered as a part of and belong-
ing to said Town, that we have always been in conjunction with
the Inhabitants of said Town in all Town Afi^airs, have laboured
to and enjoy the common priviledges of Towns with them,
That we have ever considered ourselves as belonging to said
Town, and but of late have had knowledge that said Addition
either by mistake or inattention was not included within the
Limits of Wolfborough incorporation, Therefore we humbly
pray that said Addition may be annexed to and incorporated
with said Town of Wolfborough as fully as though it had been
included in the incorporation of said Town — and we, as in
duty bound will ever pray —
Wolfborough May 26* 1800.
Stephen Thurston
Sam* Estes
Jacob Arak
James Fernald
Joseph Kinnsion
Thomas Whittle
Joseph Nudd
John Swaasy
Ebenezer Tebbets
William Goldsmith
Samuel Tibbets
Jonathan Tibbets
[11-204]
[ Consent to the foregoing. '\
State of New Hampshire Straftbrd ss Wolfborough May 31**
1800
this may certify that all the Persons liveing on Wolfborough
addition (so called) , that are lyeable to be taxed in Said town
742 EARLY TOWN PAPERS.
have Signed a Petition to be incorporated with Said town of
Wolfborough — Excepting five Persons —
Mark Wiggin ")
Dudley Hardey >■ Selectmen of Wolfboro*
Jonathan Blake )
[i 1-206] [ Consent of Non^ Resident Proprietors. "]
We being informed that a number of the inhabitants of
Wolfborough Addition have petitioned the General Court-
that said addition be annexed to the Town of WolfboVo' — We
being Proprietors in said tract are also desirous that said addi-
tion should be incorporated with said Wolfborough having
always considered it as intended at the Time of the grant and
since to be a part of said Town —
Jonathan Warner
James Sheafe
Mich' Reade
Portsm* 30 Sep 1800
[11 -207] [ Certificate of Posting of Notice. ]
We the subscribers hereby Certify that a Copy of the Peti-
tion of Stephen Thurston and others Inhabitants of Wolfborough
Addition (so calTd) presented to the General Court last June
Session praying to be annex'd to and Incorporated with the
Town of Wolfborough and Order of Court thereon has been
posted up in the Town of Wolf borough and Wolfborough Addi-
tion agreeably to said Order —
Attest
Mark Wiggin '\
Dudley Hardy > Select Men of Wolfborough
Jonathan Blake )
Wolfborough Nov**' 14*** 1800
[i 1-208] [ Certificate of Amount of Land taxed^ 1800,']
Wolfborough November the if*^ i8oa—
to whom it may concern this may Certify that we the Sub-
scribers Select men of Wolfborough have taxed in Wolfbor-
ough Addition (So called) two thousand Eight hundred &
twenty Seven Acres of Land to the resedents & Nonresedents —
WOLFEBOROUGH. 743
also in the town of Wolfborough Exclusive of the addition
twenty thousand two hundred & forty three acres —
total Amount f addition 2827
( old town 20243
23070
Attest
Mark Wiggin )
Dudley Hardey > Select Men
Jonathan Blake )
[Wolfeborough Addition was ani^xed to this town by an
act passed December 4, 1800. — Ed. J
DATES OF INCORPORATION, ETC.,
OF TOWNS NOT MENTIONED IN THE THREE VOLUMES OF
TOWN PAPERS.
Auburn. The territory was severed from Chester, and
incorporated as a town by its present name June 23, 1845.
Bennington. The territory comprised in this town was
severed from the towns of Greenfield, Francestown, Deer-
ing, and Hancock, December 15, 1842, and incorporated
as a town by its present name. December 20, same year,
a part of the farm of Samuel B. Collins was annexed to
Bennington.
Berlin. The township was granted, December 31, 177 1,
to Sir William Mayne and eighteen others, and named
Maynesborough, by which name it was known until July i,
1829, when it was incorporated as a town by the name of
Berlin.
Carroll. The township was granted, February 8, 1772,
to Sir Thomas Wentworth and others, and named Bretton-
Woods, by which name it was known until June 22, 1832,
when it was incorporated as a town by the name of Carroll.
By an act approved June 22, 1848, a portion of Nash &
Sawyer's Location was annexed to this town. June 27,
1857, several lots of land lying south of the town were an-
nexed to it. July 2, 1878, another portion of Nash & Saw-
yer's Location was annexed to this town.
Clarksville. The town was incorporated June 30, 1853.
Ellsworth. The township was granted, May i, 1769,
to Barlow Trecothick and others, and bore the name of Tre-
cothick until June 16, 1802, at which time it was incorpo-
rated and received its present name. Barlow Trecothick
was a resident of London, Eng., and for many years the
able agent of the province of New Hampshire, through
whom business with England was transacted.
Harrisville. The town was incorporated July 2, 1870,
and comprised portions of Dublin and Nelson. It was
74^ EARLY TOWN PAPERS.
named for Hon. Milan Harris, owner of a large mill prop-
erty in the town, and member of the state senate in 1 863-65.
LiVERMORE. The town was incorporated July 11, 1876.
It comprised a large tract of unsettled land, much of which
was an unbroken wilderness.
Milan. The township was granted, December 31, 1771,
to Sir William Mayne and eighteen others, and named
Paulsbourg, in honor of Paul Wentworth, Esq., one of the
grantees, and went by that name until it was incorporated
by its present name December 16, 1824.
Randolph. The township was granted, August 20,
1772, to John Durand and his son, Edward Parry, Thomas
Brown, and Charles Henzell, and named Durand. It was
incorporated as a town by its present name June 16, 1824.
Strafford. This town was a portion of the town of
Barrington from May 10, 1722, until it was separated, June
17, 1820, and incorporated by its present name. The early
history of it is consequently embraced in the documents
relating to the town of Barrington. See Vol. XL
Watervillb. This town was incorporated July i, 1829,
and comprised Gillis & Foss's Grant, and the grant to John
Raymond.
Woodstock. The township was granted, September 23,
1763, to Eli Demerit and others, and named Peeling. June
19, 1840, the name was changed to Woodstock by an act of
the legislature.
LIST OF TOWNS GRANTED BY GOV. BBNNING WENTWORTH,
WHICH ARE NOW IN THE STATE OF VERMONT.
These names are not repeated in the index :
Names of Towns. Date of GcmoU
Addison, Oct. 14, 1761*
Andover,
Arlington,
Oct. 13, 1761.
July 28, 1 761.
Averill, June 29, 1762.
ept. 10, I' '
Bennington, Jan. 3, i749<
Bamet, Sept. 10, 1763.
Berlin, June 8, 1763.
Bernard (now Barnard), July 17, 1761.
Bolton, J^"® 7» '7^3'
Brattleborough, Dec. 26, 1753.
Bridgewater, July 10, 1761.
DATES OF INCORPORATION! ETC. 747
Bridport, Oct. 9, 1761.
Brumley, Oct. 13, 1761.
Brunswick, Oct 13, 1761.
Burlington, June 7, 1763.
Castleton, Sept. 22, 1761.
Cavendish, Oct. 12, 1761.
Charlotte, June 24, 1762.
Clarendon, Sept 5, 1761.
Colchester, June 7, 1763.
Corinth, Feb. 4, 1764.
Cornwall, Nov. 3, 1761.
Danby, Aug. 27, 1761.
Dorset, Aug. 20, 1761.
Draper (now Wilmington) , April 29, 1751 ;
regranted June 17, 1763.
Dunbar (now Sudbury), June 15, 1764.
Duxbury, June 7, 1763.
Essex, June 7, 1763.
Fane, June 19, 1750; New Fane, Nov. 3, 1761.
Fairlee, Sept 9, 1761.
Fairfax, Aug. 18, 1763.
Fairfield, Aug. 18, 1763.
Ferdinand, Oct. 12, 1761.
Ferrisburg, June 24, 1762.
Flamstead, Feb. 22, 1754 ; New Flamstead,* Nov. 3, 1761.
FuUam (now Dummerston), Dec.\26, 1753.
Georgia, Aug. 17, 1763.
Glossenbuig, Aug. 20, 1761.
Granby, Oct. 10, 1761.
Guildhall, Oct. 10, 1761.
Guilford, April 2, 1754.
Halifax, May 11, 1750.
Hartford, July ^, 1761.
Harwich (now Mt. Tabor), Aug. 28, 1761.
Hertford (now Hartland), July 4, 1761.
Highgate, Aug. 17, 1763.
Hinesburg, June 24, 1761.
Hubbardton, June i^, 1764.
Hungerford (now Franklin), Aug. 18, 1763.
Hin^ale,t Sept. 3, 1753.
ierico, June 7, 1763.
Lillington (now Sherburne), A^^^ ^^ 1761.
Leicester, Oct 20, 1761.
Liewis, June 29, 1762.
Limington, June 29, 1762.
* Now Chcfttcr.
fOn both sides of the riTer; tho V«n«Bt put b bow Vmbob.
748
EAKLY TOWN PAPERS.
Ludlow,
Sept. 16, ]
1 761.
Lunenburg,
July 5'
^7^3-
Manchester,
Aug. II,
1 761.
Mansfield,
J'une 8, 1
Oct. 12,
[763.
Maidstone,
1 761.
Marlborough, April 29, 1751 ; New Marl-
borough,
April 17,
1764.
Middlebury,
Nov. 2, ]
[761.
Middlesex,
June 8,
1763.
Milton,
June 8,
1763.
Minehead (now Bloomfield),
June 29,
June 24, ]
1762.
Monkton,
[762.
Moretown,
June 7, ]
1763.
Newbury,
May 18, 1
[763.
New Haven,
Nov. 2, 1
[761.
New Huntington (now Huntington),
Tune 7,
Oct 20,
1763.
Neshobe (now Brandon),
1 761.
Norwich,
July 4i
1 761.
Orwell,
Aug. 18,
1763.
Panton,
Nov. 3, ]
[761.
Pawlet,
Aug. 26, 1
1 761.
Peacham,
Dec. 31, 1
[763.
Pittsford,
Oct. 12, 1
761.
Pocock (now Bristol),
June 26, ]
[762.
Pomfret,
July 8,
1761.
Poultney,
Sept. 21, ]
[761.
Pownal,
Jan. 8, 1
[760.
Putney,
Dec. 26, ]
753-
Reading,
July 6, ]
r76i.
Rockingham,
Dec. 28, ]
752.
Rupert,
Aug. 20, ]
1 761.
Rutland,
Sept. 7, :
Sept. 8, ]
1761.
Ryegate,
1763.
Salisbury,
Nov. 3, 1
[761.
Saltash (now Plymouth),
July 6, 1
[761.
Sandgate,
Aug. II, 1
[761.
Saint Albans,
Aug. 17, 1
1763.
Saint George,
Aug. 18, ]
[763.
Sharon,
Aug. 17, J
1761.
Shaftsbury,
Aug. 20, )
1761.
Shelburne,
Aug. 1 8, ]
[763.
Shrewsbury,
Sept. 4, :
1761.
Shoreham,
Oct. 8, ]
1761.
Smithfield (now Sheldon),
Aug. 18, 1
1763,
Somerset,
Sept. 9, ]
[761.
Springfield,
Aug. 20, ]
[761.
Stamford, March 6, 1753 ; New Stamford,
June 9, 1
[764.
DATES OF INCORPORATION, ETC.
749
Stockbridge,
July 21,
Stow (now Stowe),
June 8,
Strafford,
Aug. 12,
Stratton,
July 301
Sudbury,
Aug. 6,
Sunderland,
July 29,
Aug. 17,
Swanton,
Thetford,
Aug. 12,
Thomlinson (now Grafton),
Sept. I,
Tinmouth,
Sept. 15,
Topsham,
Aug. 1*7,
Townshend,
June 20
Tunbridge,
Sept. 3.
Underbill,
June 8.
Nov. 27,
Wallingford,
Waterbury,
June 7
Weathersfield,
Aug. 20
WelU,
Sept. 15
Wenlock,
Oct. 13
Westford,
June 8
Nov. 9
Westminster,
Wey bridge.
Nov. 3
Whiting,
Aug. 6
Williston,
June 7
Winhall,
Sept. 15
Windsor,
July 6
Woodford,
March 6
Woodstock,
July 10
Worster (now Worcester),
June 8
761
763
761
761
763
761
763-
761
763
761
763
753'
761
763-
761
763-
761
761
761
767.
752.
761
763-
763-
761
761
753
761
763-
APPENDIX.
APPENDIX.
[12-52] \_Cofy of Letter from Sahastian Ralle^ ^7^6^^
[The following is copied from an ancient manuscript I
am unable to find it in any printed volume ; it is docketed
"Jesuits lett'; from Norridgwock Dated July 8*^ 1716 —
Read in Councill Aug^ i *"<* 17 16 — minuted." — Ed.]
a Copy of y' Ind"* letter ; from norridgwock
July 8*>» 1716
Yesterday Abombaseen & Bamegesagog arrived here from
Boston & y* Ind°* being assembled to hear y™ found y* ^^ had
not acquitted y^selves of their Commission accord as ^ * had
before deliberated among themselves therefore they depute
anew this Ind" named Waracunsit who was before deputed to
go to Boston but was hindered by some suddain Inconvenience.
The Ind" are surprised that Abombaseen & Bamegesagog
should begin y' Commissioners referring to some letters falsely
supposed from y" Gov' of Canada, from Mouns' y* Intendant
from Mouns' De-ramfie, from Mouns' De-rAngoisesie who has
been dead more than two years of which lett" they have had no
debate among Y"*selve8 of w'^ ^^^ had no knowledge ; hence
arises a suspicion & ^^ wond' y* Abombaseen should make any
mention of any such thing & say whence could he have y*
knowledge of it, some say it must be some of y' English
y* have suggested it to him y* so y* English und' a pretence
of fear might cause forts to be built contrary to y® Con-
vention of y* peace the Ind°* would now know w* those
lett" are they demand of y* English whether ^^ have received
any such lett" & if they have they demand Copys of them — this
is w* Waracunsitt is charged to demand and to repeat their
words to the English (Viz') at y' peace y' land was turned up
side down it was all made plain y* forts stained with bloud
were fallen into a great ditch of fire where they were Consumed ;
♦They.— Ed.
50
754 EARLY TOWN PAPERS.
whence is it y' they appear again ; it must be some malignant
spirit y' should have began to dig again in this ditch to make
y"* appear & by y^ means to rend' y* land strong and defensible
— ^they demand then whence it come to pass y* those forts do
appear and y' ^ appear upon y' land — they alledg thus we be-
gin now to see verified w' our father of Canada has told us &
warned us of he told us y* y* English by these forts w^ they
caused to be built at y* mouths of O' rivers was only y' they
might have y* advantage of breaking w*"* us these are y* words
of y* Ind"* this is w* Abombaseen ought to have said and no
more and this is w' Waracunsit is charged to deliver
Sabastian Rawl de Societate Cht*
P : S : The Ind*" tell me that I have forgott one circumstance
w*"* they had told me (Viz*) that twas in vain for y* English to
say y* they have bought these places where they have built
there forts bee : they know y* none can buy their land and that
^ themselves cant sell it being but as guardians and tutors of it.
[ A treaty of peace was concluded with the Eastern Ind-
ians at a conference on Arrowsick island in August, 17 17.
(Vol. Ill, p. 693.) This treaty was broken on the part of
the Indians in 1722, and a proclamation was published by
Gov. Shute, July 23, 1722, ordering them not to go into any
English town or district. A war ensued. In August, 1724,
Capt. Harmon and others with 217 men made an attack on
the Indians at Norridgewock, and killed Abombazeen, the
Jesuit Sabastian Ralle, and 26 Indians. (Coll. N. H. Hist.
Soc'y, vol. I, p. 107.) — Ed.]
[12-53] \.^^Py of Letter from Gov, Belcher to the Lords of
Trade and Plantations relative to the boundary Line be-
tween New Hampshire and Massachusetts^ ^733-\
My Lords —
Altho' I have wrote you per this Conveyance of 5* 8* & 13*
Instant, yet the ship being detained, I think it my duty to say
to your Lordships, that I have taken all possible Care and
Pains, ever since my Arrivall, to have the Long Contested
Boundaries betwixt the Massachusetts and New-Hampshire
adjusted, agreeable to His Majesty's Royal Orders to me, but I
can see no Prospect of its being Accomplished, and the poor
Borderers on the Lines (if Your Lordships will allow me so
vulgar an Expression) live like Toads under a Harrow, being
run into Goals on the one side and the other, as often as they
APPENDIX. 755
please to quarrell, such is the sad condition of His Majesty's
Subjects, that live near the Lines. They pull down one an-
other's houses, often wound each other, and I fear it will end in
Bloodshed, unless His Majesty in his great goodness gives some
Effectual Order to have the Bounds fixt.
Altho', my Lords, I am a Massachusetts man, yet I think
this Province alone is culpable on this head, New-Hampshire
has all along been frank and ready to pay exact duty and obe-
dience to the King's Order, and have manifested a great In-
clination to peace and Good Neighborhood, but in return the
Massachusetts Province have thrown unreasonable Obstacles in
the way of any settlement, and altho' they have for 2 o;* 3 years
past been making offers to settle the Boundaries with New-
York and Rhode-Island in an open, easy, amicable way, yet
when they come to settle with New-Hampshire, they will not
do so with them, which seems to me a plain Argument, that
the leading men of the Massachusetts Assembly are conscious
to themselves of continual Incroachments they are making upon
their Neighbours of New-Hampshire, and so dare not come to a
settlement. I say, my Lords in duty to the King, and from a
just Care of His Subjects of New-Hampshire, I think myself
oblig'd to set this matter in the Light I now do, nor do I ever
Expect to see it settled, but by a peremptory Order from His
Majesty appointing Commissioners to do it, and those agreed
to by both Assemblies —
Febru' 1 730/1 —
Joseph Talcott Esq Gov* of Connecticut,
Joseph Jenks Esq then Gov' of Rhode-Island, &
Adolph Phillips Esq Speaker of the Assembly at N. York,
are Gentlemen of Good Ability and Integrity, and altho' the
Massachusetts, I fear, will still decline joining in the affair, yet
I believe New-Hampshire, from their desire to peace and Good
Order, would rejoice to see such a Direction from the King, &
be glad to be at the whole Charge rather than the dispute
should still continue ; I therefore humbly pray your Lordships,
so to represent this affair to His Majesty, that there may be an
End of Strife and Contention.
And if your Lordships approve of the Bill I now send you
for emitting Bills of Credit on a Foundation of Gold and Silver
& that I may have His Majesty's Leave for doing it in the
Massachusetts, I pray I may also have the same Liberty of do-
ing it in New-Hampshire, where they are in Great distress for
something to pass in lieu of money, and without speedy Help
it will be almost impossible for that little Province to support
any Trade.
7S6 EARLY TOWN PAPERS.
I have the honour to be with all possible Esteem and Re-
spect—
My Lords Your Lordships Most Obedient and Most Humble
Servant —
Boston Janu* 13*** 1732/3, J. B.
These may Certify, that His Excellency the Governor, sent
me this paper from Boston, and assured me that the contents
of it, were a genuine copy, of what he had wrote and sent to
the Lords of Trade and Plantations ; and also, that he afterward
shew me, an original letter from the secretary of the Plantation
Board which acknowledged their Lordship's receipt of the
Governors said letter, — As Witness My hand —
August !•' — 1739 Rich** Waldron —
J] 1 2-54] \_Letter from Gov. JFrancis Bernard^ concerning'
the boundary Line^ ^7^7-^
Boston Aug 31, 1767
S*" I have received your letter of Aug 26, & shall lay it be-
fore the Council on Wednesday next. In the mean time I must
desire you to prevent any violence being used against our Set-
tlers ; as a Representation of this matter on our behalf is now
prepared to be laid before the King in Council ; in which I am
assured these two propositions will be proved, i, that this
province never joined to run the Line ; 2, that the Line was run
under a material mistake ; and these will be proved, among
others, by the Testimony of M*^ Bryant himself;
I am, with great regard, S' your most obedient
and most humble Servant
Fra Bernard
His Excellency Gov' Wentworth —
[The following memorandum is on the back of the letter
in the handwriting of Gov. Wentworth's secretary : — Ed.]
N H Patentees settle under limited terms, therefore must be
supported and quieted, or they may require an exemption from
all limitation^-on behalf of or from the Crown
£ 1 2-54] [ Theodore Atkinson^ concerning the boundary Line^
1767.1
Tuesday Sep' 29 1 767
Sir Your Excellency will please to observe that the In-
struction sent by M' King was originally directed to Govern'
APPENDIX. 757
Belcher as Govern' of the Mass* by the Directions in the last
clause of seeing it entered in the Council Book &c I now send
you the Copy of M' Bryants Warr* & Instructions Issued by
M' Belcher as Govern' of the Massachusetts so that it plainly
appears where the £x Parte complained of rested and not in
favour of this Prov* unless paying the whole Expence made the
ex Parte talked of I know I can find a satisfactory acco* of the
whole charge being paid by this Prov* I found these papers
viz Hazzens & Bryants in a Bundle I had formerly packed
them in and send them that you might see the whole together —
I should have waited on you with them but am prevented by
an Indisposition that forbids my being abroad this weather
I am 'Your Excellency s most obliged &
most Obed' Humble Ser*
Gov* Wentworth Theodore Atkinson
[12-56] \^Dover Militia Officers^ 173^ ^ ^73^-^
Cap* Tho- Millet
Cap* John Waldron \
L' John Wonget > Novm' 6*^ 1722
Ins" Joseph Roberts j
Cap* Tristram Coffin \
Cor* John Gerrish > Novm' 6*** 1732
Quar* master Sam^ Walton j
Cap* Tho' Wallenford )
L* Love Roberts >• Septm' 27*** 1731
Ins" Jeremiah Rolens j
Paul Gerrish L* Col°
May 17*^ 1731
[From Gen. Bedel's Papers] [^Soldiers' Order^ ^775-^
To the paymaster appointed or to be appointed for y* first
Comp'y of Rangers in y® Colony of New Hampshire for y*
payment of the Billeting money now Du or that shall be
hereafter Du to either and each of us —
Pay the same to Israel Morey Esq or his Order for value
Recei** July 27*** 1775.
16/5 Joseph fifield, 36/3 John Lovern,
Silvanus Owen, Uriah Stone,
12/ Benjamin martin, Amos Rich
15/3 Joseph Hadley, 38 /i Thomas Caprin
Elnathan Palmer,
75 8 EARLY TOWN PAPERS.
[Ibid.] \^Piermont drafted Men^ ^777'^
October 3* 1777
Pursuant to orders of the 2' Instant I have made a Draft of
men Viz. France Stevens (Come forward) Moses Stevens
"Sence Lame David Tyller Ju' Paul Ford Andrew MH^alister
Isaac Gragg
John Weed Lev*
To Col Israel Morey of Orford
Piermont 5*** October, 1777.
N B. The above said David Tyller Ju'— Paul Ford— An-
drew M^Calister & Isaac Gragg Refuse to Go according to or-
ders Wherefore I beg they may be Delt with as y* Law De-
ricts —
Col Morey John Weed Lev*
LLOYD'S HILLS.
Holland's map of New Hampshire gives a place for a
township designated as Lloyd's Hills, which occupied a con-
siderable portion of the territory now in Bethlehem, The
charter records, in the office of the secretary of state, con-
tain nothing relative to the township of Lloyd's Hills, except
a reference to it as a boundary of the town of Whitefield,
which was granted in 1774.
Two documents have recently become accessible to the
public, which throw some light upon the matter, for copies
of which the editor is indebted to A. S. Batchellor, Esq., of
Littleton.
First, is the manuscript lecture on the early history of
Littleton and" vicinity, by the late Dr. Adams Moore, in
which are the following passages relating to the subject :
" It appears by the charter of Whitefield that that town was
bounded on the south-west by a town named Lloyd's Hills.
Some person interested in land matters, and finding no rec-
ord of it in the office of the secretary of state, wrote to Grov-
ernor Wentworth, who, it appears, lived at a place in England
called Hammersmith. I have seen his answer, which, from
sinister motives, was kept rather private, as it was the key
to some land disputes, and if seen would operate against the
parties holding it. It contained a correct plan of the town
of Lloyd's Hills, now Bethlehem. The Ammonoosuc river
[was] laid down with great accuracy, the line between that
APPENDIX. 759
town and this [Littleton] distinctly placed as crossing a
certain bend in the river, near the Alder Brook Mills, where
the proprietors of this town have supposed it to be, but
from which they have been crowded back this way about
fifty rods. The survey purported to have been made in
1774, by Dudley Coleman, who had surveyed this town
[then Apthorp] four years before. The governor must
have taken from this country a book of plans of all these
townships, furnished him by the deputy surveyors of his
time,* which would unravel the snarls of many a lawsuit
past, and perhaps to come."
Second, the following matter relative to Lloyd's Hills was
copied by Philip C. Wilkins, of Littleton, at Portsmouth,
Aug. 8. 1850, from a paper purporting to be the original in
the handwriting of Gov. John Wentworth. It was in the
possession of counsel in a case then pending at Portsmouth
relating to lands in Bethlehem. One of the counsel in this
case was the late John Goodall, Esq., of Bath, whose pro-
fessional papers were sold to paper-makers during the late
war, and it is not improbable that the original of Gov.
Wentworth's communication concerning Lloyd's Hills was
among them, as no one appears to have known of its ex-
istence in recent years. Mr. Wilkins's record of surveys
contains his memoranda and copy, which is substantially as
follows :
*' Province of New Hampshire
Portsmouth 3* January, 1774.
This certifies that this plan, beginning at a Beech Tree,
standing in the northeasterly line of Gunthwaite, which is the
southwesterly corner of Apthorp ; [thence runing south fifty-
seven and one half degrees east, two miles and fifty-six rods, to
a spruce Tree, which is the northeasterly corner of Gun-
thwaite ;] thence south fifty-eight degrees east, three miles and
two hundred sixty-four rods, to a Birch Tree ; thence north
fifty-six degrees east, five miles and one hundred and sixty-two
rods, to Bretton Woods, so called ; thence by said Bretton
Woods, north one mile and twenty five rods, to a stake ; thence
north fifty-eight degrees west, five miles and ten rods, to a Fir
Tree ; thence south fifty-six degrees west, six miles and one
half, to the bound began at, containing twenty-two thousand
seven hundred and sixty acres, is known by an original plan or
*The deputy surveyors made their returns to Isaac Rindge, surveyor general, who proV
ably kept tnem, although it is possible they might have been in possession of the governor.—
Ed.]
JGO EARLY TOWN PAPERS.
survey of said tract or township as returned to me by Dudley
Coleman Dep* Surveyor.
Attest Is: Rindge S. G."
*' It is hereby certified that the within described land in the
Province of New Hampshire was surveyed to Joseph Loring
and others by authority of Government, parte by His Majesty's
mandamus and parte on conditions of settlement and cultiva-
tion ; and that the grant of said lands was called in council ac-
cording to the usual forms ; also, that an order was issued to
the secretary of the said Province, for engrossing the patent,
but I cannot recollect whether the patent was perfected, al-
though the said tract of land was actually granted, and I do re-
member that about twenty thousand acres was property of Mr.
Loring and that the township was called or named Lloyd's
Hills.
Hammersmith 15 June 1783. J. Wentworth."
Note : The bound given in brackets, in the surveyor general's
certificate, is inserted as it appears on the plan. The omission
probably first occurred in one of the unofficial transcriptions of
the return as made by Mr. Coleman.
The original plans of surveys, made by the deputy surveyors,
are possibly still in existence ; and if so probably in England ;
they would make a valuable addition to our ancient state rec-
ords, and some means ought to be employed to obtain them if
possible.
[The following documents relative to the ** Vermont con-
troversy," which were found by the editor among the mis-
cellaneous papers in the secretary's office, are believed not
to have been heretofore published. The originals have been
inserted in the manuscript volume, in the office of the sec-
retary of state, entitled " State Papers, Vermont Contro-
versy."— Ed.]
[Page 64.]
Lebanon Feb'y 13*** 1777.
The Committees for treating with the Assembly's Commit-
tee,* after having waited on, and held a free Conference with
them, were called on to meet by themselves — and they met ac-
cordingly— at which time were present —
* A commiucc appointed by the general a^csembly of this state, Jan. 3, 1777, consisting of
Meshech Weare, Benjamin Giles, and John Wentworth, Jr., who were to visit Graftoa
countv and endeavor to effect an amicable settlement of the existing differences of opinion.
Sec Vol. VII, p. 450. — Ed.
APPENDIX. 761
I Bath
K Hanover
M' Jacob Sheafe — Morristown
Cap* Nath* Hovey — Landaff
Col<> Tim° Bedel
M' Elisha Cleveland
Major James Bajley \
Cap* Ephraim Wesson > Haverhill
M' James Abbot — )
Major John Pattinson ) n-
Cap* Jon- Chandler ]^'^'^oni
Col^* Tho' Gilbert ^
D° Joseph Skinner j .
Cap* John Sloan f^'"'^
M' Walter Fairfield,
Cap* David Woodward^
Cap* Aaron Storrs
Lieu* Jon' Freeman
Beza Woodward Esq'
D" Neh^ Estabrook ^
John Wheatley Esq' >• Lebanon
Major John Griswold )
Major Francis Smith")
M' Amos Stafford V Plainfield
Lieu* Tho- Gallop )
Cap* John Lassell Relhan
Lieu* Sam* Jones ) p
Ensign Tho* Baldwin J
Col° Elisha Paine ) ^ ,.
Cap* Bela Turner J ^
1. Chose Col® Timothy Bedel Chairman
2. Chose Bezaleel Woodward Esq*^ Clerk
3. These Committees taking into consideration the Confer-
ence this day held with the Assembly's Committee, unani-
mously agree to make tiie following Report to the united com-
mittees whose meeting is to be held here tomorrow Viz That
we have held a free Conference with said Assembly's commit-
tee particularly respecting the plan of Representation which
has been pursued in this state ; and that no one of us is as yet
in any degree convinced of the Justice or Equity of said plan ;
but that our Apprehensions of there being just Grounds for our
uneasiness in that respect are still as great as they have ever
heretofore been —
762 EARLY TOWN PAPERS.
4. Voted that the Assembly's committee be served with a
copy of the foregoing proceedings of these committees.
5. Voted that Major John Griswold be desired to wait on
them with said Copy —
A true Copy from the Minutes
Attest, Beza Woodward Clerk
[Page 68] [Proceeding's of a Committee Meeting at HanO'
ver, June 11^ 1777-^
At a meeting of the Convention of united Committees from
a number of Towns in the New Hampshire Grants (so called)
East of Connecticut River, held agreeable to adjournment at
the house of Cap' Aaron Storrs in Hanover on Wednesday
June ii*^ *777«
Voted to present the following Address to the Assembly at
Exeter Viz*
To the honorable Council and Assembly convened and sitting
at Exeter in the State of New Hampshire.
Gentlemen — The Convention of Committees from a number
of Towns in the New Hampshire Grants (so called) East of
Connecticut River beg leave to observe that in the month of
May 1775 we were invited with other Towns in the Colony of
New Hampshire to unite in Provincial Congress by Represent-
atives for the purpose of taking such measures as the alarming
situation of public aflairs then rendered necessary for the secur-
ity of the most invaluable privileges granted by the God of
nature to the human Race, which Congress was proposed to
continue for the space of six months only ; that said Congress
near the close of their sessions (without any particular author-
ity vested in them for that purpose by their constituents) did
undertake to adopt a Plan of Representation whereby we ap-
prehend they abridged the liberties of the people in that essen-
tial Article by depriving a great number of Towns of the priv-
ilege of future Representation and assuming the right of regu-
lating that article wholly to themselves; which regulation a
considerable number of Towns in the abovementioned Grants
not only refused their Assent to, but early remonstrated against
to the next Congress, but without any effect — Since which time
(viz* in the month of July last past) we in some measure stated
our reasons for non-compliance in a printed Address to the Inhabi-
tants of said State ; notwithstanding which the same oppressive
mode of Representation still continues as appears by the Writs
for election issued last winter.
APPENDIX. 763
We have likewise had opportunity to confer with a Commit-
tee from your Body, which has also proved ineffectual, as they
were not empowered to enter into articles of Stipulation or
make any proposals whereby the aforesaid difficulties might be
removed — ^And in order to the removal of them we beg leave
to observe, that the only legal Bonds whereby the said Grants
were ever connected with the former Government of New
Hampshire was by the Commissions granted to the late Gov-
ernor Wentworths empowering them to exercise Jurisdiction
over said Grants tvith the former part of said Province which
Commissions and the extent of their Jurisdiction were held at
the pleasure of the Crown to enlarge or diminish as the King
should see fit ; which Commissions being now extinct, the peo-
ple living on said Grants are become unconnected with the
former Government of New Hampshire or any other incorpo-
rated State as to any Compact of theirs or any G rant or Charter
whatever and are so far reverted to a State of nature.
Yet notwithstanding as we have heretofore been connected as
aforesaid we are authorized by our Constituents to assure you
we are not only willing but desirous to be again united together
in one incorporate body of distinct State if it can be mutually
agreed upon consistent with our just rights and privileges. We
would therefore beg leave to propose the essential preliminaries
on which we are willing to unite, Viz*.
