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of American Studies.

NOTABLE EVENTS

IN THE

HISTORY OF DOVER

NEW HAMPSHIRE

FROM THE FIRST SETTLEMENT IN 1623 TO 1865

By GEORGE WADLEIGH

DOVER, N. H.
1913

Copyright, 1913
By G. H. Wadi,eigh

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THE TUFTS COU.BGE PRESS
1913

NOTABLE EVENTS
IN THE
HISTORY OF DOVER, N. H.

CONTENTS

Chapter I
Settlement. 1623-1641. . . . 1
Chapter II
Under Colony of Massachusetts. 1642-1679. . 23
Chapter III
Under Province of New Hampshire. 1680-1775. 86
Chapter IV
Under State Government. 1775-1865. . . 162
Errata . . .... . 297
Index . . . . . 299

PREFACE
This record of Events in the History of Old Dover has been
gathered from many sources and with considerable labor. It is
not intended to take the place of any history of this ancient
town which may be and it is hoped will sometime be written,
but is designed merely to place in a connected and accessible
form, a record of such events as have been deemed worthy
of preservation, and to which the inhabitants of Dover may
occasionally wish to refer.
George Wadleigh
Dover, April 1882.

NOTICE
It was the intention of the collector of these notes to com
plete them to a later date, then to revise and publish them, but
he did not live to do so. They are now published without the
revision the collector would have made, in order that his work
may not be entirely lost.

NOTABLE EVENTS
IN THE
HISTORY OF DOVER, N. H.

CHAPTER I
SETTLEMENT 1623
Dover Point — Its First Settlement
The first settlement of Dover, as well as of New Hampshire,
is involved in some obscurity. Unlike the " Pilgrim Fathers "
who landed on Plymouth Rock, no records have been found
which fix beyond doubt the time when or the manner in which
the settlers upon the Piscataqua first landed on its shores.
For more than two hundred years, on the authority of Hub
bard, Prince, and other early historians, followed by Belknap,
the facts in relation to these settlements, briefly stated, and
generally accepted, were, that Sir Ferdinando Gorges and
Captain John Mason having obtained from the Council con
stituted by the King of England, "for the planting, ruling and
governing of New England," a grant of all the land between
the Rivers Merrimack and Sagadehock, extending back to the
great lakes and river of Canada, formed a company with several
merchants of Eondon and other cities, and styling themselves
"the company of Eaconia," attempted the establishment of a
colony and fishery at the mouth of the Piscataqua river. For
this purpose in the spring of 1623, they sent out David Thomson
and Edward and William Hilton, who had been fishmongers in
Eondon, with a number of other people, in two divisions, fur
nished with all the necessaries for carrying out the design.
Thomson landed at the river's mouth at a place which he called
Eittle Harbor, where he built a house, afterwards known as
"Mason Hall," erected Salt Works, and made other prepara
tions for carrying on his business, but the Hiltons set up their
fishing stages eight miles further up the river on a neck of land
which the Indians called Winnichahannet, but they named it
Northatn and afterwards Dover. Thomson, not being pleased

2 NOTABLE EVENTS IN THE [1623
with his company or situation, removed the next spring, or in
a short time after, to an island in Massachusetts bay, where he
subsequently lived and soon after died, while the Hiltons and
their associates remained and made a permanent settlement in
Dover. All efforts to ascertain the precise date of their arrival, or
the ship in which they came, had proved unavailing. The day
of the month and the month were unknown. In 1823, at the
celebration of the 200th anniversary of the settlement of the
State, at Portsmouth, when it was considered desirable to fix
upon the day of their arrival, if possible, for the purpose of
suitably observing it, all efforts to do so were found to be in
vain. It was then authoritatively stated by Mr. Savage, the
most learned antiquarian of that day, that "Prince, the most
laborious of all antiquaries in New England, in 1736, could
give no precise date, and no discovery of documents since has
made it more definite " than that they arrived in the spring of
the year. From the fact that no vessel was known to have
arrived from England in that year until about the 1st of June,
it was conjectured that the colonists might have been landed at
the Piscataqua late in May, and the 23rd of that month was
accordingly selected for the celebration.
These statements remained unquestioned and were incorpo
rated into all our histories and school books, until a document
found in 1875 among the ancient papers of Governor Winthrop,
then in possession of his descendant, the Hon. Robert C. Win
throp, gave a different reading to our early history. This
document is an indenture, dated Dec. 14, 1622, between David
Thomson on the one part, and three merchants, Abraham
Colmer, Nicholas Sherwill and Eeonard Pomroy, all of Ply
mouth, England, on the other part. A copy of it was, soon
after its discovery, published in the proceedings of the Massa
chusetts Historical Society, with notes by Charles Deane, Esq.,
an eminent antiquary.
The indenture recites that the Council for New England had granted
to Thomson (Oct. 16, 1622), 6000 acres of land and one island in New
England, and that Thomson had conveyed one quarter part of the island
to the three merchants named and agreed also to convey to them one
quarter part of the 6000 acres, on these conditions:
1. That the three merchants, at their own charge, should provide and
send that present year two men with Thomson, in the ship Jonathan of
Plymouth, to New England, with such victuals, provisions, &c, as shall
suffice them till they are landed.

1623] HISTORY OF DOVER, N. H. 3
2. The three merchants, at their own charge, were also to provide
and send the same year, three additional men in the ship Providence of
Plymouth, if they could so soon be gotten, or in some other ship, to
New England; the charges of these three men to be borne equally by
all the parties.
3. Two other men were also to be sent the same year in the Jonathan ;
the charges to be borne by all the parties equally.
4. Thomson with the seven men as soon as landed was to find a fit
place and make choice of 6000 acres of land and a fit place to settle and
erect buildings.
Further provision was made for dividing the property at the end of
five years agreeably to the indenture, three fourths to Thomson and one
fourth to the other three. Three fourths of the charge for planting,
building, &c, was to be borne by Thomson, and one fourth by the others.
All the profits from fishing, trading, &c, were to be divided equally, the
three merchants having liberty to employ the ships to fish, at their own
charge, if Thomson did not choose to bear his share of such charge.
From this agreement it appears reasonably certain that
Thomson did come over as stipulated, arriving at the mouth of
the Piscataqua sometime in the spring of 1623, as Hubbard has
recorded. By the indenture he was to proceed " this present year "
(1622). By the method of reckoning at that time the year ended
on the 24th of March following. It is equally certain, however,
that he did not come out as the agent of the Company of
Eaconia, for that company was not then in existence, not having
been formed until 1631. This error appears to have originated
with Dr. Belknap, who knew that Mason and Gorges had a
grant (Aug. 10, 1622), embracing the territory between the
Merrimack and Sagadehock, which they intended to call the
Province of Maine, but of which they never made any use, as
the council afterwards made other grants covering the same
territory. Dr. Belknap also knew that Mason and Gorges with
other persons were members of the Company of Eaconia. From
this and some statements of Hubbard he doubtless concluded
that the grant of 1622 was the Eaconia grant, and that the
associates, under the name of the Company of Eaconia, began
the settlement at Eittle Harbor and Hilton's point in 1623. It
is now known that the Eaconia patent was not issued until Nov.
17, 1629, and the company was formed soon after.
There is no evidence in the indenture that the Hiltons were
associated with Thomson in the enterprise, either as partners or
servants. From this fact an attempt has been made by Mr.
Deane and others to discredit the statement of Hubbard, and it
has been contended that the Hiltons never saw Dover until

4 NOTABLE EVENTS IN THE [1623
five or six years after Thomson and his party landed at Eittle
Harbor, or at least that no settlement could have been made in
1623 as has been generally believed.
To establish this position it is alleged that no such place was
known to or once spoken of by any of the visitors of Thomson,
of whom there were several, during the years 1623 and 1624;
that it is absurd to suppose that Edward Hilton, without any
colony to assist him, should have gone so far from the succor of
his friends into the wilderness in the midst of treacherous and
cruel savages when the whole country practically lay open
before him to go in and occupy where he would ; that the
' ' stages ' ' which it is alleged were set up at the Point were
' ' large and expensive structures ' ' intended for use in the
fishing business, and that "no experienced fisherman would
have selected such a site for a fishing establishment, five or six
miles above the mouth of the Piscataqua, a stream of such
rapidity that it is often impossible for a boat to contend against
it, while the great cod fisheries are several miles out at sea,
which a fisherman leaving Hilton's Point at the very turn of
the ebb tide could not reach and return from the same day, if
he stopped to cast his hook." (_/. .S". fenness's Notes on the First
Settlements on the Piscataqua .)
As to the fact of priority of settlement, if a mere fishing and
trading post is to be regarded as such, it may be admitted that
at Eittle Harbor (now in the town of Rye) the first planting of
New Hampshire was commenced. There is no doubt that
Thomson and his men first disembarked at or near that place,
and pitched their tents or erected such huts as were requisite for
shelter. The question is, who came with him? We only know
that seven men were to be furnished to assist him. Four were
to come over with him in the Jonathan, and three more were to
be provided the same year.
It is admitted, and it is reasonable to conclude, that Edward
Hilton may have come over from England in one of the vessels
which brought David Thomson and his men to the Piscataqua,
on his own account, if not as an assistant of Thomson, as
Hubbard asserts. The Hiltons had been fishmongers in
Eondon, and were acquainted with at least one branch of the
business in which Thomson was to engage. They were just
the men who would be selected to assist in the enterprise.
William Hilton had previously been in America. He came to
Plymouth in 1621, and his wife and two children came over in

1623] HISTORY OF DOVER, N. H. 5
1623. He may have gone back and returned with them, or
they may have come over to join him here. Hubbard, who
wrote in 1680, is supposed to have been personally acquainted
with the Hiltons, and must have had some knowledge of their
history and movements. William Hilton had a grant of land
in Plymouth in 1623, but he left that place soon after, apparently
on account of some disagreement in relation to church matters,
and is found next at Piscataqua with his brother.
As the business of Thomson and his assistants was to be
fishing, and trading with the Indians, it is not probable that
they would all remain permanently in the same place. The
Hiltons, with one or more of the party, after seeing the others
safely established at the mouth of the river, may have come up
to the Point, as Hubbard records. Or, as the party is said to
have come over in "two divisions," it is more probable that
they did not arrive until after Thomson and the four men who
came in the Jonathan had established themselves at Eittle
Harbor. Of the other three who were to be provided and sent
over in the Providence, the Hiltons may have been two. The
tradition has always been that Thomas Roberts was one of the
original emigrants with them. If he was this would complete
the number which was to be provided.
The distance between Eittle Harbor and the Point, as the
crow flies, is but six or seven miles and the location at the Point
was doubtless at first selected for the convenience of trading
with the Indians about the falls of the Cochecho, a favorite
resort with them. It was also in the vicinity of good fishing
ground, for the various branches of the Piscataqua, up to their
first falls, must at that day (as they did long after and do now
at some seasons), have swarmed with fish, and there was no
need of going far to cast the hook and obtain them.
It is not supposed that a party of three men, at the most,
would go miles at sea to the great fishing grounds to obtain fish
when there was an abundance of fish so near them, or that large
and expensive stages were required for curing them. By the
terms of the indenture the owners of the Jonathan were to
pursue the fishing business independently of Thomson and his
men, if he did not choose to bear part of the charge. It is
probable that the vessels from England attended to the deep
sea fishing, while the parties on shore confined their operations
to the harbor and rivers.
If the Hiltons were never mentioned by visitors to Eittle

6 NOTABLE EVENTS IN THE [1623
Harbor in 1623 and 1624, the same may be said of the other
men who were with Thomson. The name of no man who was
with him — and there were seven — is known unless we accept
the statement of Hubbard.
It may have been that the fishing and trading post at the
Point was at the outset regarded rather as a temporary than a
permanent settlement, a place to which at first they resorted
only during the day, returning at night to the common rendez
vous at the mouth of the river. But its advantages must have
been soon seen and appreciated. The "whole country was
open before them to go in and occupy where they would," and
they could hardly have found a more inviting place than the
Point, either for fishing, planting, or trading with the Indians,
exchanging such articles as they brought with them from Eng
land for the Beaver skins and other peltries of the Indians.
For safety no resort could have been better than this narrow
neck of land, and from which by their boats there were such
immediate means of escape, if escape was at any time necessary.
For planting also, in which they were to engage, so far at least
as they could contribute to their own wants, the Point was of
all places the spot which they would select, far preferable to
any land nearer to Eittle Harbor.
Thomson's enterprise, it appears, was not a success. He
abandoned it after about three years' residence (by some
accounts "the next year"), and removed to Massachusetts,
Hubbard says, "out of dislike either to the place or his
employers." He never set up any claim afterwards to the
patent, nor does it appear that his partners in England reaped
any advantages from it. Thomson's men are supposed to have
remained at Eittle Harbor after his departure, but even this is
uncertain. The only evidence that it was occupied is that
there was a settlement somewhere at " Pascataquack," besides
Hilton's in 1628, and that such settlement paid two pounds ten
shillings as its contribution for expelling Morton from Merry
Mount. What is there more probable than that the Hiltons
may have remained at the Point or in its vicinity, with some of
the other men of the company, after Thomson left ?
If, as it is alleged, there is no authentic information of
Edward Hilton being in this vicinity previous to 1627 or 1628
the information which we get of him at that time is sufficient to
show that he must then have been settled here for some years
and that he had a considerable stake in the country. In 1628

1623] HISTORY OF DOVER, N. H. 7
as recorded by Bradford, he was assessed one pound towards
the expense of the war upon Morton of Merry Mount, already
alluded to, the whole expense of the campaign being twelve
pounds seven shillings, of which the Plymouth colony paid two
pounds ten shillings, or but little more than twice the amount
contributed by Hilton. It is also evident that the Hiltons must
have been among the men that the partners of Thomson provided
and sent over in 1623, from the fact that we find them settled
so near to Eittle Harbor, on territory which must have been
included within that which Thomson's patent covered, or was
supposed to cover, where they would not have been, by any
right, had they not been connected with Thomson's company,
and that when in 1630 Edward Hilton obtained a patent from
the Council of Plymouth of the land upon which he had settled,
he had been for some considerable time established thereon.
So long, in fact, that the place had come to be known by his
name, for we read that his patent included "all that part of the
river Piscataqua called or known by the name of Hilton' ' s Point,
with the south side of said river, up to the falls of Squamscot
and three miles into the main land for breadth," and it sets
forth that Hilton and his associates had transported thither serv
ants, built houses and planted corn, and intended the further
increase and advancement of the plantation.
It is asked if it can be believed ' ' that Hilton founded a plan
tation at Hilton's Point in 1623, seven years before he got a
deed of the land" ? In reply it may be said that if, as it is
presumed, he came out with or soon after Thomson, we have
seen for what purpose he came. He was one of the men sent
out by Thomson's partners, the merchants in England, to assist
in the enterprise, if not as a representative of their interest in
it. He had no legal claim in his own name to the soil under
the patent. Thomson gave up his claim and went off before
the expiration of the five years when the profits of the enter
prise as well as the land were to be divided between the parties.
The patent granted was evidently regarded by him as of little
value, because neither he, or his heirs, ever afterwards set up
any effective claim to it. All the interest which they possessed
at Eittle Harbor passed into the hands of the Eaconia company
of which Gorges and Mason were chiefs, under a new grant
from the Council, when Edward Hilton, it may be assumed,
finding himself abandoned by Thomson, for his own security
and that of the company by which he had been employed, obtained

8 NOTABLE EVENTS IN THE [1623
(in 1630) a new patent for the settlement at the Point. This
patent he afterwards sold in part to other parties, who appointed
Captain Thomas Wiggin their agent, by whom, in 1633, a con
siderable acquisition was obtained to the population.
The Eaconia company, in the meantime, having obtained
possession of the lands granted to Thomson at Eittle Harbor,
appointed Captain Neal as their agent, not for the settlement of
a colony, but for the management of a fishing and trading com
pany, a speculation similar to that in which Thomson had been
engaged. At or about this time (1631) the headquarters of the
company were removed from Little Harbor to Portsmouth, or
the " Bank," as it was called, where the " Great House" was
built and occupied by those employed. In a few years this
company broke up and the servants were discharged ; the whole
scheme proving a failure. On a division of the property Mason
bought the shares of some of his associates and sent over a new
supply of men, set up saw mills, and soon after died.
The Thomson house erected at Eittle Harbor in 1623, though
built of stone, could have been no such substantial structure as
has been assumed for it. It is not probable that "it presented
the general appearance of the dwelling houses of the time of
James I, vast numbers of which still remain in good preserva
tion all over the old country." (fenness.) Had it been of this
character it would hardly have been reduced to the dilapidated
condition in which it was found by Hubbard in 1680, less than
sixty years after its erection, when only "the chimney and
some parts of the stone wall were standing." It is probable
that as it must have been hastily built, it only sufficed for
the immediate needs of Thomson and his little party, as a
shelter from the elements. "Mason Hall," or the Great House,
as it has been styled, was located at Strawberry Bank (now
Portsmouth), probably as a more suitable location for carrying
on the business of the settlement, while the station at Eittle
Harbor was abandoned. Such as it was, it passed into the
hands of Mason's men, and was sometimes called his "stone
house," though it is now conceded the term "Mason Hall"
was never, as has been popularly supposed, applied to it.
This summary account of the early settlement of Hilton's
Point, written in 1876, is now fully corroborated by additional
cumulative evidence. This as well as the substantial accuracy
of Hubbard's narrative is confirmed by the discovery in the
Court files of Suffolk County of the Petition of William

1623] HISTORY OF DOVER, N. H. 9
Hilton, son of the first settler of that name, dated June i, 1660,
to the Honored General Court then assembled in Boston, in
relation to some lands bought by him and his father of the
Pennacook Indians in 1636. In this petition William Hilton
says, that "your petitioner's father, William Hilton, came
over into New England about the year Anno Dom. 1621,
and your petitioner came about one year and a half after, and
in a little time following settled ourselves upon the river of Pis
cataqua with Mr. Edw. Hilton, who toere the first English
planters there.'1''
These settlements on the "Piscataqua" went on but slowly
for several years. In 1629 there were but three houses or
settlements in all this region, namely, at Eittle Harbor or
Portsmouth at the "Bank," at Dover Point and at Newich-
wannock. Their occupants turned their attention chiefly to
trade and the fisheries, the cultivation of the grape and the dis
covery of mines ; in the latter it is hardly necessary to say that
they did not meet with much success. Very little improvement
was made on the lands, and bread was either brought from
England, in meal, or from Virginia in grain, and then sent to
the windmill in Boston to be ground. That they fared hard, if
they did not work hard, is evident. One of them (Ambrose
Gibbons) in a letter to the proprietors in England, complains
that for himself, wife and child, and four men, "an have but
half a barrel of corn " ; " beef and pork 1 have not had but one
piece this three months, nor beer this four months." " I nor
the servants have neither money nor clothes," etc. These
complaints were made at a time when very little sufficed for
the support of life, the expense per man for a year not ex
ceeding what could be bought for about ten or fifteen dollars at
the present time.
The dwellings of the early settlers for nearly a hundred years
were hastily constructed and of the rudest character. Their
houses had but one or two rooms. Very few of them had other
than block windows. Their furnishing, beyond a few necessary
cooking utensils, was of the most meagre description. Of the
dwellings of the settlers at Plymouth, at about the same time,
we collect here and there (says Palfrey) a hint as to their con
struction. A storm on the 4th of February, 1621, "caused
much daubing of our houses to fall down " ; this was the clay
or other earth which filled the chinks between the logs. Wins-

10 NOTABLE EVENTS IN THE [1629
low wrote to persons proposing to emigrate, ' ' Bring paper and
linseed oil for your windows."
The earliest houses on Cape Cod were built by selecting
large logs of the right dimensions for sills and plates. In these,
holes were bored about six inches apart and poles were inserted
as a sort of studding, intervals being allowed for doors and win
dows. The spaces between them were filled with stones and
clay. The most thoroughly built were plastered with clay. The
roofs were thatched with long grass. The chimney was built
of sticks, arranged like a cob house and plastered with clay
inside. The windows were supplied with oiled paper instead of
glass. The floors were nothing more than the bare earth or per
haps in some cases flat stones covered with straw, for as late as
1623 the cottages of the common people in England, of whom
the emigrants were chiefly composed, were no better finished.