1. That the Inhabitants of every Town within said State (in-
cluding said Grants) have liberty if they see cause to elect at
least one person to represent them in the General Assembly of
said State — ^but that every Town where there are less than one
hundred Families have liberty of coupling themselves with so
many adjoining Towns as shall ag^ee thereto for the purpose of
sending one Representative only — and that each Town (or
Towns united as aforesaid) pay their own Representative for
his service in attending said Assembly — travelling fees to be
paid out of the general Treasury —
2. That the Seat of Government be fixed as near the Centre
of the State as conveniently may be —
3. That the further establishing a permanent Plan of Govern-
ment in the State be submitted to an Assembly that shall be
convened as aforesaid for that purpose only. And as we look
upon ourselves free from Connection with any incorporated
State or particular Body, if we cannot agree to unite together
on the principles above prescribed or those which are equiva-
lent thereto, we must seek after Connection with some other
State, or endeavor to obtain relief in some other way —
All which we desire you to take into your wise and candid
Consideration, and give us such Answer to the above proposals
as you shall think proper ; that we may no longer remain in
764 EARLY TOWN PAPERS.
the unhappy Circumstances that we have been and are now
under. —
Voted that Major Childs Lieut Freeman & Capt Turner or
either two of them be a Committee to wait on said Assembly
with said Address, and that they endeavor in the fullest manner
to enforce the justice and equity of the Articles therein sug-
gested, and labour to the utmost of their power that such arti-
cles of stipulation be agreed to by said Assembly as shall cor-
respond with those proposed in our said Address —
Per Order of said Convention
Neh** Estabrook Chairman
At a meeting of the Convention of United Committee before
mentioned held by adjournment at M' Paine's [Elisha Payne's]
in Hanover October 14*^ 1777 —
Whereas this Convention at their Meeting in June last did
appoint a Committee to wait on the Assembly at Exeter with
an address from us, the performance of which has been ob-
structed by the tumults of the War — Therefore Voted That
Col*" Paine, Major Childs, and Mr. Woodward or either of
them be desired and empowered to wait on said Assembly
with said Address in our name as soon as conveniently may be,
and to act thereon agreeable to the directions given to our said
former Committee.
Per Order of said Convention
Neh^ Estabrook Chairman
[The committee mentioned in the foregoing presented
the said address to the legislature in November, 1777. The
matter was taken up in committee of the whole on the i8th
day of that month, and a sub-committee, consisting of Josiah
Bartlett, John Langdon, Benjamin Giles, Ebenezer Thomp-
son, and George King, was appointed to confer with Messrs.
Payne and Woodward, draft an answer to their address, and
report the next morning, which they did as follows : — Ed.]
[Page 70] \^R€port of Committee.^
State of New Hampshire
Novemb' 19*** 1777 —
The Committee, appointed in Committee of both Houses, to
confer with persons who presented an address from the Com-
mittees, met in Convention of several Towns in the County of
Grafton, in this State, relative to the subject matter of said ad-
dress, beg leave to report — That they have met said Gentlemen
APPENDIX. 765
Viz. Col* Paine & M' Woodward and freely conversed with
them concerning the several matters set forth in said address,
and are of opinion that although they esteem the present form
of Government, & Representation of the people as far from
being perfect. Yet as the same was only proposed as Tempo-
rary and the exigencies of the war having been and still con-
tinuing such as to leave no opportunity for the People to enter
upon forming a plan of Government and Representation with
that attention and deliberation that Matters of so Great Conse-
quence require ; the present Modell will answer for the pur-
poses of our Grand Concern Viz Carrying on the War, & in
the mean time for the Regulation of the most essential concerns
of our Internal Police without any great Injury to any part of
the State — But are full in sentiment that as soon as the Circum-
stances of the war will admit, that a full, free and equal Rep-
resentation of the people should convene and form a permanent
system of Government & settle the mode of Representation —
All which is humbly submitted by
Jn® Langdon Chairman
[The foregoing was accepted. — Ed.]
[Page 202] \_Statement of Jonathan Chase and Abel Curtiss^
relative to Gen. Sullivan* s Position^ iy8i.'\
Col® Jonathan Chase and M' Abel Curtis assert that they
have frequently heard Col** Peter Olcott mention his being at
Philadelphia in the month of September last on business relat-
ing to the New Hampshire Grants — That being in conversation
with Gen* Sullivan, Agent for the State of New Hampshire —
he urged to the Gen* that the previous question might be put —
*' whether a New state might be admitted on the Grants or
not" — The Gen* replied '' He could have obtained that before,
but would make no further Objections to it, if he (Col® Olcott)
thought that best to be put" — which Col® Olcott urged — Col®
Olcott said that afterwards he understood that the General did
not appear against the question, but said nothing in favor of
it-
Col® Olcott further added that after this he had opportunity
with the General, when the Gen* told him, he was sorry he
conceded to his proposal — Col® Olcott asked why? — ThejGren*
replied he tho't many of the people in his quarter were York-
ers— and further added, that he believed that they on the west
side of the River ought to be a separate state — Col® Olcott has
also mentioned that when at Philadelphia, he was informed,
the Gen* in private conversation observed, '* that, tho' he was
766 EARLT TOWN PAPERS.
instructed to lay claim to the whole of the Grants, he was so
unhappy as to differ from his Instructions in Judgment" — Col*
Chase & M' Curtiss also mention that a report has much pre-
vailed on the grants in their quarter, that a large Grant of Land
has been issued by the Assembly of Vermont to Gen^ Sullivan.
But they are rather inclined to think the report without foun-
dation—
The subscribers affirm the foregoing relation, if not verba^
ttmy to be the substance of matters related by Col* Olcott, as
above —
Exeter 12*^ Jan^ 1781. Jon* Chase
Abel Curtiss
N. B. It may be observed that Col* Olcott by no means
meant any reflection on the worthy Gentleman, Gen^ Sullivan,
but as he was very sanguine for a union of the whole of the
Grants, he was very sorry to see that indifference in the Gen'
as he thought it, to bring about an object so much desired.
J. c.
A. C.
[Vol. X contains a large amount of matter relative to this
controversy. — Ed.]
CENSUS OF NEW HAMPSHIRE, 1790.
[The following is taken from a manuscript document in
the office of the secretary of state, and is published because
it is believed that the census of 1790 does not exist else-
where in the state, in detail, and consequently will be of
much value to town historians and citizens generally. — Ed.]
ROCKINGHAM COUNTY.
Towns.
Allenstown....
Atkinson
Bow
Brentwood
Candia
Canterbury....
Chester
Chichester . . . .
Concord
Deerfield
East Kingston.
Epping
Epsom
Exeter ,
Greenland
Hampstead . . . .
Hawke i
Hampton
Hampton Falls
Kensington . • .
^0
>
o
m
67
129
149
246
285
485
452
90
200
437
170
195
loi
238
150
222
vc5
u
a
9
CO
63
102
151
224
273
223
456
118
408
358
87
254
175
343
141
156
94
174
96
147
CO
a
123
246
268
490
52T
526
960
236
823
806
179
6541
424-
858;
309'
370'
224
436;
291,
431'
«
a
o
e
I
2
I
I
7
I
2
2
81
12
3
I a • <
4
3
M
>
iS
c75
I
3
4
2
2
2
..at
a
o
&
<
254
479
568
976
1,040
1,038
1,906
491
i»747
1,619
358
i»233
799
1,722
634
724
420
853
541
800
* Now Danville.
768
EARLY TOWN PAPERS.
ROCKINGHAM COUNTY — Continued.
Kingstown
Londonderry . . .
Loudon
Newin^ton
Newmarket. ...
New Castle
Newtown
Northfield
North Hampton
Northwood
Nottingham . . . .
Peiham
Pembroke
Pittsfield
Plaistow
Poplin 1
Portsmouth . . . .
Raymond
Rye
Salem
Sandown
Seabrook
South Hampton,
Stratham
Windham
Gosport
243
189
677
576
272
287
132
109
284
235
125
117
126
132
154
155
184
138
188
181
275
249
216
190
240
245
214
221
135
129
137
103
i,i5«
973
177
181
226
189
287
294
138
"5
178
178
125
81
229
158
156
173
32
22
"»i39
9,663
491
1.339
518
285
610
292
271
295
333
374
529
385
469
449
257
251
2,487
361
439
626
308
357
241
486
328
39
21,976
3
24
5
2
7
2
2
I
76
8
8
9
2
I
8
I
293
6
2
14
26
3
2
I • * •
I
5
98
906
2,622
1,084
542
1. 137
534
530
606
657
744
1,068
791
956
888
521
493
4*720
727
865
1.218
561
715
448
882
663
93
43.169
* Fremont.
STRAFFORD COUNTY,
Barnstead
Barrington
Conway
Dover
Durham
Eaton
Effingham
Gilmanton
Lee
Madbury
Meredith
Middleton
Moultonbo"*
New Durham Gore ^
400
,217
279
.004
634
121
68
.294
526
295
419
304
283
212
■ B • •
2
• • *
[
■ •
18
2
8
3
• • • •
22
2
4
4
• • • •
■ ■ • •
7
• • *
■ •
807
2,470
574
1,998
ii247
253
'54
2,613
1,029
592
881
617
565
445
*Now Alton.
APPENDIX.
769
STRAFFORD COUNTY — Continued.
New Durham
New Hampton
Ossipee
Rochester
SanborntoD •
Sandwich
Somersworth
Tarn worth
Tuftonbor^
Wakefield
Wolfbor^
Burton ^
Stark^s and Sterling's Locations
139
I7>
86
730
415
216
248
67
158
no
32
12
140
173
82
740
423
243
211
72
20
>93
120
42
13
275
306
171
1,386
749
446
478
126
60
295
217
26
2
• • • •
I
> • • •
6
I
63
23
6,043
5.955
11,650
554
652
339
2.857
905
943
266
100
646
447
133
51
23,734
1 Now Albany.
HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY.
Amherst.
Andover
Antrim
Bedford
Boscawen
Bradford
Campbell's Gore ^
Deering
Derryfield«
Dunbarton
Dunstable'
Duxbury^
Fishersfield'
Francestown ....
Greenf*
Goffstown
Hancock
Henniker
Hillsboro
Hollis
Hopkinton
Kearsarge Gore •.
Lytchfield
Lyndbor*
Mason
Merrimack ,
571
166
138
210
282
56
28
213
92
209
179
39
68
232
324
156
269
193
340
445
27
97
313
215
209
576
167
146
240
274
60
35
254
95
244
146
45
105
233
303,
160'
325
211
378
417
27
83
349
242
207
1,204
312
244
440
551
lOI
57
459
175
444
306
85
158
614
315
525
393
723
852
49
160
618
462
393
18
8
2
28
• • • •
34
3
8
I
I
■ . « •
17
3
10
2,369
645
528
898
1,108
217
120
928
362
917
632
169
331
982
i»275
634
1,127
798
1,441
1. 715
103
357
1,280
922
819
1 Windsor.
«NowinMilford.
51
> Manchester.
» Newbury.
• Nashua.
* Divided among several towns.
770 .
EARLY TOWN PAPERS.
HILLSBOROUGH COVHTY^-COntinU^d,
New Boston
New Ipswich
New London
Nottingham West^...
Peterbor<»
Raby2
Salisbury
Sharon
Society Land *
Sutton
Teniple
Warner
Weare
Wilton
Derry field Gore * . . . .
Lyndsborough Gore^
313
338
69
267
220
86
345
68
84
132
^77
220
491
253
10
II
303
285
90
246
214
385
63
89
122
196
195
500
278
4
8
576
614
152
544
423
160
640
128
146
266
368
448
562
16
19
10
4
7
4
3
2
6
2
12
177
0
8.155
8,389
16,150
1,202
1,241
311
1,064
861
33»
1.372
259
319
520
747
863
1,924
1,105
30
38
32,871
* Hudson.
* Now in Manchester.
* Brookline.
s Divided among several towns.
■ Now in Temple.
CHESHIRE COUNTY.
Acworth
Alstead
Charlestown. . .
Chesterfield . . .
Claremont
Cornish
Croydon
Dublin
Fitzwilliam.. . .
Hindsdale
Giisum..
Goshen
Jaffrey
Keene
Langdon
Lempster
Marlbor<»
Marlow
New Grantham
Newport
Packersfield^...
Plainfield ,
Protectworth * .
159
268
307
441
348
238
121
227
255
127
70
197
285
254
532
391
258
151
223
278
142
64
285
3161
58!
no
175
73
90
187
167
259
56
336
318
76
95
219
80
88
198
208
277
49
348
558
530
930
692
484
262
446
505
251
164
I
2
2
I
3
5
603 II
671 5
io8j 2
207, 3
392..-.
160;... .
1531 I
390; 4
3431 3
486, 2
104!....
2
I
704
1,111
1.093
1*905
1. 435
982
537
901
1,038
522
298
x-235
I1314
244
415
786
313
333
780
721
1,024
210
* Nelson.
'Springfield.
APPENDIX.
771
CHESHIRE COUNTY — COhHhUUL,
Richmond. ...
Rindge.....
Stoddard
Surry
Sullivan ,
Swanzey
Unity
Walpole
Washington. . .
Wendell 1
Westmoreland
Winchester...
332
276
162
117
48
293
133
327
m
70
472
298
7,004
368
306
194
III
68
287
139
335
135
64
543
3"
7,530
680
554
344
220
103
571
265
580
273
133
998
595
i4»io3
I
6
I
I
4
4
69
• • •
I
. . . •
• ■ a •
• • • •
I
I
16
1.380
M43
701
448
220
M57
538
1,245
545
267
2,018
1,209
28,772
^ Sunapee.
GRAFTON COUNTY.
Alexandria
Bartlett
Bath
Bridgewater
Campton . .
Canaan , . . .
Chatham
Cockburne ^
Cockermouth *, . . ,
Colburne •
Coventry*
Dalton
Dartmouth*
Dorchester
Dummer
Enfield
Errol
Franconia
Grafton
Gunthwaite alias ^.
Hanover
Haverhill
Lancaster
Landaff
Lebanon ,
Lincoln
Littleton
Lyman
79
SS
117
84
113
m
17
9
94
10
21
3
34
43
188
87i
57
136
62
79
123
13
5
104
6
20
4
25
45
173
132
135
239
134
202
223
28
12
175
13
47
7
52
82
361
I
I
I
I
298
248
493
281
395
483
58
26
373
29
14
III
724
22
99
9'
476
163
45
75
375
8
28
SI
18
110
IS
298
118
45
80
282
5
26
39
32
194
147
596
266
71
137
9
42
106
8
I
8
2
4
72
403
313
1,380
552
161
292
1,180
22
96
202
1 Columbia.
^ Benton.
* Groton .
* Jefferson.
> Colebrook.
* Lisbon.
772
EARLY TOWN PAPERS.
GRAFTON COUVTY-^-Cffntimutd.
Lyme
New Chester^...
New Holderness'
Northumberland .
Orange
Orford
Percy •
Piermont
Plymouth
Rumney
Shelburne
Stratford
Thornton ......
Warren
Wentworth
LOCATIONS.
Dames.. .
Hales. . . .
Harts
Senters . .
Starkes . .
Sterlings
Wales....
231
70
96
34
32
140
14
103
182
97
12
44
96
52
56
4
3
3
5
8
3
I
189
103
73
27
37
125
II
"3
142
"3
5
38
98
64
73
8
2
392
139
160
56
61
272
23
206
297
201
18
64
191
86
112
9
4
5
3
16
4
2
4
. • • .
3
4
816
312
329
"7
131
540
48
426
625
411
35
146
385
206
241
21
9
12
8
29
9
6
Grafton .
Cheshire
Hillsboro
Strafford
Rockingh
in
3.768 3,315 6,340
7,004 7,s80| 14,103
8.155 8,389116,150
6,043 5»955 11.650
11,1391 9.654 21,968
36,109 34,893170,21 1
28
21
69
16
177
• • . 1
63
23
293
98
630
158
13.472
28,772
32.871
23.734
43.169
142,018
iHiU.
* Holdemess.
s Stark.
INDEX.
INDEX OF TOWNS, PLACES, ETC.
Academies.. 136, 137, 199, 390, 392
414*417
Acworth 576, 599
Albany 411
Albany, N. Y 85, 145, 326
Alexandria 3, 4, 112, 225, 226
Addition i, 3, 443
Allenstown 153, 165, 170-174
Alstead 599
Alton 731
Amesbury, Mass.. ..55, 57, 65, 434
612, 614, 618, 619
Amherst 164
Andover 70, 382, 388, 622
Appendix 753
Arlington 687
Arrowsick Island 754
Ashuelot 313
Lower 522
Upper 522
Atkinson. . .210, 212, 218, 219, 400
Auburn 745
Bakerstown 381
Bald Hill. 512
Barnstead 98
Barrington . . 1 10, 332, 345, 427, 746
Bath 761
Bemb^s Heights 100, 109, 365
^ . 375. 532
Bennington 745
Vt. 237, 394. 46s, 588. 651, 656
Berlin 745
Bethlehem 649, 758
Blanchard^s Gore 566
Borland^s Farm 547, 558
Boston, Mass. .. .99, 174, 189, 279
280, 324. 559
Bow.. 148, 153, 154, 155, 159, 166-
168. 173
Boxford, Mass 324
Bradford 112, 115,626,631
Vt 197
Brandy Brow 53
Brattleborough, Vt 667
Brentwood 579
Bretton-Woods 745
Bridge, Buckstreet 173
Dover 337
Hale^s 469, 606
McGregor's 469
New Market. ... 15, 28, 34-38
Piscataqua 304
Republican 392
Bridgewater 230
Buckstreet 153-156, 170, 171
Bunker Hill 100, 147, 174, 237
520, 525, 617, 618, 623, 657
681, 711
Burton 4n.4i9» 538, 544, 545
Cambridge, Mass.. ..153, 568, 679
Camden 459, 626
Campbeirs Gore 723
Campton . . . 223, 225, 231-234, 418
Canaan 117, 716
Candia I73» 307» 3io
Canterbury 70
Cape Breton 261
Cardigan 1 12-126, 761
Carroll 745
Cedars, battle of 522
Census of 1790 767
Charleston, S. C. .•••••••.••• 185
Charlestown 208, 557, 576, 584
599,601
Mass 189
Chelmsford, Mass 143, 455
Chester 148, 173, 307, 310, 373
406, 407
n(>
INDEX.
Chichester 197
Claremont 47, 208, 576, 599
Clarksville . 745
Cochecho 427, 428
Cockermouth 223-232
Concord 159, 166-168
Mass 4« 548, 595
Confederation, votes on 29, 31
533» 679* 7U
Coos Co. constituted 478
Corey VTown 494
Cornish 127, 204, 206
Counterfeit money 326
Crown Point.. 85, 104, 363,428,438
484, 520
Croydon 500, 576
Darnels Gore 120
Dartmouth College 417
Deerfield 99, 100,106, 173
Deering 745
Derby, Conn 598
Derry 373
Dorchester 120, 135, 224
Dover. . 102, 108, 237, 238, 425, 427
Dracut 142, 171, 695
Dublin 327, 351, 352, 562, 745
Dummer 452
Dunbarton 159, 637
Dunstable 142, 175
Durand 746
Durham • 10, 38, 93, 102
Duxbury School Farm 682
East Kingston 53. 434
East-Town 588
Eaton 41 1, 538, 544, 545
Effingham 139, 142, 588
Ellsworth 745
Epping 39» 40, 308
Epsom 39, 198, 383
Exeter 9, 99, 191, 237, 281, 292
307,315. 392»409. 479
Fairfield 572
Farmington 332, 348
Ferry, Bennett^s 401
Burnside^s 90, 477
Butterfield's 671
Crosses 389
Copp's 395,396
Dix^s 158, 159
Dummer^s 693
Ferry, Henry^s 390
Hilton's I3« 14
Kathan's 673
Kimbairs 205
Lord's 668
Marsh's 674
Reed's 670
Robbins's 669
Simpson's 131
Stevens's 195
Sweet's 54
Wiggin's 480
Fitzwilliam 3 1 2, 32 1 , 327, 562
Fort Dummer 520, 522, 687
Du Quesne • 104
Edward 18
Hindsdale's 687
Washington 509
William Henry.. 104, 145, 264
Wm. & Mary 239
Francestown 745
Franklin 70, 382
Freetown 307
Fox Hill 361
Garvin's Falls 159, 167, 169
Gilmanton 395, 396
Gilsum 464, 472, 490, 492, 508
522, 632
Gillis & Foss's Grant 746
Glass Manufactory 559
Glebe Lands 209, 314
Gonic 332
Gorham 424
Goshen 494, 576, 581
Gosport i 279, 360
Grafton 1 20
Vt 321
Grantham 199
Great Island 242
Greenfield 175, 745
Greenland. . . .37, 76, 246-248, 360
480
Grenada, Island of. 452
Groton 223
Hale's-Town 63 7
Hampstead 148, 210, 218, 219
410, 576
Hampton 76, 77, 130, 132, 239
241, 255,257,267,360,363
392, 420, 479
Hampton Falls. .258, 420, 434, 441
INDEX.
m
Hancock 562, 745
Hanover 1 36, 761 , 762, 764
Hartford, Conn 201
Harrisville 745
Harvard College 520
Haverhill 194, 196, 617, 761
Mass 210
Dist 697
Hawke 405-407
Heath^s Gore 442
Hebron 112, 222, 223,231
Conn 127
Heidelberg i
Henniker 1 59
Hillsborough 1 59, 724, 725
Hinsdale 690
Holderness 418, 419
Hollis 223, 623
Hooksett Falls 159
Hopkinton 170, 641, 645
Hubbardton, Vt 328, 600, 661
Indians 383, 384, 392, 410, 425
474. 475» 484. 651
Isle au Hooksett 168, 169
Isles of Shoals 283, 286, 288
Islington 249
Jaffrey 327, 507, 562
Jenness-Town 613
Kearsarge Gore. . . i, 5, 7, 613, 621
623
Keene. .352, 490-492, 516, 522, 675
690
Kensington 76, 337, 360
Killingworth, Conn 46, 47
Kingsoridge, N. Y 341
Kingston. . ..61, 210, 382, 384, 404
406, 407, 576
Kittery, Me 280
Lake George 144
Lancaster 451,474, 649
Landaff 761
Langdon 609
Lavenham, £ng 522
Lebanon 761
Conn 127, 191
Lee 38, 98, loi
Lempster..5oi, 503, 576, 599, 626
628
Lexington, Mass 520
Library, Columbian 564
Library, Union 591
Limenck 455
Liscomb 112, 125
Little Boar's Head ^t
Little Harbor 260, 265
Livermore 746
Lloyd's Hills 650, 758
Londonderry 148, 566
Lotteries 28, 167, 169, 228, 264
301,360, 514, 559,601,707
Louisbourg 261, 262
Lower Ashuelot 520
Lunenburg, Mass 592
Lyme 120, 134, 135,224, 761
Lyndeborough...i85~i9o, 547, 562
682
Gore 186, 190
Madbury 38,40
Marlborough 312, 327, 351, 352
521. 522, 536,537. 562
Marlow.459, 461, 469, 471, 599,628
Martinique, Island of. 345
Marshfield, Mass 451
Mason 562
Masonic, St. John's Lodge. 305-307
Masonian Proprietors... .1, 2, 174
189, 222, 236, 321, 323, 325, 381
392, 408, 455, 471, 516, 547, 626
637, fyje
Maynesborough 745
Meedersborough 346
Meredith 398
Meriden 199, 202, 203, 209
Methuen, Mass 371, 695
Middleton 112, 121, 735, 737
Milan 746
Mile Slip 550,678, 682
Milton 332, 351, 588
Mitchell's Line 142
Moffett's Tree, bound 549
Mohawk Point 395, 396
Monadnock, No. i 321
No. 7 455
N0.8 626
Monmouth, battle of 589, 665
Montreal 410
Moultonborough 41 1, 413, 538
Mount Csesar 520
Mount Delight 173
Mount Independence 615
Nash & Sawyer's Location 745
Nelson. 351, 352, 455, 49©. 632, 745
778
INDEX.
New Boston 99
Newbury 194
Mass 99
New Castle.... 236, 239, 243, 260
265-267, 298, 299, 360, 368, 613
653
New Chester 225, 226, 401
Newfields 1 5) 34
New Grantham 201, 202
New Hampton 398
New Hampshire Village 424
New Haven, Conn 264
New Holderness 225
Newington 236, 247, 249
New Ipswich 47, 327, 547, 562
626, 651, 683
New London. . ..i-<>, 449, 494, 622
New Market. 9-46. 76, 98, 360, 480
Newport.. 46-53. 501, 576. 577, 599
New Salem 410
New Salisbury 385
Newton.. 53-70, 410, 434, 437, 440
New York 464
Newspaper, N. H. State Gazette
627
Republican Gazette 647
Saturday Circulating Chronicle
627
Northfleld. . . .70-76, ^82, 389, 390
North Hampton 76-S7, 93, 360
Northumberland.. .88-92, 451, 474
73"
North wood. 38, 40, 93--99» 100, 108
Nottingham 13, 39, 93, 95, 98
99' 112.383
Square 100, 107
Oakham 180
Odiorne^s Point 236, 271
Orange 1 12-126
Or ford 126-138, 225, 235, 642
Ossipee 138-142, 538
Gore 138-140
Oyster River 237, 238
Packersfield....327, 351, 352, 562
Palmers-Town 410
Paper Money.. 6, 50, iii, 219, 222
317, 341, 399, 408, 415.487*
489. 535. 672. 683
Paulsbourg 746
Peeling 572, 746
Pelham 142,152,707
Pembroke loi, 153-174
Penobscot, Me. .284, 285, 291, 344
Percy .451
Perrys-Town 2, 3, 516
Peterborough 174-190, 327, 506
507, 547, 662, 683
Slip 505, 506, 647
Piermont. ..135, 190-197, 758, 761
Piscataqua 236
Harbor , .269
Pittsfield 197, 198
Plainfield 199-210,761
Conn 199
PlaistOW 148, 2IO-232
Plans, referred to 19, 159, 538
Plymouth 222, 236, 731
Polls, ratable returns of in 1783
48, 89, 118. 133. 150, 183
193. J98. I99» 213, 228
3". 33^398. 400, 406
467, 475, 487, 513, 533
542, 560, 571, 641
Portsmouth.. 37, 175, 213, 215, 236
307. 338, 360
Protectworth 5, 442
Quakers . . . .67, 157, 319, 320, 420
422, 637
Quebec 104
Queen^s Chapel 297, 303
Randolph 746
Raymond 307-312
Reading, Conn no
Relhan 761
Rhode Island. . .339, 447, 588, 667
Richmond 312-320, 521
Rindge 320r332, 562, 593
Rochester 297, 332-351, 427
Rockingham, Vt 601
Rogers^s Rangers 382
RoUinsford 425
Rowley, Canada 321-325
Rowley, Mass 321
Roxbury 351-354
Mass 100
Royalton, Vt 208, 670
Rumney. . . 225, 229, 235, 354-359
Rutland, Mass 520
Rye 37. 76, 79. 236, 267, 298
303,304,360-371,613
Salem, 143, 144, 148, 371-381. 695
709
Mass 568
INDEX.
779
Salisbury 70, 72, 381*392
Mass 55»434
Salmon Falls 425, 429, 431
SaoborntoD 70, 382, 392-404
Bridge 392
Sandown 148, 404-410
Sandwich .410-420, 538
Addition 410
Sandy Beach 360
Saratoga, N. Y. . 100, 1 18, 133, 200
316, 432, 639
Savillc 494. 576, 599
Schools 187, 685, 686
Seabrook 420-424, 441
Sharon 505-508, 547
Shelburne 424-425, 734
Addition 424
Sliptown 327
Small-pox. ... 18, 44, 274, 278, 375
524
Society Land 190, 562
Somersworth 425-434
South Hampton ....53, 54, 61, 67,
420, 434-442
South Kingstown, R. 1 54
South New Market 9, 10
Springfield 442-451, 501
Squamanagonic 332
Squaroscott Patent 479
Stark 451, 452
Stewartstown 452-455
St. John's 192, 569
St. Peter's 261
Stevenstown 382
Stillwater.. .326, 338. 375, 586, 687
Stonington 88
Stoddard. . .455-472, 490, 491, 632
635. 636. 729
Strafford 746
Stratford 472-479
Stratham. . 14, I5» 37, 156, 392, 393
479-490
Strawberry-bank. 236, 242, 247-249
Stuart 452
Sullivan 467, 490-494, 635
Sunapee i, 494"505. 599
Suncook 1 53-1 55
Surry 508-516, 675
Sutton 516, 520
Swanzey. . • -312, 520-538, 606, 690
Swansey, Mass 520
Tarn worth 139, 41 1 , 41 2, 416
538-547
Tarrytown, N. Y 341
Temple 174, 327, 547-566, 683
Thomlinson, Vt 532
Thornton 225, 419, 566-573
Ticonderoga, N. Y. ...19, 109, 118
174, 208, 237. 293
316, 328, 394, 521
557. 589. 600, 661
Tilton 392, 393
Townsend, Mass 175
Trecothick 745
Troy 312, 521
Tuftonborough 573-576, 731
Unity 501, 502, 576-587. 599
Valley Forge 601
Vermont Controversy 604, 663
664. 760
Wakefield 588-592, 739
Walpole 383, 516, 592-612
Warner 612, 623
Warren 135, 623-626
Warwick, R. 1 54, 115
War Vessel — Abigail 262
Canso 279
Druid 109
Gen. Washington. . . .344, 345
Hampden 285, 291, 344
Raleigh 109, 344
Scarborough 279
Washington 327, 471, 626-636
729
Gore 626
Watertown, Mass 522
Waterville 566, 746
Gore 566
Weare 52, 637-642
Wendell i , 494, 496
Wentworth.126, 135, 191, 195, 235
639, 642-648
Westerly, R. 1 54
Westminster, £ng 322
Vermont 600, 601
Westmoreland ..327, 508, 515, 516
601, 606, 651, 676
West Point.. 71, 164, 203, 204, 717
Wheeler's Gore 723
Whitcomb's Rangers 71
Whitefield 648, 651
WhitePlains 52
Wilmot I
780 INDEX
Wilton. . . .547, 548, 552, 562, 676- 1 Winter Hill 521
686 ' Wolfeborough 730-743
Winchester 313, 522, 528-530, Addition 731-743
687-694 Woodstock 746
Windham . . 102, 151, 371, 695-723
Windsor 723, 730 Yorktown, Va 100
INDEX TO NAMES OF PERSONS.
Abbott, Abial. . .553, 677, 679, 683
David 154, i()o, 161
George 295, 296
1 560
Jacob 677, 679, 681, 682
James 251 , 761
Jeremiah 163, 553, (>^^
Job 161, 163
John 246
Joseph 679, 683
Nathan 553, ()^Z
Peter 239
Samuel 163
Samuel, Jr 163
Solomon 296
Timothy 676
Uriah 149
Watt 240
William 682, 683, 686
Abombazeen 753
Acheson, Thomas 717
Adams, Abel 465
Asa 457, 458, 461, 463
Benjamin 5, 6, 7, 550
Eli 459
Eliphalet 202, 203
Ephraim.. ..314, 456, 458, 463
467, 468. 550
James 343, 525. 698
John ... .6, 7, 9, 142, 274, 306
635, 665
John, Jr ^S^^^l
Jonathan 6, 7, 9, 698
Joseph.. ..22, 27, 220-222, 391
485. 594* 596
Rev. Joseph 482
Josiah 26,28, 30,34
Levi 565
Moses 9, 396
Nathan 488
Adams, Nathaniel .30, 239, 270, 272
300, 301, 306
Oliver 200-203
Paul 133
Robert 698
Samuel n6, 306
Samuel, Jr 117
Simeon 202
Solomon 6, 7, 9
Thomas 457, 458, 461, 463
465, 596
William 665
Zachariah 458-463
Aiken, Edward 698-701
Ezekiel 644, 646, 648
James 623, 718
John. ..195, 644, 647, 648, 698
Nathaniel 698
Nenian 726
Ainsworth, Jabez ; 116
Akerman, Benjamfn 275, 293
Colonel 295
Joseph 35
Josiah 35, 268
Lieut 216, 217
Nahum 36, 268
Peter 348, 365, 371
Peter, Jr 348
Simeon 268
Alcock, J 35
Joseph. 268, 270, 272, 274, 277
Alcott, Joshua .602
Aldrich, Aaron 318
Annanias 318
Benjamin 653, 655
Caleb 651,665,673,675
Caleb, Jr 673
George 602, 657, 658, 665-
672
Nathan 318
782
INDEX.