1629
The "Wheelwright Deed," if authentic, belongs to this
period of the town's history. This document, whicli purports
to be dated on the 17th day of May, 1629, conveys to Wheel
wright and others all that part of the main land between the
Merrimack and Piscataqua rivers, and extending into the coun
try so as to embrace that portion of the State included within a
line from the present town of Amherst, and crossing the Merri
mack near the falls of Amoskeag, passing through Chester,
Nottingham, Barrington and Rochester, and striking the
Salmon Falls river about a dozen miles above the Cochecho.
The conditions of this grant were that Wheelwright should
within ten years begin a plantation at Squamscot Falls (Exeter);
that other inhabitants should have the same privileges with
him ; that no plantation should exceed ten miles square ; that
no lands should be granted but in townships ; and that these
should be subject to the government of the Massachusetts
colony, until they should have a settled government among
themselves ; that for each township there should be paid an
annual acknowledgment of one coat of trucking cloth to Passa-
conaway, the chief sagamore, or his successors, and two bushels
of Indian corn to Wheelwright and his heirs. The Indians
reserved to themselves free liberty of fishing, fowling, hunting
and planting within these limits. This deed was signed by
Passaconaway and three other Indian Chiefs, and duly wit-

1630] HISTORY OF DOVER, N. H. 11
nessed and delivered by Edward Hilton, Thomas Wiggin,
Ambrose Gibbons and others. It included, as will be seen, all
that portion of the State then known to the English settlers,
and of which Thomson and others had already received grants
from the Crown. That they did not regard it as conflicting
with their own rights, but rather as confirming them, is evident
from their signatures as witnesses of the transaction.
The authenticity of the deed has been much controverted,
and ingenious arguments have been advanced to show that it
was an impossibility that it could have been given at the time
of its date. But the inadequacy of the motives ascribed for its
fabrication, together with the fact that it was believed to be
authentic for nearly two hundred years after it was given, must
be regarded as outweighing all that can be adduced against it.
These Indian deeds, it is well to remember, were considered
at no time as conveying to the settlers a fee in the soil, because
this was a right which belonged to the home government, not
to the savage tribes who merely roamed over this country. The
Indian conveyance was nothing more than a quit claim of ex
clusive right on their part to this privilege, with the acknowl
edgment of an equal right on the part of the English settlers
and the assurance of peace and amity on their part, an assur
ance which soon proved to be of little worth.

1630
Edward Hilton, having obtained a grant of the patent in his
own name (March 12, 1630), acted as his own agent until he
disposed of a portion of his interest to others, when Captain
Thomas Wiggin was appointed, Mr. Hilton being made one of
the commissioners for the affairs of New England by the Eords
of the Council, and as such was attorney for the delivery of
possession of Saco and Biddeford to Richard Vines.
This grant from the Council conveyed to Edward Hilton and
his associates all that part of the river Piscataqua called by the
natives Wecanacohunt, and by the settlers Hilton's point, with
the south side of said river up to the falls of Squamscot, and
three miles into the main land for breadth. This grant now
contains within its limits Dover, Durham, Stratham, and parts
of Newington and Greenland.
From the date of this grant we must undoubtedly reckon the
change of Dover from a trading and fishing post to an organized

12 NOTABLE EVENTS IN THE [1630
community. All rights previously had been those of " squatter
sovereignty." No records had been kept, and no forms of gov
ernment adopted. The same was true also of the settlement at
Little Harbor. Thomson had abandoned it within a year or
two after his arrival and removed to his island in Massachusetts
bay, and whether any of his men kept the settlement alive till
new patents were granted to the Eaconia associates, in 1630, is
uncertain. The colonization of the Piscataqua was a private commercial
enterprise. There is no evidence that the patentees or grantees
designed to provide an asylum for a discontented, disaffected or
persecuted people, or for any who were obnoxious to the laws of
the realm. Nor is there the slightest evidence that at the
outset of the enterprise its promotors even so much as dreamed
of founding a self-governing State, or a community in any es
sential degree independent of the Imperial sovereignty. They
were loyal to the Crown and the Church of England. But as
no scheme of this kind could be expected to succeed without
local superintendents, so we find that the colony had its " gov
ernors," agents of the chief adventurers and overseers of their
interests. The first settlers, mostly servants in the employ of
the grantees, were ruled by these overseers, under the instruc
tions of their principals. All were governed by the laws of
England. As the population increased a more efficient government
became necessary. This necessity was the more pressing after
Portsmouth and Dover became distinct centres of population.
In the absence of records it is impossible to fix upon the exact
time when these two communities set up government for them
selves, but it was at an earlier period, most likely, than has
generally been assigned.
The settlers of Exeter formed themselves into a body politic
July 4, 1639. Dover followed Oct. 22, the same year. Whether
their action was followed or preceded by that of Portsmouth is
uncertain. Hampton, which was claimed by Massachusetts,
was made a town in 1639. Population at that time about 1000.
There is no evidence that prior to 1641 either Portsmouth or
Dover had adopted a formal code of laws. Still it is not to be
inferred that these communities were lawless or destitute of
some kind of regulations for the conduct of their public affairs.
They certainly had the laws and customs of England which they
brought with them. {Hoyt's Notes.)

[1633 HISTORY OF DOVER, N. H. 13
1633
Captain Wiggin entered upon his duties as Governor, and
after about one year's residence in the country, made a voyage
to England to procure more ample means for carrying on the
plantation. In the meantime the grantees at Bristol, the asso
ciates of Hilton, had sold their interest to the Eords Say and
Brook, George Willys and William Whiting, who continued
Wiggin in the agency and procured a considerable number of
families in the west of England, " some of whom were of good
estate and of some account for religion to come over and increase
the colony." The heads of the principal families now added
by Captain Wiggin to the settlement, in addition to Edward
and William Hilton, were John Ault, Thomas Beard, Thomas
Canney, Edward Colcatt, John Dam, William Furber, John
Goddard, John Hall, Thomas Johnson, Henry Eangstaff,
Thomas Eayton, William Eeveridge, Francis Matthews, James
Nute, Hatevil . Nutter, James Ordway, Richard Pinkham,
William Pomfrett, Thomas Roberts, Henry Tebbetts, John
Tuttle and Richard Waldron.
While these events were in progress, conflicting claims to the
patent had arisen. The Government of Massachusetts Bay,
whose charter was granted in March, 1629, set up claims which
not only covered the whole of the New Hampshire settlements,
but a considerable part of Maine. These claims, after much
controversy, were ended for the time, by the extension of the
Massachusetts government over all the settlements on the
Piscataqua. Many collisions occurred while the controversy
was going on, not only between the settlers and the emissaries
of Massachusetts, but between the settlers of the different towns
on the river themselves. Captain Wiggin of the Dover patent
and Captain Walter Neale of the Strawberry Bank settlement
made preparations for a fight, if they did not come to open hos
tilities, the fame of which has come down to us. Hubbard in
forms us that Wiggin, being forbidden by Neale "to come upon
a certain point of land, that lieth in the midway betwixt Dover
and Exeter, Captain Wiggin intended to have defended his right
by the sword, but it seems both the litigants had so much wit
in their anger as to wave the battle, each accounting himself to
have done very manfully in what was threatened ; so as in
respect not of what did, but what might have fallen out, the
place to this day retains the formidable name of Bloody Point."
Mingled with the dispute as to territorial rights there was

14 NOTABLE EVENTS IN THE [1633
also a bitter controversy always going on of a political and re
ligious character. The settlers of Massachusetts were Puritans ;
those on the Piscataqua, so far as they had any religion, ad
hered to the Church of England ; the former had come over to
found a new settlement for conscience sake ; the latter to fish
and trade with the Indians. When Edward Hilton sold his
patent, it went into the hands of the friends of the Puritans in
England, and Captain Wiggin was appointed to conduct it in
their interest. On his return from England he accordingly
brought with him besides settlers of ' ' some account for religion, ' '
a "worthy puritan divine," the Reverend William Eeveridge,
who arrived Oct. 10, 1633, and continued till 1635, when he
left for want of adequate support. The Puritan element in the
settlement, though strong, was not able to maintain itself
against those of a different sentiment. Captain Wiggin, its
ruler, was not able to stand up against it. After Mr. Eeveridge
left, the Reverend George Burdet came among them, and
between 1637 and 1640 the settlement was a scene of confusion
and trouble, both civil and ecclesiastical.
Burdet came to Dover from Salem, where during a year or
two he had preached at different times to the satisfaction of the
people. Whether he was then playing a part, or whether he
afterwards changed his mind, is not altogether certain ; but he
turned out at last to be a spy of Archbishop Eaud, the most
inveterate enemy of the Puritans. In Dover he began to preach
and also to intrigue. He aspired to be a sort of Pope, uniting
in himself both the spiritual and the temporal leaderships.
Addressing himself to the anti-Puritan interest, he prevailed on
a majority of the settlers, after receiving him as their minister,
to make him their ruler, which they did by deposing Wiggin,
who had acted as agent for the English patentees from 1631.
Burdet remained at the head of affairs for about a year, when
Captain John Underhill, who had found it necessary to leave
Massachusetts, came to Dover to establish himself, and by his
superior address succeeded in obtaining the place of Burdet.
Underhill became commander of the military and also procured
a church to be gathered who chose Hanserd Knollys for their
minister. He had come over from England the year before,
but being an Anabaptist, of the Antinomian cast, was not
well received in Massachusetts, and came here while Burdet
was in office, who forbade his preaching. But Underhill agree
ing better with him prevailed to have him chosen minister.

1638] HISTORY OF DOVER, N. H. 15
1638
Hubbard says : —
About the year 1638, they attempted to gather themselves into a church
estate. But for want of discretion, if not of something else, in them
that were called to this solemn work, they soon after fell into factions,
and strange confusions, one part taking upon them to excommunicate
and punish the other in the church and in the court ; an ordinary effect
of loose and pragmatical spirits under any popular government, whether
civil or ecclesiastical.
The disreputable character of Burdet soon manifested itself
and he left Dover and went to Agamenticus, now York, Maine,
where his reputation followed him and his career was but a
repetition of the practices of which he had been guilty in Dover.
He was indicted for adultery and fined twenty pounds sterling ,
on repeated occasions.
Dr. Belknap says in his MS. History of the First Church : —
Being cleared of Burdet, it (the plantation) was ridden by another
churchman, Thomas Larkham. Coming to New England, and not favor
ing the discipline, he removed hither (1640), and the people of Dover
were much taken with his public preaching, he being of good parts and
well gifted. But not being able to maintain two ministers, they resolved
to cast off Mr. Knolles and embrace Mr. Larkham. Whereupon Mr.
Knolles, making a virtue of necessity, gave place, and the other, soon
after he was chosen, discovered himself by taking into the church all that
offered, though never so notoriously immoral and ignorant, if they would
but promise amendment ; and moreover fell into contentions with the
people, taking it upon him to rule all, even the magistrates themselves.
This occasioned a sharp dispute between him and Mr. Knolles, who
either yet retained, or upon this occasion reassumed the pastoral office.
Whereupon they were neither able quietly to divide into two churches,
nor live peaceably together in one. The more religious sort still adher
ing to Mr. Knolles, he, in their name, excommunicated Mr. Larkham,
who, in return, laid violent hands on Knolles, taking the hat from his
head, pretending it was not paid for ; but he was so civil as to send it to
him again.
In this heat it began to grow to a tumult, and some of the magistrates
joined with Mr. Larkham and assembled a company to fetch Capt.
Underhill before the Court ; he also gathered some of their neighbors
together to defend themselves and keep the peace, and so marched out
to meet Mr. Larkham, one carrying a Bible on a halberd for an ensign,
Mr. Knolles being armed with a pistol. When Mr. Larkham saw them
thus provided, he withdrew his party, and went no further, but sent
down to Mr. Williams, Governor of Strawberry Bank, for assistance,
who came up with a company of armed men and beset Mr. Knolles house
where Capt. Underhill was, kept a. guard upon him night and day till
they could call a Court, and then Mr. Williams, sitting as Judge, they
found Underhill and his company guilty of a riot, and set great fines

16 NOTABLE EVENTS IN THE [1638
upon them, and ordered him and some others to depart out of the
plantation. The cause of this eager persecution was because Capt. Underhill had
procured a good part of the inhabitants to offer themselves to the gov
ernment of Massachusetts ; and being then prosecuted they sent a peti
tion to them for aid. The Governor and assistants commissioned Mr.
Bradstreet, Hugh Peters of Salem, and Mr. Dalton of Hampton, who
came hither on foot to inquire into the matter and endeavor to make
peace. They succeeded so well that Mr. Larkham was released from
his excommunication, and Capt. Underhill and the rest from their
sentences. Another account of these troubles is given by Eechford : —
They two (Larkham and Knollys) fell out about baptizing children,
receiving of members, burial of the dead; and the contention was so
sharp that Knollys and his party rose up and excommunicated Mr.
Larkham and some that held with him ; and further, Mr. Larkham,
flying to the magistrates, Mr. Knollys and Capt. Underhill raised arms,
and expected help from the Bay, Mr. Knollys going before the troop
with a Bible upon a pole's top, and giving forth that their side were
Scots and the English. Whereupon the gentlemen of Sir F. Gorges'
plantation came in and kept court with the magistrates of Piscataqua,
who fined all those who were in arms for a riot, by indictment, jury and
verdict, formally; nine of them were censured to be whipped, but that
was spared; Mr. Knollys and the Captain, their leaders, were fined
ioo pounds apiece, which they were not able to pay.
Soon after (1640) Mr. Knollys left the scene of confusion, and
in 1641, Mr. Earkham left to avoid the shame of a scandalous
sin it was found he had committed.
From the conflicting accounts which have come down to us
of these religious and political controversies it is difficult to
extract the exact truth. Both Earkham and Knollys were
charged with gross immorality. Both it is believed were
unjustly accused.
Says the Rev. Dr. Spalding in his 250th anniversary sermon
of the Settlement of Dover and the organization of the First
Church : —
The early settlers of Dover and Portsmouth were attached to the
Church of England, and had little connection with the Puritans of Mas
sachusetts, though there were those in Dover whose sympathies were
with the Bay Company and the independent ideas, both civil and reli
gious, which the Puritans represented. These, for the most part, were
the men who came over with the Puritan minister, Mr. Leveridge. The
fact that there existed here in Dover these two parties, representing
principles and politics thus antagonistic, is the true key for our solution
of the strange events which occurred during this turbulent period of the
town's history. The conflict which was fought out within the walls of
the old church and along the single street of Dover, was the same in

1638] HISTORY OF DOVER, N. H. 17
character with that which had been raging for half a century in Eng
land, and which was yet to soak with the blood of its noblest citizens
many of its fair fields. Hanserd Knollys was a Puritan. Hatred of the
English established church had been generated in him by the persecu
tions which began to be brought against him from that quarter from the
day when he renounced the ordination which he had received from its
hands. Thomas Larkham had been an Episcopal minister at Northam,
England. Finding the Massachusetts Puritanism uncongenial to him,
he came to Dover. He was a man of considerable wealth, and buying
some of the shares of the plantation company, he became greatly influ
ential. This is seen in the fact that he persuaded the people here to
change the name of their town to Northam, this last being the name of
his English home. He was a man of brilliant speech and popular
address, and having supplanted Knollys, manifested his church notions
at once and in a very marked way, and which led to the contentions
which have been related.
The church which was founded in these "troublous times,"
survived them all and lives to this day, as the " First Church in
Dover," as it was the first in New Hampshire. The first meet
ing house was undoubtedly built in 1634, soon after Mr. Eever
idge came to Dover. The church itself dates from Jan. 13,
1762, Old Style.
Of the first meeting house, Dr. Belknap says : —
It appears from ancient records that Capt. Wiggin had a power of
granting lands to the settlers, but as trade was their principal object,
they took up small lots, intending to build a compact town on Dover
Neck. On the most inviting part of this eminence they built a meeting
house, which was afterwards surrounded with an entrenchment and
flankarts. It was not the first but the second meeting house which was
surrounded by intrenchments, as will be seen by the records of
1652. Of the location, as well as the materials of which the first
meeting house was constructed, we have no definite informa
tion. The first meeting house in Boston, built about the same
time, is "said to have had mud walls and a thatched roof"
{Palfrey). It is reasonable to conclude that in the absence of
other material the Dover meeting house was of a similar char
acter. As no reference is made to the first meeting house, in
the vote of the town for building the second house, it is not
certain whether it stood in the same place, or further down on
the Neck. Had the location been the same, reference to the
old edifice in the vote for building the new one it would seem
could hardly have been avoided.

NOTABLE EVENTS IN THE

[1640

1640
The ' ' Combination of the People of Dover to Establish a
Form of Government" was entered into this year. The original
was in existence upon the Town Records about 1665, when it
was quoted by Hubbard, but it could not be found when Dr.
Belknap wrote his History. A copy made by Governor Cranfield
in 1682 has since been found in the Public Record office in
London ; of which the following is a transcript :
Whereas sundry Mischeifes and inconveniences have befaln us, and
more and greater may in regard of want of Civill Government, his
Gratious Matie haveing hitherto setled no Order for us to our Knowl
edge :
Wee whose names are underwritten being Inhabitants upon the River
Piscataquack have voluntarily agreed to combine our Selves into a Body
Politique that wee may the more comfortably enjoy the benefit of his
Maties Lawes. And do hereby actually ingage our Selves to Submit to
his Royal Maties Lawes together with all such Orders as shalbee con
cluded by a Major part of the Freemen of our Society, in case they bee
not repugnant to the Lawes of England and administred in the behalfe
of his Majesty.
And this wee have mutually promised and concluded to do and so to
continue till his Excellent Matie shall give other Order concerning us.
In Witness wee have hereto Set our hands the two & twentieth day
of October in the Sixteenth yeare of the Reign of our Sovereign Lord
Charles by the grace of God King of Great Brittain France & Ireland
Defender of the Faith &c Annoq Domi: 1640.

John Follett
John Underhill
Phillip Swaddow
Steven Teddar
William Bowden
John Phillips
John Hall
Hansed Knowles
Robert Huggins
Edward Starr
William Waldern
Richard Laham
Tho: Layton
George Webb

Samuel Haines
William Jones
John Dam
Bartholmew Hunt
Thomas Canning
John Heard
Fran: Champernoon
Henry Beck
Henry Lahorn
Richard Waldern
Anthony Emery
William Furber
John Crosse

Robert Nanney
Peter Garland
Richard Pinckhame
John Upgroufe
John Wastill
Tho: Dunstar
Abel Camond
Edward Colcord
Thom. Larkham
James Nute
William Storer
William Pomfret
Tho: Roberts
James Rawlins

Bartholmew Smith
This is a True Copy compared with ye Originall by me
Edw Cranfield
(Endorsed)
New England N. Hampshire
The Combination for Govern
ment by ye people at Pascataq. 1640
Reed abt 13 Febr. 82-3

1641] HISTORY OF DOVER, N. H. 19
Some of the names were no doubt copied inaccurately for
Governor Cranfield. Phillip Swaddow is Swadden on the pro
test of 1 64 1. Abel Camond is conjectured to be the Camock
named Abel. Steven Teddar is doubtless the Stephen Kidder
of Berwick in 1632, if Belknap gives the name right. Thomas
Canning was, later Cannie, but Canning was doubtless the
original form. Thomas Dunstar is somtimes given as Durstin.
Edward Starr was doubtless the Edward Starbuck of that
period. The name sometimes given as Robert Varney is clearly
Robert Nanney, but may have become Varney.
This combination was entered into from the fact that John
Underhill had become a strong advocate for the union of the
plantation with Massachusetts, as related by Belknap, while
pretending to be hostile to that government from which he had
been banished. This duplicity produced the utmost confusion
in the colony. Underhill attempted to "rend this combination,"
and contrary to his oath and fidelity went from house to house,
and for his own ends by flattering and threatening, got some
hands to a note of their willingness to submit themselves to the
government of Massachusetts. This led to the violent pro
ceedings of both parties as related by Belknap, and to the
decree banishing Underhill from the colony.