Aldrich, Nathaniel 318, 320
Paul 318
Royal 318
Solomon 318
William 120, 675
Alexander, Asa 692, 694
Elijah 314
James 567
John 652. 653, 690-698
Jonathan 239
Philip 653, 655
Reuben .... 529, 599, 689, 694
Reuben, Jr 694
Simeon 653, 655
Thomas 694
William 698
Allard, David 343
Henry 336
Job 343.347
Noah 294, 295, 297
Shadrach 336
William 347
Alld and Alls, David 234, 235
Ebenezer 408
George 233
Samuel 568, 701
William $68,679
Allen, Aaron 606
Daniel 16
David 204
Elisha 591
Elnathan 694
Ezra 318
Jacob 338
John . .333, 339, 373, 378, 688
Joshua 343, 349
Josiah 17, 694
Jude 16, 240
Micah 343
Samuel 16,343
William 334, 336, 338
Alley, Daniel 340, 433
Ephraim 338, 427
Lydia 340
Samuel 336, 338
Allison, Samuel 700, 702
Alvord, Stephen 602
Ambrose, Nathaniel.. 1 6r, 164, 540
Ames, Abraham 373
Daniel 540, 541
Daniel, Jr 541
David.. 1 15, 119, 121, 123, 125
188
David, Jr 119, 121, 124
Ames, Jacob 16, 27, 32
John 22, 32, 653
Jonathan W 122
Joseph 140, 543
Nathaniel 16, 22
Nathaniel, Jr 22
Amherst, Jaffrey 410
Amy, George 379
Heman 379
Anderson, Daniel .719
David 568, 698
James 568, 698, 719
James, Jr 702
John.. .708, 712, 715, 716. 719
Robert 698
Samuel 699, 710
Thomas 698
William 698
Andrews, Issachar.. ..725, 727, 728
Jeremiah 561 , 562
Joel 521
John 200, 202, 203, 563
Levi 702
Nathan 204
Samuel 518
Solomon 725, 727
Angel, Ebenezer 504
Esech 504
Noel 504
Strokley 504
Anger, Silas .554
Annis, Daniel 613, 614
Daniel, Jr 614
David 614
James 306
Thomas 614, 619, 621
Solomon • .620
Appleton, H . . . . '. 286
Henry 272
Issac 5 50
Jotham 35
Samuel 269, 270
W 273
Applin, Thomas 528
Archibald, Arthur .701
John 296
Robert 702
Ardway, John 5
Joseph 5
Armes, Richard 594, 597
Armour, Gain 715, 716
John 715
Samuel 696
s 715
INDEX.
783
Armstrong, David.... 71 5, 717, 719
John 698, 717,719
Dr. John .717
Arnold, Joseph 358
T.L 694
Arvin, Simeon 125
William 115, 118-125
Ash, Gilbert 246
John 382,388.389
Nathaniel 60, 64, 391, 435
Phinehas 64
Ashley, Daniel 593, 692
Joseph 314
Martin 606
Oliver 599
Rev. Joseph 522
Samuel 599, 687, 689
William 17
Asten, David 5
John 5
Moses 380
Nathan 379
Peter 379
Atherton, Jonathan 115, 317
Atkinson, Benjamin 415, 416
George 37
Joseph 41 5
Theodore.. .117, 239, 242, 244
245. 285, 314, 568, 756
Theodore, Jr 568
Atwood, Joshua 148-1 50
Samuel 149
Auberts, Ettinne 710
Austin, Abiel 373
John 204
Nicholas 737
Reuben 487
Samuel 343
Stephen 565, 631
Timothy 565
Avery, Aaron 565
Jeremiah 297
Joel 565
John 16, 38, 486, 563, 565
Jonathan 554. 559, 563
Joseph 87, 101
Joshua 480, 489
Peter 565
Samuel 16
Thomas 241
Ayer, John 641
Samuel 378, 640, 717
William 378, 640
Ayers, Daniel 215, 220-222
Ayers, Ebenezer 144
George 502
John 172, 260
Jonathan... 21 5, 219, 221, 222
277
Joseph 220, 222
Perkins 269, 277
Thomas 297
William. 36, 117, 123, 220-222
Babcock, Amos. .604, 656, 669, 673
Benjamin 627
Rev. Stephen 54
Bachelder,' Daniel 503, 584, 585
Francis 643
Increase 93
Isaiah 355
Jeremiah 589
John 93
Jonathan 13
Phineas 405
Bachellor, A. S 758
Batchelder, Abraham . . .33, 93, 95
97,99
Benjamin 414
David 21
Davis 22, 93, 95, 107
Henry 77.81,95
Increase. ...22, 93, 95, 96, 107
James 96
Jeremiah 76, 360
John 22,93,96, 107
Jonathan 96
Josiah 405
Nathaniel 84, 190
Phinehas 409
Samuel ^ 6, 77, 95, 96
Samuel, Jr 77, 97
Simon 93, 95
Stephen 17, tj
Stephen, Jr ^^
Zachariah 17
Backus, Andrew 116
Bacon, Benjamin 561
Badger, David 682
John 694
Joseph 233-, 396
Joseph, Jr 345, 346, 396
Peaslee 389
Robert ^ • • • -678
Stephen 621
William 34
Bagley, David. . .56, 50, 60, 61, 64
014, 618, 619
784
INDEX.
Bagley, Henry. 56, 59, 60, 726, 727
728
JonathaD 2, 56, 59
Samuel 124, 125
Timothy. 68
Bailey, Aaron, Jr 650
Andrew 184
Enoch 374
Joel 497
John 377
Jonathan 372
Jonathan, Jr 372
Moses 372
Timothy 470
Ward 89, 475
William 2,568
Haley, John M 379
Bayley, Abner 144
Dudley 377, 37^1 3^'
Edward 144, 697
George 386
Jacob 357, 374, 4io
James 761
John 144. 373*386
John, Jr 378
Jonathan 378
Jonathan, Jr 373
Joseph 235
Joshua 379
Joshua, Jr 379
Richard 235
Richard, Jr 235
William 386, 389
Baker, Andrew 106
Jonathan 491
Joseph 161, 164, 593-597
Lovewell i6i, 164
Moses 310, 566, 737
Samuel 22, 23, 29, 34
Dr. Symonds 374
Thomas 161, 163
Balch, Caleb 666,716
Cyrus 666
John 374
Nathaniel 590
Widow 1 90
Baldwin, Asa 708
Ebenezer 130, 133
Eliphalet 599
Heth 91, 478
Jabez 204, 478
John 144,149,593
Joseph 152, 708
Samuel 44
Baldwin. Dr. Silas 598
Thomas 761
Ball, John 563
Nathaniel 563, 594, 596
Nathaniel, Jr 563
Thomas 594, 596
William 678
Ballard, John 565
Jonathan 190
Nathan 553,681
William H 617, 618, 620
Ballou, James 318
Nathan 318
Bamegesaeog 753
Bamford, Jacob 398
Banack, Ebenezer 95
Bancroft, Caleb 561 , 563
Thaddeus 694
Banfill, Captain 249
Charles 269, 274
John 544
Samuel 252
Tobias 268
Banfield, Hugh 238
John 545
Bangs, Joshua 401
Barber, Robert 13, 120, 386
Robert, Jr 21
Zebulon 32
Barker, Andrew 149
Benjamin 150, 151,488
Benjamin, Jr 488
Daniel 146-149, 678
Ebenezer. ... 17, 149, 152, 488
503* 584
Ebenezer, Jr 488
Ezra 16. 486
Isaac 152
Jesse 152
John 17
Jonathan 152
Nathan 486-489, 724-729
Noah 481
Peter 493
Richard 149, 152
Theodore 565
Barlow, Abner 92, 478
Ephraim 478
Joseph 89, 473-477
Nathan 89, 475, 478
Barnard, Currier 235
David 641
James 708
Jonathan 613, 614
INDEX.
785
Barnard, Moses 21, 660, 661
Barnes, Aaron 565
James 227, 228
Johems 251
Joseph 3 14, 561
Samuel 269
Submit 225
William 58* 1 1 7
Barnet, John 699
iohn, Jr 699
loses 700, 701
Robert 699
Thomas 621
Barney, David 318
Jabez B 115, 123-125
Levi 630
Supply 635
William 318
Barr, Samuel 699
Barrell, Colburn 272
Nathaniel 270, 272
Barrett, Isaac... 461-463, 470, 635
John 694
Moses 708
Nathaniel 565
Simeon 708
Barron, Jeremiah 631
William 513, 682
Barrows, Moses 206
Moses, Jr 206
Barry, Joseph 241
Barter, John 19
Peter 589
Barton, Stephen 364
Bartlett, Daniel 220
Eliphalet 64
Evan 231
George 406
Gershom 56, 57, 59
Giles 504
Gideon 54'~59^ 62, 64
Jacob 503» 584, 585
John... .26, 103, 106, 206, 585
586
Jonathan. . .161, 164, 231, 238
269, 271, 285
Joseph 53-59. 64, 69, 3^8
389, 621
Dr. Joseph 386
Joshua 503, 579, 581, 584
Josiah 98. 99t 384. 764
Matthias..64, 69, 503, 579, 584
Moses 218-222
Nathaniel... 206, 220, 222, 694
02
Bartlett, Nehemiah 33
Philip 23, 106
Richard.. 64, 69, 161, 166, 167
170, 617, 620
Samuel 94, 99, 206
Sargent 235
Stephen. ...56, 59, 64, 69, 160
166, 168, 236
Thomas.. 37, 94, loi, 106, 110
112
Basford, Benjamin 386
James. .. 386
Joseph. 1 13, 119, 121, 123,386
Bass, Joseph 36, 274, 285
Bates, Asa 202, 203
John 318
Batson, Stephen 271
Battles, Edward 694
Bean, Benaiah 386
Benjamin 21, 309
Daniel 443, 448
David. .416, 443, 445,448,450
540
Ebenezer 14, 198
Edward 23, 37, 414
Edward, Jr 103
Elisha 234, 235
George 103
James 103, 106, 309
John 17, 386
Jonathan 398, 400
Joseph 386
Josiah 412
Phinehas 385, 389
Samuel 406, 518
Sinclair 385, 386
Thomas 312
William 406
Beard, Simon 144, 149
Beck, Amos 35
Caleb 25 1, 268
Henry 251
John 35, 269, 271, 273, 277
348
Joshua 241
Samuel 251, 268, 348
Thomas 240, 243,251
Beckman, Israel 403
Beck with, Andrew 599
Jabez 599
Niles., 511
Silvanus 463, 465
Bedel, Colonel 201 , 523
Daniel 373
786
INDEX.
Bedel. Jacob 373
John 375
Thomas 55, 60
Timothy 761
Beede, Daniel. ..411, 413, 414, 417
542, 737
John 416
er, Jonathan 754
Sarson 189
Belding, David 534
David, Jr 532, 533
Elijah 528
Moses 524, 525, 530
Belknap, Ezekiel 211
Moses 211
Nathaniel 327
Bell, Captain 332
Joseph 699
Shadrach 271
Thomas 81
William 145
Bellows, Benjamin. . .208, 592, 598
65s. 657
Benjamin, Jr. . . .494, 500, 577
599, 600. 604
Colonel. . . .602, 606, 608, 610
John 606, 610
Joseph 653
Theodore 606
Thomas 606
Bemis, John 531
Bennet, Abel 92, 204
Abel,Jr 9^,454
Arthur 27
Cotton 22, 25, 32
David 405
Ebenezer 737
[ohn 17, 22, 32
[ohn, Jr 22, 25, 29
[onathan. • .457, 458, 46 1» 463
[osiah 25
Moses 458,461,463
Spencer 408, 409
Thomas 22, 27, 32
Tilton 401
Tilton, Jr 401
Winthrop 35
Benson. Isaac 318
Benton, Elijah .455
Bergin, Ed. Hall 27
John 16
Bernard. Gov. Francis! 756
Berry, Ebenezer 368, 371
Ephraim 336
Berry, Francis 17, 350
Jacob 367, 370
James. .17, 336, 342, 350, 374
James, Jr 350
James T 368, 371
Jeremiah. . .304, 363, 367, 368
371
Jeremy 17
John 342
Joseph 334.350
Totham 370
Levi 304*371
Merefield 371
Nathan 218
Robert 347
Samuel 368
Solomon •••..371
Stephen 241 , 334-33*
Stephen, Jr 336, 338
Thomas. ... 16, 239
Timothy. . . .364, 367, 368, 371
William 304, 342, 350, 362
367. 371
William, Jr 17. 362
2^bedee 358
Betton, James 702-719
John 718
Betty, William 701
Bevan, John 495
Beverly, David 105
James 100
Bickford, Henry 36. 252
John 23, 95, 107, 238, 251
333-335. 342, 343
John,Jr 94
Jonathan 338, 344
{oseph , 338, 342
^aul '. 396
Solomon 23, 94, 107
Thomas 36, 92, 252
BIgelow, Benjamin 272, 273
Benjamin, Jr 36
Billings, Ebenezer 666
Reuben 300
Richard 35. 307
Bingham, Elias 204
James 503
Silas 599
Birdet, Ebenezer 492
Bissell, Simon B 138
Bixbe, Andrew 725, 727
Daniel 726
John 725.727
Bixby, Benjamin 379
INDEX.
787
Bixby, Jonathan 606
Blake, Asahel. ...22, 93, 94* 96, 99
Benjamin 730, 740
David 740
Dearborn 94
Ebenezer 540, 635, 73 ^
Eleazer 647, 470, 635
Elisha 452
Enoch 541
Henry 401, 403
Hezekiah 405
Israel 103, 104
Israel, Jr 104
James 89, 91
John W 694
Jonathan 96, 742, 743
oseph 514
{osiah. 403
.ucy 70
Moses 586
Nathan 397, 401
Nicholas 95; 98, 107
Dr. Obadiah 660, 661
Oliver S 406
Sherburne 22, 96, 98, 107
William 22, 93, 107
Blair, James 702
Blaisdell, Abner 35, 303, 304
Jacob 544-546
loses 103
Peter 94
Philip 586
Simeon. 591
William 591
Blanchard, Benjamin ..74, 76,416
Colonel .325
David 73, 397, 677
Ebenezer. . • . • 75
Edward 70, 76
Eleazer 314
Jacob 74. 75
James 73. 74
Jonathan 466
Joseph 222, 312-314, 455
Joseph, Jr 314, 592
Joshua 273
Jotham 188, 679
Nathan 553
Reuben 75
Richard 72, 74, 75
Simon 206, 679
Stephen 677
Thomas 314
Blaso,John 16
Blodgett, Archippu8..89, 91, 472-
476
Ebenezer 235
Elijah 89, 91, 476, 478
Henry 476,477
Howard 476, 478
Jeremiah 708
Joseph 314
Josiah..9i. 194, 195, 476, 478
Levi 476
Newcomb 91, 476
Samuel 326-330
Simeon 235
Thomas 476, 647
Blood, Elnathan 314
Francis 547-5 50. 554. 560
562,684
Francis, Jr 563, 565
Jonathan, Jr 553
Levi 635
Robert 405
Royal 563, 565
Seth ^6$
Bloss, Samuel 202
Walter 200-205
Zadoc 200-203, 209
Blue, Jonathan 297
Blunt, Charles. 307
Ephraim 154.
John 364
Jonathan • • 27 1
M. S 307
William 36, 273
Bly, Benjamin 211,21 8-222
James 218-222
Jonathan 240
loses .218-222
Boardman, Elizabeth 28
Thomas 488
William 28, 29, 33
Bock, James 504
Bodge, John 307
Timothy 358
Bodwell, Ehphalet 503, 582
Eliphalet, Jr. 503, 585
James 503, 582, 585
Bogle, Joseph 176
Thomas 176
Bohonon, Andrew 386, 391
Annanias 382, 385, 391
Jacob 385, 391
Bolles, John 318, 319
John, Jr 320
Jonathan .319, 320
788
INDEX.
Bolles, Nathaniel 320
Bolster, Nathan 491, 493, 635
Bolton, Uriah 553
Bonney. Jacob 509
Booth. James 242
Borland, Francis 36, 300
Both well, William 92
Bourn, Amos 318, 320
Jonathan 240
Boutell, James 678
Bowen, Isaac 75
John 75. I"
Nathan 318
Peter 386
Bowers, Andrew 385, 391
Jerahmeel 231
William 594, 596
Bowker, Stephen ,675
Bowles, Joseph 379
Reuben 379
Samuel 35, 277
William H 75
Boyce, Cadis 318
John 3'8
Nathan 318
Paul 3»8
Boyd, Alexander 708
George 270, 272, 274
George, Jr 269
John 702
William 306, 568, 702
Boyes, William 305
Boynton, Asa 191, 195, 642
Benoni 456, 458, 461, 463
Elias 565
Elias, Jr 133
John 541
Moses 641
Nathan 561
Richard 679
Samuel 16
Brackets Benning 22, 26, 32
Ichabod 19* 27, 29, 33
Isaac 350
Isaac, Jr 269, 273
Joseph 29
Joshua. .19, 22, 25, 27, 35, 272
277. 285, 304. 305
Samuel 3^
Bradbury, Sanders 708
Bradford, James 1 16
John 152, 372, 380
Robert 380
Samuel 728
Bradford, Samuel, Jr 729
Simon 373. 379
William 379
Bradley, Ebenezer 647
John 211,220-222
Jonathan 708
Joseph 221
Moses .211, 215
Nathaniel 220. 222
William 218, 220, 222
Bradstreet. Simon 702
Bragg, Benjamin 50
Braiiiard, Aaron 358
Barzillai 454
Daniel 354,358.455
Daniel, Jr 357, 454
Ebenezer 359
Break, Arnold 238, 239
Breed, Eliphalet 503
Bressey, Samuel 22
Brewer, Moses 416
William 554
Brewster, Daniel 342, 343
Joseph 273
Joshua 249
William 35
Bruster, Isaac 698
Breyer, John 397
Thomas 17
Briard, Elisha 269
Samuel 36, 285
Samuel, Jr. 36
Bridges, Nathaniel 123
William 493
Briges, Asa . . . . • 201
Benjamin.. .115, 119, 1 21-125
Nathaniel 122, 125
Brigham. Asa 598, 599
Moses 204
Brinley, George 568
Brintnall, Thomas 669
Britton, David 665
Ebenezer 665, 667
Ebenezer, Jr. 656, 665, 670, 672
James 665
Pendleton 665
Philip 665,675
Seth 675
William 665, 675
Brocklebank, James 5, 6, 7, 9
John 7
Samuel 5, 6, 7, 9
Samuel, Jr 6
Brockway, Daniel 462
INDEX.
789
Brockway, Ephraim. .462, 465, 470
Ephraim, Jr 470
Joseph 470
Jonathan 627
William 602
Brooks, David 328
Joseph 554
Brotten, Elias 657
John 35
William 36
Brown, Aaron 602
Abel 67
Abraham 436
Amos 675
Arthur 22 7
Asa 554
Benjamin. • 84, 645, 649
Charles 240
Daniel 681
Ebenezer 115, 202
Ebenezer, Jr. 438
Elijah 641
Eliphalet .398
Elisha 421, 423, 424
Enoch 55, 60
Ephraim 437, 456, 561, 562
675
Ezekiel 401
Hugh 698, 703
Isaac 342, 423
Jacob 140, 541
James — 89, 91, 117, 367, 368
371, 473-477 » 540, 553.695
710
Jamesjr 553
Jeremiah 367
Job 363
John 22, 88, 251, 314. 367
371,386,416,423, 553, 554
565,568, 570, 634,641, 652
653* 675, 677, 701
John, Jr 22
Jonas 561, 565
Jonathan 641
Joseph. .17, 154, 304, 360, 363
Joshua 1 7, 77, 81
Josiah 9, 226, 314
Levi 312
Luke 596
Moses 336, 381
Nathan 645, 646
Nathaniel 74, 75, 140, 406
Nehemiah 665, 675
Obadiah 540
Brown, Oliver 493
Peter 561
Richard. . . .21 1, 363, 367, 368
586
Samuel... .94, 96, 98, 173, 308
397,694
Silas 226, 561, 563, 652
Simon 84
Stephen 81, 85, 503
Thomas.... 336, 338, 634, 746
Dr. Thomas L 633
William 678,679
Bruce, Simeon 327
Bryant, David.. 213, 215, 218, 220
221, 222, 637
Israel 504
Jeremy 28, 32
John 123, 166
Jonathan 159, 167
Joseph 123
Matthew 214
Robert 16, 238
Walter, 19, 27, 28, 42, 153, 156
75^ 757
Walter, Jr 27, 29, 32
Bucknam, Amos 503, 584, 585
Edwards 90, 475, 477
Elias 503, 584, 586
Stephen 503, 585, 586
Buel, Aaron 50, 51
Daniel 50
Gordon 50
Reuben 50
Simon 50
BufTum, Ezekiel 318
Moses 318
Bugbee, Benjamin 203
Peter 203
Bullock, David 125
Jonathan 119, 121, 123
Sawyer 11 8-1 26
Bump, Jacob 318
Bunker, Zachariah 733
Burbank, Gershom 225
Jacob 627, 630. 635
Nathaniel 397, 398
Wells 386
Burditt, Samuel 115
Thomas ,....115
Burge, Josiah 686
Burgess, Jonathan 541
Burgoyne, Gen. .118, 146, 182,237
293
Burke, Robert 715
790
NDEX.
Burkley, Lawrence 379
Burley, Andrew 14, 22
Benjamin 416
Caleb 103
David 489
David, Jr . • 403
Jacob 21, 22
James 22, 29
Joseph 16, 73, 397
Joseph, J r 398
Josiah 21, 416, 489
jXm OSes ••••«••••...••...« 22
Nathaniel. ...73, 393, 397, 398
Nathaniel, Jr 73
Samuel 416
Stephen 397
Thomas 16, 4'5« 4'^
Wheeler 485
William. .21, 33, 73, 397, 398
William, Jr 23, 25, 33
Burleigh, Caleb 106
David 489
Jacob 27
John 21,45
Moses 34
Samuel 23, 27, 28
Thomas 103
William 27
William, Jr 27
Burnap, John 562
Samuel 563, 565
Samuel, Jr .....565
Burnham, Abraham. .229, 357, 359
411
Dudley 350
Enoch 344, 348, 433
George 433
Jacob 22, III
James 433
Jonathan 635
Josiah 22, 27
Nathaniel 336
Samuel 22, 1 1 1
William 491
Boms, David 650
George 708
John 648-651
William 650, 708
Burnside, David 92
James .91 , 92
Thomas 88-92, 477
Burpee, Asa 6, 7, 9
Calvin 9
Jeremiah 416
Burpee, Thomas 6, 7, 9
Thomas, Jr 7
Burr, Ebenezer 203
Burroughs, Jonathan 497
Josiah 708
Burrows, Benjamin ..190
George 702
Bussiel, David 377
Burt, Joseph. . . .656, 658, 663, 665
666,669
Burton, Abraham 683
John 553. 678
John, Jr 553, 678
Jonathan. .553, 678, 680, 683
686
Bush, John 251
Buss, Stephen 553, 678, 679
Buswell, Edmund 409
John 330,331
Nathaniel ..••.. 406
Nathaniel, Jr 406
William 405
Butler, Benjamin.. 37, 99, 100, 106
107
Caleb 148, 149, 152, 708
Daniel 149, 708
David 152
Edward 268
Enoch 297
Gideon ..••• 708
Henry 99
Jacob 149
Jacob, Jr 147, 149
J esse 708
John 143
John, Jr 146, 694
Joseph 149, 708
Nathan 147, 148
Nehemiah 152, 708
Rev. Mr 104
Samuel [49, 708
Thaddeus 377, 708
Thomas 694
Valentine • 653
William 625
Zephaniah •••23, 105
Butman, William 138
Butterfield, Amos. . . .458, 465, 553
678
Ephraim 553, 678
Isaac. 559, 561, 563, 602, 665
671
James .602
Jonas 657, 665
INDEX.
791
Batterfield , John 314
Joseph 551, 678
Stephen 553
William 698
Butters, Samuel 167-169
Bnzzell, Jack 333
James 333
Silas 518
William 94, 99*295
Byron, Benjamin 89
Garret 733
Cabney, Bradbury 710
Cady, Barnabas 1 19-1 23
Elias 207
Elijah 113
John 116, 206
Calcott, Isaac 600
Calder, Robert 733, 737
Caldwell, James, Jr 708
John 102
Jonathan 708
Joseph 102, 176, 568, 708
Samuel • .637, 708
Thomas 708
Call, Joseph 72
Moses 446, 614
Philip 382
Stephen 386
Calley, Benjamin 403
Jonathan 96, 97, 398, 403
Josiah 397
Samuel 485, 486, 488
Thomas. 397, 403, 485
Campbell, Abner 715, 719
Annanias 406
Archibald 733
David 710, 717, 719
Henry. 698, 702, 708, 710, 715
717. 7>9
Henry, Jr 716, 719
Hugh 372, 3^0. 716
Isaac • 719
James 568, 698, 708
James, Jr 568
John 715^717^ 719
Robert 380
Samuel 7i3~7i5« 719
Thomas 568
Thomas, Jr 567
Canfield, Benjamin P 397, 39S
Hugh 240
Josiah 393
Samuel 599
Capron, Oliver 316, 317
Thomas 757
Cargill, William 479
Cano, William 34, 274, 277
Carlisle, Daniel 602, 663
Carlton, Benjamin 219
Ebenezer 681
John 161, 164
Jonathan 210,211
Kimball 651
Moses. ..55, 60, 62, 64, 65, 69
Osgood 670
Phinehas 565
Theodore 27, 30-34, 69
Timothy 678
William 161,163
Carpenter, A. W 27, 34
Benjamin. ••• 675
Rev. Ezra 520
John 281
Carr, Benjamin 21
Ezekiel ......640
Jacob 641
James. .296, 329, 333, 345, 346
432» 433» 590
John 342, 701
Joseph 394
Dr. Moses 428, 431
[See Karr.]
Carroll, John 304
Carson, William 678
Carter, Abel 494
Benjamin 60
Benjamin G 35
Charles 493
Doctor 385
Elijah 49'. 493*635
Epnraim .69
Henry 494
Hubbard 614-616
John 60
Levi 164
Oliver 491, 493
Thomas 60
Cartland, Pelatiah 343
Cary, Benjamin 1 16
Eleazer 502
William 599
Cass, Benjamin 623
Davici. 694
Jonathan 318, 418, 439
Luke 318
Simeon 403
Casker, John 678
792
INDEX.
Caswell, Elijah 95, 96
Gilbert 52
Joseph 93,96
Nathan 91 , 475
Richard 95
Thomas 95
Gate, David 251
Ebenezer 16
£lisha 73i 397
Frederick 351
James. . . .73, 394, 396, 398, 400
James, Jr 396, 398, 400
John 94, 257, 258, 702
Jonathan 73, 398
Joshua 251
Samuel 16
Samuel W 297
Simeon 73. 39^
Caverley, John 348
Nathaniel 398, 401, 403
Richard 348
Genter, Moses 544
Ghadbourne, Thomas.. 36, 269, 273
305
Ghallis, Ezekiel. 582
John 59, 386
I'hilip 59»435
Gbamberlain, Abel 235
Ebenezer 336
Elias .665
Ephraim 336
Isaac 652-^55, 659
Jacob 336
James 589
Jedidiah 653, 655
Job 653, 666
John 314, 653, 656, 675
Jonathan 314, 678
Joshua 653, 655
Josiah 652, 653
Moses 350, 692, 694
Samuel 300, 336, 678
Thomas 522, 651-655
William 336, 591
Ghampion, Henry 358
Ghampney, Joseph 35, 300
Richard 35, 268, 273, 300
Ghandler, Abner 127
David 679
Ebenezer 679
Gordon 694
John 653
Jonathan. . .191, 193, 194, 196
761
Ghandler, Joseph 541
Nathaniel 73. 397
Samuel 116, 117
Sanborn 541
Ghaney, Nathaniel 397, 399
Ghapin, Daniel 50
Phinehas 50
Gbapman, Benjamin ....27, 28, 33
199, 200, 491
Ghester 206, 209
David 19, 22, 29, 32, 397
399
Edmund 398
Edmund, Jr 401
Elisha 398
James 401. 403
Job 17, 77
John. . .398, 399, 404, 491. 591
John, Jr 491
Joseph. .26, 342, 401. 403, 591
Levi 32, 489
Paul 28, 33
Samuel. .16, 22, 26, 32, 84, 312
350, 404, 591
Samuel, Jr 26
Smith 26, 27
Gharles 1 and II (King) 323
Ghase, Abel 372
Abner. .579, 582, 586, 614, 620
Abraham 211
Amos. .577, 579, 580, 586, 599
Benjamin 342
Gharles. ...56, 59, 61, 422, 423
Daniel 207
Dudley 602
Dudley L 488
Edmund .• 377
Edward 74, 486
Enoch 65, 434
Francis 60, 61
Isaac 614
James 403
John 220, 222, 409
Jonathan. ...17, 113, 114, 133
200-202, 207, 396, 397, 399
403, 404, 482, 484. 488, 736
740, 765
Jonathan, Jr. . . .398, 485, 486
Josiah ...21, 489
Josiah, Jr 489
Mark 403
Moses 21, 206, 503. 584
Nahum 206
Nehemiah 423
INDEX.
793
Chase/ Nicholas 644
Robert 172, 409
Samuel 128, 503, 583, 584
Stephen 300, 314, 593, 596
Thomas 488
William 397, 399, 400, 403
486
Chauncey, Charles 306
Daniel 701
Chellis, Thomas 406
Cheney, David 23 1
Eliphalet 518
John 409
Nathaniel 220, 221
Nathaniel, Jr 220, 221
Richard 211
Chesley, Andrew 22, 1 1 1
Ebenezer 332
James 343
tohn 22, 97, no, in
Nathaniel in
Sawyer 22
Cheswill, Wentworth 19, 23, 26
29, 32, 40, 43, 44
Chevalier, John 243
Chevit, Jonathan 540
Child, Ebenezer 116
Elisha 565
Jonathan 133, 570
Childs, Richard 268, 271
Chittenden, Thomas 127
Choate, Benjamin 443, 448
Jonathan 538
William 204
Church, Benjamin 50
James. 50
Joshua 509
Samuel • 50, 51
Churchill, John 269
Thomas 22, 27
Cilley, Bradbury... 37, 98, 544, 545
Cutting 21, 106
Jonathan 37, 98, 99
Joseph.. 37, loo, 105, 164, 183
201, 296, 308, 332
Joseph, Jr. 106
William 396
Claggett, Wyseroau..i97, 269, 271
272
Clark, Abner. 452
Amos 645, 646
Benjamin n 7, 489
Caleb 22, 115
Charles 355-359
Clark, Daniel.... 191, 195, 446, 448
485, 489, 642
David 404, 489
Ebenezer 541
Edward 133
Enoch 1 7t 414
George 665, 698
Henry 16
Ichabod 251
James 588, 719
James, Jr 719
Jesse loi
John 16,73, ioi» 272, 297
396. 398, 401, 702
John, 3d 403
Jonathan 17, 22, 40, 93-99
107, 238, 305, 306, 359
Joseph.. 17, 20, 27, 35, 73, 339
340, 342, 397, 485. 647
Joshua • 25,29
Josiah 15,21,41, 100
Josiah, Jr 16, 21, loi
Mahew 591
Matthew 698, 719
Moses 488, 614, 621
Nathaniel. . .443, 445, 448, 450
694
Nicholas 93, 394, 397, 399
Paul 218, 675
Reuben 694
Richard 13, 14, 21
Robert 702, 719
Samuel.. 1 5, 16, 241, 494, 695
698, 702, 716, 719
Satchel 17, 393, 482
Solomon 334
Stephen 16, 348, 398
Stephen, Jr 41
Taylor 94, 99, 403, 486
Thomas.... 191, 195, 642, 644
646
Timothy 149
William 16,22
Clarkson, Andrew 267
James 251, 258, 277
James, Jr 277
Clapp, Supply 274, 295, 300
Clapham, Jonathan 273
Clay, Benjamin 737
Daniel 308
James 334
Jonas 308
Jonathan 737
Richard 238
794
INDEX.
Clay, William 9
CleavelaDd, Cyrus 125
EHsha 761
Qeaward, William 262
Clement, Bill 75
Christopher 219
James 427
Job 338, 427, 428, 483
John 372, 379
Moses 614, 620, 621
Obadiah 624
Oliver 621
Parker 621
Peter 214, 217
Philip 373
Reuben 409
Richard 379
Samuel 373
Simeon ,377
William 373, 379
Clifford, Abraham 365
Anthony 92
Anthony, Jr 452
David 103
Ebenezer 386
Isaac 355, 645-647
l8aac,Jr 355i ^S
Israel 443, 448.450
Israel, Jr 443, 448, 450
Ithiel 736, 740
John 355
Joseph 235, 312
Lemuel 736, 740
Moses 646
Reuben • .647
Timothy 644
Tristram 448
Clindivin, Andrew 568, 701
David 568, 702
Robert 568
William 702
Clough, Abner 23
Benjamin 503, 585
Caleb 94, 107
Cornelius 503, 584
Ebenezer 203
Ezekiel 72, 74
Humphrey 409
Isaac 697
James 372
Jeremiah 390
Jonathan 405, 408, 409
Josiah 379
Obed 390
Cloufh, Reuben 406, 518
Thomas 72. 76
Thomas, Jr 75
Timothy 438
William 99, 373, 378
William, Jr 378
Wyman 373, 379
Cloutman, John 342
Clyde. Daniel.. .708, 710, 715, 719
Hugh 702, 710, 7»5*7«9
John. ..702, 710, 715, 716, 719
John, Jr 719
Joseph 702,715, 717, 719
Joseph, Jr 719
Samuel 710, 715
Cobb, Daniel 673
Elkanah 117
Elkanah, Jr 117
Seth 553
Stephen 554
Coburn, Asa 152
Benjamin. • •••• 149
Daniel 147, 148
David 520
Edward 149
Elijah • • . • • 149
George 5 53. 678
Silas .152
P. Merrill 152
Cochran, Daniel 173
George 568, 701
Isaac • 568, 698, 702
Jacob 385
James.. 156, 165, 170, 698, 699
702, 715, 716
James, Jr 165, 1 73, 702
John.. ..75. 154. 173. 698, 702
7'5. 716
John, Jr 698,708
Joseph 166, 236, 568, 701
Nehemiah 173
Nenian 698
Peter 568, 698
Robert 699
Samuel 172, 568, 718
Samuel, Jr 718
Thomas 165, 172
William 16O, 163, 165, 172
698
Cockburne, Sir James 453
Coffin, Edmund 35, 274
Moses 17
Tristram 757
William 22, 39
INDEX.