1 641
In March, 1641, the leading inhabitants of Dover sent the
following letter to the Governor of Massachusetts explanatory
of Underbill's conduct, and of their objections to coming under
the government of Massachusetts. Northam, 4, imo ( March 4, 1640-1)
Honoured Sir: — We, the inhabitants of Northam, make bould to
trouble you with these few lynes, Certifyinge you that whereas wee
suppose Captaine Underhill hath informed you and the rest of your
brethren of the Matechusheth baye, that wee are all willinge, volun
tarily to submit our Selves to your Government upon fformer Articles
propounded ; truth it is wee doe very well aprove of your judicious
wayes, and shall be very ioyful, yu please God to enlarge us, that wee
may be free from other ingagements and promises wch some of us are
obliged in to the owners or patentees, from whom under his Mat's Letter
Patents we enjoy our free liberty, wch causeth us not for present to sub
mit to any other government than that wch wee have already entered
into combination to observe according to the King's Mat's Lawes, until
such time as the owners come over to us, which wee suppose will be
about three months hence, and then our prpositions Considered as the

20

NOTABLE EVENTS IN THE

[1641

Lord shall direct us, wee will labour more to satisfy you. But for the
prcedings of Captain Underhill seeking to Undermyne us, and contrary
to his oath and fidellyty as we suppose intrusted to him, hath went from
house to house, and for his own ends, by flattery and threatining, gotten
some hands to a note of their willingness to submit themselves under
your government, and some that have no habitation, to bring his
purposes to pass; we doubt not but you are to well acquainted with his
stratagems in plotting his owne designs, wch wee refer to your grave
iudgments. Some of those that subscribed to his note have this day
utterly prtested against their owne act, for he hath raysed such a
mutinie amongst us wch if we take not Course for the stoping thereof it
may Cause the effusion of blood, by reason he hath by his designes
privately rent the combination as much as in him lyeth, Contrary to his
Act, that is that wee should continue him in the same govmnt, except
an agreement or cause shewed to the Contrary in open Court, agreed on
by the maior p'ts. thus Much we thought good to acquaynt your wor'p,
wthall beseeching your favorable construction, hoping you will weigh
our Case in Equity and conscience, and not any way to enforce us to any
act whereby wee should break pr'mise or Covenant with the patentees
or amongst ourselves whehin soe doinge we should sinne greatly, we
heartyly desire your prayers for us, and comit you to the pr'tection of
the Almightye at yor  to be comanded.

Thom Larkham
William Jones
John ffollett
Robert Varney
Thomas Durston
Thomas Roberts
Samuel haines
Bartholmew Smith
John Dam
Barthol'ew (+)Hunt

William Waldern
sign
John (+) Tuttle
of
henry beck
mark
Thos (T) Layton
of
Edward Starbuck
William Pomfrett
William furbur
William Storer
mark
John (H) Hall
of
Phillip Swaddon

Richard Waldern
Edward Colcorde
sig
Robert (R) huckins
of
Richard Pinkcom
Thomas Tricky

The final result of these proceedings was that the people of
Dover were willing to agree to the surrender of their jurisdiction
to Massachusetts, as soon as the agent of the new proprietors
who had recently purchased the rights of Edward Hilton in the
colony should arrive in the country. This act was accordingly
soon consummated.
Having placed itself under the protection of Massachusetts,
Dover as well as Portsmouth was substantially a part of that
colony for nearly fifty years. Governed by its laws, New Hamp
shire, of which these two towns formed the component parts, had
virtually no history of its own, for Hampton had always owed

[1641 HISTORY OF DOVER, N. H. 21
allegiance to the Bay and Exeter was but an outlying parish
over which guard had been constantly placed to keep John
Wheelwright and his heresies at bay. Thus situated little prog
ress was made in its settlement, though extensive grants were
constantly made to men of influence in this country and in Eng
land, the favorites of the home government. It was indeed
graciously allowed that the inhabitants should enjoy the same
liberties with their own people, and have a court of justice
erected among them ; that they should be exempted from all
public charges, except what should arise among themselves, or
for their own peculiar benefit ; that they should enjoy their for
mer liberties of fishing, planting and selling timber ; and that
they should send two deputies to the General Court sitting in
Boston. These terms were indeed liberal, though Massachusetts
could well afford them, and leading men in New Hampshire
were allowed to hold prominent places below the highest in the
management of affairs. That "stalwart" leader in the Dover
settlement, Major Richard Waldron, represented his people for
more than twenty years in the General Court, of which on seven
successive occasions he was chosen the Speaker.
The historian of New England {Palfrey), after reciting the
terms of the union and the disorderly conduct in the settlements
which led to it, remarks : ' ' Experiences of this kind taught
them that they were not in a condition to go on comfortably by
themselves ; the territorial claim of Massachusetts was always
hanging over their heads ; the state of affairs in England pre
cluded the expectation of any present attention from that
quarter ; and the communities were too dissimilar from each
other, as well as singly too feeble and heterogeneous, to find
sufficient strength in a union together. The natural and pru
dent resource was to seek the protection of Massachusetts."
However advantageous this union may have been at the
start, in cleaning out the disorderly elements which prevailed
in the settlements, the chain soon began to gall. As early as
1646, or in about five years after the connection was formed,
dissatisfaction with government by Massachusetts began to
manifest itself. The inhabitants of Dover, by "humble pe
tition," complained to the General Court that they were sub
jected to inconvenience and wrong in being compelled to defray
all their own court charges, while subjected to the courts of
Massachusetts in matters which it was agreed should be left to
their own jurisdiction. They complained that while it was

22 HISTORY OF DOVER, N. H. [ i64i
stipulated that in all minor matters they should answer only to
their own courts, which had power to punish all offenders
except for "life, limb or banishment," they had warrants served
upon them to appear at Boston about selling of wine, and had
been arrested divers times for small sums and been forced to
travel as far as Boston, Salem and Ipswich for a debt of ten
shillings, &c.
In answer to this petition the General Court decided that the
complainants " had no other liberties concerning trials and suits
in law than the inhabitants of Salem and others of other parts
of this jurisdiction have." " Nevertheless the Court being sen
sible of the great burthen which may fall upon the inhabitants
of the river, if they shall be forced upon small occasions to
travel to Boston, or other courts far off, ordered that they should
not be compelled upon any original process to travel out of the
limits of Norfolk to answer in any civil action of less than ioo
pounds debt and damage, or have liberty to call any person out
of any other limits to answer in any like action to be holden in
Norfolk under the same value."
With these and other concessions the union went on until
1679, when New Hampshire was made a province and left
mainly to its own guidance. The revolution in England, com
plications growing out of the Mason claim and repeated Indian
massacres of the defenceless inhabitants induced (1689-90)
a majority of the harassed people to ask to be restored to the
protection of Massachusetts. Measures to that end were in
progress, but before the union had been fully consummated,
after a nominal control of affairs for about three years, Massa
chusetts relinquished its authority in 1692, and New Hampshire
ever after remained a separate province, though the boundary
line between them was not finally settled until 1741.

CHAPTER II
Under Colony of Massachusetts
1642
Jan. 2. — At a town meeting it was ordered that if any turbu
lent person shall molest any of the Townsmen appointed, or
quarrel with them, or contest against any of their lawful actions,
done according to town order, he shall be first admonished, and
the second time fined 5s. and the third time 10s. for every such
offence. ("Townsmen " was the term used for Town Officers.)
June 1. — It was ordered that no inhabitant should fall above
ten trees for clapboards or pipe staves till he had wrought them
up. Anyone having above ten trees fallen at any time not
wrought up was to forfeit for every tree ten shillings.
Same date. — It was ordered that "Mr. Daniel Maud and Mary
his wife shall enjoy the house they now dwell in during their
lives provided he continue amongst us as Teacher or pastor if
please God to call him to it."
Mr. Maud was the fifth minister of Dover. He came to this
country as early as 1635, and was admitted a freeman by the
Massachusetts Colony, Oct. 25, 1635. He settled in Boston and
was a schoolmaster there several years. He came to Dover this
year and continued here till his death in 1655. " He was a
good man, of a serious spirit and a quiet and peaceable dis
position." 7th mo. — It is ordered that the Associates at Piscataqua shall
have power to try any cause under 20 pounds, though no other
be sent to them. Mr. William Hilton, William Waldron and
Edward Colcott had authority to end differences under 1 pound.
Ordered, that the Elders be desired to take the case of the
inhabitants of Strawberry bank into their consideration and
afford their help for providing a minister for them.
The inhabitants of Northam (Dover) upon their petition were
granted the liberty other towns have, and Mr. Samuel Dudley,
Mr. William Paine, Mr. Winslow and Mr. Boyse were appointed
to settle their limits.
(The above, 7th mo., &c, though appearing on the Town
records, was doubtless the action of the Massachusetts Assembly,
under whose government the Piscataqua towns had placed
themselves.)

24

NOTABLE EVENTS IN THE

[1643

A barrel of powder was granted tbe inhabitants of Dover by
the Massachusetts government on their delivering dry fish for it
in Boston by agreement with the surveyor general.
Twenty acre lots were laid out this year, on the west side of
Back river, to the following inhabitants (the lots being described
as "in breadth at the water side 40 poles, and in length 80
poles up in the woods " ) :
Thomas Roberts, Barthy Smey,
Richard Rogers, John Ugroue,
Henry Tebbetts, John Dam,
Mr. Larkham, Wm. Pomfrett,
Edward Colcord, Wm. Hilton, sen.
George Webb, Edward Starbuck,
John Tuttle Samuel Haines,
William Storey, Robert Huggins

John Croesse,
Tho. Layton,
John Hall,
Hatevil Nutter,
Henry Beck
John Westell,
Richard Pinkham

1643
The inhabitants of Bloody Point, who had been severed from
Dover and annexed to Portsmouth, by the Commissioners
appointed by Massachusetts to define the boundaries after the
union with that government in 1641, petitioned to be re-annexed
to Dover, assigning as reasons that it was done altogether
without their consent ; that they had promise from you ( Massa
chusetts) to enjoy all their lawful liberty of felling timber
and the like, but from which they are now debarred ; that
Strawberry Bank was four miles from them, or thereabouts,
whereby they were all debarred from hearing the word by
reason of the tides falling out so that they could go but once a
fortnight and then stay but a part of the day, making it rather
a day of toil and labor than rest unto the Lord, and yet they
were forced to pay for the maintenance of their minister. And
it was further alleged that ' ' sithence the Court they have laid
out to themselves 50, 100, or 200 acres a pts (apiece) round
about us, penning us up and denying us falling of any Timber
without their leave and making every one that will have of the
said land to pay yearly 50s. for a C Acres and so after the rate
for more or less, they being some fourteen or fifteen families
living remote from one another scattering upon the river 2 miles
and 4, 5, or 6 miles from us, yet have taken to themselves all
our best land adjoining to us." The petitioners conclude by
" Humbly beseaching your good Worpps to be pleasrd to take
our case into your pious consideration and to take some order

[1643 HISTORY OF DOVER, N. H. 25
for us that we may enjoy our former liberties and continue in
the same Township we were of, and that the order of Court
may be confirmed which was that our Neck should be in
Dover Town, otherwise we shall be forced to remove with (our
families) to our undoing, being 12 poor families." &c. The
signers of the petition were John Godard, James Johnson,
Thomas Canning, Henry Langstaff, Thomas Ffursen, John
Fayer, William Fray, Oliver Trimings, William Jones, Philip
Lewis, Thomas Trickey and another whose name is unread
able. The result was that —
March 10. It appearing to the Court that the Commissioners
appointed to lay out the bounds between Dover and Strawberry
Bank did not consider Strawberry Bank as a Town, nor so
exactly viewed the land on that side of the river as was needful
and thereupon laid out certain lands to Dover which is most
convenient for Strawberry Bank, and certain lands to Straw
berry Bank which is most convenient for Dover, it was ordered
that all the marsh and Meddow ground lying against the Great
Bay on Strawberry Bank side should belong to Dover, together
with four hundred ackers of upland ground adjoining and lying
as may be most convenient for the imprisoning and fencing in
of the said meadow, the remainder of the said ground to belong
to Strawberry Bank, reserving the due right to every one that
hath property in the same.
6th mo. 31. George Webb was presented by the Court " for
living idle like a swine."
Warrant was ordered to be sent to Dover to redress their two
mistakes of sending a new deputy and sending an imperfect
number of males from 16 years old to 60 years. It was also
ordered that an admonition should be sent to Dover for sending
a new deputy without leave, or new summons, and not allowing
means to the former deputy, whereby he was hindered from
coming. {Mass. Records?)
William Pomfret was appointed in Edward Colcott's place to
assist in ending small causes at Dover. ( Mass. Records.)
Sept. 30. —It was ordered that William Pomfrett should have
the neck of land between the mouth of Cochecho river and
Newichwannock river with the marsh thereupon to the first
narrow. Dec. 8. — It was ordered that no man should fall any timber
for clapboards or pipe staves, plank or boards (on public land)
without the approbation of the Townsmen.

26 NOTABLE EVENTS IN THE [1644
1644
April 20. — It was ordered that Mr. Edward Starbuck, Richard
Walderne and William Furber be Wearesmen for Cotcheco
falls and river, during their lives, or so long as they continue
inhabitants in the town and at any one of their deaths or
departure out of the town the said falls, wears and fishing to
return again to the disposing of the town, to put in another,
paying yearly six thousand Alewives for rent to the town. The
first fish they catch are to be employed for the use of the Church
and what fish is wanting for the Church's use to be delivered at
common price, that is to say three shillings a thousand at the
utmost, and the first Salmon they catch to be given to the pastor
or teacher, and none are to fish in the said falls or weares but the
above written. And further said wearsmen are bound to use all
diligence in catching fish. 2dly, The said wearsmen are to have
six thousand of fish each of them for their ground. 3d, Church
officers are to be served with fish. 4th, All that bear office in
the commonwealth, and 5thly the most ancient inhabitants to
be served with fish, and so every man a thousand of fish equally
divided or so many as every school of fish affords and every
man to go up for his fish and tend there for it in fishing season,
and for the odd fish that come before the school to be the wears-
men's if they exceed not above two or three hundred. After
the Church have had six thousand of fish the next to be served
are the wearsmen. Those men who do not use the fish them
selves it shall be at the disposing of the wear men. And those
that neglect to take their turn shall lose their fish for that time.
And it is ordered that no man shall molest the said Wearsmen
in their fishing upon pain of nineteen shillings for every default.
Aug. 2. — It was ordered by the Court that Elisabeth, wife of
Mathew Giles, be whipped or redeemed with a fine of 20 shil
lings for reviling words* against some of the members of the
church. Ordered, that William Jones shall make a public acknowl
edgement to Elder Starbuck and others he hath reviled upon
Lord's day come sennitt.
"Anthony Emery, of Dover, his petition is referred to the
next court at Dover and he is allowed to draw out his wine in
the meantime." {Mass. Records?)
On the report of Richard Bellingham and Richard Saltonstall
appointed by the General Court of Massachusetts to examine

1645] HISTORY OF DOVER, N. H. 27
the case concerning a certain quantity of land in question be
tween Dover and Strawberry Bank, it was ordered that the land
should be laid to Dover. 1645
July 10. — John Baker was fined ten shillings for drawing his
sword and running after Indians with it drawn, and to pay
2s. 6d. fees. He was also admonished for trading with Indians
on the Sabbath day, and ordered to pay 2s. 6d. fees. He was
further presented for beating Richard Nason so that he was
black and blue, and for throwing a fire shovel at his wife ;
5 shillings. It is ordered that the Treasurer should pay John Rosse, due for
ferrige of the magistrates to Dover, and demand the one half
of the Treasurer of Dover. Mr. Bradstreet and Mr. Symonds
are appointed to keep courts at Dover for the year ensuing.
Capt. Wiggin, Mr. Williams and Mr. Smith are appointed asso
ciates with them. {Mass. Records.)
Oct. 7. — It is ordered that Strawberry Bank and Dover be
sent to for what they stand indebted to the country for their
deputies' diet and court charges, and course taken for it. {Mass.
Records.) The Massachusetts General Court granted to Dover the entire
neck of land, known as Bloody Point, bounded on the south
ward by a line drawn from Canney's creek to Hogsty Cove.
1647
Oct. 27. — It was ordered that Mr. Ambrose Gibbons, William
Pomfrett, Anthony Emery, Richard Waldron and Thomas Lay-
ton treat with Mr. Hate Evil Nutter and Company of Elders,
concerning the erecting and setting up of a saw mill at Campron
river, and as the parties should agree it would be the act of the
town. By the agreement which follows, the " Company of Elders "
aforesaid, which seems to have consisted of Elder Nutter and
Elder Starbuck, were granted a commodious and fit place at
the upper or lower fall, for the setting up of a saw mill, with
what timber and wood should be necessary for that purpose.
They were allowed to fall either oak or pine for sawing, and
were to pay for every tree six pence to the town, either in
boards or plank.

28 NOTABLE EVENTS IN THE [1647
The inhabitants of Dover were granted exemption from serv
ing at the General Court, except at the Court of election, and
their fine for not appearing was remitted. ( Mass. Records.)
Nov. i. — William Pomfrett chosen town clerk.
Nov. n — Town Marks agreed upon by the General Court
for Horses, ordered to be set upon one of the nere quarters :
" S (trawberry banke), N (ortham), H (ampton), E(xiter.)."
{Mass. Records .)
The Court took order for the administration of the estate
of William Waldron, deceased, by decreeing that said estate
should be delivered into the hands of Capt. Wiggin and Edward
Rawson, who were to settle the same and make an equal dis
tribution of the proceeds to the several creditors, making return
of their doings to the next Court.
The following ordinance in relation to the valuation of prop
erty for the purpose of taxation was adopted this year : —
"Vicesimo Septimo die ioth mo Anno Domini '47."
" Memorand. it is this day ordered, constituted, concluded and agreed
upon that the inhabitants of Dover doe and shall constitute and agree
unto a form of levieing (levying) of Rates and Assessments for raising
of public charges, According to an order of Court made and held at
Boston dated 13th of the 9th mo. (1647) as followeth viz : —
1st. That the Selectmen and one man more chosen by the inhabitants
aforesaid, shall have full power and authority to make rates and to follow
this forme as followeth.
2nd. That they take and make an exact and perfect List of all the
male Inhabitants within this Township from the age of sixteen yearesand
upwards. According to a true valuation and Estimate of all the Estate,
as well reall as personall of houses and Lands of all Sorts unbroken upp as
others. Except such as shall bee comon for free feeding of cattell to the
use of the inhabitants in generall whether belonging to Townds or par
ticular persons viz: — Mills, shypps, merchantable goods, Cranes, wharfes
and all other sorts of cattell and other  goods or estates either at Sea
or land. The which said persons and estates are by the said selectmen
and commissioners to be assessed and rated as hereafter followeth, viz :
That evie (every) person aforesaid (Magistrates only excepted) two
shillings and six pence per head and all estates both Reall & personal
at one penny for evie twenty shillings According to the rate of cattell
hereafter mentioned viz: —
That evie cowe of foure yeares and upwards shall be valued at five
pounds. That evie heifer and Steirs betweene three and foure yeares old shall
bee valued at foure pounds, betweene two and three yeares at fifty shil
lings and betweene one and two yeares old at thirty shillings.
That evie Oxe at foure yeares old and upwards shall bee valued at
sixe pounds.

1648] HISTORY OF DOVER, N. H. 29
That evorie horse and mare at foure years old and upwards shall bee
valued at Seaven pounds, and of three yeares old at five pounds, betweene
two and three yeares old at three pounds and of one yeare old forty
shillings. That evie sheepe above one yeare old shall bee valued at thirty
shillings and evie Goate above one yeare old at eight shillings.
That evie swine above one yeare old shall bee valued at twenty
shillings and  above one yeare old at forty shillings.
All sorts of Cattell under one yeare old are exempted.
That all such persons as by their Arts are inabled to carry along public
charges, As Bakers, Brewers and Artificers, are to bee rated according to
the valuation of their said Arts and Imployments.

1648
Feb. 22. — It was ordered that George Smith, William Pom
frett and John Hall being chosen shall have full power and
authority to put an end to all controversies that shall at any
time arise for the space of one whole year.
Aug. 3. — The Grand Jury presented Elder Starbuck for dis
turbing the peace of the church, and for refusing to join with it
in the ordinance of baptism ; for which he was admonished and
discharged. Sept. 27 — It was ordered that all such person or persons that
shall be found absent without lawful cause from the town meet
ing shall for such default pay a fine of six shillings.
Same date. — It was ordered that Richard Pinkham shall beat
the drum on Lord's day to give notice for the time of meeting
and to sweep the meeting house for the which he shall be
allowed six bushels of Indian corn for his pay this year and to be
freed from rates.
Oct. 12. — There was granted to Richard Waldron fifteen hun
dred trees, either oak or pine, for the accommodation of a saw
mill which he intendeth shortly by God's permission to erect
and set up at or upon the lower fall of the river Cochchechoe.
The said Richard Waldron is to pay three pence per tree.
Oct. 29. — It was ordered that George Walton should pay
twenty shillings for every pipe of wine drawn either by him or
his appointment to any person or persons whatsoever since the
time of his keeping an ordinary, and also for the price of two
pipes and one hogshead of wine since the last Court the sum of
fifty shillings upon demand.
Lots were assigned this year in Cochecho Marsh to the follow
ing persons: Anthony Emery 12 acres, the Church 12 acres,

30 NOTABLE- EVENTS IN THE [1648
and to George Walton, John Hall, John Hurd, Henry Beck,
William Waldron, John Newgrow, Henry Langstaff, John
Goddard, James Nute, Robert Huckins, James Rollins, William
Furber, Richard Waldron, John Baker and Mr. Belley, 6 acres
each. Mr. Nutter was also assigned 6 acres, which was after
wards exchanged with Edward Colcord for his six acre lot of
marsh in the Great Bay. And it is further recorded that, ' ' next
joining these lots there is io acres given to John Baker and the
rest of the marsh to Richard Waldron by a town meeting, and
all the marsh is divided."

Town Records

A town rate of 4d on a
pound was made 19th ioth
mo. on the
following
persons :
Pd.
s.
d.
Rate
Joseph Austin
91-
10.
0.
1.
11.
2.
Charles Adams
31-
10.
0.
5-
4-
John Alt
69.
0.
0.
1.
3-
0.
William Beard
76.
10.
0.
1.
5-
6.
Jonas Binns
42.
0.
0.
14.
4-
John Bickford
"5-
10.
0.
1.
18.
6.
John Baker
92.
10.
0.
1.
10.
10.
Henry Beck
40.
16.
0.
13-
7-
Tho. Beard
62.
0.
0.
1.
0.
8.
Geo. Branson
3°-
0.
0.
10.
0.
Tho. Canney
84.
0.
0.
1.
8.
0.
Philip Chasley
78.
10.
0.
1.
6.
6.
John Damme
104.
10.
0.
1.
14.
10.
William Drew
70.
0.
0.
1.
3-
4-
Antho. Emery
108.
10.
0.
1.
16.
0.
more to pay
for a bull 2.
10.
0.
10.
William Furber
81.
10.
0.
1.
7-
2.
Darby Field
81.
0.
0.
1.
7-
0.
Tho. Footman
60.
0.
0.
1.
0.
0.
Tho. Fursen
16.
0.
0.
5-
0.
John Goddard
129.
10.
0.
2.
2.
2.
Ambrose Gibbons
86.
0.
0.
1.
8.
0.
Matthew Gyles
194.
10.
0.
3-
3-
2.
Samuel Haines
65-
10.
0.
1.
1.
10.
Jo. Hall
79-
12.
0.
1.
6.
8.
John Hilton
46.
0.
0.
15-
4-
Robt. Hethersey
60.
0.
0.
1.
0.
0.
John Hall
42.
0.
0.
14.
0.
Tho. Johnson
40.
0.
0.
13-
4-
Oliver Kent
70.
10.
0.
1.
10.
0.
Henry Langstaff
75-
0.
0.
1.
5-
0.
Tho. Layton
156.
10.
0.
z.
12.
0.
Francis Littlefield
60.
15-
0.
I.
0.
3-
1648]

HISTORY OF DOVER, N. H.

31

Pd.

s.

d.

Rate

Mrs. Matthews

139-

10.

0.

2.

3

2.

John Martin

41.

10.

0.

J3

10.

Hatevill Nutter

78-

6.

0.

1.

6

• 3-

James Nute

S3-

0.

0.

1.

7

. 8

William Pomfrett

7L

0.

0.

1.

3

8.

Mr. Roberts

69.

10.

0.

1.

3

2.

William Roberts

46.

10.

0.

15
2.
James Rawlins
60.
0.
0.
1.
0
0.
Jeffrey Ragg
4-
0.
0.
1
4-
William Storey
66.
4-
0.
1.
2
1.
Edw. Starbuck
45-
10.
0.
15
4-
Tho. Stephenson
5°-
0.
0.
16
4-
Mr. Seeley
8.
0.
0.
2
8.
Francis Small
10.
0.
0.
3-
4-
George Smith
32-
8.
0.
10
9-
John Ture
35-
0.
0.
1
8.
Henry Tibbetts
87.
0.
0.
1.
9
2.
John Tuttle
69.
0.
0.
1.
3
0.
Thomas Trickett
104.
10.
0.
1.
8
4-
Thomsons point house
4-
0.
0.
1
4-
George Webb
46.
0
0.
12
8.
George Walton
84.
0.
0.
1.
7
4-
Tho. Willey
7i-
10.
0.
1.
3
6.
Rich. Walderne
141.
0.
0.
2.
3
4-
more to pay
—
—
—
3
4-
Richard Yorke
72.
8.
0
1.
4
0.
The first column of figures was the estimated value of the
estate taxed ; the second the amount of the tax.
The rate here specified was to be paid in these commodities,
at the time and place following :
One fourth part in corn to be paid and brought in at the rates as
follows, viz: Indian corn at 4s. per bushel, wheat and peas at 5s. per
bushel, and to be paid by the ioth day of the next mo. at the house of
Wm. Pomfrett, and ye rest of the rate to be pd in by the ioth day of
March next ensuing, at the saw pitt below Tho. Canny's for one place of
receipt for part of the said rate, and ye other to be paid in at the back
cove, to the Constables or his assignes. All pipe staves are to be deliv
ered in at the rate of 3 pds 10 s o d, and hh staves at 2 pds 5 s o d.
And for default of payment in either or any of the said payments in part
or in all contrary to the form aforesaid, we do hereby authorize and give
unto the Constable full power to arrest and attach the goods of such per
son or persons as shall make denial.
Witness our hands this 19th day of ye ioth mo. '48.
Ambrose Gibbons, Hatevil Nutter,
William Pomfrett, Antho. Emery,
Tho. Layton.
32 NOTABLE EVENTS IN THE [1649
1649
Aug. 23. — The privilege at Bellemy Bank was granted to
William Pomfrett, Thomas Layton and John Dam, for the erect
ing of a saw mill, and also 1500 trees, oak and pine, to be
" failed " in the swamp above the falls. Pomfrett and his part
ners also had liberty to fall timber in any place on the river out
of other men's lots, paying the town 3d. for every tree.
Sept. 19. — Oyster river falls were granted to Valentine Hill
and Thomas Beard.
Oct. 18. — The Court being informed of a great misdemeanor
committed by Edward Starbuck of Dover, with profession of
Anabaptism, for which he is to be proceeded against at the next
Court of Assistants, if evidence can be prepared by that time,
and it being very far for witnesses to travel to Boston at that
season of the year, appointed Captain Thomas Wiggin and Mr.
Edward (George?) Smith to take the testimony of the witnesses
for the prosecution of Starbuck, whose offence, apparently, was
the wearing of his hair beyond the statute length, " after the
manner of ruffians and barbarous Indians," which had been
decreed by the Court to be " sinful." 1650
July 4. — Thomas Wiggin and Edward Starbuck received per
mission for erecting a saw mill at the second falls of Cochecho
river, with accommodation of timber adjacent, paying ten
pounds rent per year after the mill is at work ; and if they did
not build it and set at work within one year after the first of
July ensuing, they were to pay ten pounds. They also had
land given them.
Same date. — Thomas Wiggin and Simon Bradstreet were
granted accommodation for a saw mill to be erected and set up
by them in the River Newichwannock above the first fall, or at
Quamphegan. Also accommodation of timber, 10 pounds rent.
The above is recorded as follows :
At a towen meting heilld the foerth of the fifeth mo 50
Giuen and granted unto Mr. Thomas Wiggien and Edward Starbuck,
their heires and asignes for euer acomedation for the Ereicteing or
setting downe a sawe mill at the secont fall of Coechechae Reuer with
acomedation of tember near adjasent as the sayd miell shall improue with
acomedation of land as the townsmen shall see fett or such as shall be
depeuted and for the foernamed Grant the afoersayd mr. Toomas Wig-
gine and Edward Starbucke aer to pay to the towne of Douer the soem of

1650]

HISTORY OF DOVER, N. H.

33

tenn pounds starling by the year after it is sett to worke and if theay
shall not sett up the sayd mill to worke with in one yeare the afoersayd
parties ar to pay to the towne tenn pounds for the fierst yeare after the
fierst July wich will be in the year 51 or likwise if theay shall desert it
theay are to pay 10 lb for the kiping of it and not improuing it acording
to the intent of the towne and that thear shall noe mill bee set up aboue
theim to hinder them.
At the same lime, is given and granted mr Thomas Wiggin and his
heres & asigns one hondred Ackers of upland ajasent to the mill at the
second fall of Coechechaue.
At the same time is giuen and granted to Edward Starbucke hishieres
and asyneys 50 Ackes of upland near ajasent alsoe.
At a Publique Towne meetinge 10 5 Mo 50
Giuen & Granted unto Captaine Thomas Wiggins one hundred Acres
of up Land neer adjacent to the aforementioned Mill.

A rate was made
the following person
Thomas Roberts
Ralph Hall
Thomas Beard
A. Emery
John Tuttle
William Storey
John Hall, sen.
Elder Nutter
John Roberts
Anthony Nutter
James Nute
William Furber
Thomas Canny
Henry Tebbitts
Isaac Nash
Thomas Clayton
Rice Howell
John Dam
Thomas Layton
William Pomfrett
Henry Langstaff
Thomas Trickey
John Martin
John Hall, jr.
John Laues
Richard Keatler
James Rollins
Wm. Went worth
Joseph Austin

Town Records
this year, for the public charges of the town, upon
s:

Pd. 1. 1.

s.
00. 2.
13- 6.
19-
00. 4-
15-13- 14. o.
14. 7-
11.
10.
10. 14. 12. 2.
3-
11.
17-12. 14.
5-
17- 2.
17-

d. 6. Richard Waldron
6. Abraham Radford
4. Peter Coffin
Valentine Hill
William Beard
4. Philip Chesley
6. Thomas Johnson
6. John Hall
8. Ambrose Gibbens
6. William Roberts
8. Thomas Steunson
William Drew
6. Matthew Giles
2. Oliver Kentt
Charles Adams
Mrs. Mathes
James Bines
8. John Bickford
5. Thomas Willey
2. John Allt
4. George Webb
George Branson
Philip Lewis
6. William Follet
Thomas Footman
4. Richard York
z. John Hill
8. Goodie Feild

Pd. 3-

s. 2.
10. 10. 2.
4- 2.

14.

8.

IO.

0.

I.

4-

8.

17-

z.

16.
0.
12.
4-
2.
13-
2.
I.
0.
10.
I.
0.
0.
14.
4-
I.
17-
4-
I.
13-
2.
I.
3-
4-
3-
4-
10.
0.
18.
8.
10.
0.
12.
8.
I.
0.
10.
6.
I.
0.
0.
6l.
12.
1.
34 NOTABLE EVENTS IN THE [1651
Although this list of tax-payers contains the same number
as paid taxes in 1648 viz. 57, there is considerable variation in
the names ; many persons had left the settlement, whose places
had been taken by others.

1651
May 5. — -At a town meeting it was voted to raise 100 Pounds
by the year towards the maintenance of two ministers, one to
live at Oyster River and the other at Dover. Only one minister
thus far had been supported, and the Oyster river folks objected
to paying their rates on account of the distance which they had
to travel to reach the meeting house on the Neck. The above
rate was to meet this objection. It was also voted that the two
ministers, when one was provided for Oyster river, should
changeably exercise their duties, sometime at one place and
sometime at the other, according as they shall agree. And it
was further agreed that Mr. Maud should have his 50 pounds a
year till the Oyster river minister was settled, after which the
100 Pounds was to be equally divided between them.
May 16. — William Pomfrett of Dover, planter, deeded to
William Follett and Philip Lewis, "for the sum of 4 Pounds,
two thirds of the acomedation of a saw mill given to me at
Bellemies Bank Fall by the town of Dover," Aug. 23, 1649.
July 9. — George Walton was presented for abusing the Lord's
day in carrying boards and going to the Isle of Shoals.
Admonished. Philip Chesley, Thomas Footman, Thomas Johnson and Wil
liam Roberts presented for going in the time of meeting to the
ordinary on the afternoon of the 25th of May last. Admonished.
Thomas Footman was presented for abusing the constable,
Thomas Beard, and fined 13 s. 4d.
July 14. — The town granted Thomas Wiggin 500 acres of
upland for a farm at the second falls of Cochecho, to be laid
out as convenient as may be both for the inhabitants and Mr.
Wiggin. Oct. 14. — The town of Dover was fined 10 Pounds for neglect
ing to send a Deputy to the General Court of Massachusetts at
two successive sessions. Upon the request of Mr. Maud the
fine was ' ' respited and not to be levied till the next Court of
Election, that the Court may judge of Dover's answer."

1652 1 HISTORY OF DOVER, N. H. 35
1652
Some difficulties having arisen between the grantees of the
different mill privileges, in consequence of disputed bound
aries, the town appointed Ambrose Gibbons and Elder Nutter
to join with the selectmen in fixing the bounds of the several
grants, by whom the matter was amicably settled.
Aug. 8. — James Nute was presented for abusing the Town
Clerk in saying that "he was a deceitful man and had a deceit
ful heart." Thomas Fursen was presented for over much
drinking. Major Waldron, who had extensive grants covering all the
lower falls of the Cochecho, with much timber, in consideration
thereof, besides a rent of 12 Pounds per year in boards or plank,
bound himself, his heirs and administrators, to erect a Meeting
House upon the hill near Elder Nutter's, the dimensions of
which were to be forty foot long, twenty six feet wide, sixteen
foot stud, with six windows, two doors fit for such a house, with
a "tite" covering, and to plank all the walls, with glass and
nails for it, the whole to be finished ' ' betwixt this and April
next come twelve month, which will be in the year 1654."
This was of course the second meeting house, though we
have no record of the building of the first, except the statement
of Dr. Belknap that " on the most inviting part of this eminence
they built a meeting house," &c. That must have been erected
soon after the arrival of Mr. Leveridge in 1633. Whether it
stood upon the site of the one built by Major Waldron appears
to be uncertain, though it has generally been supposed that it
did. The entrenchment or fort which was built around the
second house was not constructed until 1667, as will be seen by
referring to the record of that year. From the fact that no ref
erence is made to the old meeting house, in this vote for build
ing the new one, the inference is that it did not stand in the
same place where the new one was to be built, viz. " upon the
hill near Elder Nutter's." Had it been so, it is reasonable to
conclude the fact would have been mentioned.
Fresh Creek mill privilege was granted to William Furber,
William Wentworth, Henry Langster and Thomas Canney, at a
rate of six Pounds for the wood, besides ten shilling for every
such mast as they make use of.
Little John's Creek privilege was given to Joseph Austin, at

36 NOTABLE EVENTS IN THE [1652
a rent of 6 Pounds for the timber he needs, and io shillings for
every tree above 24 inches through cut for masts.
(Little John's Creek crosses the road to Dover Neck.)
The Quamphegan falls privilege was confirmed to Capt.
Thomas Wiggins and Simon Bradstreet, with the trees on land
a couple of miles long and one mile broad. 10 Pounds rent.
Valentine Hill, located at Oyster river, had a grant of timber
and land half a mile to the eastward of Thomas Johnson's creek,
at a rent of 10 Pounds. Mr. Hill was also reminded that he
had ' ' permission to build mills at Lamprey river, but has not
yet done it."
The inhabitants on the Neck were granted ' ' all the land
below the Town which is called the swamp, and so to Hilton's
point, for to make an ox pasture." Also, the land that lieth
waste on the west side of the Neck to make them a calves' pas
ture from the lot of John Hall and Philip Lewis to the water
side, to be fenced in by them.
Val. Hill and Richard Waldron, in behalf of the town, com
plained to the Court that ' ' some we have formerly betrusted
and employed at the General Courts have neglected wht we
betrusted themwith, among other things in a special manner the
recording of our township according to the grant of said court."
They therefore craved the favor that ' ' the said limits according
to our grant may be confirmed to us." And for the settling of
the rights and bounds of the town the Court was asked to " con
sider these things ' ' :
1. A purchase from the Indians of Lampereel river 1635.
2. Possession and use of it by planting, fishing, and felling of timber.
3. When taken into the Government of the Bay the agreement that
they should enjoy all such lawful liberties of fishing, planting and fell
ing of timber as formerly. 4. The liberty granted to Dover which other
towns have. 5. The bounds of Dover as settled by commissioners
appointed for that purpose, upon which the town had granted several
properties. 6. The bounds of Lampereel river as by consent of Dover
and Exeter men, a neck of land being reserved to Exeter on the north
side. 7. The distance from the river to each town being about six
miles. 8. Dover cannot be enlarged as Exeter may, for the river
between Kittery and Dover bounds them northward, and Lampereel
river and Exeter bounds them southward, and the commissioners have
bound them eastward and southward. 9. Exeter besides the bounds
towards Lampereel river may be enlarged westward and southward.
10. Between Lampereel river and Oyster river Dover had settled a
ministry, which ere long is like to be a town of itself, in respect of the
accommodation of Lampereel river, it being but about 3 miles between

1654] HISTORY OF DOVER, N. H. 37
the two rivers, ii. That Exeter purchased of the Indians in 1638, and
began to be a town after they submitted to the Bay in 1644 with the same
conditions as other towns, and that Dover's former rights were con
firmed to them before that time.
7th mo. 8th. — A committee consisting of William Payne,
Samuel Winslow and Matthew Boyse was appointed by the
General Court to lay out the bounds of Dover, who reported
' ' that the utmost bound on the west is a creek on the east side
of Lamperill river, the next creek in the river, and from the end
of that creek to Lamperill river first fall, and so from the first
fall on a west and by north line six miles from Newichannick
first fall on a north and south line four miles from a creek next
below Thomas Canney's house to a certain cove near the mouth
of the Great Bay called the Hogsty cove, and all the marsh and
meadow ground lying and butting on the Great Bay, with con
venient upland to set their hay."
Oct. 10. — It was ordered that William Furber should be
steward of the town for the coming year, to receive all such
rents as should become due, with full power to collect by dis
tress all such sums as were not paid on demand.
Oct. 19. — The General Court ordered that the northern
bounds of Dover should extend from the first fall of Newiche-
wannick river upon a north and by west line four miles.
The freemen of Dover had increased to that number that they
were authorized to send two Deputies to the General Court,
instead of one as heretofore.
5: 10 mo (16)52.
Giuen & granted unto Mr. Richard Walderne his Heires
Executors & Assignes the Accommodations of the north side of
Cocheche second falls with the Accommedations of Timber, all
that is aboue the Grant of Captaine Wiggins & Elder Starbucke.
1654
Commissioners were appointed this year to ' ' lay out the
dividing bounds" between Dover and Kittery, whose decision
follows :
Whereas we whose names are here under written are made choyce of
by the towns of Dover and Kittery to lay out ye Deviding bounds
between ye said Towns we have mutually concluded and agreed that the
great River at Newichawanuk shall be and remain the deviding bound
between ye aforsd Towns, the one half of ye sd River to appertain and
belong unto ye Town of Dover on the South and ye other half unto ye
Town of Kittery on ye North.