795
Coffran, John 696
Cogswell, Jeremy 396
Nathaniel 211
Thomas 544-546
Coit, Isaac 117
Colbroth, Benning 342
Hunking 342, 347
Wentworth 348
Colburn, Charles 637
Daniel 144, 149
Elias 561, 565
James. 23 1
Jonathan 519
Leonard 518
Robert 229
Thomas 314
Zachariah 144
Colby, Abner 582
Abraham 64
Anthony 401
Barzillai 64
Benjamin 396, 2^5, 407
Daniel 64
David 435, 702
Ebenezer 400
Elliot 620, 621
Enoch 571
Ephraim 64, 385, 391
Ezekiel 620
Gideon 59
Isaac 393, 394
Jacob 435
James.. ••.••... 9
John 407, 410, 619
Joseph 6, 7, 9, 404, 637
Levi 641
Moses 401 , 406
Nathan 74» 75« 386, 620
Nathaniel 59, 64
Nicholas 64
Orland 405
Peter 55, 408, 409
Rowell 386
Spencer 2^2
Stephen 613, 619, 621
Thomas 64, 70, 415
Thomas, Jr 64
Zaccheus 60, 64, 435
Colcord, David 33, 34
Edward 14, 22, 34
Eliphalet 27, 34
John 22, 34
Jonathan 20, 27, 33, 34
Jonathan, Jr 27
Colcord, Peter 27, 34
Thomas 443, 450
Thomas, Jr 448
Cole, Adam 380
Barnard 91, 452
Benjamin. 204
Clifford 452
Daniel 204, 206
Ebenezer 204
Edward 452
John 204
Jonathan 452, 602, 653
Mary 476
Solomon 376
Colebrooke, Sir George 452
Coleman, Aaron 562
Dudley 759
Eleazer 335, 336. 338, 342
James 342
Thomas 403
Collins, Benjamin 75, 641
Charles 68, 439
Jacob. 442
John. . .295, 386-389, 405, 409
Joseph 218
Richard 54, 55, 435, 436
Robert 405, 407, 423
Samuel 54* 55
Samuel B 745
Tristram 423
Come, David 595, 597
Como, Francis 518
Comstock, James 493
Jonathan 50
Conant, Ephraim 561
Ezra 694
Israel 594.597
Josiah 594, 596
Coney, Daniel 345
Conn, Andrew 506, 561
George 563
Conner, David. .156, 158, 160. 166
James 736, 740
Jeremiah 312
John 166
Joseph 401
Samuel 1 59, 404
Samuel, Jr 156
Cook, Daniel... .333, 336, 340, 342
589
John 586
Joseph 350
Moody 570
Paul 340, 343
796
INDEX.
Cook, Wentworth 351
Cooke, Abraham 342
Abraham, Jr 342
Daniel 140, 316, 333
James 318
John 22, 27, 29, 33, 207
John, Jr 33
Lot 353
Nicholas 318
Samuel 97
William 318
Cooley, Aaron 319
John 140, 541
Moses 317, 319
Coombs, Francis • .486, 487
John 314
Cooper, John 210, 215
Joseph 195, 645
Nathaniel 108
Philip 295, 296
Copeland, Jacob 466, 468, 472
627
Samuel 627, 630
Samuel, Jr 627, 630
Copp, Aaron 375, 376
Benjamin 336
David 336, 590. 591, 732
John 218
Jonathan 334-336
Joshua 625
Moses » 625
Samuel 336
Thomas 403
Copps, Aaron 372, 381
Benjamin 342
Jonathan 335
Paul 342
Simeon 396
Solomon 394-399
Solomon, Jr 398
Thomas 398
Corkwood, Arthur 372
Corliss, Asa 373, 376. 379
Daniel 373
Elihu 113
Emerson 376
George 373
Job 373
Jonathan. . . 144, 225, 373, 376
Jonathan, Jr 373
Morse 373
Samuel 380
William... .119, 121, 123, 373
Corner, Benjamin 697
Corning, John 373, 716
Corson, David 342, 351
Earnest 350
Ebenezer 343
Ichabod....336, 338, 343, 346
Ichabod, Jr 338, 342
Joshua 343, 351
Samuel 335
Timothy.... 342
William 350
Corey, Benjamin 202, 203
Joshua 492
Oliver 494, 602
Samuel 491
Timothy 199
William 491
Cossit, Ambrose 494
Costelloe, John 142, 737
Cotton, Benjamin 16, 195, 644
Caleb 202
Job 200
John 251
Jonathan 239
Joseph 271, 277
Joseph, Jr 35
Lemuel 202, 203
Samuel 35
Solomon. ...36, 246, 260, 482
Thomas 25 1 , 405, 409
William 35, 240, 241, 246
252, 277, 286, 737
William, 3d 246
Couch, John 443. 448, 450
Courser, William 448
Cowes, Peter 35, 257, 258, 300
303
Cowles, Ebenezer 540
Cox, John 239
Coy, Vine . . .694
Cragin, Benjamin.. ..5 54, 561, 563
564, 566
Francis 561, 566
Francis, Jr 565
John 555,565
John. Jr 561
Stephen 565
Craige, Alexander.. . .355-359, 7^'
David 368, 701
John 699
Thomas 701
Cram, Asa 678
Benjamin 312, 678
David 33
Dudley 398, 403, 486
INDEX.
797
Cram, Ebenezer 310
Ephraim 21, 582, 586
Jacob 503, 584, 585
James 27.29,33
John 21, 197, 198, 678
John, Jr 553, 554.678
Jonathan 385, 387. 553
(>n. 678
Joseph 678
loses 677
Nehemiah 412, 414, 416
Sanborn 21, 503, 582,586
Samuel 309
Samuel, Jr 312
Solomon 677
Tristram 21
'William 29
Craft, Ebenezer 116
Crandell, Isaac 694
Crane, Abia 516
Joseph 631
Crawford, Jonathan 92
Cressey, Joseph 373
Richard 373
Cresson, Thomas. 522
Cristy, Moses 715, 716
Thomas 568, 702
Critchett, Benjamin 516-518
Thomas 73, 394, 397-399
Crocker, Thomas 240
Crockett. Benjamin 48 1
John 94,99
John, Jr 94.99
Richard 482
Richard, Jr 481
Samuel 99
William 16
Crombie, James 326, 327, 332
565, 701
John 702
John, Jr 702
Cromell, Daniel 22
Cromwell, Eliphalet 432, 433
Crook, Samuel 197
Crosby, Asa 419
Isaac • 694
Jonathan 106
Josiah 506
Cross, Benjamin 296
Bethuel 138
Daniel 126, 127
James 73
Jesse 72, 74
John 72-75, 372, 521
Cross, John, Jr 74
Jonathan 376
Nathan • • • • 74
Nathaniel 73
Peter 708
Samuel 380
Stephen 386
Thomas 72. 74i 382, 390
Crow, James 309
Crowley, John 542
Croxford, Daniel 737
Cullimore, John 165
Cummings, Archelaus . . • •555, 566
David 149, 708
Elisha 541, 702
Henry 235
Isaac 541
Jonathan,.. 235, 314, 354, 553
Jonathan, Jr 314, 653
Jotham, Jr 235, 566
Joseph F 235
Reuben 561
Samuel 314
William 230, 314
William, Jr 231, 314
Cunningham, James 165, 168
184, 188
Samuel 181, 186, 188
Thomas 188, 568
William .702
Currier, Aaron.. 57, 58, 62-68, 435
Abraham 621
Benjamin 614
Challis 68, 439
Daniel 235, 614, 621
David.. .64, 646, 648, 708, 715
Edmund 620
Enoch 620, 621
Ephraim 308
Jacob 643
James 391, 439
John 64,373
John. Jr 373
Dr. John 619
Jonathan 635, 436, 439
Joseph 21, 614, 621
Judith 68
Moses 64
Nathan. 439, 643
Philip 68,439
Samuel 647, 648
Samuel, Jr 647
Sarah 439
Stephen 373. 377
798
INDEX.
Currier, Theophilus 614
Thomas 7, 9, 439
William 235, 621
Curry, Robert 73, 76
Curtice, Ebenezer 726-728
John 730
Curtis, Aaron 477
Abel 765
George 33
Isaac 728, 729
James. ...89, 91, 473, 474* 477
John 694, 728
Stephen 91, 478
William 91, 123, 477
Cushing, Caleb 391
Peter. 343
Cutler, Benjamin 199
David 596
Hodges. 202, 203
Jaroes 594, 596
John 553
Jolin. Jr 553
Knights 200
William 200
Cutter, Dr. Ammi R. .36, 271, 273
277, 286, 287, 300-305, 576
Benjamin — 554, 556, 560-565
Benoni 90
Daniel 307
Seth 147
Cutis, John .35, 260, 268, 286, 303
John, Jr 36
Joseph 501, 582
Samuel.. 35, 257, 269, 271-278
t>akin, Levi 708
Dale, John 553
John, Jr 680, 683
Timothy 553
Dalling, Samuel. .36, 269, 270, 274
277, 285
Thomas 269
Dalton, Isaac 616
Moses 484
Timothy 77, 81
Dame, Abner 336, 338
Benjamin 338
Eleazer 343
George 269, 277
Jabez 336
John 18
Jonathan 345
Joseph 336, 343
Levi 21
Dame, Moses. ...« iii
Richard 346, 349
Samuel 22, 1 1 1
Silas .344
Theodore 136
Timothy 348
Zebulon 334, 336, 344
Zebulon, Jr 336
Dana, John 646, 648
John, Jr 126, 642
Danford 73
Henry 74, 75
Moses 74, 75, 393
Danforth, David 627
James 541
Moses .397
Daniels, Jacob 396
Joseph 92
Samuel 23, 105, iii, 165
406,409
Solomon 32
Danley, John... 315
Darby, William 1 16
Darling, Abraham 404, 405
Benjamin 393
Daniel 73
Ebenezer 73
Darrock, Negro 201
Darrah, William 183,695, 710
Dascomb, James 551, 678
Davenport. John 36
Davidson. David 807
George 567, 698, 703, 708
7^5* 719
George, Jr.. 708, 715, 716, 719
James 708, 715, 716. 719
Jesse • 715
John . ..698, 702, 708, 715-719
John. Jr 71 5-7*9
Thomas 719
William 715-719
Davison, Charles 327
Daniel 397, 400
John 176, 251
Thomas 176, 184
Day, Elkanah .600
Eliphalet 93
Joseph 274, 277
Othiiiel 317
Samuel 443, 448, 450
Davis, Aaron 518, 653
Abel 643
Abner iii
Amos. ..55, 221 » 652, 653, 655
INDEX.
799
Day, Amos, Jr .652
Asa 708
Aquilla 615, 618, 619, 621
Benjamin 18, 47, 211, 220
222
Daniel.. 1 03, 240, 408, 482, 718
David 22,35, m
Ebenezer. . . .330, 331, 631, 652
Eztkiel 75
Francis . . . .614, 615, 621, 640
648
Francis, Jr 614
Isaac 607
Jacob 22,111,518
Jeremiah 518
Jesse 216-218
John Ill, 296, 343, 517
620, 635
Jonas 652
Jonathan in, 518
Jonathan, Jr iii
Joseph Ill
iosiah 7, 630, 631
loses 21-23, 4^ 55i i^i
105, ill, 221, 222, 518
Moses, Jr 1 1 1
Nathan 620, 621
Richard 238^240
Robert 22, 1 1 1, 640
Samuel .... 18, 75, 84, 85, 240
367, 409, 652
Silvester 635
Solomon 50
Theodore 35
Thomas 55, 340, 344, 347
Timothy 152, 241, 252
Wells 614, 627
Zebulon 21, 338, 614
Dean, Abiatha 694
Jeremiah 582
Lemuel 201
Nathaniel 306
Dearborn, Abraham 16, 72, 73
76, 350
Benjamin 36, 226, 300
Edward 16
Henry. ..77, 100, 107, 357, 405
James 26, 93, 96
Jeremiah 17, 77, 84
John.. 74-77, 84, 403. 485, 489
John, Jr 84
Jonathan. .73, 74, 76, 482, 485
Joseph 17, 350, 590
Josiah 408
Dearborn, Levi 81-^, 93, 107
142, 304
Levi, Jr 84
Nathan 591
Nathaniel.. ..23, 72, 74-76, 96
350
Peter 234, 235
Phinehas 84
Reuben 79, 81, 235
Reuben, Jr.. 84
Reuben G 16, 84, 591
Samuel ... .37, 77 , 78, 84, 226
Sherburne 23, 95, 107
Shubael 75, 76
Shubael, Jr 75, 76
Simeon 17, 588
Simon 77, 737
Thomas 79
Dearing, Clement 335, 336
Ebenezer 268, 271
James 336, 338, 342
William 35
Delano, Barnabas 604
Nathaniel 203
Demerit, Eli 746
John 40
Joseph..., 95, 96
Joseph, Jr 97
Moses 97
Paul 97
Demery, Ezekiel 329
Dennett, Ephraim....35, 244, 245
260, 269
John 35, 260, 267, 269
Moses 260
Nathaniel 36
Dewey, Timothy 491
Diah, Edward 71
Dickerman, Dr. Lemuel 6iS7
Dickey, Adam 699, 703
John 699
Matthew 699
William 702, 715
Dickinson, Elisha 602
Joseph 531*532
Samuel 694
Dillingham, Thomas 317
Dimmick, John 491
Timothy 491
Dinsmoor, Cornelius 14a
Dinsmore, Abraham 561 , 563
Amos 563
Eliphalet 630, 631
James 715, 718
8oo
In5£X.
Dinsmore, John..63i. 708, 715, 717
Robert. ...695, 698, 715, 717
718
Robert, Jr 715, 717
Thomas 563
William ....... .698, 715, 717
Zebadiah 563
Dix, Joel 314
John 179
Jonathan 158, 159
Doack, James 568
James, Jr 568, 702
John 568, 701
Docicham, Benjamin 251
John 239
Dodge, Andrew 694
Benjamin 588, 591
Betty 589
George 544
Isaac 728
Joseph 458, 461, 463
Joseph, Jr 463
LeviH 648
Nathaniel 452
Nathaniel B 694
Thomas 510
William 649
Doe, Andrew 25, 33
Benjamin 16
Bradstreet 22
David 44
Jacob 21
John 22, 359
Jonathan 22, 26-29, 33
Joseph 29
Nicholas 27
Nicholas, Jr 21, 25
Reuben 22, 25. 34, 359
Samuel 36
Samuel, Jr 16
Wiggin 28, 32
Zebulon 27, 33
Zebulon, Jr 27
Zebulon, 3d 25
Dolbeer, Nicholas. . .362, 367, 368
371
Stephen 363
Dole, John.. 5-9, 211
Stephen 211, 727
Stephen, Jr 211
Dolloff, Clement 309
David 74, 75
Doolittle, John.. 666, 668, 671, 672
Dore or Door, Benaiah 339
Dore or Door, Daniel 350
Jonathan 339, 35 1
Richard 238
Samuel 343
William 334
Dorey, George .300
Dort, Eli 516
Dowd, James 52
Douglass, Asa 594, 596
Daniel • 102
John ...117
Patrick 698
Thomas 373, 379, 716
Dowst or Dowse, Isaac 568
John 367.37*
Jonathan 37X
Ozem 360, 362, 367
Dow, Abraham 380, 423
Amos 373
Asa 373, 380
Benjamin. ..33, 41, 80, 93, 396
423
Daniel ...17,41, 144
David 422
£la 406-409
Elijah 423
Ezekiel 211, 218,220
Gideon 386
Henry 17, 239
Isaac 366-370
James 371
Jeremiah... 107, 373, 375, 380
422
John 15, 211, 219, 222
Jonathan 364, 396
Joseph 298, 369
Joshua 211, 218, 220-222
Josiah 211
Lyford 41 , 401 , 404
Moses 228, 229, 357
Nathaniel . .144, 373, 380, 607
Noah 140, 396
Oliver 372, 376
Peter 211
Richard 144, 373, 374
Richard, Jr 373
Samuel 211, 219, 221, 222
Samuel, Jr 211, 221
Simon 33
Thomas. 377
Winthrop 423
Winthrop, Jr 423
Downing, Colonel 314
George R 343
INDEX.
8oi
Downing, John 58
Jonathan 238
Joshua 343
Samuel 336, 338, 343
Downs, Aaron 338, 342
Gcrshom 334-337. 343
351
Gershom, Jr 342
James 343. 34^
John 351
John, Jr* •.••••••••••« •• '348
Moses 336, 342
Doyne, Francis 1 54, 166
Jacob 160, 166
Drake, Abraham. 17, 79, 81, 84, 86
Colonel 214
Ephraim 541
James 198
Jonathan 84
Nathaniel 84
Draper, Jacob 235
Jacob, Jr 235
Jonathan .630
Nathan 202, 203
Nathaniel 635
Dresser, Asa 724-728
Drew, Ephraim 351
Francis 350
Isaac 737
Jedidiah 737
Joshua 22, III
Levi 541
Thomas 335, 342
Drisco, James 35
Drown, Benjamin 35
John 343
Joseph 341
Peter 22, 25
Samuel 36, n6, 305,348
Solomon 343
Drum, Evans 251
Drury, Daniel 554
David 327, 563
Ebenezer. ..548, 554, 556, 561
Ebenezer, Jr 554
Ezra 563
Gershom 554, 556, 562
563. 566
John 555
Jonathan 553
Jonathan, Jr 554
Miriam 556
Nathan 554
Thomas 554
03
Drury, William. . 554, 556, 557, 561
565
Zedekiah 547, 553
Zedekiah, Jr 554
Ducket, Mark 270
Duda. Eliphalet 95, 99
Zebadee 33
Zebulon 25, 27
Dudley, David 585
Ephraim 439
Gilman 309
James 503, 584, 5^5
James, Jr 585
John 16, 309-311,523
Jonathan. . . .25, 443, 448, 585
586
Joseph, Jr 312
Nathaniel 312
Samuel. 643
Stephen 307, 309
Trueworthy 166, 1 72, 439
Dudy, Obadiah 541
Duncan, David 295
George 568, 699
James 568
John 641, 698, 699
John, Jr 699
Robert 699
William 167, 169,699
Dunkley, Hezekiah 594, 597
Dunlap, Ephraim 201, 203
Joshua 1 16
Dunshee, Hugh 702
Thomas 702
Durand, John 746
Durant, Joseph 635
Durgin, David 737
Ebenezer 95i 99
Ebenezer, Jr 96
Elijah 403
Francis 22, 27, 74, 398
Francis, Jr 25
Jacob 27
John 22,96,97, 404
John,Jr 97
Josiah 94t 96
Joseph 96
Samuel 29, 95, 97
William 393, 394, 396, 403
William, Jr 397
Winthrop 403
Winthrop, Jr 403
Zebulon 29
Durham, John 702
802
INDEX.
Durkee, Silas 566
Durrell, Nathaniel 454
Theophilus .454
Dustin, Caleb 373
David, Jr 394
Ebenezer 379
Gardner 204
Hannah 88
John 204
Moody 601
Moses 487
Peter 379, 718
Stephen 379
Timothy 379
Dutton, Amasa 650
Benjamin 678
Ezra 190
John 457, 458. 461, 463
William. . . .457-459, 461, 463
Duty, William 377
Dwi||;ht, Josiah 306
Dwyer, James 369, 372, 373
Michael 355, 357
Dyer, Abraham ; 75
Edward S , 75
Eliphalet no
Elisha 452, 455
Samuel • 22
William 72-74, 404
Eames, David... 11 8, 122, 123, 563
David, Jr 123
Jeremiah . .88-92, 475, 477, 479
Jeremiah, Jr 455
Jonathan 645
Jonathan, Jr 645
Robert 648
Samuel 645
Earl, Daniel 204
Eastham, H. B 395
Eastman, Amos 354
Benjamin 3, 386
Ebenezer 389, 614, 617
Edward 382, 386
James 710, 715
Jeremiah 21, 385
John 21
Jonathan — 389, 390, 593, 607
608
Richard 154, 719
Roger 64,435
Samuel 607, 608, 702
Stephen 64
Thomas 403
Eastman, William. . . .385, 391, 538
541. 543
Eaton, Abiathar 728, 729
Benjamin 422, 423
David 518
Ephraim 422
Ezekiel 407,409
Ithamar 640-642
Jabez 405, 423
James 409. 647
Jesse 220
Job. .. .218, 220, 645, 646, 648
John 519
Joseph 117
Joshua 423
Moses 645, 646, 648
Obadiah 640, 641
Reuben 403
Samuel 422
William 403
William, Jr 403
Winthrop 423
Eayers, Christopher 701
Samuel 702
William 702
Eddy, Abial 666
James 651
Ward 467, 635
Edes, Jacob 172
Edgerley, Joseph 590
Joshua 590
Moses 21
Thomas 238
Edmonds, Stephen 614
Thomas 409
Edwards, Ebenezer 564
John 433
Eggleston, Samuel 203
Eiey, Enoch 394
Elkins, Abel 385, 391
Daniel 16, 11 1
Henry. .18, 362, 367, 368, 405
John 16
Moses 386, 446, 448
Peter 406
Samuel.. 1 6, 340, 362, 368, 371
Ellinwood, John 373, 379
Robert 379, 696
Elliot, Abraham 277
David 64
Edmond 358, 569, 570
Ezekiel 225, 570
Isaac 64, 621
John 59, 69,435, 506
INDEX.
803
Elliot, John, Jr 59
Joseph 64
Thomas 64
Timothy 64
William 144
Ellis, Benjamin.. 315, 333»393»49^
521, 531. 590. 651
Jacob 343
Jonathan 343
Joseph 491
Joseph, Jr 493
Joshua 343
Manoah 541
Morris 338, 342
Nathan 491
Samuel 541
Simeon 491
William 333, 343, 525, 530
532
EUison, Joseph 76
Richard 75
Ellsworth, Aaron 397, 398
Jeremiah 645
John 201, 646,648
Samuel 404, 645, 646, 648
Samuel, Jr 646, 648
Emerson, Daniel 314
Daniel, Jr 170
Ebenezer 235
Edward 270
James 641
Jonathan 236, 380
Joseph 348
Joshua, Jr 372
Marden 641
Moses 235
Nathaniel.. .235, 354, 458, 459
462, 465, 469
Peter 226
Rev. Mr 247
Richard 458, 461, 463
Samuel. 225, 227, 228, 230-235
307, 357
Timothy 373
Worcester 378
Emery, Amos • 554
Benjamin 211
Jacob 172
James 339
John 9
Joseph • 163, 1 72
Joseph, Jr 172
Josiah 399, 400
Noah 153
Emery, Samuel 172
Zachariah 554, 565
Epison, Samuel 529
Estabrook, Abraham 635
Benjamin 694
Nehemiah 128, 761 , 764
Estes, Samuel 741
Etheridge, Nathaniel 412, 416
Stephen. 416
Evans, Benjamin 736
David 643
Edward 226, 227
Imri 694
Ira 201
Jonathan 643
Nathaniel 635
Richard 251, 307
Robert I02, 343, 348
Tappan 019
Thomas 640, 641
Urial 694
William 541
Everett, Edward 358
Jonathan 6, 7, 9
Levi -5, 6, 8, 9
Nathaniel 5, 6, 630
Pennel 5, 6, 7
Ewen, Alexander. 35, 300, 303, 307
Ewer, Gamaliel 27
Nathaniel 33
Rufus... 27, 28
Ewins, James 702
John 718
Fairfield, Samuel 199, 203, 205
Walter 761
Fall, George 433
Farley, Ebenezer 462
Jesse 470, 635
John 465
Samuel 314
Farmer, John 479, 730
Farnsworth, Daniel 493, 635
James 599
John • 631
Paul 493
Samuel 635
Simeon 627
Famum, Ephraim 236
John 23s
Stephen 236
William 116,220-222
Farrar, Alpheus 406-409
Simon 565
8o4
INDEX.
Farrar, Timothy 560
FarringtOD, Samuel 63 1
Samuel, Jr. 631
Thomas S 563
Farwell, Ephraim 635
Isaac 174, 201
Thomas 635, 636
Thomas, Jr 635
Favour, Cutting 59* 64
John 64, 641
Moses 641
Timothy 64
Faxon, Francis 635
Hunking 35
Felch, Daniel 386, 389
Fellows, Adonijah 21
Isaac 112, 113, 116, 591
Jacob 116, 235
John 260, 386
Moses 387-389
Nathan 125
Samuel 406
Thomas 409
Timothy 405
Verny 117
Felt, Aaron 554, 561 , 565
Abner 565
Peter 554,563. 5^5
Samuel W 565
Felton, William 548, 553
Fenton, John 224
Ferguson, John.. 1 44, 150, 152, 176
Fernald, George 269
James 740
John 262
Mark 269, 271
Margery 291
Rendal 303
Samuel 35, 285, 300
Simeon 291
Ferren, Aquilla 64
Francis 619, 621
Jonathan 64, 435
William 405, 408, 409
Zebulon 59
Ferriman, William 116
Fickett,John 251, 257
Jonathan • 240
Field, Gain 666, 688
John M 694
Moses 516, 562
Fife, James 165
John 154, 165
William ... 165
Fifield, Abraham 385
Daniel 393, 396, 398, 400
Edward 385, 482, 641
John 351, 386
Jonathan 385, 391, 614
Joseph 385, 39^757
Moses..503, 584, 585, 637, 641
Nathaniel 640
Obadiah P 386
Samuel 398
Fish, Amos 226
Nathaniel 46
Fisher, Abner 694
Daniel 693
Daniel, Jr 694
John 305, 442
Nathaniel 694
Samuel 178, 698
Fisk, Abel 686
Jonathan 594, 597
Josiah 561. 563. 565
Simeon 635
Fitch, Benjamin 594, 597
Hezekiah 206
J ames 206
Samuel 206
Fitts, Abraham 310
Currier 409
Richard 409
Fitz, Richard 434
Fitzgerald, Daniel 370
Joseph 35
Flagg, Gershom 594, 596
James 540
John 594, 597
Flanders, Benjamin.. 405, 407, 409
Calvin. 620
Christopher 437, 614
Daniel 614, 616
Ephraim .407
Ezekiel 220, 519, 520
Ezra 614
Isaac 405
Isaiah 620
Jacob 637
James 519, 614, 617
John 434.435.637
Joseph 520, 622
Moses 621
Parker 439
Philip 385, 389, 614, 620
Samuel 407
Thomas 396
Zebulon 621
INDEX.
805
Fletcher, Francis 594, 597
John 570
Robert 224, 557, 634
Willian) 563
Flint, Edward 593, 596
John 593, 595. 596
Flood, Amos 615
Daniel 614, 619, 620
Fogg, Abner ....17,77,81,84,85
Abner, Jr..- ••••«. ...••oi, 04
Daniel 79
Dearborn 84
Ebenezer 423
Jeremiah 84, 341, 643
Joseph 141
Josiah 312
Peter 238
Samuel 79
Stephen 398
Follansbee, Simons 220-222
Thomas 211, 641
FoUett. Caleb 1 1 1
John 22, 1 1 1
Nicholas 240
Folsom, Andrew 23, 140, 141
Asa 27. 29, 33
David 22, 35, 41, 540
David, J r 41
Ebenezer 482
Edward 23, 26
Elizabeth 27
Enoch 27
General 327
Jacob 32
Jeremiah 20, 24-28
John 27, 312, 393, 394, 419
Jonathan 14, 22, 26, 586
Joseph 22, 26
Josiah 342
Levi , . 27
Nathaniel. . 218, 285, 300, 306
416,420
Peter 16, 45
Samuel 416, 710
Simeon 27, 28, 33
William 22, 32
William, Jr 22, 26
Winthrop 41
Foot, Challis 617, 621
Forbes, Simon 116
Force, Ebenezer 522
Ford, Hezekiah 193, 194, 197
John yj
Joseph 197
Ford, Paul 758
Forrest, James 73, 75, 7(>
Job 75
John 72,74. 76
William 72-75
Forst, Benjamin 335, 336, 338
Benjamin, Jr 344
Daniel 336
Foss, Benjamin 486
Jeremiah 26, 27, 488
Job 364. 367. 371
John. . ..23, 367, 368, 371, 433
Joshua 360
Josiah.... 16
Moses 74
Nathaniel 368, 370
Nathaniel, Jr 368
Robert 74
Samuel 240
Samuel D 298, 368, 369
Thomas 74-7^
Thomas, J r 75
Wallace 367
Walter 206
Zebadiah 271 , 272
Zachariah 269
Foster, Abiel 70, 391
Abner 152, 715, 717
Asa 161, 163
Asa, Jr 161,163
Benjamin 621
Daniel 116, 563
David 70
Elijah ..630
Frederick 163, 164
Henry 694
Hezekiah 386
Isaac 190
Israel 630
Jacob 561, 566
James 149, 554
John G 649
Jonathan 386
Joseph 614, 621
Joshua 554, 565
Josiah 652, 653
Moses 1 54, 164
Samuel 652
Fowle, Daniel 272
James 653
John 653
John. Jr 653
Fowler, Chever 675
Daniel 274
8o6
INDEX.
Fowler, Jacob 31 > 32
Josiah 60
Josiah.Jr.... 60
Philip 32, 34
Ruth 385
Fox, Benjamin 23. 103
Edward 18, 29
John 594,596
Jonathan 240
Foye, John 239. 304, 368, 371
John. Jr 304
Francis, Colonel 374
Frankford. William 521
Franklin, Nathan 659
Freeman, Cassar 520
Daniel 204, 206
Ebenezer 497, 498, 501
James 204
Jonathan 761
^ Russell 545
Freese, George 36
John 6, 35
Joseph 36
French, Andrew.... 15, 74, 75, 481
Andrew, Jr 15
Benjamin 33, 314
Bradstreet 15, 481
Daniel 97, 489
David 347
David, Jr 347
Edmund 347
Elisha 74f 75> 4^6
Ezekiel 413
Ezra 406, 407, 409
Gilbert 347
Green 519
Henry, Jr 438
Hezekiah 200
Isaac B 561
Jacob 522
James 344.347
James, Jr 327
John 327»454
Jonathan 40$
Jonathan, Jr 405
Jonah 694
Joseph 211, 314, 386, 435
Levi 41
Luther 4^4
Moses 67, 235
Nathaniel 406, 4oiS, 418
Oliver 519
Sampson 314
Samuel 411
French, Saul 76, 708
Stephen • 348
Thomas .481
William 15, 32, 422, 481
William, Jr 16, 481
Frink, Dr. Calvin 521, 524, 526
528» 530-537
Elijah 497,727
Frost, Charles 260
George 40
John 17
Jonathan. 251
Joseph 577
Nathaniel 586
William 260
Fry e, Ebenezer ^53*7^1
Gideon 239
Jonathan 373
Fullam, Elisha. 606
Fuller, Amasa 657
Amos 553, 678-681
Benoni 79
David 408, 566
Hezekiah 478
John 17, 117
Joseph 17
Joshua 513*675
Levi 516
Noah, Jr 675
Samuel C 570
Thomas 236, 405
Fullerton, William.... 156, 269, 272
274* 740
Fullonton, James. . . •397» 73^. 740
James, Jr 398
John 311, 312, 736, 740
Jonathan 308
Joseph 308
Fulton, Robert 702
Furber, Benjamin 343, 348
Jethro 241, 251, 252
John 96
Jonathan. •• 347
Joshua 22, 93, 95, 96, 98
Moses 96
N 36, 269
Richard 343
Richard, Jr 341 , 347
Samuel 344.348
Theodore 306, 348
Thomas 97
William 241
Furnald, Charles. • • 1 1 1
John 36, 269, 272, 274
INDEX.
807
Fnraald, Stephen 342
Thomas iii
William ..269, 274
Fttrness, William 306
Gage, Abel 708
Aboer 147, 152
Amos 144, 149, 152
Benjamin 149
Colonel 337
Daniel 143, 144, 149
Daniel, Jr 149
David 152
Jabez 144
Jeremiah 149
Joshua 499, 504
Josiah 144-152, 716
Josiah, Jr 149
Phebe 144
Pierce 149, 152
Thomas 144
Gains, George. .274-278, 289, 294-
296, 302
Samuel 149
Gale, Daniel 397, 399, 404
Edward • 269
Jacob 643
JohnC 386,388,398
John 394»397
Joshua 401
Richard 694
Stephen 73, 308, 396
William 296
Gallup, Benjamin 199
Perez 209
Thomas 202, 203, 761
Gambling, Benjamin 260
Gammon, Francis. • • .257, 258
Gamsbv, George 477
John 89, 475.477
John, Jr 477
Ganzy, John 666
Gardiner, John 36, 645, 647
William 35, 299, 300
Garland, Benjamin.. .367, 368, 371
Daniel 336, 342
Dodavah » 336, 343
Dodavah, Jr 343
{abez 140
acob. . .73, 385, 391. 396, 397
John. ..333, 360, 367, 368, 370
John, Jr 370
Jonathan 370
Garland, Joseph 368, 370
Moses 386, 391
Nathaniel 94, 95, 344
Peter 367, 370
Simon 370
Simon, Jr 370
Garman, James 235
Joseph 23
Garnsey, John 318
Gaskell, Samuel 318, 320
Gates, Elias 200, 602
E«ra 133, 134, 659
Nathan 200
Silas 200
Gault, Andrew 154, 166
Matthew 166, 450
Samuel 154, 165, 166, 168
William 166
Gay, Amasa 631
Eliphalet 5, 6, 7, 9
James 630, 631
William 9, 211
Gee, Stephen 462
George, James 59. 210, 435
Joshua 405, 409
Josiah 404
King 235.323
Levi 391
Moses 235, 409, 640
Samuel 505
Stephen 391
Thomas 22, 100
Timothy 64, 641
William 228, 235
William, Jr 235
Gerould, Reuben . . • .200, 20X, 206
Gerrish, Henry .. ..390, 519, 545
547
John 757
Nathaniel 239
Paul 22, 757
Robert 35, 300
Samuel 274, 286, 402
Timothy 36
Getchel, David 200
Ezra 438
Gibbs, Robert 269
William 269, 271, 364
Gibson, Barnabas 146-149
Daniel 726-728
David 644
James..75, '02, 149, 152, 397-
400, 707
Jeremiah 398
8o8
INDEX.
Gibson, John.. ..149, 394, 666« 708
725, 727
Michael 652
William 73
Giddens, Simeon 577, 599
Giddin^s, Jacob 233
John 67, 440
Nathaniel 420
Gilbert, Ebenezer 665
Josiah 63 1
Thomas 761
Gilchrist, William 179
Gile, David 517, 518
Ephraim 517
Eztkiel 212-215, 218
Jacob 393
John 99, III
Nathan 211
Reuben 220, 518
Stephen 21 1
Giles, Benjamin. . . .3, 51, 580, 760
764
Ephraim 5* 6< 7
John 22, 23, 29, III, 373
Jonathan 74-7^
Joseph 309
Joseph, Jr 309
Nicholas 398, 403
Samuel 95
Gilfling, Benjamin 408
Gil key, Sample 202, 203
Gill, David 517
John 697
Samuel 25
Gillice, Hugh 568
Gillingham, James 517
Gilman, Andrew.. ..31, 32, 43, 44
590
Anthony 509
Antipas 396
Benjamin 544, 591
Benjamin 1 432, 542
Bradbury 22
Bradstreet 31
Caleb 416, 581, 582, 585
Constant 606
David 27, 1 59, 542. 543
Dudley 591
Edward, Jr 396
Ezekiel 21, 397
Israel.. 13, 14, 17, 27, 156, 416
543
James .28, 31
Jeremiah.... 2 1 1, 588, 590, 637
Gilman, John 99, 588, 590
John Taylor.. 86, 183, 194, 228
418. 645
Jonathan 72, 73, 416, 417
Joseph. ...13, 23, 27, 329, 397
531
Joseph S 31, 543
Joshua 396, 606
Josiah 145, 204, 296, 543
Moses 398
Nathaniel.. 22, 27. 30-32, 163
350, 418. 420
Nicholas 86, 214, 309, 416
420
Peter 104, 161, 396
Peter, Jr 161, 163
Porter. 590
Samuel... 16, 30-32, 40, 42, 75
442
Samuel, Jr 34, 410
Samuel, 3d 22
Samuel T 72, 73
Stephen 17, 502, 580
Thomas 72-74f 39o« 394
Ward 307
William 123, 397
Zebulon 163
Gilmore, David 614, 621
James 269, 695, 698, 703
709-717
John 568, 701
Jonathan 568, 701
Robert 70 1
Gilson, Joel 457-463
Michael 653
Nathaniel 470
Glass, David 103
James 103
Gleason, Elijah 202, 203
James 669
Glidden, Andrew. 10, 503, 584, 585
Asa 585
Charles 75, 106, 389, 390
Jacob 503, 584, 585
Jeremiah 503, 582, 585
John 312, 343, 415
Jonathan.... 503, 577, 580, 581
584, 585
Jonathan, Jr 503, 584, 585
Jonathan, 3d 585
Joseph...! 1, 312, 503, 584, 585
Samuel P 503, 584
Simeon 503, 584, 585
Simeon, Jr 584, 585
INDEX.
809
Glidden, Stephen 585
Widow 10
William 93, 94
Winthrop 347
Glines, Benjamin 73, 75
Israel 541
John 541
Richard 74, 75
William 72-76
William, Jr 75
Glover, David 708
Goddard, John. . .36, 300, 302, 305
William 317
Godfree, James ^^^ 84, 95
John 77, 81
Moses 93, 95
Simon 95
William 77t 84
Godfrey, Benjamin 107
James 22
John 17
Moses 23, 107
Goffe, John.. 18, 214, 428, 568, 638
Goldsmith, Isaac 741
Isaac, Jr 741
Josiah 604, 606
William 741
Goldthwaite, Thomas 269
Gooch, James 286
Goodale, Ezekiel. . . .554, 557, 561
Goodall, Ira ^ 759
Goodell, Asa 727
David 725, 727
John 726, 727
Goodenow, Jonathan 661
Levi , .665
Goodhue, Joseph 16
Josiah no
Nathaniel 23, 95, 1 1 1
Samuel .... 485, 489
Stephen 402
Goodwin. Daniel 59, 341, 435
David 64,435
Ezekiel 615
Foster 623
Humphrey 350
Jeremiah 350
John 342
Mehitabel 27
Moses 344
Nathan 3. 5» 6, 7, 9
Noah 433
Goodwin, Richard 50, 614
Robert ....23, 27,32
Samuel 64, 435
Seth 614
Theophilus 211
Timothy 576
Willaby 433
Gookin. Daniel 87
Dorothy 78
Gordon, Alexander. ..144, 373, 379
Benjamin 202
Daniel.. 373, 380, 726. 728, 729
Eliphalet 311
Ithiel 308
James 541
John 724
Jonathan 380
Phinehas 378
Samuel 184
Thomas.... 3 10-3 1 2, 443, 448
Thomas, Jr. 443, 445, 448, 450
William ..373, 380
Gorrell, Nathaniel 380
Goss, James 368, 371
Jonathan 363
Levi 364, 367, 368, 370
Nathan 361, 363, 368, 371
Philip 694
Richard 360
Robert 240
Gotham, Edward 294, 295
Gould, Abijah 554
Benjamin 227, 233, 235
Curtis 694
Daniel 237, 641, 678
George 678
Gideon 438
Jacob 331
Jeremiah 736, 740
John 35
Jonathan 617, 621, 641
Mark 149
Nehemiah 651
Robert 614, 620
Thomas 64
William 694
Gove, Daniel 403
Ebenezer. . .396-398, 644, 647
Edward .423
Enoch 422, 423, 648
Moses 423
Nathan 422
> Printed John in the text.
8io
INDEX.
Gove, Richard 423
Stephen 423
Winthrop 422-424
Grace, Charles B 36
Grafg, Samuel 506, 507
Graham, Alexander 708
Hugh 698, 702-708
Hugh, Jr 715
John 1 76
Robert 715
Grant, Allen 318
Daniel 433
Edward 433
John 277
Joseph 17, 397, 480
Joshua 433
Nathaniel 397, 399
Peter 364
Samuel 433
William 433
Graves, James 541
Jeremiah 403
Phinehas 541
Thaddeus 630
William 440, 630
Gray, Jacob 165
James 240
Jonathan 184, 681, 682
Kalso 184
Matthew 184
Robert 184
Samuel 22, iii, 117, 347
Thomas 116
Timothy 553, 678, 682
Greeley, or Greele, Aaron 510
Benjamin 380
Beniamin, Jr 386
Ezekiel 702
John 143
Jonathan 553, 643, 678
Joseph 621, 643, 708
Matthew 386-389
Nathaniel 553, 643
Peter 12, 246, 260
Reuben 385, 389
Samuel 314, 396
Samuel, Jr 314, 708
Shubal 385
Thomas. • • 240
Zaccheus 708
Green, Benjamin 489
Ebenezer. 134, 135
Edward 438
Elijah. 724
Green, Ephraim. 17
Jacob 167-169
John 116
Jonathan 423
Jonathan, Jr 423
Joseph 590
Nathan 422, 423
Peter 1 59
Richard 86, 371
Simon 348
Thomas 521 , 694
Greenfield, Thomas 60, 64
Greenleaf, John 35
Samuel 235, 391
Stephen 252
Greenough, Daniel 247
Epes 269
Samuel 269
William 233
Grege, Adams 184
Alexander 708
Daniel 331 . 719
David 698, 702, 704, 708
712-719
David, Jr 708, 715, 719
David, 3d 719
Hugh 176
Isaac 7S^
James 372, 698
John 188, 715, 716
John, Jr 188
Samuel 182, 188, 683, 684
699.705
Samuel, Jr 702
Thomas 708
William . . . .698, 702-704, 708
712, 715. 719
William, J[r.7o8, 715, 717, 719
Gregory, William 364
Grendel, Daniel 495, 498-504
Griffin, Ebenezer 568
Moses 405, 409
Nathaniel 563
Obadiah .308
Peter 405
Richard 405
Samuel 352, 468
Theophilus 409
Thomas 405, 409
Zephotous 405
Griffith, Gershom 80
John.. .257, 258, 267, 270, 277
Samuel 268, 273
Grimes, Alexander 716
INDEX
8ll
Grimes, Charies 694
John 716
Griswold, Daniel 509, 5 1 1
John 761, 762
Joseph 606
Grouard, James. .35, 269, 272, 286
303
Grout, Elijah 609
Guest, Colonel 181
Guild, Samuel 630
Guile, Asa • 38
GuUison, Ephraim 502
Gunnison, Nathaniel 502
Samuel 494-500, 599
William 269
Guppy, James 271
Gusbe, Joseph 119, 1 21-125
Gustin, Samuel 458
Gutterson, Josiah 149, 152
Hackett, Ephraim 541
Hadden, Garrett 54, 55, 59
Hadley, Jacob 3
Joseph 757
Moses 708
Nehemiah 707
Samuel 55
Seth 708
Stephen 708
Haggetc, Josiah 164
Haines, Abner 16
John 16, 17, 309, 364, 645
Joseph 17, 591
Lewis 17, 73
Matthias 16,311, 645
Nathan 206
Samuel 240
Samuel, Jr 16
Simeon 398
Stephen 72, 74
Thomas 84
iVilliam* •••••••••. ...16, 644
William. Jr 16
Hale, Abigail 327, 328
Benjamin 211
Edmund ....211
Enoch.. 32 1, 327, 329, 330, 556
557. 693. 606, 608
Henry 211
John 544, 708
Joseph .325
Nathan.... 296, 308, 321, 326-
333. 365. 590
Paul 627
Hale, Samuel. 36, 271. 277,345, 347
Sarah J 46
Haley, Captain 337
Halfpenny, John 182
Hall, Amos 582
Avery 591
Benjamin 164, 375
Christopher. . • . .^ 200
Daniel 591
David. .372, 379, 385, 443.446
448
Ebenezer 140, 372, 715
Edward.... 10, 14, 18,367,371
Elijah 35, 306, 377, 675
Enoch 475, 652, 653
George H 694
James 22, 152
Jeremiah 522, 653
John 35, 220-222, 373, 379
696
John, Jr 144
Jonathan 225, 355
Joseph.... 13, 14, 16, loi, no
367, 371
Joshua 373, 379, 675
Kinsley • 239
Laban 200, 201
Moody 206
Nathaniel 355
Peter 240
Ralph 144
Richard 149, 152
Roland 606
Samuel. .35, 269,427, 568, 588
59X
Simon 652
Sucy. 36
Thomas loi, 206, 220-222
Halliburton, Andrew 306
Ham, Benjamin 348
Eleazer 334, 335, 342
Ephraim 35. 271. ^11^ 336
337. 342
Gideon 21
James 343
John 36.337. 343.347
John.Jr 343
Joseph 21
Jotham 350
Moses 733
Samuel 269
Samuel, Jr 3c
Thomas 345
Timothy 35
8l2
INDEX.
Ham, William 35, 336, 337. 348
W. Y 397
Hamack, John 335, 336, 338
Hamblin, Moses 342
Hamblett, Joseph 144
Joshua 149
Josiah 144
Reuben 145
Hamilton, Jonathan 300
Hammett, John. 342
iMoses 342
Hammill, Joseph 188
Neal 188
Hammock, Thomas 433
Hammond, David 694
Elizabeth 522
Isaac... 525, 528, 531. 533-535
John 522
Col. Joseph. 520, 521, 523, 526
530
Joseph, Jr 521
Nathaniel 520, 522
Sarah 522
Thomas 522
William 522
Hancock, Asa 675, 676
George 74, 75
Levi 675
Joseph 74,75
William 75
Handy, Paul 318
Hannaford, Thomas 32
Hanscom, Pelatiah 351
Hanson, Isaac -340, 428
Jacob 343
John 342, 350
Moses 347
Peter 108
Venus 108
William 343
Hard, Shadrach 350
William 702
Hardie, John 334
Hardison, Jonathan 239
Hardy, Aaron 152
Asa 152, 708
Billy 450
Cyrus 708
Daniel 152, 372
Dudley 152, 591, 742, 743
Edmund 149, 152, 708
Edmund, Jr 149, 708
Eliphalet 152
Jacob 149, 710
Hardy, Jesse 149
Josiah 149, 466
Nicholas. . . .443, 445, 448, 450
Philip 149
Thomas 147, 148,710
Stephen 27
Harford, Paul 343
Solomon 338
Stephen 333. 335, 338. 343
Stephen, Jr 338
Harmon, Captain 754
Harper, John A 401
Samuel 599, 644
William 332, 398,402
Harriman, Asa 621
Asaph 211, 218
David 220, 221
Dolly 70
John 211, 218, 220-222
Joseph 218,219, 221
Leonard 21^222
Moses 218-222
Peter 220, 222
Reuben 210
Samuel 220
Thomas 235
Walter 4.613
Harrington, Joseph 653
Timothy 653
Rev. Timothy 520
Harris, Abel 300
Dr. David 629, 631, 636
James 647
Joseph 316, 376, 381
Milan 746
Nathaniel 364.653
Silas 123
Stephen 316, 666
Harrison, J 251
Hart, Benjamin 272
Constant 52
Daniel 35, 269. 273
Edward 274
George. .27. 269, 275, 277, 278
280, 303
Jeremiah 306
John, Jr 273
Nathaniel 403, 503
R 35
Richard 269, 270, 274, 277
Robert 351
Samuel. 244-246, 257, 258,260
Thomas 251, 277
William 271, 273
INDEX.
813
Hartford, Nicholas. .22, 27, 29, 94
351
Hartwell, William 657
Harvell, James 233, 235
Harvey, Abner 620
Asahel 516
Cyrus 516
Francis 102, 103, 106
James loi
John. . . .22, 38, 40, 93, 94, 98
107, 536, 537
Jonathan 9, 516
Joseph 9
Kimber 536. 537
Levi 5. 6, 8, 9
Matthew 517, 518
Richard 35
Dr. Solomon. . • .660, 661, 667
Thomas. .16, 37, 100, loi, 106
513.516
Timothy 522. 536, 537
Harwood, Benjamin 594, 596
Ebenezer 594, 596
James 585, 586
Joseph 594,597
Thomas 314
Hash, William 488
Haseltine, Asa 715, 717
Daniel 378
David 235
John 596, 708
Jonathan 373, 590
Jonathan, Jr 378
Nathan 372
Nathaniel 678, 681
Philip 715, 716
Thomas 133, 134
Solomon 521, 531
Hazel ton, Benjamin 231
Daniel • 372
Samuel 231
Haskell, Job 423
Haskins, John 602
Haslett, James 35, 274, 286
Hastings, James 373, 379
James,Jr 379
Lemuel 602
Moses 653
Hatch, Thomas 269, 270
William J51
Haven, John 576
Joseph 35, 300, 576
Nathaniel A 300, 305, 576
Rev. Samuel 277
Haven, Samuel, Jr 36, 300
William 50
Hawkins, Daniel 693, 694
Daniel, Jr 694
Ephraim 694
Stephen 694
Haws, David 633
Hayes, Aaron no, 11 1
Benjamin 334, 335
Clement 343, 351
Daniel 346-348
Daniel, Jr 351
Enoch 342
Ezekiel 351
George S 342, 346
Ichabod 347, 351
James C 350
Moses 336, 347
Samuel 346
Solomon • in
Wentworth 336, 342, 348
William. . . .393, 394, 398, 401
William, Jr 393, 394
Zebedee 7, 9
Hayford, Edward ; . . . 544
Hayward, Calvin 516
Nathan 321, 324, 515
Peter 508
S 676
Samuel 174, 324
William 509, 511
Haywood, Nathan 324
Samuel 324, 708
Hazzen, John 214
Moses 94, 134
Richard 757
Head, James 161, 164, 541
John 161
Jonathan 1 64
Nathaniel.. 161, 162, 164, 165
170
Richard 163
Heald, Amos 563
Daniel 561, 565
Ephraim.. ..547, 548, 550, 551
554, 565
James 565
John 554
Joseph 553, 561, 565
Joseph, Jr 565
Oliver 554-556, 561
Peter 554
Healey, Daniel. • 694
Ezra 694
8i4
INDBX.
Healey, William S 309
Heard, Amos 646
George 333
John 335,336
Jonathan 339, 342
Joseph 333, 338, 340
Joseph, Jr 342
Nathaniel 343
Reuben 338, 342
Samuel G 427
Timothy 343
Tristram 338, 343
Heath, Asa 405, 408, 409
Benjamin 517
Daniel 443i 44^, 44^
David 373
Enoch 443* 44S» 450
Ephraim 385, 389
Ezekiel 75.446, 5 '7. 518
Isaac 211, 218
Jacob.... 72, 73, 211, 446, 448
James 149.354* 35^
Jesse 204
Job 385
John 211, 218
Jonathan 21 1, 220-222
Joshua 373
Josiah 401
Moses 371, 405, 409
Moses, Jr .409
Matthias 69
Nehemiah 386, 614
Robert 517
Samuel 70, 215, 220, 221
Sarah 215
Sargent 69
Stephen 222
Heaton, James 521
Jonathan 492
Hebbard, Asa 502
Joseph 503
Milan 502
Hemphill, John 719
Nathaniel 715, 717
Robert 708, 715, 716, 719
Henry, Bani 470, 635
Henry 708
John 63s
John, Jr 470, 635
Nathaniel 713
Patrick. . . ., 237
Ziba 470
Henzell, Charles 746
Herbert, Jonathan.... 191, 195,642
Herman, Joshua 405
Herrick,. Elisha 204, 206
Jonathan 6, 7, 9
Joseph 232
Hersey, Jacob 32
James 73, 399
John 409
Jonathan 736, 740
Josiah 39^, 403
Peter 25, 398, 400, 405
Samuel 403, 405
William 397, 403
William, Jr 403
Hewes, Robert 559
Hidden, Jonathan 647
Joseph 325
Hide, Joseph 653
Nathaniel. 741
Samuel..... 741
Higgins, Benjamin 350
John 694
Joseph 602
William 21
Highlands, John 699
Thomas 699
Hildrith, Asa 149
Joel 206
Jonathan 653
Hill, Aaron 35, 300, 301
Benjamin 23, 93, 99
Daniel 22, 32, 34
Elisha 302
James.. . .21, 23, 24, 32, 35, 76
306,360
Jeremiah 35
John 16, 4§S
John,Jr 16
Jonathan 94, 99
Joshua 16
Nicholas D 94, 95, 98
Noah 96
Reuben 40
Robert 22, 29, 93, 1 1 1
Samuel. ..35, 99, 238, 240, 286
300, 305, 307, 530
Valentine 23, 105
Hills, Jeremiah 108
Nathaniel 702
Samuel 676
Hillsgrove, John 555
Mary 556
Hilton, Charles 14
Daniel 28, 31, 32
Daniel, Jr 34
INDEX.
8iS
Hilton, David 34
Edward.. 10, 11, 21, 27,32,479
Edward, Jr 25
Elizabeth 27
Ichabod 43, 44
John 17
John P 100
{osiah 21, 27, 32
Uchard 32, 342
Samuel 373
Theodore 16
Winthrop 14, 15
Hinds, Jacob 657
Hinkson, Jonathan 239
Hinman, Elijah 477
Hinsdell, Ebenezer 522, 653
Hix, Bernard 315
David 475
Jane 315
John 103
Sam uel • 1 03
Hixon, Joseph. 269, 270
Hoag, Abner 16
Benjamin 17
Enos 488
John 16
John, Jr 16
Joseph 17, 34
Levi 488
Nathan 17, 60-62, 65, 488
Hobart, David 223, 227, 357
James 223
Josiah 231
Samuel 703
Hobbs, Benjamin 17, tj^ 81
Caleb 60
James 240, 263, 368, 371
John 17
Jonathan 17, 304, 368, 371
Joseph 82, 84
Josiah 79, 84
Morris 17, 79, 84, 86
Thomas 84
Hobson, Humphrey 325
Hodge, Thomas 645, 647
Hodges, George 117
Hodgkins, Francis 31 1, 312
William 52
Hodgdon, Abner 341
Alexander.. 335. 336, 338. 342
Alexander, Jr 336, 338
Edmund 108, 1 1 1
Eleazer 342
Israel 93, 262
Hodgdon, Jeremiah 348
John 642
Jonathan 333, 336
Joseph 333, 335, 336
Miles Ill
Phinehas 91
Richard 347
Samuel 347
William 343
Hodgman, David 635
Oliver 635
Hodsdon, Alexander 241
Hogg, James 641
John 88
Joseph 699, 703
Samuel 188
William 568
Hoit, Benjamin... .97, 99, 393, 396
486
Daniel 96, X07, 486, 488
Eliphalet 406
Jonathan 48S
Joseph 393, 397, 488, 490
Joshua .23, 99
Nathan 393, 541, 546, 573
Philip 97
Reuben 385, 443
Reuben, Jr 386
Samuel 64, 69
Stephen 93, 96
Thomas 666
Holbrook, David 478
John 89, 91 , 473-475
Joseph, Jr 477
Peter 317
Richard 478
Holden, Joseph 93
Richard 666
Holdine, John 594, 596
Holland, Ephraim 694
Samuel 358
Stephen 177, 178, 357, 570
701
Holies, Thomas Pelham 143
Holman, Jeremiah. ..312, 594, 596
Holmes, Abraham 188
Asa 516
Christopher 358
George 635
Jeremiah 252
Joseph 238, 342, 348
Lazarus 240
Lemuel — 492, 509, 510, 512-
S16
8i6
INDEX.
Holmes, Robert i
Samuel 347, 348
Stetson •••694
Holouhan, Johnson. 373
Holt, Abiel 561
Amos 553, 679
Benjamin 154, 161
Daniel 164, 676. 677
Fifield 679
Fry e 1 64
Jeremiah 553, 678, 681
Joel 676, 677
John 553
Joseph 553, 677, 680
Joseph, Jr 553,678
Nathan 166
Nathaniel 163
Nehemiah 190
Oliver 553
Samuel 562
William, Jr 190
Zela 553
Hoi ton, Jonathan 65 1 , 656
Honey, Gideon 314
Honeyford, David .482
Hook, Abraham 407, 409
Daniel 422, 423
Dyer 643
Jacob 643
Joseph 422
Moses 406, 407
William 422
Hooker, Philip 271
William 251
Hooper, John 251
Levi 599, 604
Samuel 647
William 730
Hopkins, David 717
Philip..... 202, 203
Robert 608
Hopkinson, David 89
Horl, Joseph 364
Horn, Andrew 433
Daniel 332
David 342
Ebenezer 343
Ebenezer, Jr 348
Elijah 342,350
Ichabod 336, 338, 343
James 338
Moses 342
Moses, Jr 343
Peter 336,33^,343
Horn, Richard 351
Home, Ebenezer 736, 740
Ebenezer, Jr 736, 740
Isaiah 736
John 736, 740
Stephen 736
Horney, David 251
Hosley, Joseph 565
Houghton, Amasa Nehemiah ..31 5
House, John 201
Houston, Rev. John 178
Samuel 184, 700, 701
William 184
Hovey, Daniel 204
Levi 640
Nathaniel 761
Howard, Asa. 565
Benjamin. ..385, 389, 498, 501
635
Jehn 374
Nathan 515, 516
Robert 563
Samuel 554, 555, 560-565
Theophilus 203
Thomas 202
William 568
How, Abner . • . .602, 652, 653, 655
Antipas 524
Caleb 653, 655
Daniel 652-655
Edward 602, 653, 655
Joseph 653
Joshua 652
Richard 586
Samuel 653, 655
William 653
Howe, Israel 676. 677, 681
John 35, 269
Jonathan 201
Steward 203
William 694
Hoyt, Abner 640
Benjamin 64, 343
Eliphalet 55
Enoch 342
Hanson 96
Israel 115, 235
Jacob 614, 616
Jonathan — 115, 117, 119-125
Joseph 416
Joshua 94
Levi 122-125
Micah 59, 64, 435
Moses 94, 95
INDEX.
817
Hoyt, Reuben 60, 64, 389
Zebediah 64
Hubbard, Ebenezer 653
Elsworth 493
Erastus 491 , 493
George 493
John 602
Jonathan 602
Lemuel 599
Roswell 491, 493
Roswel], Jr 493
Huckins, Jonathan 23
Joseph, Jr 396
Huggett, John 271
Hugi^ins, John 17
Nathaniel 206, 238
Hughes, Clement 240
Pearley 202, 203
llulbert, Daniel 454, 455
Hull, John 235
Joseph 296, 372, 377, 716
Moses 235
Richard 97
Samuel 9(3
William 97
Humble, John 294, 296
Humphrey, Arthur 502
James 702
John 701
Hunkins, Benjamin . .406, 408, 409
Isaac 408
Jacob 403
Hunking, John 268
Mark 251, 257, 258
Hunt, Humphrey 400
John 314
John W 403
Moses 404
Nathan 554
Philip 393
Philip,Jr 73
Samuel. .73, 364, 398, 403, 594
596, 602, 653
Stephen 554
Thomas 313
William • 269
Hunter, James 206
John 698
Robert 701
Hunting, Ebenezer 3, 5, 7, 9
Israel 3, 7
Huntington, John 641
William 202, 203
Hun toon, Amos T. . .503, 582, 585
64
Huntoon, Benjamin.. •385-389, 503
584
Benjamin, Jr 584
Caleb 503, 579, 580
Charles 579, 580, 584, 585
Charles, Jr 503
Charles, 3d 585
Daniel 386
John 503, 580, 584, 585
Jonathan 386, 387
Joseph 579, 582, 585, 586
Joseph. Jr 503, 584
Josiah 503, 584, s^
Nathaniel. ..386, 387, 503, 577
579. 584-586, 599
Nathaniel, Jr 582
Philip 386, 503, 504
Reuben 582, 586
Reuben, Jr 584
Samuel 503, 584
Stephen 503, 584
Huntress, Daniel 36
George 240, 252
Joshua L 35
Samuel 363
William 343
Hurd, Benjamin 116
Colonel 225
John. 277
John, Jr 568
Samuel 599
Huse, Carr 225
Jonathan 405, 408, 409
Dr. Stephen 214
William 399
Hutchins, Benjamin 199
David 673
James 591
Nathaniel 52
Samuel 35, 286, 637
Solomon 591
William . . .6, 52, 602, 659, 668
670
Hutchinson, Benjamin 679
Daniel 708
James 555
John 679
Nathan 679
Nathan, Jr 679
Samuel 679, 708
William 725
Improy, Thomas 268
Ingalls, Edmund 318
8i8
INDSZ.
Ingalls, Henry 315-31S
Israel 405
John 21 1
Jonathan 332
Josiah 331
iNathaniel 405, 408, 409
Peter 408, 409
Samuel 406
Ingersoll, Richard 697
Ingraham, Junia 120
Isaac, Abraham 306
Jack, Andrew 568, 701
Andrew, Jr 568
William 549
Jackman, Moses 220-222
Noah 221, 222
Richard 538
Jackson, Aaron 452
Asa 626, 630
Benjamin 204
Caleb 343
Clement 271, 274, 307
Clement, Jr 21
Colonel 645
Daniel 277
Daniel, Jr 252, 260
George 268
Dr. Hall ... .35, 270, 274, 291
3oo» 363. 365
Henry 183
James 338. 343, 540
Jeffrey 251
ohn 251, 465
Jonathan 274
ioseph 22, 260
Nathaniel 239, 269
Richard .303
Robert 22, 26
Jacques, Ebenezer 144, 149
John 372
John, Jr 372
Nehemiah 144, 149
Jaffrey, Cyprian 17
George. . . .3, 35, 242-245, 264
269,298
James 259
James, Caleb 571
Edmund, Jr 409
Francis 94
Jabez 396
James S 94, 96
king 322
Jameson, James 698, 708
Jameson, John 386
Thomas 698, 715, 717
William 698
Jamison, John 532, 599. 606
Jonathan 606
Janvrin, George 270, 271, 274
Jeffers, John. 220
Jenks, Jeremiah 50, 51
Gov. Joseph. 755
Jenkins, Isaiah 345
Richard 35
William 269
Jenne, Ebenezer 200-203
Isaac 202, 203
James 202, 203
Jenness. Aaron 338
Benjamin 164, 367, 370^
Cornelius 342
David 343
Francis 16, 360, 362, 367
Francis, Jr 363, 367
Isaac 84
Isaac, J r 84
Job 17, 363, 367, 371
Job,Jr 363
John 335, 363, 367, 36S
John,Jr 363.371
John, 3d 367
Jonathan.. 94, 95, 363, 367, 368
371
Jonathan, Jr 367
Joseph 17, 362, 367, 371
Levi 367-370
Moses 338, 344
Nathaniel 17, 367, 368
Nathaniel, Jr. 367
Paul 343
Peter 367. 368, 371
Richard... 16, 21, 229, 360, 363
367
Richard, Jr. .17, 363, 367, 371
Richard, 3d.. 17, 363, 367, 368
371
Robert 285
Samuel. ...16, 18, 84, 342, 363
367. 368, 37X
Samuel, Jr 363
Simon 363, 367, 368, 370
Stephen 350
Thomas 21
William 335, 338
Jennings, Stephen 203
Jewell, A^sahel 693
Bradbury 541
INDEX.
819
Jewell, Daniel 487, 489
David 77
John 416
Joseph 435. 614
Samuel 56, 60
Samuel, Jr 60
Jewett, Aaron 647
Benjamin, J r 16
David 543
Edward 326, 329-331
Ezekiel 331, 561-565
Gilman 350
Jacob 565
Jedidiah 3, 6, 7, 9, 325
Jeremiah 325, 647
Jonathan 17, 488
Joseph 482
f OSes 543
Nathaniel 350, 363, 565
Paul 350
William 563, 565
JiUson, George 318
Stephen 318
Johnson, Abel 206
Abraham 16
Adam 678
Amos 708
Benjamin.... 1 6, 22, 79, 81, 93
94
Benjamin, Jr 93, 96
Bradbury 398
Daniel ..401
David 149, 651, 716
David, Jr 660, 662
Ebenezer 15, 16
Elihu 355
Elijah 203
Enoch 585, 641
Isaiah 220, 221
Isaac. .472, 476, 478, 602, 608
Isaac, Jr 606
James 16, 386, 674, 678
Jesse 206
John.. 18, 22, 81, 95, 244, 372
377» 397. 678
Jonathan 238, 239
Josiah 602, 708
Lois 662
Moses 94, 97
Nathan 16
Nathaniel 342
Peter 273, 368
Peter, Jr 367, 368
Robert. 641
Johnson, Samuel.23, 93, 94, 99, 107
296. 379, 645. 647, 648
Samuel, Jr 17
Samuels 94
Simeon 95
Simon 367, 368, 379
Thomas 16, 149, 593
Tristram 641
William 17, 149, 594. 597
70S
Johnstone, Charles 134, 571
Joiner or Joyner, Francis 593
John 458, 461, 463
William 606
Jones, Abraham 24a
Asa 599
Benjamin... 347, 350, 725, 727
Benjamin, Jr 725-729
Captain 316
David 21, 144
Ephraim 116
Evan 372, 378
Ezra 405, 518
George 74, 75
James. ..35, 251, 295, 296, 373
726, 728, 729
John.. ..21, 251, 294, 295, 351
Joseph 21
Joseph, Jr 442
Joshua 726-730
Josiah 594, 597
Levi 351
Nathan 405
Nathan, Jr. 405
Nathaniel 345
Reuben 351
Samuel.. 36, 433, 728, 729, 761
Thomas 594, 596
Timothy 17, 21
William.... 268, 343, 351, 726
William, Jr 727-729
Jordan, Benjamin 203
Nathaniel 364
Philip 202, 203
Jose, Damans 251
Richard 242, 243
Joslin, David 635
Joseph 22
Nathaniel. . . 1 635
Joy, Benjamin 204
Benjamin, Jr. 204
Daniel 204
Ebenezer 204
Joseph 27
820
INDEX.