38 NOTABLE EVENTS IN THE [1655
In confirmation hereof we have interchangably set to our hands this
fourth of Aprill 1654. Nic Shapleigh
A true copie taken ye 13th Richard Waldron
day of Aprill 1654 Edward Starbuck
by me Nicholas ffrost
Humphrey Chadborn Richard Nason
Town Claicus William Ffurber
(Frost and Nason " set their hands " to the document by their marks.)
At the request of the town Lieut. Pomfret was appointed by
the Court to join in marriage such as should be published
according to law.
The town again complained of infringements upon its bound
aries, and asked the protection of the Court, especially that
some order might be taken to restrain such as disturbed and
molested them in their habitations, claiming that they were
trespassing upon their lands and that they must pay rent for
cutting grass, timber, &c. i655
Feb. 16. — For the "comfortable maintenance of the ministry"
of Dover and Oyster river, it was agreed that " all the rent of
the saw mills shall be set apart into a town stock, with two
pence upon the pound to be rated upon the estates of all the
inhabitants, and all such estates so appointed are to be put
into the hands of any that shall be chosen Treasurer by the
said town to receive the same, which sum that hath respect to
the rate is to be paid in money, beaver, beef, pork, wheat, peas,
mault, butter, cheese, in one or any of these. This order to
take place the 25th of June next and to continue one whole
year." On the Exeter records is found the following curious inquest
held in Dover at this time.
The names of the Jury panneld Coroners Inquest upon the body of
Thomas Tuttell, the Sonne of John Tuttell of Dover, the first month
1655, viz: Thomas Roberts, Thomas Laiton, John Hall, William Furber
John Roberts, Anthony Nutter, Thomas Beasel, Job Clements, William
Story, James Newett, Joseph Austin, Jeremy Tibbetts. Wee whose
names are subscribed do testifie how wee found Thomas Tuttell, the son
of John Tuttell, by the stump of a tree which he had newly fallin upon
another tree rebounding back and fell upon him which was the cause of
his death as wee consider ; this was found the last day of the last March
1654. A true coppie from the original by me, Renald Fernald.

1656] HISTORY OF DOVER, N. H. 39
1656
Jan. 10. — It was agreed that there shall be no more grants of
lands made either to any of the present inhabitants or to any
others until all the grants that are already made be laid out and
bounded, and likewise that commonage be laid out to all our
inhabitants in our several respective places. Also that no
further grants of land shall be made to any but by the
consent of every inhabitant, reserving power for the present
selectmen till the last of February next to accommodate any
inhabitant further as in their wisdom they see meet if any shall
desire it, which time being expired the present acts are hereby
ratified and confirmed.
The same day the town confirms all previous grants and
further agreed that "whereas there are several grants of land
made by the town to the inhabitants of which some are in con
troversy," to appoint Elder Wentworth, John Heard, John
Bickford, William Furber and Left. Hall to ' ' bound any of the
lands which are or shall be in controversy betwixt us and any
of our inhabitants or neighbors," engaging to "rest satisfied
with their decision whether it be more or less than our grants
provide, the persons acting herein to be upon their oaths to lay
it out according to every man's grant as near as they can to their
best judgment and understanding, which being done by them
or any three of them aforementioned shall stand for a current
act," and they were to continue in this service till others were
chosen. Jan. 30. — The town voted to build a house at Oyster river,
near the meeting house, for the use of the minister, of the fol
lowing dimensions, viz: 36 feet long, 10 feet wide, 12 feet in the
wall, with two chimnies, to be suitably finished.
June 27. — James Rollins was presented for neglecting to
attend meeting, and was admonished and ordered to pay the
fees of the court, 2 shillings and 6 pence.
Nov. 14. — The people in arrears as to saw mill rents are
ordered to settle up.
Dec. 4. — Mr. Valentine Hill and "one or two more," ap
pointed a committee to run the line between Dover and Exeter.
Mr. Hill also had permission to turn part of the water of Lam
pereel River into Oyster river for the supply of his mills.
The town again petitions to be protected in their rights
against certain claims and divisions of patents grounded upon

40 NOTABLE EVENTS IN THE [1657
some former act of the Court, which disenabled them from their
continued upholding of the ministry, for which by their utmost
endeavors they had raised 170 Pounds per annum and "upon
which the welfare of society, whether ecclesiastical or political,
doth much depend." 1657
Jan. 30. — It was ordered that the Deputy chosen to go to the
General Court should have 30 shillings for his charges going
and coming and his diet borne by the town during his attend
ance, and 2 shillings and 6 pence per day for his time. Which
order was to stand till the town see cause to alter it.
March 30. — John Hall, Thomas Footman and Peter Coffin
were chosen to call the townsmen to account for all accounts
belonging to the town for the time past, to stand till others are
chosen, and to notify the inhabitants thereof at a public town
meeting. Mr. Valentine Hill rendered his account for " Deputy
charges," as follows :
For himself 7 times 21 weeks to the General Court
" his charges in going to and again 2 times in the spring
" 6 times at the fall
" his horse 7 voyages
" his horse charges at the spring
" his horse charges at the fall
" charges in going 3 times about Mr. Flecher
" charges about him and his bringing
" extraordinary charges in expense in Boston
" charges in raising the meeting house at Oyster river
" men's hire for underpinning the meeting house 5i- 5- 6.
A tax of 6d upon a Pound was assessed this year to be paid
in provisions, merchantable pipe-staves, and hogshead staves,
boards and fat cattle, for the clearing of all the engagements of
the town, at the prices following : pipe- staves 4 Pd per M, hogs
head staves 2 Pd 10 s per M, boards at 50 s, wheat 5 s per
bushel, pease at 4s, beef 2 i/2d per lb, pork 3 1/2 d, Indian corn
4 s per bushel. To be delivered at Bloody Point, Sandy Point,
and the Back Cove, and at John Bickford's at Oyster river.
Where any man was "defective" the constable had power
to take the tax by distress.
Charles Buckner was chosen by vote a schoolmaster for the

Pd.

s.

d.

21.

00.

00.

6.

00.

00.

4-

10.

00.

7.

00.

00.

0.

14.

00.

1.

04.

06.

3-

00.

00.

2.

00.

00.

4-

00.

00.

17-

00.

1.

°5-

00.

1657] HISTORY OF DOVER, N. H. 41
town, and all tradesmen were exempted from paying rates for
their trade, " for the rate now past."
The following agreement between Dover and Exeter in rela
tion to boundaries was made this year.
At a meeting at Exeter between certain men of Dover and others of
Exeter deputed by the Towns for the settling of the bounds between the
towns, it was concluded by them whose names are here underwritten,
that the west and by north line from the lower falls of Lampereel river
running up into the country six miles shall stand, with these considera
tions following, to say, that the lower falls of Puscassicke with the mill
thereon shall belong to Exeter with accommodation of timber belonging
thereto, being a mile and a quarter from the mill towards the upper fall
within the line, and the neck of land possessed by John Godard, except
ing the marsh possessed at present by Exeter men, to belong to Dover.
And for the land within the line with the rest of the timber to belong to
Dover, provided that Exeter shall have free commonage for their cattle
upon the same land. And also the owners of the mill shall have the
neck of land on the east side of Puscassicke river down to Lampreel
river (only six pole by the river side excepted.) And also convenient
cartways from the upper fall to the lower fall of the said river, as also
the owners of the mills, to say, Mr. Thomas Kemball, William Hilton
and Robert Smart shall have sixty acres of land apiece for tillage to lie
adjacent to their mill on the norwest side of the said river. To hold and
to have the said land to them and their heirs and assigns forever without
paying any rates to Dover either for the mill or the said lands.
Witness our hands the 14th of April, 1657. Edward Hilton,
Val: Hill,
John Bickford, sen.
John Gillman,
Wlliam Furber.
May 6. — -Capt. Rich. Walden, a deputy for Dover, having
urgent occasion, upon his request is dismist the Court. ( Mass.
Records?) May 15. — Bryan Pendleton and Peter Coffin, a committee
appointed by the court, laid out 200 acres of land for Mr.
Edward Rawson, secretary, 100 acres of which were on the east
side of Quochecho river, and 100 on the west side, a little below
the Indian path, the said path being about three miles above
Coffin's house.
June 17. — It was ordered that whoever should kill a wolf or
wolves, whether English or Indian, within the town should have
for so doing four pounds for every wolf killed, the head to be
brought to the meeting house on Dover Neck or delivered to
the constable and be by him publicly declared.
Same date. — It is recorded that " Mr. Fletcher and the town

42 NOTABLE EVENTS IN THE [1657
having had some discourse whether he will leave them, he will
ingly manifested that he was not minded to stay any longer but
to prepare himself for old England, and could not justly lay any
blame upon the town."
Mr. Fletcher was the minister at Oyster river, where he seems
to have been settled in 1656, though no distinct record appears
to have been made of the fact. The meeting house was built
there in 1655 and the minister's house as already stated in 1656.
His departure appears to have had something to do with the
difficulties which were constantly existing between Oyster River
and Dover Neck. For quite a number of years after his de
parture the Oyster River folks refused to pay ' ' rates ' ' for the
support of the ministry.
August — It is recorded that " the propositions of Mr. Rayner
in his writing bearing date the 18th of the 4th mo. 1657, con
cerning his yearly allowance from the town is granted and
accepted upon the terms therein he hath expressed himself."
Mr. Rayner's "terms " are not distinctly stated in the records
under this date, but it may be inferred from subsequent pro
ceedings that he claimed an addition to his salary of 50 Pounds
from the fact that Oyster River was now without a minister, and
it was ordered that the inhabitants there should contribute to
the support of the minister on the Neck whenever they were with
out one above four months, the Neck people to "do the like by
them in the like case."
Oct. 21. — It was ordered that all the inhabitants should have
a respect to the order made concerning the falling of timber,
which was that no man should fall above five trees for clapboards
or pipe staves before he had wrought them up into those articles.
Whoever violated this order should be liable to the penalties
before specified, and Joseph Austin was chosen for Dover Neck
and Thomas Footman for Oyster River to see that the order was
enforced, being allowed one half of the fines which were in
curred. Any other inhabitant who should inform and prove
violations of the order should have the like part of the fines.
Thomas Crawlie, presented for living idle in his calling, was
admonished with 2s 6d fees. Elizabeth Gils, presented for
calling John Alt, constable, " constable Roge," was admonished
with 2 s 6 d fees.

1658] HISTORY OF DOVER, N. H. 43
1658
Feb. 5. — -It was agreed that 20 Pounds per annum should be
raised for the maintenance of a schoolmaster for teaching all the
children of the town, he having the privilege of all strangers out
of the town ; reading, writing, latin and casting accounts to be
taught as the parents should require.
Feb. 19. — The town instructed Capt. Richard Waldron,
Deputy to the General Court, not to consent to the passage of
any act infringing upon their privileges concerning customs or
the Beaver trade, or any privileges which formerly they had
enjoyed. He was to enter his dissent to all such acts as took
away their rights and was to bring home all such laws as were
made as other Deputies do.
Same date. — It was "voted by the inhabitants in general a
second time, that the first engagement and promise of the town
unto Mr. Rayner of 120 Pounds yearly is ratified and confirmed
to be made good unto him, only with annexing thereto such
provisions and limitations as will stand with the true meaning
thereof and may secure the town from such burthens and pres
sures as are feared to come upon them thereby."
These "provisions and limitations " were : —
1st. — That "he accept of the ministry and office in this church and
continue therein according to the rule of God's word."
2d. — That " men's estates generally in the town be not observably
decayed nor the rents belonging to the town impaired, neither the one
or the other, from what they are in the town's present undertaking for
120 Pounds yearly, but if so be the town be impaired and decayed at any
time in their estates and rents, then accordingly for such time and no
longer, the yearly stipend may by the town be lowered, only if thereby
the maintenance fall below 100 Pounds yearly without probability of its
rising afterwards, and that he cannot therewith comfortably carry on
family occasions, he may make use of some other help for his comfort
able continuance here, or removing to some other place without offence."
3d. — " In case it be testified to him by the town or the major part
thereof that their expenses for this or that present year are above what
they are usually in respect to more than ordinary or urgent occasions,
and that the use of their estates is not such as they can comfortably bear
it and yet make good the sum agreed upon, in such case the town may
be at liberty to take off from the same sum with respect to such expenses
for the present time as may seem meet to them, provided it be not above
20 Pounds per annum."
At a meeting of the Selectmen ye 26: 2 mo. 58.
It is agreed upon that the Rate that was made for the Cleeringe of the
Towne debts shall goe forthwith to be leued & gathered in by the Con
stables, or whome the select men shall depute.

44 NOTABLE EVENTS IN THE [1658
2dly. that if in Case it doth aappeae ye forty pounds wch is to be
paid for the agreement with the owners be made appear to belonge to
the propriators of the Marshes, although it now be paid by the whole
Towne, thet then the propriators of the Marshes shell pay the said forty
pounds backe againe to the Towne.
3dly. that Wee the Selectmen do make Choyce of Leiftenant Hall,
& Robert Burnam to put up a petition to the next Courte at Poachmouth
for their Solution Concerning Rateinge of Saw Mills, & other visible
estates belonginge thereunto.
4thly. If any of the inhabitants doe finde the marshes to be over
Rated, they may repaire to the present select men, or any three of them,
upon just Cause they shall haue Relief, & likewise if it be found that
any of our Inhabitants be not Rated accordinge to their Reall & visible
estates, as they were at the makinge of the Rates, they are to be brought
into the Rate now, and that the persons whome this Order concerneth
shell appear at Dover at Liefenant Halls house upon ye ioth of May at
nine of the clock in the morninge.
At the same time granted unto Thomas Turner & William Hilton
Liberty to gather seauenty Loade of pine knotts upon the Commons
upon the Neck of Lande betweene Oyster & the Backe Riuer, provided
they come not into any mans grants, & in Consideration of the said
Grant the foresaid Thomas and William haue Ingaged themselves to pay
unto Thomas Canny the summ of three pounds tenn shillings between
the date hereof & the nine and twentyeth of September next.
At the same time giuen Lieftenant Hall order to receiue the Rents of
the Mills & the Arrearges of Masts due to the Towne, & to pay where,
the Towne is Indebted.
Nov. 10. — It was voted that the charges for "fitting the two
meeting houses of Dover and Oyster River, ' ' should be borne
by each place respectively, each place taking care of its own
house ; an indication that the two parishes, as they could no
longer agree, had agreed to disagree.
Dec. 21. — It was voted that the meeting house on Dover
Neck be underpinned, and catted and sealed with boards, a
pulpit and seats convenient be made, and a bell purchased, to be
paid for by a rate upon each man's estate according to the law
of the country.
Town Records
A Rate maed the 12th 8th (16)58 for mr Reyner his preuetione

Isake nash

0

12

3

Tho Downes

Job Clements

1

9

1

Mr. Roberds

William Pomfrett

0

8

9

Tho Beard

Tho layton

2

12

6

John Hall Decon

John Dam sinyer

1

11

3^

John Tuttell

John Dam Juner

0

11

1

left Hall

William Storey

0

16

9

Elder nutter

Josephf Astin

1

5

11

Tho Caney

0

8

11

0

7

i#

1

12

8

0

16

0

0

11

9

0

13

6%

1

8

i#

1

16

2

1659]

HISTORY OF DOVER, N. H.

45

John Roberds

i

IO

IO

John Hilton

o

7

2

Ralphf Twomly

0

9

4

James Nutt

o

12

6

Jeremy Tebetts

0

12

o%

Henrey Tebetts

I

16

2

Tho nocke

0

8

7
Bio.

William Tomson
Poynt

o

5

0

James Rallins

o

12

6

Richard Catter

I

i

6

Tho Trickey

I

O

4

John Bickford

o

13

10

Henry Lankster

I

II

6

William ffurber

I

4

n^

Antoney nutter

I

5

I

Tho Roberds

0

12

6

Michiell Brane

o

6

0

Cochechae
Edward Starbuck
I
3
5/2
Capt Wiggin
I
16
8
Petter Coffin
o
n
8
Mr Broughton
0
16
8
Henrey hobes
o
5
o
Phelep Cromwell
o
6
4
Richard Sloper
o
i
8
Nathanell Starbuck
o
6
8
Tho Hanson
o
18
o
Edward Paterson
o
5
0
Ickeabod Shiffilld
o
5
0
William Shiffilld
o
9
0
Roberd Jones
o
19
8
Campt. walldern
3
3
4
Charll Buckner
o
5
o
Gorge Goldwier
i
5
2
John heard
I
9
4)4
Richard Otes
o
15
2
paid in bef
I
S
11/2
John Curtes
o
5
2
John louring
o
5
o
William haket
o
5
0
Elder Wentworth
i
4
10
William loue
o
5
4
James Grant
o
8
4
henrey magoune
o
5
2
Barthellme lippincott
o
5
o
William ffollett
9
3
4*
'Evidently a mistake.
19 i°>£
1059
March 26. — Ordered that all waste land upon the Neck and
at Back river shall be held in common for our cattle.
April 4. — David Leudecoes,? Ed Line, John Hance and
Humfrey Varney received as inhabitants.
April 6. — It was voted that all inhabitants who had taken the
oath of fidelity should " have their free vote " in the choice of
selectmen and all other town officers, and " that the former act
of the choice of Selectmen made the 17th 4th mo '57 in point of
time is nullified and of no effect." John Hall, " Deacon," was
chosen town clerk, and the selectmen were authorized to receive
the town books from the former clerk and deliver them to the
new clerk "after he hath taken his oath." A new clerk
appears to have been chosen because " the court would not give
the then chosen clerk his oath." The selectmen also had power
to ' ' furnish the town's house that Mr. Rayner liveth in accord-
46 NOTABLE EVENTS IN THE [1659
ing to covenant and to sell the said house to Mr. Rayner or
any other man as they see cause."
April 13. — Isaac Stokes and John Wingate received as
inhabitants. April 28. — The Jury presented the Town of Dover for the
"wayes" between Hilton's point and Cochecho, and enjoined
them to mend the same before the next Court, on penalty of 5
Pounds and fees. They were also notified to ' ' mend their
wayes" between Oyster River Point and Mr. Hill's mill, and
at the head of Thomas Johnson's creek.
With a due regard for the public welfare the Court also pre
sented all the ordinaries of Dover and Portsmouth for the crime
of selling wine at 8s and rum at 16s per gallon. They also regu
lated the time in which and the persons to whom liquor should
be sold, on "hearing of this suffering of persons to continue
drinking to excess, as also unto drunkenness, quarreling and
fighting," &c. and " accounting it their duty by all due means
to prevent the like abuses for the future," did order that "hence
forth no Wine Tavern shall either directly or indirectly permit
or suffer any person to have any wine on the Sabbath Day,
neither shall they at any time sell any wine for more than i8d a
quart, on penalty or forfeiture of the licenses, and 5s a pint for
selling any on the Sabbath day, or on evenings of the Sabbath,
excepting only to fishermen if they lodge at their houses on
Saturday night, half a pint a man, or to sick persons; " and no
ordinary or house of common entertainment was to sell any
strong liquor on any pretence whatever. The Court made a
further order that henceforth only one Wine Tavern should be
licensed at Dover.
July 7 — It is recorded that "at a public town meeting the
inhabitants of Oyster river do deny (refuse) to give in a list of
their estates for the provision rate as formerly they have done."
This rate was for the support of the minister and the refusal of
the Oyster river people to contribute to it soon led to a decree.
that the Townsmen (selectmen) should "make distress upon
them for the rents and revenues and rates due to the town since
Mr. Fletcher went away and the town is to bear them out."
Oct. 10. — Ordered that the place called Huckleberry hill,
which was laid out for a sheep pasture, be a public training
place for the township of Dover.
With a due regard to the proprieties of life the authorities
convicted and punished the following persons for not " going to

1659]

HISTORY OF DOVER, N. H.