Judd, £ben W 90
Judkins, Caleb 391
John 396
Jonathan 21, 397, 398
Leonard 386, 387, 391
Leonard, Jr 391
Samuel 405
Karr, John 710, 719
Kathan, John 673
Keas, Samuel 242, 243
Keep, Jabez 596
Keeser, Ebenezer 518
Jonathan 518
Keith, Grandal 491, 635
Ichabod 493
Kelley, Daniel. .106, 395, 405, 409
Edward 393, 397-399
Edward, Jr 397, 398
Ephraim 202
James 103
John 202, 220, 373, 377
620, 621
Moses 637
Nathaniel 376, 381
Philip 96
Richard 372, 379
Richard, Jr 379
Robert 21
Samuel 373, 377, 380, 381
541
William. . . . 144, 202, 203, 614
William P 94
Williams 377
Kelsea, Jesse 650
Kelsey, Giles 50
James. .. . ...23, 106, ill, 203
Jeremiah 50
Robert 102, 103
William 103
Kemp, Jacob 1 52
Stephen 455
Kendall, Daniel 74
Ebenezer 225, 231, 635
Ebenezer, Jr 231
John 562
John W 231
Jonathan 635
Temple 314
William 328
Kendrick, Benjamin 21
Daniel 239
David 21
Kennard, John 260, 269
Kennedy, John 387
Thomas 638
Kenney, Amos 708
Daniel 438, 461, 463
David 553
Isaac 45^45^, 461 , 463
Moses 457-463
Samuel 314
Kent, Abner 594, 597
Kentfield, Shen 602
Kenyon, Joseph, Jr 206
Keyes, Edward 657
Ephraim 234, 235
Jabez 594
John 235
Jonas 235
Simon 553
William 599
Kezar, George 717
Samuel 642
Reuben 386
Keneston, James 482
Keniston, Alexander 238
Christopher 240
David 74
John 105
Joseph E 543
Nathaniel 99
William 73
Keneson, John 1 1 1
Joseph 741
Kenson, Aaron 22, 26, 27
John 22
Kenston, William 72, 73
Kinerson, David 542
Kineston, John 74
Jonathan 74-76
Nicholas 543
Kinnison, Joshua 16
Lewis 23, 26, 27, 32
Moses 32, 481
Thomas 27
Valentine 22, 93, 94
William 394
Kinson, James 14
Kinston, Francis. 22
Kidder, Benjamin 708
Jonas 673
Joseph 561
Joseph, Jr 565
Dr. Nathaniel 29, 43, 44
Noah 3
Reuben 47,626, 627, 631
Sampson 702, 708
INDEX.
821
Kilburn, Ebenezer 508
John 96, 606
Killam, Benjamin 565
Charles 595, 597
Joseph 565
Samuel 565
Killers, William 697
Kimball, Aaron 165
Abel 327
Abraham 59, 637
Asa 220
Barnard 381
Benjamin .... 72, 199, 202, 211
214,415, 540
Caleb 355, 518, 519
Caleb, Jr 520
Daniel 199, 201-203. 209
210, 342, 338
David 164
Eliphalet, Jr 206
Ephraim 344
George 565
Isaac 556
John. ..211, 219, 565, 591, 646
648
Jonathan.. 59, 64, 68, 144, 149
220-222, 565, 645, 648
Joseph 200, 202, 205-209
220-222, 645-651
Joshua 164
Lovell 206
Mitchell 164
Nathan 641
Nathaniel 211, 220, 222
Nehemiah 341
Noah 590
Oliver 144, 372, 378
Oliver, Jr 373, 380
Reuben 613, 621
Richard 144, 372, 376, 380
381
Richard, Jr 376, 381
Samuel 163, 212, 220-222
439
Sargent 416
Thomas, Jr 172
Wilkes 201,202
Kindrick. Benjamin.... 519
Dudley 519
Samuel 519
King, Elijah 602
George 269, 272, 274, 286
706, 764
James 518
King, James, P 274
Joseph 602
Peter 202, 203
Samuel 238, 240
William .....260
Kingsbury, Absalom 492
Eleazer 681
Jeduthan 200
Joseph 201
Sanford 208
Kingsley, James 317
Kinne, Daniel 118
Joseph 1 13-f 15
Kinney, Daniel 114
David 123
Joseph 114
Kinsman, Aaron 623
Kirk, Charles 565
Kittredge, Dr. Thomas 618
Knapp, Elisha. 694
Paul 125
Knight, Abraham 22
Benjamin 652
Charles 348
Ebenezer 211
Edward 345
Enoch 211
Gideon 26
John 95
John, Jr 211
John, 3d 211
Joseph 211, 336, 338, 342
Joshua 211, 336, 343
Nathaniel 625
Robert 333. 335
Samuel 625
Simeon 652, 653
Temple .270, 277
Wallace 241
William 36, 267, 270, 272
277. 348, 361
Knowles, David 17, 93, 95, 99
Ezekiel 297
James 336. 338, 348
John 342, 371
Jonathan 79
Joseph 79, 81
Nathan 367, 368, 371
Samuel 347, 368
Simeon 95, 97
Simon 79, 371
Knowlton, Benjamin 646, 648
David 96
Ebenezer 96, 421
S22
INDEX.
Knowlton, Ezekiel 6
Francis 145
Jonathan 32, 97
Robert 7f 8, 9
Thomas 23, 96
William 96
Knox. Daniel 166, 170
David 165
James • 166
John 154, 166
John, Jr 166
William 154, 165, 166
Kyle, Ephraim 708
Lackey, Samuel 594, 596
Ladd, Daniel I4> 373
David 194
Elias 416
Eliphalet. . .300, 305, 307, 715
716
James 582
John 416, 417,576, 5S6
Nathaniel 41, 401, 585
Timothy 377
Ladieu, James 206
Laighton, David 336
George 343
Hatevil 343
John 335
Jonathan 336, 341, 342
Paul 35, 269
Samuel. 336, 338, 346
Solomon 336
William 348
Laing, Alexander. 307
Lake, Jonathan • 328
Lakeman, Amos 164
Nathaniel 161, 164
Nathaniel, Jr 163
Samuel 1 63
Lamb, James 3, 7
Lamkin, Ezra 478
Joshua 89. 91 , 473-478
Oliver 91
Thomas 91, 478
Lamprey, Benjamin 79
Benjamin, Jr. 17
Morris 93, 107
Simon 84, 363
Lamson, Amos 503, 584, 586
Asa 503, 585
Daniel 563
Enos 586
Gideon 418, 420
Lancaster, Henry 380
John 379
Timothy 5^. 59- 373
Landell, Thomas 269
Lane, Andrew. 561
David 308
Elkanah 526, 528
Ezekiel 309
Jabez 488
Jacob 312
Jesse ....50, 51, 504, 582, 599
John 22, 50, 397, 399
Joshua 402, 488
Robert 50
Samuel. .17, 156, 396, 399, 402
488
Samuel, Jr 488
Thomas 50
Lang, Alexander 570
Bickford 367, 371
Daniel 35
John 251, 371
Jonathan 394^ 403, 737
Joseph 251
Lowell 400, 401
Mark 298, 299, 369
Nathaniel 251
Nathaniel, Jr. 251
Obadiah, Jr 307
Robert 25 1
Samuel 251, 252, 257
Stephen.. 251, 502
Thomas ....252, 264, 367, 368
370
William.... 494-496, 502, 599
William. Jr 498, 500, 501
Langdon, Captain 237
John. ..237, 274, 284, 285, 289
707, 764. 765
Jonathan 269
Joseph 257, 258, 260
Mark 251, 257, 258, 277
Rev. Samuel 36, 277
William 275, 277
Woodbury. .270, 272, 301, 307
573. 575
Langley, Aldad 23
David 343
Job Ill
Joseph 2a
Samuel 103
Winthrop 23
Lapish,John 133, 134
Larey, James 397
INDEX.
823
Larey, Jeremiah 251
Larkin, Samuel 306
Larrabee, John 113, 116
Timothy. 116
Lary, John 482, 736, 740
Joseph 736, 740
JLasselle, John 761
Law, Reuben 561
Simon 190
Lawrence, David 702, 708
David, Jr 708
Eleazer 694
Eleazer, Jr 694
James 585
John 593, 596
Jonathan 708
Noah 1 90
Willard 635
Lawry, Stephen 364
Leach, Azariah 668
Ephraim 694
James. 241
Joseph .380
William 372
Zachariah 251
Zephaniah, Jr 675
Lear, Benjamin 304, 370
Eleck 364, 368, 370
Eleck, Jr 364
George 494. 599
Georee W 496, 502
[oseph 496, 498, 502
Nathaniel 364
Samuel 252, 296, 370
Tobias 271
Learned, Abel 91
David 89, 91
James 91
erby, Thomas 239
Leathers, Abednego in
Abednego, Jr 23
Abel Ill
Joseph 99, 1 1 1
Nicholas loi, no
Thomas 348
Vowell Ill
Leaver, William 433
JLeavitt, Benjamin 81, 84, 423
485
Ephraim 17
Gideon 72, 75
James • 242, 246, 452
John. ..17, 77, 80, 81, 309, 486
John, Jr 309.483
Leavitt, John, 3d 486
Jonathan... .16, 72, 74, 75, 488
Jonathan, Jr 75
Joseph 7S* 737
Joseph, J r 76
Josiah 488
Levi 486
Lydia 589
Moses 86, 87, 401, 483
Nathaniel 17
Nehemiah 311
Peter 452
Peter, Jr 452
Reuben 486, 488
Samuel — 16, 17, 21, 486, 488
Samuel, Jr 488
Samuel, 3d 488
Simon 84
Thomas 81, 84, 544, 545
Wadleigh 72, 76
Lee, Stephen 343
Leeland, Isaac 330
Leigh, John 270
Joseph 277
Leighton, Edward 70
Leonard, Abiel 117
Benjamin 675
Ephraim 665
Leslie, George 630
John, Jr 96
Levsey, Benjamin 252
Lewey, Thomas 206
William 206
Lewis. Benjamin 251, 679
Eber 599
Elizabeth 292
James 92, 606
John 35, 292
Samuel 631
William 241
Libbey, Abraham. . . .363, 367, 368
370
Arthur 362
Benjamin 363
Ham 22, III
Hanson 348
Isaac 336, 338, 342, 348
Isaac, Jr 336, 338
James 241,502
Jeremiah.. ..36, 240, 286, 294
295. 297. 301, 303
John 35
Joseph 370
Paul 336, 338
824
INDEX.
Libbey, Reuben 734
Samuel 368, 370
Lindsay, John 269
Thomas 590
Lines, John .* 47
Thomas 1 1 1
Linord, John 166
Liscomb, Samuel 509
Little, Benjamin, Jr 211
Daniel 410
Joseph 211
Josiah 545
Moses 211, 568
Nathan 443
Nathaniel... 214, 215,220-222
446, 448
Samuel 211
Livermore, Daniel 167, 169
David 725, 727
Edward St. Loe 306
Matthew 251, 257, 258, 260
Samuel 223, 224, 653, 702
Livingston. Isaac. ...503, 584, 586
Lock, Calvin 635
David 366-368, 454, 455
Elijah 367,37'
Elijah,Jr 368
Enos 635
Francis 17, 358
James.. 293, 297, 334, 363, 364
492
Jeremiah 360, 364, 492
Jeremy 16
John 348, 371
Jonathan.... 365, 367, 368, 371
Jonathan, Jr.... 367, 368, 371
Joseph 304, 360, 363, 365. 368
Joseph, Jr 370
Richard 370
Richard, Jr 368
Thomas 422
Timothy 327
William 360, 367, 368, 370
Long, Ebenezer 407
Edward J 306
George 87
Henry 364
Pierse..268, 270, 277, 286, 287
293
Richard 407, 409
Stephen 406, 407, 409
William 503,584
Longfellow, Jonathan 17
Lord, Daniel 309
Lord, John 36
Joseph 6o2
Nathaniel 21
Wentworth 139
William W 350
Loring, Joseph 760
Loud, John 269
Lougee, Elisha 403
Loumbey. Gershom 364
Love, William 725
Lovejoy, Andrew 402
Caleb 154. 164, 172
Chandler 164, 390
David -i54« 163
Jacob 231
Jonathan 563
Joshua 723, 730
Simeon 231
Lovell, Oliver 602
Lovering, Benjamin 329
Caleb 448
Daniel 312
Dearborn 590
Ebenezer 84, 443, 446, 448
450
Ebenezer, Jr 84
John. ...84, 143, 443, 448, 450
757
Joseph 386, 387
Moses 446, 448
Samuel 386, 391
Simon 84
Theophilus 308, 312
Thomas 84
Lovewell, John 153
John,Jr 314
Nehemiah 145, 638
Zaccheus 314
Low, Elisha 307
Jacob 17, 489
Jacob, Jr 489
Jonathan 252
Phinehas 591
Richard 36
Lowden, Anthony 237
Lowell, Barnet 619
Daniel 386
David 627, 630
David. Jr 627
Ebenezer 327, 626
Isaac 613, 619
Jacob 561 , 563
James 405
John I44i 373*377
INDEX.
825
Lowell, John, Jr 373, 377
Joseph 708
Josiah 630
Moses 561, 563
Moses, Jr 563
Peter .627
Samuel 629, 630, 635
Simon 627, 635
Solomon 630
Stephen 708
Stephen, Jr 708
Timothy 708
William 617-620
Lowry, William 1 1 1
Lucas, Andrew 736, 740
Daniel... 156, 166
James 1 56
James. Jr 736, 740
John 206, 736, 740
Thomas 1 56
Lucy, Alexander 21, 37
Benjamin., 37
Ludgate, John'. 594, 596
Lufkin, Levi 382
Philip 386,389
Lund, Charity 314
Phineas 190
William, Jr 314
Lunt, Daniel 17, 274
Ezekiel 386
Shipper 239
Lurvey, William 194
Luther, James 91
Ly ford, David 14
Fifield 72, 74
Jacob 'J^
John 16
Stephen 27, 'jyj
Thomas... .71, 72. 74» 393-395
399
William 10
Lyon, James 701
John 7
Macaffee, John 334, 335
Matthew 334
Macauley, Charles 385
Macglaughlan, James 379
Thomas 373, 379
Mack. Robert 698
Robert, Jr 702
Mackay, Benjamin. . .269, 273, 277
Mackris, Benj 16
Samuel 206
Macphedris, Archibald 105
Magoon, Alexander 541
Samuel 395
Mahew, Peter 356
Main, Isaac 200
Josiah..336, 338, 340. 344, 345
349i 351
Mann, Abraham 318
Gideon 318
Gideon, Jr 318
James 154, 166, 423
Jared 136
John 126, 134, 136-138
John, Jr 137,138
Joseph ^6
Joseph, J r 368
Nathan 626, 628
Peter.. .269, 272, 273, 277, 286
Robert 548, 627
Samuel 166
William 166, 626, 628
Manning, Thomas 306
Manser, Ezra 565
James 548, 551
Stephen 565
William.... 548, 550, 551, 561
566
Mansfield, Elijah 555
Rebecca 555
Manson, Richard 342
William 342
Marble, John 488
Nathaniel 149
Samuel 17, 376, 381, 488
March, George.... 18, 85, 363, 484
Hugh 397
Jacob 403
Jonas C 349
Moses 398
Nathaniel 36
Paul 271, 272
Samuel • 405
Marcy, John 597, 604
Marden, Benjamin. . .298, 367, 369
370
Benjamin, Jr.... 364, 368, 371
James 35, 269, 333, 360
John 16
Margaret 363
Nathaniel 304, 363, 368
Nathaniel, Jr 371
Samuel 363
Stephen 370
William. . . .297, 304, 368, 371
826
INDEX.
Marefield, Eliphalet 415
Marsh, Elisha 604
Jacob 226, 233
John 47
Joseph 34
Josiah 674
Onesiphorous 226, 233
Samuel 226, 233
Thomas 708
Marshall, Aaron 585
Antipas •••90, 92
Benjamin 92
Caleb 92, 475
Daniel 702
David 708
George.. . .241, 252, 258, 269-
271, 274, 277
George, Jr 277
John.... 36, 268, 271, 277, 314
548, 550, 554. 561, 702
Jonathan 563
Joseph 641
Nathaniel 36
Obadiah 252
Philip 702
Richard 702
Samuel 252
Thomas 553, 563.653
William 268, 272
Marston, Abraham 86
Asa 21
Benjamin.. ..16, 17, 77, 81, 84
Benjamin, Jr 77
Caleb 77
Daniel I7»77f 80, 81
David 17, 81, 84
Ephraim 79
Isaac 14, 16
Jacob 517, 5'9
James 14
Jeremiah 363, 438
John.. 1 7, 22, 27,32, 34. 77. 81
Jonathan 17, 77, 81
eieph 18, 386
vi 84
Nathan 18
Nathaniel 17, 385
Samuel 81
Samuel, Jr 81
Simon 21, 204
Simon, Jr 01
Theodore 293
Thomas. ... 17, 77, 81, 84, 518
Winthrop 77. 81
Martin, Benjamin 757
Christopher 681
George 54, 59.318,320
Jacob 694
John 36, 55, 607
Luther ^02
Moses 318
Nathaniel 701 , 719
Peter 318, 320, 644
Richard 240
Robert 165, 435
Samuel 165,173
Stephen 55
Theodore 297
Thomas. . . .272, 274, 300, 36!
305, 425, 643
William 156, 165, 666
WUliam,Jr 166
Mason, Benjamin i7« 84, 482
Bradstreet 100, loi
Daniel.'. 16, 304, 367, 368, 370
Edward 488
Francis 486
James 541
John 22, 103
JohnT 2,271. 573
Jonathan 19
Joseph 482
ioaeph, Jr 17
Nathaniel 81
Oliver 318
Robert 104
Simeon 480
Stephen 540
Ward 486
Massey, Daniel 372, 380
George 36, 303
Jonathan 372, 378, 380
Mather, John N 458-463
Timothy 458-463
Mathes, Abraham . .367
Benjamin 585
Peter 251
Robert 351
Thomas .240
Valentine • 40
Matson, Aaron 470
Matthews, Abraham 370
Mattoon, Hubartus 14
John 14
Kichard 14
Maxfield, Joshua... 641
William 194
Maxwell, James. .553, 627, 630, 678
INDEX.
827
May, Zebulon 153
Maynard, Artemas 554
Caleb 563. 565
John 554
Jotham 553
MayDe, Sir William 745, 746
McAdams, Hugh 190
Samuel 698, 710, 717
Samuel, Jr 715, 717
William 190
McAllister, Alexander 69S
Andrew 549, 758
Archibald 702
Benjamin 100
David 549
James 549
John... 506, 507, 549, 561, 702
Peter 549
Randal 183
William • 549
McBritton, Jane 497, 498
William. . . .497, 498, 500, 615
McCartney, John 567
McCay, Alexander. .708, 715, 717-
7 '9. 730
Charles 1 76
Gilbert 506, 561
John 698, 703, 704
Thomas 708
William 708, 715, 719
McClary, John 725, 727
Michael 38
McClellan, Hugh 645, 647
McClintock, Alexander... .725, 727
John 306, 701, 725, 727
McCluer, Andrew 594, 597
James 235
Jonathan 21
Robert 698
Samuel 21
Thomas 233
McClurg, Thomas 184
McColom, Alexander 568, 701
Robert 568, 701
McConnell, Moses 165
Samuel 160-163, 166, 170
Thomas 23, 154
McCormick, James 699
McCoy, John 109
Paul 100, loi
McCrillis, David 390
John 23, III
McCurdy, John 516, 701
McDaniel, Jeremiah 72, 74
McDaniel, John 165, 172
Nehemiah 165
McDonald, John 465
McDonough, James 269, 270
McDuffee, Daniel 338
James 343
John 197, 337, 702
William 338, 344
McFarland, Robert 702
McFee, James 336
McGaffev, John 156
McGooch, James 350
Robert 351
McGregory, Rev. David.. 178, 180
John 50
McHard, James, 115, 702
William 36
Mcllvaine, Daniel 708
Daniel, Jr 708, 715
James 715
Robert 715
William 708
Mclntire, Neal. .272, 274, 286, 300
McKea, William 568
McKean, James. 702
John 1 701 , 71 5
McKinsey, James 327, 651
William 694
McLane, Alexander 309
McLucas, Thomas 156, 158
McMaster, John 648^50
McMath, John 12
McMillan, Andrew 159
McMurphy, James 698
John 338
Robert 2, 718
Samuel 645
McNeal, Daniel 336, 342
John 374
Nehemiah 16, 47
McNeill, Alexander 606
Daniel 701
John 725
Robert 701
Nehemiah 47
McNee, James 506, 561
William 184, 188
William, Jr 184
McQuesten, Peter 235
Mead, Benjamin 21, 26, 32
John 22, 27, 33, 46,481
Jonathan. 240
Joseph 270
Levi 27,29,99
828
INDEX.
Mead, Stephen 630
Meder, Benjamin 342
Ebenezer 736, 740
Francis 343
George 343
John 22, 25, 27
Jonathan 343
Joseph 343. 346
Joseph, Jr 343
Nathaniel 343
Timothy 541 , 542
Mehan, John 296
Melcher, James 35
John 35, 306
Nathaniel 35«303
Tobias 269
Mellen, Charles 702
John 512
Mellows, Samuel 733
Meloon, Ebenezer 540
Enoch 35
Joseph 21, 25,386
Josiah 312
Nathaniel 382, 386
Nathaniel, Jr 386
Melvin, Benjamin 708
Enoch 235
Menden, James 433
Mendum, John 268
Nathaniel 260, 269
Merriam, Isaac 92
John 606
John, Jr 606
Merrill, Abel 626
Abiathar 422, 423
Amos 373, 708, 710, 719
Asaph 503, 585
Bayley 719
Benjamin 163, 485, 488
Boswell 454
Daniel P 380
David 380, 716
Dean 163
Dudley 380
Eiiphalet 309, 440
Enoch 376, 380, 38 r, 488
Ford 488
Giles 235
Henry 666
Isaac 65
Jacob 233. 235
Jacob, Jr 235
James 16, 211-213, 486
Jeremiah 585
Merrill, Jesse 373, 488
John 144, 380, 716
John, Jr 378
Joseph. .14, 372, 380, 440, 488
Joshua 624
Nathaniel. ..372, 378, 438, 708
Peter.. 144. 372, 708, 710, 715
719
Peter, Jr 708, 715
Phinehas 1 52
Thomas., .434
Timothy 372, 719
Merrow, Benjamin 333, 336
James 350
Joshua 342
Samuel 333-335
Merryfield, Benjamin 675
Messenger, Samuel 470, 635
Messer, Daniel 518
David . . .^ yn
How 5
James H 6
John 377
Joseph 9
Nathaniel S 7, 9
Samuel i, 3, 5, 6, 9
Samuel H 7
Thomas 518, 600
Zaccheus 9
Meserve, Colonel 18
Georse 732
Jonathan 340
Metcalf, Eiias 50
Joseph 14, 16
Nathan 635
Mighill. E 27
John 27
Samuel 14, 27
Miles, Archelaus 70, 72. 74
Daniel 452
Josiah 70, 73/39^399
Noah 564
Reuben 74
William 397
Miller, Alexander 116, 241
Benjamin 50, 260
Elizabeth 177. 179
Dr. Heber 659, 660
Isaac 594-597
James 35, 184. 188, 235
702, 725
Jeremiah 240
John 188, 237
Joseph 240, 334, 561, 630
INDEX.
829
Miller, Mark 342
Nicodemus 462
Samuel 184, 698
Samuel, Jr 698
Thomas 725
William 188
Millet, John 555
Thomas 334, 757
Millikeu, Alexander 550, 551
James 506, 561
Samuel 506, 507, 561
William 506, 561
Mills, Bradbury loi
Jacob 273
John.. .106, 251, 297, 698, 703
Samuel 251
Miltimore, Daniel 726
James 701
Miner, Clement 454
Eliphalet ..203, 455
Rosil *. 204
Thomas 1 23
Minot, Jonas.. i, 2, 4, 444
Samuel 649, 653
Mitchell. A^nes 179
Benjamin 184
Isaac 176,184,185
James 176
John.. .102, 179, 184, 185, 701
John, Jr 698
Jonathan 188
Philip 386
Robert 34
Samuel 183, 184, 188, 679
William 176
Mixer, Ezekiel 665, 669
Moffatt, John 268, 271, 277
Mrs 576
R. C 576
Samuel 269, 270, 272
Montgomery, David 701
Hugh 702, 717
John 701, 719
Robert 702
Moody, Rev. Amos.. 143, 150, 151
Bradstreet 404
Clement 414
Daniel 312, 502, 582, 585
Daniel, Jr 582, 585
Josiah 582, 585, 649
Josiah.Jr 503, 582
Richard 503, 582, 585
Mooney. Hercules 145 , 264
Moor, D 1 78
Moor. Daniel 1 53, 163
David 561
Fairbanks 653
James 174, 561, 719
John, Jr 165
Josiah 591
Robert 166, 698
Thomas 482
William.... 1 54, 188, 590, 652
653* 699, 719
Moore, Dr. Adams 758
Charles 568
Charles. Jr 568
Daniel 164
George 700, 701
Harvey 488
Henry 567
Hugh 695, 702
James 154,567
John 88, 92, s^f 607, 702
John, Jr s^7
Mary. 261
Peter 485
Robert 568, 700, 701
Samuel 261
Theodosius 694
Thomas 488
Thomas, Jr 488
William 16
William, Jr 16, 484
Moores, Benjamin 134
David 549
Moorland, James 379
John 373» 379
William 373
Mordaunt, Charles 174
More, Robert 698
William 488
Mores, William 21
Moreton, Nathaniel 79
Morey, Arthur 116
Israel 126-133, 136, 225
Jonathan 342
Levi 318
Samuel T38
Morgan, Benjamin 397
Jeremiah 164
John 5-9, 21
John, Jr 7
Jonathan loi, 588
Reuben 22
Roland 97
Samuel 9
Morrill, Abel 628
830
INDEX.
Morrill, Benjamin 504
Daniel 380, 616, 619
Ephraim 519
Ezekiel 165
Green 96
Henry 405
John 106, 621
John, Jr 105
Joseph.. •• 105
Levi 76
Nathaniel 94, 107, 437
Peter,Jr 373
Simeon 702
William 21,621
Zebulon 620, 621
Morris, Moses 96
William 35
Morrison, Abram 465
Abraham 568
Alexander 364
David.. 103, 343, 397, 403, 728
David, Jr 404
Ebenezer 393, 396, 399
Ebenezer, Jr 403
Isaac ■ 166
James 103, 106
John. ...73, 176, 178-180, 184
185, 3991698.699,714-716
John, Jr 403
Jonathan 176, 397
Joseph 568, 702, 718
Robert 96, 184, 715
Samuel 178, 364, 367-370
396. 397. 455. 568, 698, 702
708, 712, 715, 716
Samuel, Jr 568
Thomas.176, 401,403, 549, 551
William 103
Morrow, Alexander 715, 716
John 698
William 702
Morse, Benjamin 64, 65
Daniel 64
Elijah 463
Ezekiel 309
Henry 528, 536
Isaac 586
Jonathan 231
tosiah 407, 409
loody * 378, 380
Moses 391
Samuel 235
Thomas. ••••.. .404, 491 , 493
Morton, Peter 647
Moses, Daniel 504
James 239, 240
Joseph 241
Josiah 257, 258
Samuel 277
Samuel, Jr 35
Theodore 277
Thomas • 36
William 36
Motts, Jacob 554
Moulton, Daniel 17, 251, 260
416
David 406
Enemiah 367
Ezekiel 541
Henry 17
Jeremiah • 80
John. 130, 132
Jonathan.... 81, 131, 413, 538
541
Jonathan, Jr 126
Joseph 17, 35, 79, 84, 260
Joseph, Jr. 269
osiah 80
Nehemiah 362, 370
Noah 568
Radmund 86
Reuben 363, 367, 368, 416
Rice 144
Samuel 84, 364
Thomas 17
William I7f 79t 80, 81
Mountford, Timothy 271, 300
Muchmore, James 72, 73, 1 55
Mudgett, Eiisha 416
Mulloon, Daniel 16
Ebenezer 16
John 16
Munn, John 647
Munroe, John 594, 596
Josiah 183
Nathan. 635
Philip 516
Thomas 593, 596
William 493
Munsel, Stiles 203
Murdough, Nathan 17, 590
Thomas 725, 727
Murphy, Patrick 433
Murrey, John 348
Patrick 435
Muzzey, John. ...146, 147, 149, 468
594. 597. 7o»
William 493
INDEX.
831
Nash, Littlefield 200
Samuel 89
Timothy 89
Nason, John 25
Richard 405
Nay, Samuel 31 1, 31 2
William 176
Neal, Ebenezer 82, 84
Eliphalet 28
Hubartus... .21, 29, 30, 31, 34
41.45
Hubartus, Jr 34
Jeremiah 486
John 17,27,34
Jonathan 240
Joshua 17
Josiah 84
Robert 35
Samuel. 14, 16, 22, 31, 584, 585
Walter 84, 240
William 34, 503, 584
William, Jr 585
Zebulon. 27, 34
Nealey, Andrew 23
John.. .16, 23, 94, 99, 103, 106
Joseph 38, loi
Matthew 103
William 23, 103
Needham, Nathaniel 677
Neil], William.. 701
Nelson, Asa. 518
John 269, 277, 452
Mark 36, 269, 273, 277
Matthew 239
Nesmith, Benjamin 372
Thomas 701
Nevens, David 227, 228
James 270, 272
John 152,227, 228
Robert 147-149
Robert, Jr 149
Nevins, David 373. 379, 716
Newell, Joseph 319, 320
Newman, Thomas 359
Newmarch, John 271-273, 277
Thomas 260
Newton, William 385
Nicholson, John 531
Nichols, Alexander 701
Andrew 524
George 389
Ichabod 35
John 70,71,364, 395
Moses 204,571
Nichols, Nathan 36
Pelatiah 455
Samuel 599
Nickerson, Joshua 541
Joshua, Jr 541
Reuben 541
Niles, Barnabas 355
Rev. Mr 355
Thomas 355, 357
Nims, Calvin 493
Eliakim 493
Frederick 494
George 493
Philander 493
2^doc 491
Noble, John 251, 269, 271, 299
301
Lazarus 238
Moses 260, 272
Obadiah 133
Rev. Mr 130
Stephen 252, 432
Nock, Jedidiah 296
Nathan 342
Noel, Samuel 240
Norris, Andrew 165
Benjamin. ...17, 159, 160, 481
Benjamin, Jr 18
Jacob..... 94
Jeremiah 488
Jonathan 18, 343
Joseph 486, 488
Moses 94
Zebulon 22, 93
Northumberland, Earl of 451
Norton, Benjamin 18
Dudley 370
William 18
Nott, Jesse 61 1
John 611
Thomas 503
Norway, James. 238
Noyes, Christopher B 236
Daniel 164
Enoch 167-169, 21 1
Isaac 220, 222
James 211, 220, 221
John 154-156
Nathan 163
Nathaniel 211
Samuel 159, 166
Sylvanus 220
Thomas 211
Timothy 221
832
INDEX.
Nudd, Benjamin 15, 29
John 84
Joseph 741
Simon 81
Thomas 17, 590
Nute, Abraham 348
Francis 350
John 336.337
Jotham 340, 351
Samuel 343, 344, 351
Samuel, Jr 351
Nutter, George 307
Henry 269, 286
James , 347
Richard 336,33^
Richard, Jr 342
Thomas 350
Winthrop 343
Nutting, Benjamin 506
Ober, Israel 372, 379
John 144,697
John, Jr 697
Odell, James. 489
Thomas 17, 23, 485
Odiorne, B 269
Benjamin 342
Ebenezer 257, 258, 269
Samuel 295
Thomas 415
William 34, 271
Olcott, Rev. Bulkley 602
Peter 765
Simeon 112, 113, 545,602
Oldham, Abel 694
Oliver, Aaron 555
Olmstead, Ichabod 358
Samuel 354
Ordway, John 364, 435
Joseph 372
Moses 211, 220
Samuel 372, 618
Tristram 216
Ormsby, Ichabod 117
Ornes, Thaddeus 114
Orr,John 633
Osborne, George Jerry 36, 277
Osgood, Abner 89
Chase 404
Christopher 1 72
Elijah 493
Ezra 467, 491, 493, 635
James. ..73, 398, 593, 595, 596
James W 493
Osgood, John 312, 635
John, Jr 635
Joshua 491 . 635
Timothy 312
Oughterson, David 699
James 699
Joseph 698
Owen, Joel 92
Mark 698, 703
Silvanus 757
Packard, John 202
Mark 694
Robert 657
Packer, Thomas 143, 241, 270
Page, Abraham 21
Asa 211
Benjamin 21, 84, 297, 344
644,647
Currier 648
Daniel 21, 343, 344
David 89, 93, 94, 434, 596
David, Jr 84
Dudley 84
Ebenezer. ..106, 312, 372. 380
396.643
Ephraim 446
Francis 79
Henry 409
Isaac 702
James 21, 211
Jeremiah 1*615
Jesse 211, 375
John.. 377, 381. 436, 623, 642-
646,648
Jonathan. . . .84, 381, 412, 518
643
Joseph 79, 93, 107, 343
Moses. .89, 211, 401, 412, 475
643
Peter 208
Reuben 326, 702
Samuel 646
Simon 84
Stephen 84, 211
True 645, 647
William 541
Paige, John 641,643
Jonathan 641
Lemuel 641
Samuel 640
Samuel, Jr 640
Paine, Amos 363
Daniel 117
INDEX.