47

meeting : ' ' William Roberts of Oyster River, who had been
absent 28 Sundays. William Williams, sen. 8 days. William
Follett, 16 days. James Smith, 14 days, and one day " contest
to have been at a Quaker meeting," for which he was fined 10
shillings. John Goddard, 4 days and twice at the Quakers.
Thomas Roberts, 13 days. James Nute, sen. and wife and son,
26 days, " and for entertaining Quakers 4 hours in one day,"
he was fined 40 shillings an hour, "according to law."
Humphrey Varney " pleaded non-conviction " for his absences,
" unto whom the law was this day read and he admonished."
Mary Hanson, 13 days. Richard Oates, wife and servant maid,
13 days. Robert Burnum who had been to Strawberry Bank to
meeting and explained the matter which " shewed him to the
Court not to be obstinate." Jellian Pinkham, 13 days. Her
husband refused to pay the fine, which was five shillings per
day in each case, and she was adjudged to be set in the stocks
one hour.

ster Riuer Prouition Rate ma

edth

e 22:

9: (i6)59-

the
great
Rate
Pd
s
d
Pd
s
d
Mr. Hill
2.
12.
S.
5-
5-
4.
Thornes umfirie the stiller
0.
8.
4-
0.
16.
8.
John meader
u.
13-
4-
1.
7-
4-
William Graues
0.
5-
0.
0.
10.
0.
Einain Ionhn Daues
0.
15-
0.
1.
10.
0.
Juner william willyams
0.
8.
0.
0.
16.
0.
James Bunker
O.
8.
0.
0.
16.
0.
Will follett
I.
0.
0.
2.
0.
0.
Thornes Jonson
O.
13-
4-
1.
6.
8.
Phellep Chesley
I.
12.
8.
3-
5-
4-
Roberd Junkes
0.
8.
4-
0.
16.
8.
James Jackson
0.
5-
0.
0.
10.
0.
Walter Jackson
0.
5-
u.
0.
10.
0.
William Beard
2.
7-
8.
4-
15.
4-
John woodman
O.
15-
0.
1.
10.
0.
Patrick Jemeson
O.
i5-
0.
1.
10.
0.
Henrey Browne
v.
10.
0.
1.
0.
0.
Thornes Dowty
O.
10.
0.
1.
0.
0.
James Oer
O.
10.
0.
1.
0.
0.
James medellman
O.
10.
0.
1.
u.
0.
Edward Arwin
O.
10.
0.
1.
0.
0.
John Barber
O.
5-
0.
0.
10.
0.
Edward Patterson
O.
10.
0.
1.
0.
0.
Roberd Bernom
I.
6.
8.
2.
13-
4-
william Pitman
0.
10.
0.
1.
0.
0.
William Roberds
O.
10.
0.
1.
0.
0
48

NOTABLE EVENTS IN THE

[1660

William Willyams sin

i.

5-

8.

2.

11.

4-

Thornes Steuenson

o.

13-

4-

1.

6.

8.

William Drew

o.

11.

8.

1.

4-

4-

Rice howell

o.

5-

0.

0.

10.

0.

Joseph filld

o.

8.

4-

0.

16.

8.

Mathew Gills

I.

6.

8.

2.

13-

4-

24.

1.

6.

47-

6.

0.

mathew willyams

0.

10.

6.

1.

1.

0.

Beniamen mathews

I.

5-

0.

2.

10.

0.

Charlls Adames

0.

13-

0.

1.

6.

8.

John Bickford

I.

6.

8.

2.

13-

4-

Thomes welley

0.

18.

4-

1.

16.

8.

John Allt

0.

19-

10.

1.

19-

8.

Richard Braye

0.

6.

IO.

0.

13-

8.

John Hill

0.

6.

8.

0.

13-

4-

Thomas footman

I.

3-

4-

2.

6.

8.

Richard yorke

0.

19-

4-

1.

18.

8.

John martin

0.

18.

0.

1.

16.

0.

John Godder

I.

14.

8.

3-

9-

4-

Beniamen Hull

0.

8.

4-

0.

16.

8.

John Hilton

0.

6.

8.

0.

13-

4-

James Nutt Juner

0.

5-

0.

0.

10.

0.

Olleuer Kent

0.

8.

4-

0.

16.

8.

John hance

0.

5-

0.

0.

IO.

0.

John Dauill

0.

5-

0.

0.

IO.

0.

Roberd Hussey

0.

5-

0.

0.

IO.

0.

William Risbey (Risley?)

(J.

5-

0.

0.

IO.

0.

Thomas Ginn (Green?)

0.

5-

0.

0.

IO.

0.

Steuen ye (westinman?)

0.

5-

0.

0.

IO.

0.

Will Jones

0.

5-

0.

0.

IO.

0.

14.

0.

2.

28.

II.

4-

1660
March 25. — The Deputy to the General Court was instructed :
1st. To endeavor to procure for the town a " commission court
as high as Portsmouth." 2d. To "take care to reverse the
order that Capt. Pembellton hath concerning the frosen man."
3d. To "stand to maintain our privileges concerning military
affairs, that we may not be drawn out of our county of Dover
and Portsmouth, according to our first agreement." 4th. To
" desire the solution of the General Court concerning the choice
of town officers, whether or no all that have taken the oath of
fidelity have liberty to choose." 5th. To "stand to maintain
our privileges by virtue of our articles of agreement, and to
bring the proceedings of the Court that concern us, in writing."

1660] HISTORY OF DOVER, N. H. 49
The following receipt given by Rev. Mr. Rayner shows that
he had some difficulty in collecting his dues, probably on
account of the " secession " of the Oyster river folks.
" Mr. Rayner his receipt, Dover 12-4-60.
Rec. of the treasurer and selectmen for the town of Dover for the
three first years of my abode there and being exercised there in way of
ministry the whole salary for the said years, viz. six score pounds per
annum. Also, received of the selectmen for the town the fourth year
towards the salary there of the sum of four score and nine pounds, eight
shillings and six pence. I say received towards the fourth year's salary
89-8-6, the rest of the salary for the aforesaid fourth year remains due to
me from the town at the date hereof, neither is there any account made
between me and the selectmen for the fifth year which begins in July or
thereabouts 1659 and ends the same time of the year 1660, either as con
cerning the provision rate or any part of the salary for the said year.
Witness my hand, John Rayner."
April 13. — It was voted hereafter in the choice of Prudential
men that two should be at the Neck and one in every respective
place of the town.
After this vote five Prudential men were chosen, two upon the
Neck, and one each for Cochecho, Oyster River, and Bloody
Point. Before this, no particular numbers appear to have been
chosen, sometimes but two, both of which probably were from
the Neck. Robert Burnham and twelve other inhabitants of
Oyster river entered their protest against this vote.
Same date. — Richard Waldron sold to Richard Russell of
Charlestown, for 120 Pounds, one fourth of a saw mill at Belle-
mies Bank which he had lately purchased of Philip Lewis,
Thomas Bird and Thomas Scruton, with timber, &c. On Nov.
26, Waldron leased the other three fourths of the same mill to
Philip Cromwell.
July 17. — Another effort was made to reconcile the differences
between Dover Neck and Oyster River in relation to the support
of the ministry, as appears by the following document on
record :
We whose names are hereunder written being chosen by the Town of
Dover are appointed by their order to hear and determine all such differ
ences as appear betwixt the inhabitants of the two thirds of the Town of
Dover and the one third of the town in Oyster River, do conclude at
present as followeth, that is to say :
ily. That from the first of April 1657 and so forward from year to
year it is hereby mutually agreed upon that the neighborhood of Oyster
River shall enjoy full right and interest of twenty pounds out of the
rents of the town to be from Lamperill River grant rent performed, as
also two penny rate rising from within themselves, both which twenty

50 NOTABLE EVENTS IN THE [1661
pounds and two penny rate is for the supply of the ministry within them
selves and to be ordered by themselves for the end expressed.
2ly. It is agreed and determined that the said neighborhood shall
have liberty from time to time to make choice of a ministrey for their
accommodation, provided that they have the approbation of the said
town or any three adjacent Elders.
3ly. That in case the neighborhood of Oyster River shall be without
a ministrey above four months they shall return the twenty pounds
abovesaid unto the common treasury with proportionable contribution,
they of Dover doing the like to them in proportion in the like case, and
this mutually to be done so long as there is defects of either side.
4ly. It is ordered for the ministrey of Dover Neck there is set apart
fifty five pounds of town rents with the two-penny rate upon all the
inhabitants, except Oyster River is set apart for the ministrey there,
and in case this do not make up the salary, then to be made up by a rate
upon the said inhabitants, Bloody Point excepted only paying the two
penny rate.
5ly. It is ordered for the supply of Cochecho there is set apart fifteen
pounds of town rents for the ministrey there in the winter season.
61y. It is agreed that the house of Mr. Valentine Hill which is his
now dwelling house at Rocky Point shall be within the line of division
to Oyster River.
Witness our hands this 17th of July 1660.
Valentine Hill, Richard Waldron,
William Wentworth, Ralph Hall,
Richard Otis, William Furber,
John Davis, Robert Burnhatn,
William Williams, William Roberts.
At the same time ordered by the town that there shall be
forthwith a rate made of a hundred pounds for fitting up the
meeting house on Dover Neck.

1661
April 5. — Captain Richard Waldron and Mr. Edward Hilton
were chosen "Associates for the Court," and Elder Nutter,
William Pomfrett and John Dam, senior, "Commissioners for
small cases." Other town officers were chosen and Thomas
Hanson and Thomas Humphreys took the oath of fidelity.
The following inhabitants had right of commonage to the ox
pasture and calves pasture on Dover Neck, where they were
land owners, though all of them did not live there : Thomas
Kimball, Job Clements, Thomas Downes, Thomas Roberts, The
Minister's house, Charles Buckner, William Pomfret, Thomas
Beard, John Tuttle, sen. Deacon John Hall, Thomas Leigh-

1661]

HISTORY OF DOVER, N. H.

51

ton, John Dam, sen. Lieut. Ralph Hall, Elder Nutter, Joseph
Austin, Philip Cromwell, William Furber, Jeremiah Tebets,
Humphrey Varney, James Nute, Richard Pinkham, Thomas
Canney, John Roberts, Thomas Roberts, jr. Jedediah Andrews,
Henry Tebets, Thomas Nock.
April 14. — The town voted that the grant made to Valentine
Hill to erect a saw mill on Lamprill river be revoked unless
some person should appear within six months to hold and
improve the same.
(Mr. Hill died previous to this time. He came from Boston
and went largely into business, being one year the largest
tax-payer. He left his affairs in disorder, and the above vote
was passed by the town to straighten them out, so far as it
operated.) June — .Tho. Canney of Dover, desiring the Court to free him
from common training by reason of losing his eyesight, his
request was granted.
Aug. 7. — Dover and Portsmouth were presented for want of a
sufficient bridge for horse and foot over Cochecho river. The
Court ordered a committee to be chosen from the two towns to
view the same and if they found it needful to make a bridge.

Tax

Lists.

(The first group of figures in this list is
headed :)
Oyster riuer 3d Raet. 4: 9010 in
the
ye
r 61.
(The second group was probablj
in
the
same year,
but
another levy,
and headed : )
Oyster Riu  in ye yeir — -
lb
s
d
lb
John Godder
3-
14.
T-Vz
1.
9-
5-
Einsin John Daues
1.
?.
3-
0.
'9-
2.
John Meader
1.
1.
0.
0.
14.
0.
John Martin
1.
?.
9-
0.
19.
6.
Richard Yorke
2.
5-
6.
1.
10.
4-
Joseph filld
0.
?
i-yi
0.
12.
5-
hew doenn
0.
9
9-
0.
6.
6.
Mr. hills mill and house and
lands
?.
15
0.
5-
16.
0.
Will Willyams juner
0.
12.
6.
0.
8.
4-
James Bunker
0.
7-
6.
0.
5-
4-
william follett
1.
17-
6.
1.
5-
0.
The estat of Tho Jonson
0.
12.
6.
0.
8.
4-
Phellep Chesly
2.
17-
6.
1.
18.
4-
Jams and wat Jackson
1.
7
6.
u.
18.
4.
Will Beard
3-
11.
1.
2.
7-
5-
John woodman
1.
7-
6.
O.
18.
4-
52

NOTABLE EVENTS IN THE

[1661

Patrick Jemson

2.

6.

heurey Browne

12.

4-

Thomas Dowty

12.

4-

James Oer

12.
4-
James Medlton
12.
4-
Edward Eirwing ?
12.
4-
John Barber
o.
7-
6.
Elexsander mackdonell
0.
7-
6.
Elexsander Gowing
o.
7-
6.
Edward Patterson
o.
15.
o.
John hance
o.
7-
6.
Roberd Burnam
2.
o.
0.
William Pittman
O.
15-
o.
William Roberds
o.
15-
o.
William Willyams sinyer
2.
o.
0.
Thomas Steuenson
I.
o.
o.
William Drew
O.
17-
6.
Rice Howell
o.
7-
6.
mathew willyams
O.
7-
6.
mathew Gilles
2.
o.
0.
Benjamin hull
O.
12.
6.
Benjamin mathews
2.
u.
o.
Charles Adams
O.
17-
6.
John Bickford sinyer
2.
o.
o.
Thomas Welly
I.
5-
o.
John Allt
I.
9-
9-
henrey hollawaye
0.
10.
IO.
John hill
o.
17-
6.
Thomas footman
I.
7-
6.
John hilton
0.
7-
6.
Oleuer kent
o.
12.
6.
Teackge Riall
o.
7-
6.
Josephf Smeth
o.
7-
6.
Dauey Danell
o.
7-
6.
Steuen Jones
0.
7-
5-
John Collman
o.
7-
6.
John Di  ell
o.
7-
6.
Roberd — isley
0.
7-
6.
Steuen  binson
u.
7-
6.
Will J(ones)
0.
7-
6.
Samew   iamin
o.
7-
6.
will clViii
0.
15-
VV 111 OLIU
o.
e plase  the Raet -
- unto is
0.
15-
o.
I.
I.
8.
I.
I.
8.
I.
I.
8.
±.
I.
8.
0.
5-
0.
o.
5-
4-
o.
5-
5-
o.
n.
o.
o.
5-
o.
I.
6.
8.
o.
IO.
o.
0.
IO.
o.
I.
5-
8.
o.
13-
4-
o.
n.
8.
o.
5-
0.
o.
5-
0.
I.
6.
6.
o.
8.
4-
I.
6.
8.
o.
n.
8.
I.
6.
S.
o.
18.
4-
o.
19-
10.
I.
6.
9-
o.
ii.
8.
o.
18.
2.
o.
5-
O.
0.
8.
4-
o.
5-
0.
0.
5-
o.
0.
5-
o.
o.
5-
o.
o.
5-
o.
o.
5-
o.
o.
5-
0.
o.
5-
o.
o.
5.
o.
o.
5-
o.
o.
IO.
o.
unto is Ei (nsin) John (Daues).
Josephf lessen forgot 7s 6d yet down in the Constables Rate.
1662] HISTORY OF DOVER, N. H. 53
1662.
Feb. 3. — Capt. Waldron and Capt. Pike were chosen " Asso
ciates for the Court." Capt. Waldron, Elder Nutter and Left.
Hall "Commissioners for small cases." Constables and other
town officers were also chosen, and the Constables were upon
complaint " remitted from their fines which the Court did fine
them for want of  measures ' ' which from a defect
in the record does not clearly appear.
Capt. Walter Barfoott was granted four score foot in breadth
of flats below high water mark at Sandy point, and 24 foot of
upland, not intrenching upon any former grant, to be built upon
within one whole year from date or else to be void.
Capt. Richard Waldron was also granted 24 foot of upland to
join his former grant of flats at Sandy point, and at the same
time the Captain was chosen Deputy to the General Court.
April 15. — Richard Ros (?) was accepted as an inhabitant and
Peter Coffin's grant at Sandy point renewed till the 29th of Sept.
May 22. — The selectmen of Dover and Portsmouth were or
dered to pay Capt. Brian Pendleton 10 Pd. 8s. 4d. out of the
treasury of each town ' ' as satisfaction for so much by him ex
pended on a frosen person some years past, that came into the
river, whose charity this court Judgeth it meet to encourage."
{Mass. Records.)
Capt. Richard Waldron was impowered by the Court to marry
such as shall be published according to law within the precincts
of Dover.
At a town meeting holden this year, it was "ordered that a cage
be made or some other means invented by the Selectmen to punish
such as sleep or take tobacco on the Lord's day out of the meet
ing, in the time of the publish exercise." "Voted, that whoever
shall kill a wolf within the bounds of this town, and shall bring
some of the next neighbors, where such wolf was killed, to tes
tify that it was done in this town's bounds, and shall nayle the
head of such wolf killed, upon the meeting house, he shall have
five pounds for his paynes, to be paid by the treasurer, the proof
thereof being made to the treasurer in being. ' '
In answer to the petition of the inhabitants of Dover, " hum
bly craving relief against the spreading &c. the wicked errors of
the Quakers among them," &c. the General Court ordered " that
Capt. Richard Waldron shall and hereby is empowered to act in
the execution of the laws of this jurisdiction against all crimi-