833
Paine, Ebenezer 117
Payne, Daniel, Jr 116
David 117
Elisha ..116, 125, 229, 761,764
Palmer, Aaron 204
Barnabas 336, 343
Daniel 427
Dudley 351
Ebenezer 149
Elnathan 757
Growth 23
James 614
John... 340, 344, 351, 614, 616
737
Jonathan 79, 309, 590, 591
614
Jonathan, Jr 309
Joseph 16, S4
JoRhua 408, 409
Richard 16, 565
Samuel 343* 35*
Samuel, Jr 80
Simon 616
Thomas .36, 268, 285
William.. 1 7, 79, 340, 343, 351
Pappune. Philip 427
Park, Alexander 698, 715, 716
718
Andrew 716
Edward 35
Robert 698, 716
Parks, Benjamin 565
Elijah 327
Samuel 458,461, 463
Parker, Abel 184
Ablel 563
Abijah 660
Amasa 521, 528-530
Benjamin... 272, 274, 314, 553
B ,520
Ephraim 343
Ezra 689, 693, 694
Ezra, Jr 694
Hezekiah •••517-519
Jesse 518
John 164, 287
Jonathan.... 163, 200, 270, 272
3«4
Jonathan, Jr 200
Joseph 163,343
Josiah 553
Matthew S 733, 736, 740
Nathan 694
Nathaniel • 441
66
Parker, Noah 271. 280
Oliver 456-460, 463, 465
Robert 35, 286, 300
Samuel 144, 166, 326
Thomas, Jr 314
William 35, 257. 258, 260
263, 271, 314,418,420
Zachariah 223, 235
Parkhurst, Andrew 566
Jabez 118
John 1 15-123
Jonathan 202, 203
Nathan 202, 203
Noah 524, 525
Simeon 114, 115
Parmalee, Ezra. .. .48, 49, 51, 599
Parrott, John 285
Parry, Edward 746
Martin 35» 3^3
Stephen • 50
Parsons, Abraham 26
Amos S 304
Captain 294
Job • 41
John 41
Joseph..364, 366,368, 370,396
Josiah 29, 33, 486
Moro 21
Rev. William 435, 436
Partridge. Benjamin 35
Jonathan 25 1
William 243, 251
Patch, Joseph 623
Pattee, Edward 372, 379
Jerediah 372
Jonathan 376
Peter 373
Richard .... 144, 372, 570
Seth 144^372
Patten, John... .556, 561, 565. 701
Robert 725
Patterson, David ... 565
George 571
Isaac 196
James 702
John 192, 761
Peter 568, 700, 701
Thomas 718
William 702
Paul, John 675
Moses 239
Payson, John C 306
Peabody. Asa 702
Colonel 183, 201
834
INDEX.
Peabodv, David 702
Ephrairo 678
Nathaniel.. 195, 3io, 211, 223
Stephen 32 1 , 324, 325
Pearce, Daniel 653
Pearl, Abraham 336
Dimond 336, 342
John 14
Joseph 333.342
Pearne, William 269
Pearse, Peter 36, 273, 274, 277
300» 303
Pearson, Daniel 614
Ebenezer 679
George 678
Jacob 22
John 21, 621
Samuel 621, 679
Stephen 152
Thomas 679
William 679
William, Jr 679
Pease, Eliphalet 21
Nathaniel 13
Peaslee, Abraham 518
Daniel 372, 375, 697
David 55, 59,60, 516, 518
Elijah 423
Isaac 517, 518
James 55t 60, 61
John 55, 60, 62, 65
John, Jr 55,61
ioseph. ..55, 57, 58, 61, 63, 65
loses 55, 60, 61, 63
Nathan 55, 60
Nathaniel 60
Peter 517
Simeon 2i8, 221
Simon 220
Timothy 518
Peaver, James N 423
Peavey, Anthony 342
Daniel 342
Daniel, Jr 347
Edward 17, 106
John 268
Samuel 17
Thomas 336, 342
Peirce, Benjamin 54. 666
Daniel. ..35, 67, 257, 258. 567
572. 659
David 584
D 81,251,263,270
Elbha 694
Peirce, Ezra 673
John.. ..35, 251, 255, 257, 258
301, 305* 545, 567. 570, 665
694
{oseph 567
)r. Joseph 261, 262
Joshua 104, 249, 586
Joshua, Jr 251
Levi 561, 563, 565
Nathaniel 35, 104, 251
Nehemiah 667
Nicholas 503, 584, 586
Noah 36
William 553
Pendexter, John 269
Penhallow, John . .36, 270-273, 277
283-287,289, 291
Samuel. .36, 243, 264, 267, 272, 277
286,293
Samuel, Jr.. 36
Penn, Elizabeth. 522
Penniman, Achra 541
Jonathan 541
Thomas 468, 633, 635
Pepperell, Sir William 261
Percy, Thomas 451
Pere, Israel 427
Perkins, Abel. 329
Abraham 399
Benjamin 340, 591
David 724, 726-729
Elisha 117, 585
Ephraim 347
Ichabod 501, 504
Jabesh 586
Jacob 231,584, 585
James 17, 368
James L 72, 75
John.... 22, 25, 32, 72-75» 340
407
Jonathan 198
Joseph 585
Joshua 427
Moses 565, 737
Nathaniel 72, 74, 75, 505
Richard 25, 344
Robert 72, 73
Solomon 336, 341
Thomas 334, 335, 589. 591
Thomas, Jr 589
Whittier 505
William A 73, 75, 76
William, Jr 10
Zaccheus 595, 597
INDEX.
835
Perley, David, 3d 401
Rev. Samuel 421
Thomas 324
Perry, Abijah 551, 553
Abraham 18
David 204, 205, 207
Ebenezer • • ' 55 ^
Jonas 551, 681
Obadiah 516
Pervere, John 405, 407, 409
Jonathan 407
Peters, Absalom 645
Ebenezer 318
Richard i 694
Pettee, Zephaniah. . . .443, 445, 448
Pettigrew, Alexander 200
Stephen S 203
Pettingill, Abbott.... 372, 377, 378
Asa. 378
Benjamin... •• 211, 391
Benjamin, Jr 391
C 391
David. 395
Jonathan 398, 577
Mary 679
Matthew... .386, 443, 446, 448
Peverley, Jonathan 240
{oseph ... .88. 90, 92, 475, 477
Utbaniel 241
Thomas 91, 92, 475
Thomas, Jr 91
Phelps, Alexander 129
Davenport 136, 197
Edward 635
Levi 635
Samuel 133, 153. 163
Philbrick, Benjamin • .17, 211, 517
Caleb 16
David 538
Elias 23, 93
James 33 ^ 3^3
Jedidiah 406
John 17,77
Jonathan 363, 368, 540
Joseph 368, 371
Joseph, Jr 368
Joses 21, 304
Nathan 21
Nathaniel 96
Robert T 17
Samuel 16
Titus 363
Philbrook, Eliphalet 591
Jonathan 240
Philbrook, Joseph 360
Joses 360
Reuben 367
William 239
Phillips, Gov. Adolph 755
Andrew 537
Benjamin 227
John 269
Phipps, Thomas 241, 250
Sir William 321
Pickens, Ephraim, Jr 343
Pickering, Anthony 22
Anthony, Jr 22, 26
Benning 72
Ephraim 298, 369
John . .205, 240, 242, 243, 246
264, 287, 289, 293
John, Jr 277
Joshua 71, 645
Levi 22, 32
Samuel 32
Thomas. . . .240, 250, 251, 344
Pierce, Benjamin O/y
Daniel 424, 440
Ezekiel 116
George 240, 260
John 117
Nathaniel 1 16
William 678
Pigsley, Alexander 125
Pike, Austin 582
John 100, 433
Joseph 321 , 324
Nathaniel 241
Philip 240
Robert. .13, 14, 17, 21, 31, 34
438
Solomon 260
Thomas 7.9
Uriah 231
Pilsbury. Enoch 95
James 96
John H 442
Joseph 641
Josiah 647
Merrill 644, 646, 648
Rev. Mr 97
Pineo, Jeremy 28
Pingree, Jeremiah 9
Pingrey, Job 715, 717
Stephen • 717
Pinkerton, John 698, 718
Pinkham, Jonathan 342
Nathaniel 350
836
INDEX.
Pinkham, Otis. 350
Thomas 339, 342
Piper, Benjamin 17, 163, 172
David 740
Gideon 165, 166
John 485,736. 740
Jonathan* Jr 485
Nathan 165
Nathaniel. . . 13, 16, 94, 96/99
166, 401
Samuel 16, 163
Samuel, Jr. .482
Stephen 488
Thomas.. 17, 94, 96, 107, 736
740
Thomas, Jr 740
Thomas, 3d 94
Pitcher, George 448
Pitman, Ezekiel 35
Jabez • 239
John 35
Joseph 140
Nathaniel 35
Samuel 239
Pitts, Sarah 358
Thomas 358
Place. Amos 342, 344, 347
David 336, 338, 341
Ebenezer 334-336, 34'
Ebenezer, Jr 336, 341
George 336, 338, 342
James 335,336,343
John 338,342
JohnM 343
Jonathan 342, 343
Moses 342
Paul .... 343
Richard 338
Samuel 35
Plaisted, George 307
Ichabod 260
John 242, 243
Jonathan 238
William 303. 541
Plummer, Beard 342, 349
John 336
Joseph 342, 350
Kelley 409
Ramsley 698
Samuel 343. 405
Thomas 343
Poland, Josiah 140
Pollard, Ezekiel 308
Hezekiah 214
Pollard, John 214
Polley, Ebenezer 635
Joseph 695, 710
Richard 269
Pomeroy, William 238
Pool, Samuel, Jr 202, 203
Simeon 202, 203
Poor, Daniel, Jr 211
Eliphalet 211
Gen. Enoch 327, 344
Jeremiah ....211
Jonathan 211
Pope, Jonathan 240
Samuel. ,K 725, 727
Simeon 637
Porter, Asa 643
Billy 374
John 84, 232-235
Noah 313
Potter, Benjamin 17
Hugh 212
Robert 561
Pottle, Samuel 488
Simon 17, 488
William 16
William, Jr 16,488
William, 3d 488
Powell, Benjamin. 637
David. ■ 493
Jonathan 493
Joseph 493
Thomas, Jr 493
Powers, Abner 313, 316, 454
Elliot 565
Gideon 561, 565
Rev. Grant 126, 191
James 46
Joseph 313
Moses 529, 530
Nathaniel 313
Peter 314, 565
Peter, Jr 314
Stephen 314
Thomas 313
Rev. Thomas W 53
Pratt, Edward 565
James 491
Jeremiah 694
Jonathan 133, 134
Joseph 137
Josiah 133
Thomas 734
Pray. John 255, 257, 260
Preast, Thomas 35
INDEX.
837
Prentice, John 508
Nathaniel S 599, 600
Presbury, Nathan 14
Prescott, Abraham 21
Benjamin 309, 354
Bradbury 416
Dominicus 416
Ebenezer 312
EHsha 397, 399
Jedidiah 21
Jedidiah, Jr 21
John 21, 403, 413
Jonathan 594, 597
Joseph 397,399
Joseph, Jr. 398
Joseph, 3d 403
Josiah 21
Samuel. ..21, 38, 397,400, 404
Samuel, Jr 39^
Stephen 21, 401
William.. 22, 93, 95, 107, 397-
400
William, Jr 400
Pressey, Charles 409
James 616, 620
Paskey 614-621
William 517, 518
Presson, William 355, 357, 359
Preston, John 240, 251
Samuel 725, 727, 730
Priest, Joseph i f i
Prime, Joshua J 524
Prince, Isaac yj
Pringle, Thomas 190
Proctor, Isaac 633, 634, 727
Josiah 627, 728
Josiah, Jr 729
Nathan 627
Robert 465
William 627, 633, 635
Prouty, Simeon 665
Pudington, Benjamin 240
Purcell, Gregory 269-274
Jonathan 340
Purmort, Richard 385
Putnam. Ephraim .678
Ephraim, Jr 678
Francis 665, 678. 68r
Jacob ..553, 678
Jacob, Jr 678
Jonathan 237
Joseph 553.678
Nathaniel 553
Philip 553, 678-684
Putnam, Stephen. 548, 550, 553, 678
Thomas 602
Putney, Asa 621, 645, 648
James 645, 648
Jo.seph 645, 647
Pyncheon, William 568
Quenbe, Joseph 416
Quimby, Aaron 588
David 406
Harper 404
John 207, 450, 451
Jonathan 590
Samuel • • . .405
Timothy 450
Quincy, Edmund H 35, 300
Quint, Thomas 296
Rackliff, William 238, 264
Radman, John 103
Rae, Ebenezer 201
Ralle, Sabastian 753, 754
Railings, Benjamin 403
Rallins. Jotham 399
Reuben 398
Ramsey, James 702
John 701
Jonathan 607
Hugh 355
Matthew 355-359
Thomas 355, 359
Rand, Amos 17
Benjamin 495, 502
Benjamin, Jr 502
Billy 304
Dowst 367
George 368
Israel 367, 371, 616, 620
John 343, 364, 370
John, 3d 364
Jonathan..... 620
Joseph. 304, 363, 364, 367, 368
370
Joseph, Jr 363, 367, 370
Joshua 364, 370
Lemuel 396
Nathaniel. ..304, 364, 367, 370
Nathaniel, Jr 371
Richard .17, 364
Robert 496
Samuel .298, 304, 364, 367. 369
Stephen 367
Thomas 21, 370
Thomas J 38
838
INDEX,
Rand, William 21, 364
Randall. Abraham 535
Benjamin 666
Samuel 407
Randell, Daniel 72, 75
George 367, 368. 370
George, Jr 370
Hezekiah 23
Israel 33, lii
John 1 1 1. 343
Jonathan 1 1 1
Moses 398
Nathaniel 23, loi
Thomas 96
Rankin, James 570
Samuel 698,703
William 698
Rann, Samuel 347
Ranney, Thomas S 405
Rawlings, Anthony 342
Btrnjamin 377, 38 1
Henry 350
James 237
John 3^2
Jonathan 209
Joshua 342
Jotham 401,489
Nicholas ,489
Rawlins, John 17, 296
Joshua 17
Stephen 93, 95
Thomas 23
Rawson, Jonathan... .37, 341, 344
Ray, John 719
William 103
Raymond, John 746
Razey, Pelatiah 530
Read, Benjamin 206, 347, 597
Daniel 315, 318
David • 206
Eleazer 314
Elisha 204, 206
Jonathan 206
Joseph 226, 235, 314
Joshua 635
Mark 348
Moses 318
Samuel 204, 206
Reade, Michael 742
Reading, John, Jr 35
Red ford, William 237, 239
Redingion, Asa 677
Reed, Benjamin 594, 595, 597
George 702
Reed, Col. James. . • .316, 657, 681
John 36
Jostph 554
M icah ^ 670
Nathan 635
Philip 257
Thomas 676
William 599
Reid, Abraham 702, 715, 716
George >34t 34i
Matthew ....715, 716
Remele, Rev. John 49, 50
Remick, Enoch 22
John 35 1
John, Jr 350
Rendall, Edward 364
George 364
James loi
Mark 364
Mason 22, iii
M OSes 400
Nathan... loi
W 1111am • ••••*.•••••.•••. lo
Renton, William 27, 33
Reynolds, Hezekiah 657
Jedidiah 48, 49
Owen 414
Thomas 414
Rice, Isaac 202, 203
Lemuel 313
Seth 308
William 307
Rich, Amos 757
Jonas 590
Richards, Bartholomew 737
Benjamin 211
Daniel 211
Joel 724, 728, 729
John 336,344
John, 2d 194
Jonathan 343
Jonathan, Jr 344
Joseph 333.334
Joseph, Jr 335
Joseph, 3d 335
iosiah 630, 631
'aul 694
SamuHl 334, 343
Thomas 269
Tristram 339
Richardson, Amos 144
Asa 146-149
Bradbury 540
Christopher 309
INDEX.
839
Richardson, Daniel , .309
David 235
Ebenezer 149, 708
£ri 149
Henry 1 44
Jeremiah 396
John 342
Jonas 140,708
Joseph. . 149, 540, 554, 563, 574
Lemuel 344
Luther 89
Moses 45 1
Nathaniel 455
Paul 690
Philip, Jr 149
Richard 455, 465, 466
Samuel 1 49
Stephen 625
Thomas 559, 563, 565, 595
597
Timothy 343
William., 143, 144, 149
William, Jr 144
Zaccheus 554
Richev, Alexander 698
Hugh 102
Thomas 102
William 176
Ricker, Benjamin. 427
Ebenezer 343, 350, 424
Ebenezer, Jr 342
Ezekiel 34^ . 433
George 433
Jerediah 351
John 351, 426
Lemuel 351
Moses 428
Timothy ^ 343, 589
Tobias 342
Rideout, Benjamin 553
John 235
Rider, Daniel 593, 694
John 565
Rindge, Daniel 2, 35, 116, 270
271. 30«. 303. 305. 3>4» 321
424
Isaac. ..251, 258, 273, 424, 425
Jonn 314.424
{otham 424
Lobert 568
Rines, William 71, 74, 75
Ripley, Daniel 694
Eleazer 694
Ripley, James 206
Levi 694
Nathaniel 694
William 206
Roach, David 347
Heard 343
John 343.348.637
Thomas 35
Robbe, Alexander.... 185, 187, 188
Andrew • 634
David 465
John 465
William 184, 188
William, Jr 184
Robbins, Asa 236
Jonathan 235
Jonathan, Jr 235
Josiah • 554
Jotham 486
Samuel 675
Solomon 667, 669
Roberts, Abraham 202
Charles 35
Daniel 204
Edmund 36
Elisha 637
Francis 433
George 433
Jesse 201-203
Joseph 243,757
Love 433.757
Moses 342
Perley 200-203
Shubael 350
Thomas 338. 343
Timothy.... 332-338, 343, 351
Timothy, Jr 336, 338
Ziba 199, 201-203
Robertson, Andrew 166
Gain 235
James 160, 168
Robert 272, 274
William 166
Robeson, Samuel 343
Robey, John 84
John, Jr 84
Jonathan 518
Samuel 84, 450
Robie, Enoch 21
Ichabod 637
John 642
Samuel 38, 450, 451, 614
Thomas 21, 79
Walter • 310
840
INDEX.
Robinson, Benjamin. 397, 403, ^486
Benjamin, Jr 73, 398, 403
Caleb 466, 61 7
David... .2 1, 166, 328, 401, 482
James 167, 403
John. ... 17, 348, 396, 398, 428
486
Jonathan. ..16, 17, 27, 33, 466
Joseph 17,23
Josiah 312, 486, 737
Levi 23, 397
Nathaniel 17
Noah 411
Peter 1 59, 702
Richard 312
Shadrach 488
Simeon 74, 399
Thomas 1 73
William 396, 397
Roche, James 726, 728, 729
John 724-728
John, Jr 724-729
Rock wood, Ebenezer. 682
Thomas 694
Roe, Jonathan 238
Rogers, Charles 336
Daniel R 35
Daniel.. 260, 271, 273, 286, 300
303* 305. 340. 424. 594, 596
Daniel, Jr 342
Daniel, 3d 343
Dr. Daniel 104
George 260
James 335, 336
Rev. James 54, 247
John 235, 599, 702
Nathaniel 27,34, 115, 136
255, 267, 260, 272
Robert 385, 701
William 698, 716
Rolings, Thomas 97
Rolins, Jeremiah 757
Nathaniel 21
Rollings, David 380, 716
John 716
Rollins, Benjamin 343, 401
Caleb...; 481
Edward 342, 348
Elisha 484
Henry 350
John 434
Joshua 484
Nicholas 484, 486
Rollins, Stephen 380
Valentine 25, 343
Root, Levi 191
Samuel 193
Ropes, George 138
Rose. Elisha 554
William 269
Ross, John 260
Jonathan 239
Roswell, Sir Henry 322, 323
Rounseval, Joseph. ..456, 467, 627
628, 632, 636
Rousselet, N 307
Rowe, James 491, 493
John 386, 492
Theophilus 493
Thomas 240, 241
Rowell, Asa 373, 379
Benoni 372
Captain 332, 333
Christopher 60
Daniel 92, 452
Edward 452
Jacob 60, 64, 376, 381
James 38 1
John 372
Jonathan 519
Josiah 373
Josiah, Jr 373
Lemuel 376, 381
Philip. .373, 376, 379, 381, 615
Rice ... 103
Samuel 377, 641
Thomas 519, 520, 614
William.. 55-58, 61, 02, 66, 405
407, 409
William, Jr 64
Rawlings, Joths^m 489
Nicholas. . . .484, 486, 487, 490
Royce, Bildad 635
Royse, Ruel 599
Silas 657
Vere 116
Rugg. Elijah 493
John 653
Rundlett, Charles 396
Edmund 403
Jacob 485, 590
John 17,488
Reuben 403
Solomon 297
Theophilus 397, 398
William 403, 489
Runnels, Alexander 202
INDEX.
841
Rannels, Daniel 7^2
James 344
J ose ph 343
Moses 294
Thomas 372,37^
Russell, Daniel 174, 182, 326
E 271, 272, 28s
Eleazer 260
Ezekiel 269
George 7'8
Joel 330
Josiah 199-201
Mary 33°
Silas 516
William 294, 514
Rust. Henry 273, 733, 736, 740
Henry. Jr 73^. 74©
Rev. Mr 4^2
Richard 16, 488, 73^
Ryan, James 236
Rymes, Samuel 36
Sabings. Ebenezer. . 204
Saflford, John 627, 634, 635
Salisbury, James 694
Salter, Alexander 304, 370
John 271, 300. 304, 307
Michael 133, 134
Richard 270
Titus. . . .35, 216, 218, 270 271
304, 344, 5^
Samson, Abner 627
Zadoc 92
Sanborn, Aaron 393, 396
Abiathar 17
Abner 403
Abijah 394, 397-399
Abraham.. .391. 445, 448, 503
578, 584* 5^^^ 650
Abraham. Jr 5^5
Amos 541
Benaiah 73, 397, 400
Benjamin... 386-388, 394, 399
650
Chase 403
Christopher 403
Coffin 403, 404
Coffin, Jr 403
Daniel. . .73, 77, 81, 393. 396-
400
Daniel, Jr 73, 397, 399
David 393, 405
Dudley 422, 423
Ebenezer. ..77, 81, 82, 84, 399
Sanborn, Elisha 16
Ezekiel 13, 737
Francis 74
Henry 22. 93
Isaac. 445« 448
James 73, 398. 399
Jeremiah 73. 396, 399
Jeremiah, Jr 73, 402
Jethro 33, 405. 406. 4'6
John.. 16, 32, 73, 386, 392. 393
397* 399» 401, 405» 407. 4^9
John, Jr 73
John, 3d 73. 398.400
Jonathan. ...2 1, 72, 73, 76, 94
99*396
Jonathan C 407, 409
Jonathan H 73. 398, 399
Joseph 22
Joseph C 405
Joseph H 403
Josiah 17, 394, 396, 399
Josiah, Jr 397, 398
Josiah, 4th 403
Josiah, 7th 401
Levi 403
Moses 406, 407
Paul 586, 590
Peter 409
Phinehas 585
Richard loi
Samuel 407, 409
Sanborn * 74
Sherburne 406, 407
Simeon .386, 387
Simon 650
Thomas 84
Tobias 16
William 17.76, 84, 105
Sanders, David 645
Henry 144, 696, 697
James 717
Joseph 373
Joshua 373
Moses 55
Oliver 696
Robert 367, 371
Robert, Jr 367, 37o
Samuel 373*382,697
Timothy 696
William I4407N 373» 697
Saunders, John..376, 381, 396, 403
Michael 635
Oliver 373. 37^, 3^1
Sanderson, Enoch 541
842
INDEX.
Sanderson, John 140, 541
Sanger, Benjamin 694
Jedidiah 514
Nathan 694
Sargent, Aaron 439
Abner 619
Amasa 7, 9
Anthony 5-7, 9
Benjamin 617, 619-621'
Charles 56, 59, 60
David 64, 409
Ebenezer 5, 7, 9, 65
Ebenezer, Jr. 7
Edward 35, 286, 304, 307
Elias 701
Fitz-William 14
Jacob 701
John 9
Moses 56, 59
Nathaniel 81
Noah 64
Peter 5-9
Peter. Jr 7,9
Philip.... 64,166
Samuel 64
Simeon • 165
Sterling. 165
Stephen 56« 59
Trueworthy 701
Valentine 348
Zebadiah 220
Sartwell Simon.... 602
Sattington. Richard 116
Savage, Job 22, 27
John ..••..... .240, 251
Joseph 26, 32
Sawyer. Abner. . • 595, 596
Amos ....219
Benjamin...* 89
Bezaleel 327
Daniel 93
Dill 89, 475
Edmond 614, 621
Enoch 211
Gideon 74, 75
Ichabod 138
John 89, 443, 448, 450
Jonathan 138, 219
Joseph .• 614, 621
Josiah 105, 561
Joiham 73. 75
Moses 386
Nurse 681
Silvanus 194
Sawyer, Thomas. 130
Scagel, John 140
Scales, Abraham I03» 106
iames 504
f atthew 448
Scammell, Col. Alexander 100
228, 315, 333, 393, 497
Scammon, Richard 4S8
Richard, Jr 488
Samuel 488
William 486,489
Scate, Benjamin 350
John 351
Scheli, Benjamin 17
Schuyler, General 705
Scott. Abel 694
Abram 694
Alexander 458, 462, 465
Charles 202, 203
David 465
Ebenezer 694
Edward 16
Elisha 526
James 465, 467
Kobert • 199, 203
Timothy 202
William 181, 188
Scranton, Stephen 497
Scribner, Benjamin 386
Ebenezer 386
Edward 386
Iddo 386
Samuel 383, 388
Seagar, Caleb 9
Searle, Daniel 565
David 562
Rev. Jonathan 386, 391
Joseph 505
William 385,565
William, Jr 561
Searls, John 314
Thomas 708
Seaver, Samuel 635
Seavey, Amos 370
Daniel 347, 367
Ebenezer 370
Isaac .368
Ithamar 336
James 304, 364, 370, 371
James, Jr 304 , 370
John. 304, 368, 370
Joseph 29, 363, 367, 370
Joseph L 304
Mark 277
INDEX.
843
Seavey, Paul 304
William. 36, 304, 363, 367. 371
William, Jr 304. 360
Seaward, George 36, 269
Giles... 35, 269, 270, 273, 286
John 35
Joseph 307
Joshua 35
Shackford 35
Selley, Benjamin 641
John 641
Senter, Abraham 295, 296
Asa • 717
Edward 235
John 702
Joseph 357, 698, 732
Lieut 710
Moses 416, 545, 702
Reuben 698
Samuel 698
Severance, Albe 553, 563
Asa 327, 561 , 563
Benjamin 563
Daniel 627
Ephraim 627
John 21
Joseph 391
Martin 652
Richard 268
Sewall, Jonathan 568
Jonathan.M 289, 303
Seward, Abijah 493
Henry 240
Joseph 493
Josiah 491 , 493, 635
Josiah, Jr 493
Samuel 491 , 494, 635
Samuel, Jr 493
Thomas 493
Shackford. John 271
John, Jr 260
Jonathan 240
William.... 238, 268, 271, 273
Shannon, Nathaniel 269, 541
Richard Cutts. . .274, 305, 306
Shapley, David 202
Henry 364
Jabez 202
Reuben 35, 300, 305, 307
Shattuck, Cyrus 694
Daniel 652, 694
Shaw, Abiathar 672
Benjamin... 103, 106, 405, 409
Benjamin, Jr .409
Shaw, Edward 81
Follansbee 641
Ichabod 409
Jacob 585
John 79, 103,401, 404
Joseph 0 35, 96, 97
Josiah 397i399
Josiah, Jr 401
Samuel 81, 309
Thomas. 294, 295, 409
Wilson .• 584, 585
Sheafe, J 303
Jacob 35, 300, 304, 761
Jacob, Jr 35, 300
James.. 300, 301, 305, 576, 737
742
John 35
Jonathan 300
Sampson 314
Samuel 35
Thomas 35, 285, 293, 300
William 35, 300
Shed, Jonathan 635
William.... 708, 715, 716, 719
Sheilds, Daniel 652
John 652
Shelden, Samuel 679
Sheldon, Abraham... 561, 563, 565
Shepard, Benjamin 106
David 116
Ebenezer 6
Edmund 75
Elisha 387. 3^8
James 72-75
John 17, 104
Joseph ..116, 396
Morrill 75
Oliver. 599
Samuel 225, 393, 732
Sherburne, D 269
Daniel 271, 496, 502
Daniel, Jr 502
Henry. . .ix, 35, 240, 249, 260
269, 273, 285
Henry, Jr 260
James 72, 75, 149, 251
John.. .35.36, 93, 95, 106, 107
251, 260, 267, 270, 285, 293
John S 305
Jonathan 72, 271
Joseph 260
Joseph, Jr 260
Nathaniel 269, 270, 274
Noah 364
844
INDEX.
Sherburne, Samuel... 23, 36, 95, 98
251, 260, 269, 291, 307
Thomas 35, 74, 269
Sherman, Richard. ...293, 294, 296
Sherwell, Thomas 409
Shillaber, Jonathan 36
Joseph 35
Shipman, Jonathan 606
Shore, Peter 251
Peter, Jr 270
Shores, John . .• 36, 740
Short, Daniel 200
Simeon 201, 203
Shortridge, Richard 25 1 , 269
Shuff, Jacob 92
Shurtitrff, Lathrop 202
Shute, John 32, 34, 294, 296
Jonathan 295
Joseph 27, 96
Michael, Jr 27
Samuel 307
Thomas 398
Walter 22, 34
William 27, 34
Sias, Eliphalet 140
Joseph 40
Silley. Benjamin 641
iohn 640, 641
f OSes 386
Silsby, Samuel 509, 511
Silver, Daniel 379
Thomas 373
Simms, Joseph 269, 271, 285
Thomas 117, 303
Simmons, Ephraim 211
Simonds, James 651 , 665
Levi 521
Silas 52
Simons, James 72, 73, 75
John 72,74. 75*687
Moses 220
Simpson, Alexander. .698, 703, 708
715.716
Andrew 103, 106
Andrew, Jr 105
Grizel 712
John 16, 21, 711, 715, 717
Patten 23
Samuel. ..^ 716
Thomas 1 03, 105
William 21, 23, 25, 27, 38
loi, 131. 134, 135, 137. 229
708
Sinclair, Barnabas... 503, 584, 585
Sinclair, Ebenezer. 638, 639
Edward 17
James 14.397,398
Jeremiah 734
John 156,488
Joseph 13, 156
Mary 639
Nathaniel 16
Richard 482, 486, 489
Thomas 156, 394
Sisco, Eleazer 496, 498
Samuel 496, 499, 500
William 498, 500
Skinner, Abner 516
Eldad 516
Jonathan 516
Joseph 761
Sylvester 516
Slack, Israel 6
John 7,9
Slade, Benjamin.. 35, 272, 286, 300
Samuel 657
Sleeper, Daniel 407
David 406, 407
Jethro 409
John. ..407, 409, 503, 584, 585
Nehemiah 406
Samuel 406, 407
Samuel, Jr 408
Tristram 367
Sloan, John 761
Sloper, Henry 240
Richard 238
Smart, Benjamin 503
Charles 27
Charles, Jr 22, 32
Daniel 359, 584
David 22, 34
Dudley 23, 27, 32, 397
Elisha 359
Hilton 32
Joseph 12, 22, 27
Josiah 27
Moses 354*35^
Richard 355, 454^ 455
Robert 34.397
Samuel 27, 33, 644
Winthrop 141, 544-546
Smith, Dr. A .174,428
Alexander 308, 312
Andrew 32
Asa 644, 646
Benjamin. .16, 28, 29, 79, 398
555. 645-648
INDEX*
845
Smith, Billy i66
Caleb 312, 452
Caleb, Jr 312
Colonel 314
Cushman • 516
Daniel 422,423, 516
David. . .6, 206, 371, 486, 645
E 398
Ebenezer 395, 586, 737
Edward. . .27, 28, 72, 296, 416
646, 648
Elias 541
Rev. Elias 391
Eliphalet 32, 43, 416
Elisha 397
Ezra 585
Francis 199, 201, 379, 761
Hezekiah 92
Hugh 725
Ichabod 516
Isaac 312,646
Ithiel 21
Jacob... 140, 235, 393, 396, 397
416,417,421, 503, 542, 584
585, 590, 734, 736. 740
Jacob, Jr 394i 397
James.... 28, 33, 43, 215, 218
Jerenniah 189, 235, 404
Jesse 151, 152, 631
John... 1 7, 22, 29, 79, 91, 176
3'3. 3*6. 334, 372. 380. 382
423, 424, 473-478, 602, 644
698,717
John, Jr 79, 379, 486
John M 32, 34
Jonathan. . .393, 394. 398, 400
516. 614
Joseph.. 10, 11,16,21,58,206
207, 211, 218, 219, 309, 394
397, 645-648, 702, 708, 715
Joseph, Jr 33» 399
Josiah 481, 486, 489
iMoses 316
Nathan 398, 401, 409
Noah 398. 399
Oliver 675
Paje:e 708
Philip 631
Reuben 398, 400, 647
Richard 75, 116,421,423
Robert 229, 715, 717
Robert, Jr 184
Rufus 675
Smith, Sainucl.84, 15473^6,367,393
394. 593. 596. 715
Simeon 416
Simeon, Jr 416
Solomon 17, 379
Theophilus 488
Thomas 184,503.585
Timothy 398, 708
Timothy, Jr 403
Tiueworthy 400
Wadleigh 443, 450
Walter 204
Warren 644
Willard 200
William. .99, 176, 182, 184, 188
233. 273, 379. 396, 631, 699
William, Jr 372, 379, 708
Winthrop 22, 32, 140
Snell, George 238
Reuben 35, 277
Samuel 239
Snow, John (i/^i^ 675
Jonathan 314
Joseph 553,679
Joshua 389
Spafiord, Amos 183
Bradstreet 599
David 554
Eldad 554, 561 , 562, 565
John 377
Moses 4 47
Thomas 1 50
Spalding or Spaulding, Andrew. . .
"7
Barzillai 204
Benjamin 117
'Champion 202, 203
Chaplain 204
Charles 200, 205
Curtis 116
Daniel 88, 91, 92, 475
Daniel, Jr 92
Darius 204
Ebenezer 627, 630, 635
Edward 88
Ephraim 117
Ephraim, Jr 116
Henry 557
Jesse 117
Jesse, Jr 116
John 204, 206
Jonathan 565
Joseph 117, 202, 203
Levi 667, 682
846
INDEX.
Spalding or Spaulding, Lot. ... 152
Philip 202-204
Rulaf 200, 203
Sparhawk, John 36, 274, 299
Nathaniel 35
Thomas. . . . 530, 600, 608, 610
Spear, Allen 465
Robert 372. 71^
William 1.88
Speed, Benjamin 484
Ebenezer 27
John 481, 484
Spe nee, Keith 36
Spencer, Amos 339
Ebenezer 358
Isaac Ill
Jeremiah 207
Spezar, Edmund 76
Spicer, Jabez 206
Spinney, Samuel 239
Sprague, Jonathan 120, 123
William 123-125
Spriggins, William 25
Stacpole, James 427
Stacey, William 493, 596
Stafford, Abel 200, 202, 203
Amos 199, 208, 761
Nathaniel 200, 202, 203
Stutely 199, 200
Stanton, John 343
Staples, Cyrus 675
Starboard, Thomas 240
SUrk, John.. 147, 153, 237,354,385
451, 466
William 89
Start, John 566
Stavers, Bartholomew ^. . 271
John 36, 271, 274
William 307
Stearns, Aaron 236
John 694
Samuel 235, 536, 537
Steele, Benjamin 404
Clement 591
David 181, 184, 188
John 553.627
Joseph 631
loses 725, 727
Robert. 403, 631
William. 627, 631
Stellings, Peter 737
Stephens, Lemuel 643
Stephenson, David 678
John 678
Stevens, Aaron 72, 74, 75
Aaron, Jr 72-75
Abel 202-204
Abial 540
Alexander 221, 222
Amos 359
Asa 635
Benjamin 21, 28
Chase 220-222
Cutting 385
Daniel. .21 1, 212, 218, 221, 222
Daniel, Jr 211
David 17, 204, 218-221
David, Jr 220
Ebenezer. . .309, 382, 404, 643
Ebenezer, Jr 643
Enoch 29, 34
Francis 75S
Isaac... 631
Jacob 643
Jesse 21 [, 631
Job 202, 203
John. . . 199, 202, 220, 222, 312
John, Jr 203
John, 3d 203
Jonathan. . . .28, 204, 518, 519
563
Joseph 486, 489
Joshua 37
Josiah 501,646, 648
Moses. .428, 429, 619, 621, 758
Nathaniel 3, 485, 488
Nehemiah 116
Parker 195, 196
Peter 644, 646, 648
Peter, Jr 648
Phinehas 540
Reuben 443, 450
Thomas 1 16, 61 2
Trbtram 520
' Samuel . . 1 7, 405, 443, 445, 448
647, 648
Samuel, Jr 448
William 72
Stewart, Alexander 646, 648
John 699
Robert 717
Thomas 184-186
Sticknee, Moses 561, 563
Stickney, Lemuel 163
Jonathan 149
Si las 565
Thomas. .. .163-165, 616, 724
Stiles, Abner 553, 678
INDEX.
847
Stiles, Ebenezer 565
John 515, 516, 678
Joseph 553, 678
Moses 677
William 334
Stileman, Elias 241, 242
Still, John 593
Stillson, William 61 5
Stinson, David 354
James 176, 701
John 702
Samuel 1 76
Stockbridge, Abraham 488
Israel 488
Jacob 488
John 16,488
Reuben 489
Stockels, Robert 295, 296
Stockman, William 27
Stockwell, Emmons 475
Stoddard, Sampson 455, 470
Stokes, Benjamin 9(3, in
Stone, Abel. .,. ..200, 204, 206, 326
Abel, Jr.. 206
Benjamin 211
Daniel 665
Ephraim. . . .524, 657, 659, 666
Fortunatus 644
Isaac 653
Joseph 565
Josiah 206, 555, 561
Lemuel 606
Levi . 206
Samuel 497, 498
Uriah 757
Stoodly, James 269, 270, 277
Thomas 35
Storer, Clement 36, 300, 306
Samuel 35, 300
Storrs, Aaron 761, 762
Storey, Alexander 138
Charles 244
William 582
Stowell, Benjamin 596
John 561, 563
Jonathan 405, 407
Rowell 409
Stratton, Jabez 675
Straw, Benjamin 41
David 405
Gideon 105
John 405
Richard 620
Samuel 641
Strickland, John 708
Strong, Andrew 478
Benjamin 478, 479
Charles 478
Stuart, Charles 186, 187
John 176,452
Robert 60, 710
Thomas 187, 313
Studley, Guppy 35
Sullivan, Gen.. ..280, 291, 293, 319
765
John.. .176, 178, 180, 271, 490
Swain, Ebenezer 401
Ichabod 397~399
Jacob 96, 99
Jonathan 309-311
Levi 311
Roger 241
Swainson, Robert 338
Swan, Ebenezer. .3 18, 597, 599,602
Gustavus 176
Jeremiah 176
John.. 176, 183, 184, 506, 561
568
John, Tr 176. 506, 551
ST^^^ '^'^J^
William 184
Swasey, John 741
Sweat, Dearborn. . . .579, 584, 585
John 309, 391
Sweet, Anthony 318
Dearborn •. 503
Jonathan 318
Jonathan, Jr 318
Sweetser, Stephen 29$
Swett, Benjamin 122, 123, 638
Eliphalet 136
Enoch 123, 124, 126, 638
Enoch, Jr 123, 124
John 638
Jonathan. .. .85, 724, 726, 728
729
Joseph 161, 163
Josiah 724, 726, 727
Josiah, Jr 725, 727, 728
Stockman 122, 638
Symes, Daniel 36
John 36
Thomas 36
William 520, 522
Symonds, John 313
Taber, Church 627
Lemuel 627, 633
848
INDEX*
Taft. Darius 3T8
Silas 318
Taggart, Archibald 725
James.. 183, 184, 188,568,698
John... 1 74-1 79, 184, 465, 467
506, 561, 568
John, Jr 506,633
Joseph 725', 727
Thomas 698
William 313
Talcott, Gov. Joseph 755
Talford, John 2
Joshua 2
William 2
Tallant, Hugh 149
William 725, 727
Tandy, Abel 386
Parker 502
Tanner, John 342, 344
Tapley. Joseph 271
Samuel 251
Tarbel, Benjamin 635
Jonas 635
Tarbox, Ebenezer 455, 702
John 149
Tarleton. Elias 251
Stillman 22, 29, 34
William 196
Tash, John 25, 29
Thomas. 19, 22, 24, 28, 85, 598
Tate, Betty 432
Mark 432, 433
Tatten. Isaac 657
Isaac, Jr 657
Taylor, Abraham 84
Adam 702
Amos 463, 465
Benjamin 27, 33, 230, 408
Chase 394, 397*399
David 701
Edward 403, 489
Eleazer 554
Eliphalet .93, 97
Isaac 327
Isaiah 1 84
John 17. 79. 84. 403. 485
653* 701
Jonathan 96, 397, 398, 403
Jonathan, Jr 403
Joseph 84
Joseph O 463
Josiah..... 489
Matthew, 377
Meshech 652
Taylor, N 397
Nathan 399, 402
Nathaniel 203
Peter 408
Richard 79, 553^678
Samuel 702
Thomas 27, 32, 688
Timothy. 727
Walter 59
William . . . .399, 401, 486, 568
701
Zaccheus 96
Tebbetts, Aaron 336
Benjamin 334
David 343
Ebenezer 339, 740
Edmund 343
Edward 335, 336
Elijah 343
Ephraim 488
Gideon 336
Henry 336, 338
Jacob 363
ohn 427
Jonathan 338
Joseph 336, 338, 343
1 0Ses 427
Moses, Jr 427
Obadiah 336
Paul 334
Robert 343
Samuel 336, 740
Silas 343
Stephen .339
Temple, Archelaus 673
Ebenezer 537
Elijah 602, 658, 665
Enos 666
Isaac 456, 465
John 190, 547, 568
Robert 568
William 529, 602
Templeton, Adam 69S
James ....188
John 716
Matthew 184, [88
Thomas 716
Tenney. Asa 380
Benjamin 565
Benjamin, Jr 556, 563
Daniel 1 52
John 456, 458, 465, 468
Jonathan 380
Nathaniel 665
INDEX.
849
Tenney, Paul 149
Tcrrill, Henry 257, 258
Terrv, Jonathan 373
Tewicsbury, Josiah 405
Thomas 68
Thatcher, Elisha 502
Thayer, Alles 317
Grindall 694
Jeremiah 317
Jeremiah, Jr 317
Nehemiah 317
Simeon 319, 320
Thissell, Josiah 379
Richard 373, 379
Thorn, Benjamin 715* 7^7
Dr. Isaac 711
John 549
William 373, 377, 378, 515
Thomas, Anna 109
Benjamin. .^ 81, 261
Charles 393, 401, 403
Dudley 675
Elisha 17, 23
Enoch 736, 740
Humphrey 35
Jacob 398
James 79
John 237
Jonathan 16, 77, 394, 397
400
Joseph M 109
Miles 237
Roger 239
Rowland 240
Thompson, Abraham 486, 488
David 3^, 236
£benezer.40, 67, 440, 523, 707
764
Jacob 73, 398, 404
John 190
John, Jr 702
Jonathan. . . .73, 398, 401, 404
635. 715* 716
Joseph 342, 348, 66s
Joseph, Jr 342
Matthew 73, 398, 481, 485
489
Matthew, Jr 486
Moses . .73, 398, 400, 401, 658
Robert 40, 695, 702
Samuel 240, 702
Thomas 36, 109, 303, 306
344. 521, 589
66
Thompson, Thomas, Jr 521
Timothy 635
William 73. «09» 393. 397
399.548
Thorn, John 73, 396, 399
Thornton, Andrew 568
James 568
Joshua .233, 235
Matthew. 2, 566, 567, 570,^72
701
Thrasher, Barnabas 317
Benjamin 317
Joseph 416
Thurber, Benjamin •494» 599
Hezekiah 318
Samuel 584, 585
Samuel W 503
Thomas. 35
Thurston, Allen 16
J oh n 486, 488
Josiah .488
Moses 414, 576, 581, 583
585. 599
Moses, Jr 483, 582
Robert 488
Stephen 16, 309, 488, 740
Thwing, Nathaniel 36
Tibbetts, Ebenezer 740
Ichabod 733
Jonathan .741
Levi 740
Moses 733
Richard 300
Samuel 736, 737, 741
Tiftany, Gideon 125
Dr. Gideon 660,661
Tillotson, Daniel 130
Tilton, Abraham 17, 8 r , 484
Daniel 397, 398, 400
David 405, 406
Isaac .408, 409
Israel 393, 394
Jacob 14, 15, 73, 401, 438
Jeremiah ••...... 73. 396, 402
John 22, 405
Jonathan 38
Jo.seph 405, 408, 409
Josiah 41
Nathaniel.. ..73, 393, 394, 396
Reuben 312
Samuel ....15,105
Timothy. 406, 407, 409
Tirrell, John 21
William 21
850
INDEX.
Titcomb, BenjamiD 292
Tobie, Richard 422, 423
Toby, Richard 240
Todd, Captain 214
Daniel.. 312
James 699
John 563
Jonathan 325
Joshua 554, 561 . 563
Joshua, Jr 1 563
William 309
Toogood, Edward. 240
Torr, Simon 343
Vipcent 28, 33
Torrey, William 270, 273
Towle, Caleb 405
Elisba 311,312
James 405
Jeremiah 405
Jonathan . • . • 17, 363, 367, 588
onathan, Jr 18, 362
Joseph 81,363
Joseph, Jr 77
Nathan 362
Samuel 367
William 308, 31 1, 312
Zachariah 79, 81 , 84
Towne, David 565
Eli 565
Elijah 698
Ezra 683, 684
Israel 467, 468
Jabez. 698
Joseph 565
Thomas 565
Thomas, Jr 565
Townshend, Timothy 359
Tracy, Andrew 204, 206
Isaac 76
Traill, Robert 272
Treadwell, Charles. ..271, 277, 306
Jacob 273,286
{acob, Jr 568
lathaniel....36, 271, 273, 277
286
Nathaniel, Jr. 273
Samuel 184, 269
William Earle 361
Trecothick. Barlow 745
Tree, Richard 238
Trefethen, James 35
John, Jr 364
William 364. 367; 371
Trickey, Ephraim 343
Trickey, John 336, 343, 35 1
Joshua 106
Samuel.... 87, 93, 95, loi, iii
Zachary 238
Tripe, Samuel 36, 270
Trott, Samuel 604, 606
True, Elijah 73
Jacob 380
{oseph 297
loses.. 496, 499, 500, 502, 503
Reuben 391 , 406
Thomas. : . .422, 643
Winthrop 403, 643, 647
Truesdell. A. W 36
Richard 272
Trumbull, J 133
Nathaniel 614, 616
Samuel 614, 615, 620
Trundy, Tobias 364
Trussell, James 406
Tubbs, Abishai 462
Tuck, Jonathan 80
Tucker, Daniel. 403
Ebenezer 386
Elijah 364
Ezra 386
Francis 26a
George 36
Henry 36
Jacob 386, 387, 409, 614
John 211, 221, 343, 409
Jonathan 637
Joseph 52T
Moses. 537
Nathaniel 364, 367
Nathaniel, Jr 364
William 367
Tuckerman, John 35
Nathaniel 240
Tufts, John 699, 705
Turner, Bela .761
Ebenezer 653
George.. 36, 270, 272, 273, 298
303.304
Thomas 184
Turrell, William 76
Tuttle. John 239, 430
Love • 427
Mary 587
Nat ha n iel 635
Oliver 587
Stoten 22, 95, III
Thomas 638
William 351
IHDEX.
851
Twombly, David 344
Ebeoezer 342
Ephraim 342, 351
Isaac 338
James 344
John 350, 351
JonathaD 342
Nathaniel 93
Samuel 334, 335, 348, 350
Samuel. Jr 351
Tobias, Jr 341
Wentworth 342
William 733
Tyler, Daniel 191
David 191
David, Jr 758
John 321, 324
Jonathan 191
Moses 154, [64, 320, 694
Underwood, Jonathan 306
Phinehas 374
Urin, Daniel 386
Usher, John.. 241, 314
Robert 314
Vance. James .702
John 701
William 702
Vamey, Benjamin 343
Daniel 347
Ebenezer 338, 342, 426
Ebenezer, Jr 342
Edward 344, 348
Elijah 342
Hezekiah 336
Moses 337, 342, 348
Moses, 3d 344
Kufus C 332
Samuel 342, 348
Thomas 338, 342
Varnum, Benjamin 28, 33
Ebenezer 149
John 681
William 570
Varrell, Edward 371
John 364, 368, 370
Solomon 364
William 370
Vaughan, Elliot 260, 361
William 35, 306
Vcasey, George 16, 17
John 17
Samuel 16
Veasey, Thomas 16, 17, 486
Veazie, George 482
Thomas 481 , 486, 488
Thomas, Jr 488
Thomas, 3d 488
Vent, John F 694
Venton, Benoni 563
Vickstrem, Nicholas 710
Vincent, Timothy 200
Vittum, William 541
Vose, John 631
Wadleigh, Benjamin 518
James 397
Jonathan « -73-75
Joseph 397
Simon 93
Thomas 520
Wadley, Benjamin 517, 518
Jonathan 72
Joseph 518, 620
Simon 23
Simon D 93
Thomas 517
Waite, Jasper 669
Jason. -201, 522, 600, 733, 734
Richard 166
Wakefield, Jonathan 50
Walden, Jacob 451
Nicholas 238
Thomas 35
Waldo, Edward 599
Nathan 117, 125, 126
Nathan, Jr 125
Waldron, Ezra 621
Isaac. . • « 614, 621
Isaac, Jr 304, 307, 614
Jacob 614, 619, 620, 621
John 757
Richard 12, 239, 334, 756
Thomas W 58
Walford, William 334
Walker, Abel 208, 599, 602
George. . . . 246, 252, 258, 519
Isaac. . • 614, 620, 657
James 200
John 347
Jonathan 240
Joseph. .269, 272, 334-336, 342
343. 351
Joseph,Jr 336
Phinehas 235
Richard 336, 342, 351
Robert 343
852
INDEX.
Walker, Samsoo 561, 563. 565
Seth 36, 568
Tobias 35
Thomas 5iSi5i9i^
Timothy 391, 682
William 681
Wallace, or Wallis, David 176
£benezer....i6, 367, 368, 370
James 69^, 718
John 541, 698, 702
Matthew 183, r86
Robert 620, 641, 698, 701
703, 726
Samuel 176, 304, 367, 371
Sanfluel, Jr 368. 370
William 16, 23, 93, 95, 96
107, 176, 364, 701
William, Jr 16
Wallingford, Cato 433
David 342
Jacob 342
{onathao 339, 343
•eter 336, 338
Thomas. . . .263, 426-429, 757
Walls, John 454, 455
Walton, Benjamin 260
George 252
{ames 565
oseph 35, 277
Nathaniel 694
Reuben 458, 461 , 463
Samuel 757
Shadrach 241
Waracumsit 753
Ward, Daniel 235
Enoch 235
Isaac... 235
John 452
Jonas 226
Nahum 35, 286
Reuben 537
Richard 653
Samuel 23, 32, 33
Simon 84,617, 619
Wardweil, Jeremiah 161, 164
Nathan 50
Ware. Levi 675
Warner, Daniel.. 88, 116, 270, 613
John 655
Jonathan. . . .35, 268. 270, 271
285, 444, 613, 740
Joshua 51
Samuel ....268, 270
Seth 613
Warner, William 268
Warren, Hugh 601
Phillips 203
Thomas 296
Warrener, Tobias 286
Washburne, Robert 116
Washington, George..i33, i8t, 280
510,626
Wason, James 102, 708
Samuel 708
Thomas 708
Waterhouse, Richard 240
Samuel 36, 240
Waters, Charles 35
Samuel .252, 257
Samuel, Jr 35, 269
Thomas 295
Watkins, Abner 614, 623
Lewis 694
Watson, Daniel..342, 347, 619, 621
David 342, 348
Eleazer 96
Hutchins 96
James 22, 94
John 22, 25, 27, 32, 96
Jonathan. . . .64, 348, 435, 621
Joshua 348
Josiah 23
Nathan 591
Nathaniel 106
Nathaniel, Jr 347
Parmenas 614, 620, 621
Pelatiah 355
Zebadiah 406
Watts. John 516
Moses 703
Samuel .149
Wau^h, Jocieph 695
William 702
Weare, Meshech. .66, 213, 294,437
637, 760
Jonathan 421
Webb, Azariah 194, 196
Joseph 192
Webber, Christopher 599
Edmund 235
John 226, 235
Richard 238
William < 52. 355
Webster, Abel 225
Amos 235
Benjamin 585
C 235
Daniel 382
INDBX.
853
Webster, David. 1 66, 223, 226, 229
235, 357
£benezer....7i, 149, 152, 229
382, 387, 620, 641
Edward 21
EHsha 478
Emil 373
Ezekiel 382
G. W 236
Isaac • 149
Israel 386, 391
James 376, 378. 380, 381
{eremiah 385
ohn...i66, 304, 309, 310. 367
370. 382, 385» 386, 388. 538
John, Jr 211
Jonathan 152, 403, 416
oseph • 641
Josiah 17, 304, 371
Nathan 372, 380, 386
Nathaniel 372, 378
Peter 234, 235
Rawlinf^rs 377, 381
Richard. . . .304, 367, 368, 371
Samuel 166, 377, 554. 555
Samuel P 649
Stephen.... 2 23, 385, 391,416
Stephen, Jr 226
William 235, 385, 411, 570
Wed^ewood, James 84, 86
John 14, 21, 77, 84
Jonathan. ... 17, 81, 84, 85, 371
Josiah 84
Samuel 85
Weed. Bagley 412, 416
Dnvid 579
Elijah 577, 579, 58b
Henry 544-546
Jacob 416
John 192, 758
Orlando 544. 545
William 582
Weeks, Benjamin 21,644
Brackett. 480
Chase 397, 399, 401, 404
Cole 394, 397-399. 403
Cole, Jr 401
Jedidiah 97
John 16, 17*87,359
John, Jr 16
Dr. John 363
Jonathan 16, 401 , 404
Joseph 27, 403
Joshua 76, 360
Weeks, Joshua, Jr 16
Leonard 18
Samuel 238
Stephen 35
Walter 17
waiier, ir. ..•••.•••••.. 17
William 298, 369, 397, 399
401,404
Weir, James 96, 313
Welch, Benjamin 75, 101
Jacob 591
John 23, 74, 75
Jonathan 76
Joseph. .213, 216, 220,221, 269
Matthias iot, 297
Samuel 211, 220
Thomas loi, iii
William 269
Weld.JabezH 235
Moses 204
Walter 204
Welden. Charles 345
Wellman, Jacob 678
Samuel 694
Wells, Benjamin 226, 234, 405
409
Christopher 606
David 166
Edward 32, 240, 416
Jacob 405
James oO'i
John 308
Luke 237
N 408
Nathaniel 409
Paul 226
Philip 235
Samuel 235, 363, 371
Sargent. 405, 409
Rev. Thomias 54
Timothy 405, 409
Winthrop 226, 234, 235
Wendall, John.. .36, 1 17, 268, 270
285, 444, 446, 494, 495
John, Jr 303
Wentworth. Benjamin 343
Benning 188, 205
Daniel 433
David 351
Dudley 342
Ebenezer 342
Elihu 342
Ephraim 342
Ezekiel 432
«S4
INDEX.
Wentworth, Gtorge»,.yS, ii6, 269
271. 272, 274, 285, 303, 307
Gershom 351
H.. 54, 250, 264, 271, 272, 277
779, 280, 285,361,412
Hugh Hall 269,270
Isaac 343
James .... 343
John.. .268, 335, 342, 351, 425
428, 429, 444. 446, 730, 760
I on o, jTa.. .••... ••..■••. 342
Jonathan 246, 342, 431
Jonathan. Jr 348
Joshua.. 269, 271, 274, 285, 472
losiah 343
Mark 432
Mark H ....36, 271, 424, 568
730
Nicholas 342
Paul 334, 426, 434, 746
Paul, Jr 314, 350
Richard.... 333, 335, 336, 338
343. 59«
Samuel... 271, 351
Spencer 591
Thomas 270-272
Sir Thomas 745
Stephen 336, 340, 342
Stephen, Jr 351
William 342
Werden, Rev. Peter 54
Wesson, Ephraim 761
West. Benjamin 602
Edward 391
Naso n 23 5
Thomas 200, 203
Westbrook, Colonel 249
Thomas 260
Westcott, James 318
Wetherbte, David 594, 596
Samuel 599
Weymouth, Moses 342
Samuel 32
Wheatly, John 127,761
Wheeler, Abel 669
Abijah 372, 375, 683
Abraham 694
Amos 377, 38 1
Artemas 565
Benjamin 372
David' 376, 381
Fortunatus 725, 727
George 89
Herodian -b . . 653, 655
Wheeler, Herodian, Jr 652
Isaiah 376, 381
Jesse 491
Jethro 522, 652, 653, 655
Jethro, Jr 653, 655
John 502
Jonathan. . . 372, 376, 381, 594
597
Moses 652
Nathan 562, 563, 565
Nehemiah 274
Richard 376, 381
Rufus 204
Seth 633
Silas 376. 378* 3^ «
Stephen 372, 378, 381
Stephen, Jr 372
Warren 376. 381
William 372
Wheelwright, John 269, 271
Whidden, James 16
Jonathan 240
Joseph 36
Mark iii
Michael 260
Michael, Jr 268, 273
Samuel 241
Thomas 238
Whipple, Amos 540
Daniel • 606
Joseph 260, 271, 272. 277
286,305
Moses 48
Oliver 36, 446
Rufus 313
William 35, 182, 270, 272
289
Whiston, Joseph 586
Whitaker, David 593, 596
James 269. 2S6
Jonathan 405
Whitcher, George 403
Reuben 647
Reuben, Jr 648
Sargent 488
Whitcomb, Benjamin 476, 657
Elisha 525, 528
Jacob 621
Jonathan 521, 529
White, Archibald 627, 633
Archibald, Jr 627
Asa 631
Charles 1 84
Cornelius 653
INDEX.
855
White, Ebenezer 191
Francis 631
James 154, 212, 213
John. . 165, 184, 214, 675, 702
John, Jr 327
Jonathan 184
Joseph 665
Josiah G 635
Jotham 557
Nathaniel W 4S2
Phillips 67, 434, 440, 441
Robert 300
Samuel 260, 586
Thomas 630, 631
William 35, 184, 239, 251
627. 628, 644, 647
Whitefield, Rev. George 648
Whitehorn, John log
Solomon 172, 173
Thomas iii
Whitehouse, Aaron 343
Ebenezer 433
Enoch 433
Samuel 335
William 343, 348
Whiting, Eleazer 14Q
Nathan 206
Oliver 563, 565
Oliver, Jr 565
Samuel 328, 332
William 116
Whitney, Joseph 675
Joshua 496-499, 504
Richard 553,681
Zaccheus 594, 597
Whittemore, Aaron. .154, 160. 163
Rev. Aaron I... 156-158
Benjamin.. .163, 314, 358, 391
Elias 164
John 506
Marias 1 54
Nathaniel 184
Peter 163
Samuel 594, 596
Whitten, John 206
Whittier, Aaron 56
Abner 5, 6
Andrew 59, 60
Phinehas 408
Thomas 5
Timothy 56, 59, 60
Whittle, Thomas 741
Wibird, Edmund 251
Richard 242, 314
Wibird, Thomas k . . .271
Wier. John 702
Robert 602
Wiggin, Andrew 480, 482, 488
490« 736, 7AO
Andrew, Jr 14, 481, 488
Andrew, 3d 16
Benjamin... 1 73, 573, 731, 736
740
Bradstreet 481, 488
Chase 18, 21, 485
David 21, 27, 489
Elijah 33
Henry 16, 34
Isaiah 591
Jacob 58S
James 733, 736, 740
John 99,482,590
John, Jr 451
Jonathan 16, 22, 32, 48S
Joseph 16, 488
Josiah 18, 482, 737
Levi 488
Mark. .485, 487, 490, 742, 743
Nathan 488
Nathaniel 41, 485, 489
Paul 740
Samuel. 16, 485
Samuel, Jr 16, 482
Simeon 591
Simon 16
Thomas. ..16, 27, 32, 481, 485
Thomas, 3d 481
Tufton 481
Walter 482
Winthrop 27, 34, 59a
WIgglesworth, Colonel 109
Wight, John 698
Wilbur, Daniel 675
David 665
Elisha 665, 671
Job 665
Jonathan 675
Joseph 665
Nathaniel 665
Philip 665
Philip, Jr 665
Wilcox, Asa 516
Jesse 48, 49. 207, 599
Obadiah 510
Stephen 47
Wilder, Abel 114
Jonas 89.475
Luke 391
856
INDEX.
Wilder, Luther 635
Peter 694
Tilley 694
Wilkina, Philip C 759
Robert B 607, 018
Samuel 657
Simeon 689, 692
Uriah 679
Will, John 251
Wiliard, Abel 645
Amos 694
Jonathan 313
Joseph • 306
Josiah..522, 592, 653, 668, 687
692,694
Levi 649
Lockhart 49i« 493
Longley 454
Nathan 694
Oliver 653
Prentice • 690
Sampson 653
Seth 694
Simon 522, 529, 690
Solomon 690, 692
Wilder 201
Wille, Josiah 737
William 737
Willey, Abel 569-571
Allen. Jr 502
Andrew iii
Barnabas 606
Benjiimin 502
Charles in
John 94. 98, 257, 258
Jonathan 23, in
Josiah 350
Nathan 502
Reuben 502
William loi
Willes, Charles 22
John 31
Samuel 17
William and Mary. . .241, 243, 322
323
Williams, Benjamin. ..17, 407, 409
519
D 99
Etiphalet 391
George 708
Isaac 200, 202, 203, 277
Isaac F 37
Jacob 140
Rev. J 178
Williams, Job 203, 504
John n7
John F 37
Joseph 406
Pcleg 313
Samuel. 200, 653
Simon 180
Thomas 666
William 72-75
Willoughby, Abner 235
John 227, 235
Wilson, Alexander... 698, 708, 709
713. 715
Ammi 202
Daniel 23, 152,493
Daniel, Jr 493
David • • • • 465, 493
Edward 566
Ephraim 630
Hujrh 176, 188. 568, 7'9
Isaiah 494
James 188, 200, 465, 493
698, 699, 702, 708
710, 712, 715
{esse 147, 152
ohn..i88, 493, 698, 701, 703
708, 710, 715
{oseph 149, 698
lathaniel 396
Robert 182, 184, 188, 699
702
Samuel 188, 494, 496, 699
708, 715
Thomas 708, 715, 717
William 36, 200
Winchester, Elhanan 45 1
Jonathan 675
Wincoli, Captain 240
Windes, Abijah 50
Winford. John 333
Wing, Joseph 318
Wingate, Aaron 349
Benjamin 343
Caleb 351
Daniel 336, 339
David 339. 343
Edmund 342. 348
John 40, 84, 339, 590, 591
757
Joseph 339, 488
Joshua 77
Joshua, Jr 81
Moses 265
Paine 488
INDEX.
857
Wingate, Samuel 336, 343
William 343, 347
Winn, Joseph 314
Joseph, Jr 314
Winship, John 566
Samuel 594, 597
Winslow, John 451
Samuel 23
Samuel, Jr 415
Wisco, Lewis 313
Wise, Abner 687
Daniel 694
Witcher, Jonathan 72, 'jG
Nathaniel 72. 73, 75, 397
Reuben 72, 73, 76, 644
William 72, 73, 76
Witham, Amos 351
John 350
Josiah .- 351
Obadiah 35 1
Witherell, David 665
Thomas 336
Withy, John 313
Wood, Abner, Jr 454
David.' 595, 597
Ebenezer 63 1
Ephraim 665
John 260
Samuel 694
Thomas 321, 324, 325
Woods, John 630
Joseph 630
Nathaniel 653
Richard 268
Woodburn, John 698
Woodbury, Benjamin. . ..9, 35, 377
596
Ebenezer. . .372, 376, 380, 381
697
Elisha 373, 379, 711
Henry 380
Hezekiah 372
Israel 372, 377
John 372, 377, 380, 381
Jonathan 372, 378, 696
Luke 376. 380,381
Nathaniel 374, 380, 697
William 377
Zech 379
Woodcock, Jonathan 530
Woodman, Abner 376, 377
381
Archelaus 42
John 239
Woodman, Jonathan 241
Joseph .402
Joshua 340
Moses 385
Nathaniel . .373, 376, 380, 381
Nathaniel, Jr 381
Woodward, Bezaleel.128, 129, 761
Daniel 496, 498
David 761
James.... 220
John S^Z
Joshua 206
Moses 35, 286, 303, 307
Nehemiah 495, 499
Robert 495
Samuel 675
Stephen 219
Thomas 499, 504
Wooley, David 694
John 530
Jonathan 532, 687
Nathan 318
Worcester, Francis 235
Noah 229, 571
Wormwood, Judith 311
William 311
Worthen, Frederick 166
Wx)rthly, Timothy 641
Wright, Benjamin 694
Caleb 465
Ebenezer. . .458, 461, 635, 675
Jacob 635
John 296
Joseph 594. 597
Lemuel 585
Oliver 675
Peter 467, 468
Samuel 521, 594, 596
Silas 465
Thomas 252, 260
William 635
Wyatt, Samuel 405
Wyman, Aaron 146, 147, 152
708
Daniel 152, 708
Jesse 1 52, 708
John 149
Joseph 149
Joseph, Jr 149
Josiah 152
Levi 358
Samuel 491
Seth 708
Stephen. . . .724, 726, 728, 729
8s8
INDEX.
Wyman, Thomas 144
Williaro 149
Yeaton, George 296
Joseph 364, 367, 371
Moses 427
Richard 433
Samuel 336
William 36,268,364
367. 368, 370
Yeomans, Stephen 602
York, Beniamin 18, 106
Joseph 94, 95, 99, loi
Robert 29
Samuel 87, loi
Young, Abiathar 495, 499, 504
Cornelius 504
Daniel 22, iii, 613-^16 j
Edward 495, 499, 504
Young, Esech. . .496, 499, 501, 504
Hezekiah 582,586
Israel 373
James 342, 495, 504
Jeremiah 27, 29, 33
John.. 27, 29, 33, 127, 183, 184
187, 188, 229, 741
John, Jr 28, 33
Sir John 322, 323
Jonathan 186, 433
Joseph 16, 19, 27, 28, 40
43.348
Joseph, Jr 28, 33
Nathan 202, 203, 207
Richard 16
Robert 372, 377. 495-504
Thomas. .13, 46, 336, 338, 741
Yours, Henry 594, 596
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