54 NOTABLE EVENTS IN THE D662
nal offenders within the said town of Dover, as any one magis
trate may do, until this Court shall take further order."
In pursuance of this order the following warrant, under the
hand of Captain Waldron, was issued :
To the constables of Dover, Hampton, Salisbury, Newbury, Rowley,
Ipswich, Wenham, Linn, Boston, Roxbury, Dedham, and until these
vagabond Quakers are carried out of this jurisdiction,
You, and every one of you are required in the King's Majesty's name,
to take these vagabond Quakers, Ann Coleman, Mary Tompkins and
Alice Ambrose, and make them fast to the cart's tail, and driving the
cart through your several towns, to whip their naked backs, not exceed
ing ten stripes apiece on each of them, in each town ; and so to convey
them from constable to constable, till they are out of this jurisdiction ;
as you shall answer it at your peril ; and this shall be your warrant.
Per me Richard Waldron.
At Dover, dated December 22, 1662.
The manner in which this order was executed is described in
Sewall's History of the Quakers :
* * * Now in a very cold day, the deputy at Dover, caused these
women to be stripped naked from the middle upwards, and tied to a cart
and then whipped them, while the priest looked on and laughed at it.
* * * The women being thus whipped at Dover, were carried to
Hampton and there delivered to the constable, who having understood
by the constable of Dover what work he had in bringing them through a
deep road, thought to have daunted them, and said, " you must not think
to make fools of men." To which they answered, " They should be able
to deal with him as with the other." The constable the next morning
would have whipped them before day, but they refused, saying they were
not ashamed of their sufferings. Then he would have whipped them
with their clothes on, when he had tied them to the cart. But they said,
"Set us free, or do according to thine order." He then spoke to a
woman to take of their clothes. But she said she would not for all the
world. Why, said he, then I'll do it myself. So he stripped them, and
then stood trembling whip in hand, and so he did the execution. Then
he carried them to Salisbury through the dirt and snow half the leg
deep ; and here they were whipped again.
* * * Indeed their bodies were so torn, that if Providence had
not watched over them, they might have been in danger of their lives.
But it so fell out that they were discharged ; for the constable at Salis
bury, who must have carried them to Newbury, was desired by one
Walter Barefoot, to make him his deputy, who receiving the warrant set
them at liberty; though John Wheelwright the priest advised the consta
ble to drive on as his safest way.
"It is worthy of remark that in Dover, where only, within
this Province, the Quakers were persecuted, that sect has flour
ished perhaps to a greater extent than in any other town in New

1662] HISTORY OF DOVER, N. H. 55
Hampshire." At one time, according to the estimate of Belk
nap, they constituted one third of the population.
A tax rate was made this year over the whole town to pay
Mr. Rayner the amount due him as salary, in provisions, at the
following prices : Beef 3 1/2 pence per lb, pork 4 1/2 d, wheat
6 shillings per bushel, malt 6 shillings, barley 6 shillings, peas
5 shillings. At this time 28 tax payers lived on Dover Neck, 29 lived at
Cochecho, 12 at Bloody Point, 42 at Oyster River and one,
William Follet, at Bellamy Bank.
Town Records.
A Rate maed the 19th of 9 Month 1662 for Mr. Rayners Prouition.
Thomas Kemble
Capt Walter Barfoot
John Dam sinyer
Thomas layton
Thomas Beard
D(e)acon hall
Job Clemant
Thomas Roberds sinyer
John Tuttell sinyer
Thomas Umphres stiller
Elder Nutter
left hall
henrey Tebbett
Thomas Nocke
Jeremey Tebbett
James Newtt sinyer
Jam Newtt Juner
Bartholomew leppincutt
humfrey Varney
Nicholas Vutter
Edward Waymoeth
Isake Stokes
Christopher Batt
Thomas Roberds Juner
Sar John Roberds
Thomas Caney
Jeddediah Andrees
William Pomfrett
Charles Buckner
lasaries Permett 11 13

0

5

?

0

5

6

0

14

0

I

4

6

00

15

6

00

10

6

00

7

0

00

3

i#

00

6

2

00

7

6

00

14

6

00

6

6

00

2

6

00

6

8

00

7

10

00

11

9

0

2

0

0

2

6

0

2

n

0

2

6

0

2

9

0

2

n

0

12

6

0

10

7%

00

16

*%

0

17

6%

00

6

8

0

5

8

0

4

12

0

2

6

56

NOTABLE EVENTS IN THE

[1662

This Rate is to be payd in Beffe at 3d J^ p lb, Pork at 4 l/z, Wheat at
6s p boshell, (Ma)llt at 6s, (B)arley at 6s, Pease at 5s.
( Margin ) This Rate charge to the old ace.
Cochechae 1662.

Capt Walderne

1

9

10

Petter Coffin

1

13

11

James Coffin Roberd Euens John Chirch

0

12

6

Thomas Payne

0

2

6

John Scruen

00

3

7

Josephf Sanders

00

2

0

Thomas Wiggin

00

14

3

henrey hobes

00

5

11

John louring

00

9

8

Roberd Jones

00

4

1

Richard Ottes

00

11

4

Thomas Downes

00

4

5

Elder Wentworth

00

9

0

Samewell Wentworth

00

4

2

John heard

1

00

1

James keyd

00

3

4

Phellep Cromwell

or

1

4

Clemant Raphf

00

3

4

John Adams

00

2

6

Will home

00

4

0

Thomas hanson

00

12

11

Tobey hanson

00

4

0

Raphf Twamley

00

3

3

George Waldern

00

2

7

Quamphegon Mill

00

16

8

Josephf Astin

00

10

4

Thomas Rallines

00

2

6

William Follett at Bellemes banke

00

4

2

12

0

2

Blode poynt

henrey lankester
1
00
a'A
Richard Catter
00
10
3
Michill Brane
0
7
1
Thomas Trickey
0
14
8
James Rallines
00
8
2
william Shuckford
00
5
4
Sargant hall
1
5
i#
william Furber
00
16
iK
Antoney Nutter
1
2
9%
John Bickford Juner
00
6
11
Richard Rooe
00
4
0
John Dam Juner
00
7
?
1662]

HISTORY OF DOVER, N. H.

57

A Prouition Rate made the 19th of the 9th
inhabetants in Oyster Riuer at a penny apon the

month (1662) apon the
pound.

lb

s

d

Richard Yorke

00

15

i#

John martin

00

12

4'A

John Godderd

1

5

6

hew Donn

00

3

4

Edward Erwin and Compey

02

17

12

Patrick Jemeson

00

9

9

Walter Jackson

00

15

1

Edward Patterson

00

5

9

Roberd Burnum

00

14

2

William Pettman

00

5

5

William Willyams sinyer

00

13

4

Josephf Filld

00

4

2

William Roberds

00

3

7

Phellep Chesley

1

00

5

John Woed

00

6

10

John hance

00

3

4

Thomas Johnson his Estate

in the hands of William Furber
and William Follett
00
6
11
William Drew
00
11
2
Mathew Gills
00
13
9
Beniaman hull
00
8
7
mathew williams
00
2
11
Charles Addams
00
5
9
Dauey and Phellep Cromwell
00
9
9
Mrs mathews
00
1
4
Thomas Welley
00
7
3
John Bickford sinyer
00
16
2
Thomas Footman
00
14
7
John Allt
00
9
10
henry holloway
00
5
3
william Perkens
00
2
10
william willyams Juner
00
4
8
Einsin John Danes
00
8
3
Josephf Smeth
00
6
1
william Beard
00
19
10
John woodman
00
9
IO
James Smeth
00
2
6
John Smeth
00
2
6
John hilton
00
3
7
Olleuer Kent
00
1
8
Teage Reiall
00
2
11
Steuen Jones
00
2
6
William Jones
00
2
6
58 NOTABLE EVENTS IN THE [1663
1663
April 18.— Capt. Waldron was chosen Deputy to the General
Court at Boston, and instructed not to " condecend to anything
concerning the town of Portsmouth but what was acted " at a
previous meeting, which was, that the County Court should be
altered so as to be holden the first Tuesday of the 8th month ;
likewise for a special Court ; also a commissioners Court for 20
Pound cases, as "formerly granted to our Associates at our
coming in under the Government."
The town apparently obtained what it demanded, for it is
recorded that ' ' the Court allows Mr. Rayner's daughters 20s
for their pains in attending the Magistracy at their father's
house the time of the Court and order that the Treasurer of
Dover pay it in to them." James Nute was also chosen to be
steward for the town at the Ordinary at the Court time.
Toll-end, or "Tolend," as it is sometimes spelt, which is still
known as a local name, appears in the tax list of this year for
the purpose of designating the residence of some of the inhabi
tants, a proof of its respectable antiquity, though why so called
is not known to this day.
A Prouition Rate made the 7th ioth month 1663 Apon all the Inhabe
tants of this townshep (of) Douer at a peney apon the pound.
Mr. Thomas Wiggin
Capt Barffoott
Thomas Roberds siny
Petter Glanfilld
William Pomfrett
John hall Deacon
Thomas layton
John Dam siny
Elder Nutter
Thomas Beard
left hall
wedoew Tutell
Thomas Nock
Thomas whitehouse
Jeremie Tebbettes
Nichles Vtter
James Newtt siny
Thomas Caney
Sar John Roberds
Thomas Roberds Juner
Judediae Androes
Isake Stokes
Edward Waymoeth
Saraie Astin
Humfrey Varney

lb

s

d

0

3

3

0

6

3

0

6

0

0

2

11

0

9

1

0

10

5

I

6

7

0

14

6

0

13

6

0

14

8

0

4

11

0

3

1

0

7

2^

0

2

6

0

8

10

0

2

10

0

11

9

0

19

1

0

18

2K

0

9

I

(No figures)

0

4

7

0

3

3

0

10

4

0

2

11

1663]

HISTORY OF DOVER, N. H.

59

Blodie poynt

henrey lankster

i

2 lYz

Mickell Brane

uu

7 7

Thomas Trickey

oo

13 IO

Richard Catter

oo

10 8%

John Bickford Juner

0Q

6 4

James Rallens

on

14 10

Christafer Batt

III!

2 8

william Shuckforth

oo

8 2

John Dam Juner

oo

8 8

Antoney Nutter

I

2 1

Richard Rooe

(Figures crossed out.)

William Furber

I

0 4

Sargant John Hall

i

10 y/2

John Woddin

(No figures.)

(Cochecho.)

Capt walldern
Mr Petter Coffin
John heard
Elder wentworth
Richard Otes
Thomas hanson
John Scriuen
Thomas Downes
James Coffin
Roberd Euens
John Chirch
william home
John kiniston
Samewell wintworth
Thomas Payne
George walldern
Richard Seaman
Josephf Sanders
Christin Dolack
lasares Permitt
John Addams
Tobey hanson
Raphfe Twamly
Thomas Rallins
Clement Rafe
Antoney Page
John Sharpe
Phelep Cromwell
Abraham folets man
william layton
henrey hobes
John louring

I

9

2

I

16

5

T

00

9

III.)

18

11

OO

13

1

OO

12

9

00

5

6

00

3

11

00

4

S%

00

4

5%

00

4

5)4

00

4

7'A

00

2

6

00

3

7

00

4

2

00

2

7

00

2

6

00

2

6

00

3

4

00

2

6

00

2

6

00

2

6

00

6

8

00

2

6

00

4

2

00

2

6

00

3

4

I

5

7

0

2

6

0

3

4

0

6

8

60

NOTABLE EVENTS IN T

HE

ye mill at quamphigon

o 16

8

wm follet at Belli bank

o 4

2

capt wiggin at tollend

o IO

oo

capt Clark at tollend

o 4

2

mr nathaniell frier

oo 4

2

[1663

14 16

(Oy)sterR Prouetion Rate made throwe the hole towneshep the 7th
ioth month 1663

Roberd Burnum

0

17

6

william Pettman

0

5

9

william willyams siny

0

12

1

Thomas morrise

0

3

4

Tho steuensons estat

0

4

3

William Drew

0

8

11^

matthew Gilles

0

13

8

Charles Addams

0

5

10

Thomas welley

0

8

i'A

John Bickford si

0

15

6

Tho Fottman

0

13

2

John Allt

0

11

7

William Pirkins

0

2

9

William Dergin

0

3

4

Josephf filld

0

5

9

Dauey Danell

0

8

sy2

Phellep Cromet

0

3

2

Thomas Dowty

0

13

6>/2

John Godder

1

9

xi'A

Richard Yorke

0

15

9lA

John martin

0

12

4

hew Donn

0

3

4

John hillton

0

4

0

Beiniamen hull

0

8

o}4

Phellep Chesley

1

5

0%

Elexsander mack Donnell (Mackdaniel) ?

his estat
0
5
3
waiter Jackson
0
12
9
Pattrick Jemison
0
9
9
Edward Patterson
0
5
10
Henrey Browne and Compeney
2
17
2
John meader
0
9
6
Thomas humfries
0
11
4
Steuen Jones
0
4
2
will willyams Juner
0
5
2
william follett
1
00
10
william Roberds
(No figures.)
James Bonker
n
"
Thomas Jonson his estat
it
a
Steuen Robinson
0
2
6
1664] HISTORY OF DOVER, N. H. 61
James Smeth 026
William Beard 121
 Smeth o 4 7^4
 Daues 10 11 V2

John woodman
mr hills estat
Tage Riall
mathew willyams
Roberd Chapman
Pattrick Denmark

0

9

10

I

5

0

0

2

6

0

2

11

0

2

6

0

2

6

2

5

3

22

00

3

2

5

3

• 5 6
Theis Rate is to be payd in Beff at 3d ^ p lb, Porke at 4d ^ per lb,
wheat at 5s p boshell, malt at 6 s p boshell, Barley at 6s p boshell, Pease
at 4s p boshell. If aney shall denie to pay the Constabells ar to take it
By way of destres. 1664.
Jan. 17. — Thomas Layton and John Roberts were chosen to
" appraise goods taken by distress," and Robert Burnum and
William Follett to "go in preambulation of the towns bounds ' '
between Dover and Exeter. Philip Chesley was also chosen to
look after "persons that do trangress the town's orders about
the cutting of timber for pipe staves," at Oyster river.
Feb. 28. — Philip Chesley and Patrick Jemison were chosen to
lay out the highways from Oyster River to Cochecho, make
them fit for horse and foot, and bring an account of their charges
to the Townsmen. Left. Hall and John Hall, Deacon, were ap
pointed to lay out the highway from Lamperill falls to the water
side betwixt John Godder and John Martin. Thomas Beard
was chosen to keep an Ordinary.
From the tax list of this year it appears that white oak pipe
staves were worth 4 Pounds per thousand, pine boards 45 shil
lings, hogshead staves 50 shillings, red oak pipe staves 3 Pounds,
and barrel staves 40 shillings. ,

62 NOTABLE EVENTS IN THE [1665
1665
The care which was taken to repel, instead of inviting immi
gration in these early days, is shown in the order made by the
Selectmen at a meeting held the 15th of the 2d month, in this
year, that " no person coming into the town as a servant or by
purchasing of lands should be accepted as an inhabitant until
he was allowed or accepted by the town or the selectmen."
The selectmen, at the same time, authorized Peter Coffin to
agree with some workmen to build a " terrett upon the Meeting
House for to hang the bell," which they had bought of Capt.
Waldron, the cost to be paid out of what credit the Neck had
in Mr. Coffin's hands, and if it cost more they engaging to pay
him on the town account.
Feb. 17. — Capt. Waldron was chosen Deputy to the General
Court, and was instructed, as usual, to "stand to mayntaynour
preveledges," and to bring the proceedings of the Court in
writing. Also, "that whereas we are informed that several
persons have made some writing in way of complaint against us
or some of our proceedings, we know no cause they have to do
so, and do desire you to make all the defence you ^can against
them." They also requested that " as our parts are so far dis
tant from Boston and the law doth enjoin all that will be made
freemen" to appear there for that purpose that their Deputy
would ' ' petition the Court that those that are capable to be
made free may be at our County Court."
July 10. — Thomas Whitehouse was received as an inhabitant
on condition that, "the town not being of a capacity to give
accomodation as heretofore," he was to have no other privileges
than what he had purchased for cattle. That is, he was to have
no rights of pasturage upon the commons. William Layton
was received at the same time upon the same "tarms," and
"Gorg Gooe " was "forewarned (forbidden) to stay or have
any habitation in the town of Dover." This appears to be the
first instance in which a person was ' ' warned ' ' out of the
settlement. July 28. — The treasurer was ordered to pay for the killing of
a wolf in the year 1663, "as appeareth in a note under the Con
stable's hands, in the hands of John Hall, Deacon, under the
selectmen's hands," the money to go to the said John Hall,
Deacon, and fifteen other persons, each to receive an equal por
tion. As the price for killing a wolf was but 5 Pds. the share
of each could not have been large, though it was very proper,

1665] HISTORY OF DOVER, TV. H. • 63
as the town had given its note for the amount, that the same
should be paid.
Oct. 10. — The heirs of Mason about this time having procured
the signatures of some disaffected persons to a petition for dis
solving the union of the New Hampshire towns with Massachu
setts, the principal citizens of Dover signed a remonstrance
against the movement and directed it, in town meeting assem
bled, to be presented to the General Court as the town's act.
Oct. 25. — The selectmen, in view of the fact that "many
persons do fall timber and make staves without order, whereby
the town and the settled inhabitants are much injured," em
powered John Roberts, Thomas Nock and Philip Chesley, or
any two of them, to make diligent search into all the woods for
such transgressors of the town's order, and to seize their spoil
for the use of the town, the informers to have one half for their
pains. At the same time it was ordered, that as there are "several
differences apprehended to be betwixt the inhabitants of Dover,
and are principally with our neighbors at Oyster River, ' ' it was
desired of all having any grievances "to meet together and to
propound what matter of difference there is and to state the case
against the next public town meeting, on the third Monday in
March, at the meeting house on Dover Neck, there to discover
the said differences for the settling of peace amongst us, or if it
cannot be there agreed then to choose some others to hear and
determine the same." And the constables were ordered to give
notice to all the neighbors at their respective places to meet for
the end aforesaid. Town Records
voted at a Publick Towne metting holden the 14th 2th moneth
1661 (5?)
that whereas thear was a grant made to mr vallintin hill of douer of
a Riuer Called lamprill Riuer in the Towneshep of douer for to Erekt
Sawemill worke and to Contunew his or his assignes soe longe as he or
theay kep posietion thearof nowe know all to whome this may Conserne
that in Case noe man doe appeier to whold posseistion and make it knowne
to the Sellecktmen of the sayd towne within 6 months after the date
heirof that then the towne doeth Resolue to take it in to thear owne
hands and despose of it or sell it for the use of the Towne to Clear all
Rareges (arrearages? )
and that a Copey of this be set up at som Publick placat Boston and a
nother at Douer.
By the Seleckmen at A meittinge holden the 15th 2th mo (65,
Odred that noe Parson that Cometh into this Towne as a saruant or
By Perchising of lands shall not be Exsepted as An inhabetant in town

64 NOTABLE EVENTS IN THE [1665
of Dover untell he be Alowed or Exsepted by the Towne or the
Selleckmen. By the sellecktmen the 15th 2th mo (65.
Ordered that mr Petter Coffin shall be Impowered by this meitting to
A Gree with some workmen to Build a Terrett upon the meitting house
for to hang the Bell wich wee haue Bought of Capt walldern and what it
Cost to pay out of what credet the Neck of land hathe in your hand and
if Cost moer wee doe inGage to pay you apon the Towne a Compt.
Richard Wallderne
Will Wentworth
John Roberds.
At A Publick Towne meitting holden the 17th 2th moneth (65.
voted that Elder nutter and william Pomfrett ar to mett with Porch-
nioueth men to open the vottes for asotates.
At ye same tim
John Daues Chosen Constabell.
John louring Chosen Constabell.
Richard Catter chosen Constabell.
Jurey of Trialls.
Petter Coffin, Rafe Twamly, Antoney nutter, John marttin,
John Robberds, Thomas Nocke, Roberd Burnum.
Gran Jurey,
Jobe Clements, John Meder, John heard, John Bickford sinyer,
John woodman, Thomas Wiggin, John hill.
At The same time,
Capt walldern Chosen Depety for the Generall Courte for this yeir.
At A Metting of the selecktmen the 29th 2th month 1665,
Orders for Capt walldern Debety for the Generall Courtt.
1. ordred that wold stand to mayntayn our preueledgs by vertu of
our Articklers of agrement and to bring the proseding of the Court in
writing. 2. that you move the Generall Courtt that our County Court may be
Altred for time of it untell September.
3. that we desire thankfullness may be Returned unto the Court for
ther Caer and Gouerment under his maijsty.
4. that whereas we ar informed that seuerall persons haue made som
writing in way of Complaynt against us or som of our prosedings we
know noe Case theay haue so to doe and doe desier you to make all the
Defence you Can against them.
5. and that whear as our parts ar soe fer destant from boston and
the lawe doeth Injoyne all that will be maed freemen to appeir at boston
that you wold peteshone the Court that those that ar Capabell to be
maed free may bee at our Countey Courte.
Asotiates for this Countey Courtt that is to Be holden the last
Tewsday in June 1665 at Douer was Chosen by openning the votes the
5th 3th mo 1665.
Capt Pendellton 29
Capt walldern 36
mr Richard Cutt 33

1666] HISTORY OF DOVER, N. H. 65
Capt Picke 35
Mr John Cutt 18 Test John Cutt
Hatevil Nutter
Henrie Sherburne
William Pomfrett
( These last four names are autographs.)
At A Meitting of the selecktmen the 28th July 1665.
All ACounts mad up with Thomas Beard for the Acounts Boeth for
the Charges of the asochaett Courtt and the Countey Courtt last with
all their Expenses that the sellecktmen haue Expended unto this day
wich some doeth Com to thirty three Pounds and doe order the Tres-
serer to pay the same in Action money and fines of the Courte and
place it to the Towns aCount as witness our hands the day and yeir
above written. Richard walldern
henrey lankster
John Daues
John Roberds.
1666
March 10. — The town at a public meeting voted that all dif
ferences and grievances which the inhabitants might have with
one another should be referred to Capt. Robert Pike, Mr.
Wencoll and Mr. Elias Stillman, and what these arbitrators
should determine by the last of the month the town engaged to
"stand to." Capt. Richard Waldron and six other citizens
were chosen to lay the grievances before the arbitrators, and
Capt. Waldron was desired to notify them of their appointment
and request them to attend to the duty.
Thomas Edgerley, James Coffin, John Church, John Fost,
Robert Evans and Stephen Robinson were received as inhabi
tants, " upon the same terms that Thomas Whitehouse and
others were received," i.e. without the right of commonage for
their cattle. At the same time there was ' ' given unto Walter
Jackson 20 acers of land at the head of his own lot betwixt the
cow path and the swamp."
April 2. — The selectmen were requested to " take any oppor
tunity to treat with the selectmen of Portsmouth about the
affairs of the country, and what they shall see useful for us, to
present at the next town meeting." The selectmen with a com
mittee of citizens were also requested to " draw up something in
writing to present at the next town meeting concerning the
right of commonage and other things concerning the town
affairs."

66 NOTABLE EVENTS IN THE [1666
William Pomfrett was requested to give Rev. Mr. Rayner an
order for the rents due from the mills towards his salary, and
also to Elder Wentworth an order for 15 Pounds " for his pains
at Cochecho the last winter."
Aug. 19. — Captain Waldron was chosen Deputy to the Gen
eral Court, and instructed not to consent to anything infringing
upon the town's privileges, or " act anything for the hinderance
or stopping of any person or persons that his Majesty hath sent
for." Sept. 26 — The selectmen gave orders that Thomas Turner be
warned out of the town by Ensign John Davis and John Bick-
ford, and that he depart according to law. Also, that the wife
of William Risley be warned out of town by Anthony Nutter.
Henry Kerk was appointed to keep an Ordinary, and to
" stand till the next County Court upon his good behavior."
Many inconveniences and damages coming upon the town in
consequence of the practice which had been adopted by the
inhabitants of ' ' taking in several persons both men and women, ' '
the selectmen gave orders that none should henceforth admit or
entertain any inmate or sojourner or servant to be hired or taken
into their houses without giving notice to the selectmen within
thirty days, upon the penalty of nineteen shillings fine to the
town, besides making good all other damages which the town
might suffer.
The town at this early day had become somewhat crowded,
or inhabitants had been taken in who could not be accommo
dated, whereupon it was voted that no more persons should be
admitted until all former grants had been laid out and duly
recorded on the town's book, and a list made out of all inhabi
tants so that ' ' the town may see how many we are to take
care of. ' '
At this time the whole number of tax payers on record was
At Dover Neck 22 At Bloody Point 16
" Cochecho 20 " Fresh Creek 21
" Oyster River 54 —133 families, or a population of
about 530, according to the estimate of the present time, when
four voters or polls are usually found in every 15 to 20 inhab
itants. Dover, this year, gave 32 Pounds towards erecting a new
brick building at Harvard College.

1666] HISTORY OF DOVER, N. H. 67
A Prouetion Rate maed the 2th ioth month 1666 for mr Rayner at a
peney in the pound throwe the hole townshep.
Douer neck
Thomas layton
John hall Deacon
John Dam sinyer
Thomas Beard
Jeremie Tebetes
Thomas Roberds Juner
Thomas Caney
Elder nutter
henrey Tebtes
John Roberds
James Newtt Juner
Capt. Barfoot
Tho Roberds siny
henrey kerke
mr Job Clemants
John Tuttell
Thomas Whithouse
Judediae Androes
John Pinkoem
James Newtt siny
Isake Stokes
William Pomfrett
blode poynt
henrey lankster
William furber
Richard Catter
John hall sargent
James Rallins
Thomas Trickey
John Bickford Jun
Michill Brane
Rich Rooe
John Dam Juner
William Suchforth
Antpney Nutter
Abraham Newtt
Eexsander Wallden
Thomas Pinkom
Phellep Cromwell
Cochechae
Capt walldern
leften Coffin
Samewell hale
Nathell Stuens
John willson
Samewell Seward

lb

s

d

i

7

4^

o

12

10

o

15

A'A

o

15

8

o

9

eyi

o

12

IO

I

2

7

o

15

10

o

7

7%

o

14

11

o

5

9

o

4

2

o

5

0

o

5

0

o

19

5

o

4

2

o

2

8

o

3

9

o

2

6

o

15

0

o

4

7

o

10

11

I

6

6

o

17

7%

o

12

i*

o

15

8

o

12

7

o

18

10

o

6

11

o

8

IO

0

5

IO

o

11

2

o

9

4

I

4

4Yz

0

3

1

o

2

6

o

2

6

o

15

00

3

9

2^

I

13

9

o

2

6

o

2

6

o

2

6

o

2

6

NOTABLE EVENTS IN THE [1666
John Chirch o 3 10
Antoney Page 026
lazearus Permit 026
John ham 034
Jnkin Jones 026
Clarke Gilles 026
Biniamen heard o 311
Thomas Downes o 5 3^
wedowe hanson o 10 o
Tobias hanson 040
Thomas hanson 042
Robert Euens 052
Ralph f Twamly 071
John winget o 8 10
11 19 4
humfrey varney 4 11
Jeriemey hodsdon 3 4
John heard 15 3^
Josephf Sanders 3 9
Thomas Payne 3 4
Richar Bowell 2 6
Thomas hamacke 3 7
william home 8 4^
william Ceiam (?) 3 4
John Addams 2 6
John Scriuen 7 $%
Quamphigone Mill 16 9
John louring 12 8
henrey hobbes 16 4
John foste 6 8
William layton 4 ji
Elder wentworth 1 I 10
Samewell wentworth 5 10
Mr George wallderne 9 3

Richard Otes

15 10

James Coffin 8 4
8 17 10
Oyster Riuer
William follet 150
Will Roberds 3 6
Will Willyams Juner g %
John Meader 9 3
Steuen Jones 8 1
Nicloes harrise 3 1
Einsine John Daues 13 41^
17 10

henrey Browne
Roberd watson
Pattrick Denmi
waiter Jackson 8 4

Roberd watson 2 6
Pattrick Denmarke 2 6

1666 1 HISTORY OF DOVER, N. H.

(,<)

Matthew willyams

3

7

John Smeth

3

4

Josephf Semethe

4

2

James Smeth

2
6
William Drew
15
8
William Beard
16
8
Mathew Gilles
!3
10
William Pitman
6
0
Josephf Steunson
8
7
Salathell Denboe
2
6
William willyams sinyer
12
4
John woodman
IO
7
Thomas morise
5
0
william Dergin
5
0
John hilton
3
3
Richard Yorke
15
10
John Martin
11
S'/i
John Godder
i
6
11%
Arter Bennett
2
0
Charells Addames
6
5
Thomas welley
8
6
Thomas Edgerley
oo
2
9
William Perkines
oo
3
10
Abraham Collines
oo
2
6
John Allt
oo
12
5
John Bickford siny
oo
16
5
Sachrey filld
oo
3
4
Mickall Simonds
oo
3
4
Teag Riall
oo
3
2
James huggins
oo
2
11
Edward lethers
oo
2
6
Phellep Chesley
OI
2
3
Thomas Chesley
oo
4
5
Josepf filld
oo
4
2
Tage Danell
oo
3
4
Pattrick Jemeson
oo
12
3
Roberd Burnum
oo
10
0
Dauey Danell and Phellep Cromett
oo
7
3
Thomas footman
oo
15
2
Tho feloes, John Parnill, and
ther men and Vassell
OI
10
—
Steuen Robinson
oo
2
6
8 05 6
This Rat made at a peney in the pound for mr Raners proution and is
in part of his sallerey for the last yeir and to be reterned to his hand
by the Constabell and if in Case aney shall Rfuse to pay apon demand
thear in his maighteys name to Empower you to take it by way destres
witness our hands.
Bef at 3d p lb, Pork at 4d^ p lb, wheat at 5s p boshell, Indan Corne
4s p boshell, pease at 4s p boshell
70 NOTABLE EVENTS IN THE [1667
1667
May 7. — A meeting of the selectmen of Dover and Ports
mouth was held in Portsmouth, for " remedying several incon
veniences," and it was mutually agreed and ordered between
them that as by custom the public charges both of Court and
County had been carried on by each town distinctly for the time
past, for the future all charges should be borne jointly by the
County, and a County Treasurer chosen according to law.
Captain Waldron, Deputy to the General Court, was in
structed to make known to the Court the papers received from
Major Shapleigh, and also not to engage the town by compul
sion to build fortifications. Likewise to consult with the Depu
ties of Portsmouth concerning the enlargement of the County.
The selectmen ordered the three half penny rate made over
the whole town, to be delivered to Captain Waldron by the sev
eral constables, and for him to dispose of the same according to
the selectmen's order from time to time.
June 25. — Goodman Kirke of Dover, licensed to keep a house
of entertainment.
July 4. — The selectmen " agreed with Left. Coffin to build
the fort about the meeting house on Dover Neck, (built in 1652)
one hundred foot square with two sconces of sixteen foot square,
and all the timber to be twelve inches thick and the wall to be
eight foot high with sills and braces, and the selectmen with the
military officers have agreed to pay him 100 Pds. in days works
at 2s 6d per day, and also to all persons concerned in the work
one day to help raise the work at so many one day as he shall
appoint." This fort was constructed upon the mound of earth the relics
of which still remain and are plainly visible on the Neck.
(1872.) The building of this fort is the first intimation we have
of the construction of any defences against the Indians. The
colonists of Cochecho had been unmolested as yet, although
there had been troubles in the south at an early period ; nor did
any open act of hostility occur here until the breaking out of
Philip's war in 1675. But the construction of these defences
implies that at this period, 1667, suspicions were entertained as
to the disposition of the savages.
The selectmen " reckoned with Stephen Jones about keeping
Mrs. Hill and her child the year past," and acknowledged
themselves debtors in the sum of 25 Pds. which he was to have

1668] HISTORY OF DOVER, N. H. 71
in part pay for Thomas Johnson's estate at Oyster River when
the deeds from the town were made "according to the law of
estates." Mrs. Hill was the widow of Valentine Hill who was of Boston
about 1643 and came to Dover. He was a man of considerable
property, being at one time the highest tax payer in town. He
lived at Oyster river where he had extensive grants of mill
privileges, land and timber. He was Representative in 1653-5
and 7, and died about 1660. The child here spoken of was his
only one, and was born about the time of the father's death.
The arrangement for its support and that of its mother by the
town would imply that the selectmen, in their capacity as towns
men, had the settlement of the estate.
Sept. 3. — At a public town meeting it was ordered that every
Indian who should kill a wolf and bring the head to some public
officer, should have thirty shillings and no more, and the former
order concerning Indians killing wolves was annulled.
At the same time it was " ordered that the selectmen are to
treat with John Church concerning Naomie's child and to put
the child to him, agreeing with him for the taking of the child
and satisfying him in land," provided it does not exceed sixty
acres. Sept. 15. — The grand jury presented the town for want of
stocks, whipping post, standard weights and measures, a sealer
of leather, a pound, a watch house, powder match and bullets.
The Court enjoined the town to provide themselves with these
accompaniments of civilization "by ye next court" or pay a
fine of 5 Pounds and 2s 6d fees. 1668
Feb. 20. — Capt. Waldron and Robert Burnum were chosen to
oversee the work of the minister's house at Oyster River, and
Left. Coffin and William Follett were instructed not to ' ' act
anything" without their consent, and "what they shall consent
unto shall be the act of the town for finishing the house."
March 5. — Voted that Capt. Waldron, Ensign John Davis
and Mr. Job Clements are empowered to treat with the select
men of Portsmouth about running the line from Canney's Creek
and Hogsty Cove, and what they shall do shall be a final deter
mination of that difference and stand as a town act as if the
town were all present.

72 NOTABLE EVENTS IN THE [1669
July 14. — Ordered by the selectmen that forthwith the Con
stable shall take of William Williams, sen. by way of distress
the sum of 19 shillings for a fine for breach of a town order for
entertaining Naomi Hull.
The selectmen also ordered that John Hance should have 4
pounds for killing a wolf. Nicholas Doe was received as an
inhabitant upon the same terms as Thomas Whitehouse in 1665.
The town for want of a pair of stocks was again sentenced to
" get a pair by the next Court of Associates, or pay a fine of
5 Pds. and fees."
A Trucking House was built at Penacook (Concord) this year
by Capt. Waldron, which was enclosed by a fort, and was prob
ably the first house ever erected there. Waldron with Peter
Coffin and others designed making a settlement and had ground
broken up to be improved, but in June one Thomas Dickinson
was murdered by an Indian, which caused great excitement.
It appeared on investigation that liquor had been sold to the
Indians, which was contrary to law. Waldron and his son
Paul were charged with the deed, but both denied it under oath
and were acquitted. Peter Coffin was also charged with the
offence, and was obliged to confess that the liquor came from
his store, and was sold to the Indians by his agent, though with
out his knowledge. He was accordingly fined 50 Pounds and
all charges. This affair appears to have broken up the Pena
cook settlement at this time, and no other was made there until
1726, more than half a century after.
1669
Jan. 15. — The selectmen ordered all that have been constables
who had not a discharge from the town for the rates which they
had collected, to appear and make up their accounts at Left.
Pomfrett's house, on the Neck, on the 22d of the month, upon
penalty of such fines as they should impose.
Jan. 29.— Peter Coffin, Anthony Nutter, Wm. Follett, Robert
Burnum, William Roberts and Richard Otis were appointed to
go to Lamperill river to meet with Exeter men to perambulate
the lines and set bounds between the two towns.
May 3.— Robert Wadleigh was received as an inhabitant
"according to the tenure of the last inhabitant received." At
the same time he received this grant:
At A Generall towne Meeting held at Dover the; 3: 3: 1669
Giuen and granted unto Robert Wadleigh An accommodations for the

1669] HISTORY OF DOVER, N. H. 73
erecting and setting of a Sawmill or Mills at the oppermost falls uppon
Lamperele riuer, Comonly called by the name of ye Ileland falls : wth
an accomedation of timber there vnto belonging ye bounds of the timber
are as followeth ; yt is to : say all ye timber on ye south side aboue the
sd falls as farr as ye towne bounds doth goe, and on the north side all ye
Timber that is within one Mile of the Riuer aboue ye sd falls as farr as
the towne bounds doth goe, with one hundred acres of land on ye south
Bide of ye sd Riuer and twenty acres of Land on the north side of the
riuer Adjacent unto the said falls one both sides : all which falls timber
and Land is granted unto ye sd Wadleigh and his heires executors
Administr : and assignes prouided it doth not Itrench, upon any former
grant either in pt : or the whole. In Consideration of the sd grant of
falls Timber and land ; the sd Rob: Wadleigh doth Ingage himselfe his
heires executrs and Administr to pay or cause to be paid vnto the Towne
of douer the some of tenn: pounds: peran: in Marchanta: pine bords at
price Currant at the ordinary Landing place by Lamperele riuer lower
falls ; as long as he or they doe keepe posession thereof wch paymt: is
to begin the last of August next Insueing this Instant : to be made unto
the selectmen of douer or theire order, and farther it is agreed and
ordered that if any pt: there of be taken away by any former grant then
the towne is to abate of the rent proportionablely And also the town
doth reserue free eagrasse and Regrasse for ye transportation of timber
either by land or water : and the Inhabitants have ye same Liberty in this
grant as they haue in other Mill grants
Hatevil Nutter, who had an interest in a former grant at or
near the same place, entered his dissent to this grant.
At the same time, at the request of Elder Wentworth and
some of the brethren, Left. Coffin, Ensign Davis, Thomas Beard
and Anthony Nutter were chosen to ' ' join with the church in
their agitation."
May 22. — For the accommodation of the ministry on Dover
Neck the town voted to set apart 40 Pds. of mill rents and a
penny rate in provisions upon the estates of all the inhabitants,
excepting Oyster river, the vote to stand for one year, the
penny rate to be paid in October or November, or " a free con
tribution what every man will free give."
At the same time it was voted to build a Minister's house
upon Dover Neck, 44 feet in length, 20 feet wide, 14 feet be
tween joist and joist, with a stack of brick chimnies and a cellar
16 feet square; the house to be built "at the charge of the
whole town in general."
At a "training," the 21st June, the following persons are
recorded as taking the " oath of fidelity : "—Samuel Went
worth, Tho. Caney, Tho. Edgerly, Benja. Heard, John Foste,
Tho. Hanson, John Gerrish, James Smith, John Wentworth,

74 NOTABLE EVENTS IN THE [1669
Robert Evans, Charles Adams, Benja. Mathews, Richard Row,
John York, Will. Perkins, Tho. Welley, Tho. Perkins, Will.
Shuckford. July 22. — The town gave Mr. John Rayner, junior, a call to
" officiate in the ministry " until the 22d July next ensuing, and
at a meeting held the 27th Sept. Mr. Rayner "gave in his
acceptance to that service."
Rev. John Rayner, senior, died April 20th of this year, hav
ing been assisted in the last few years of his ministry by his son,
who was now called to succeed him.
The difficulties between Dover Neck and Oyster River broke
out afresh this year, and petitions to the General Court were
got up by some of the inhabitants of the latter place to be set off
into a town by themselves. To counteract these proceedings,
Left. Peter Coffin was chosen in behalf of the town to go to the
General Court and "answer the complaints." After several
public meetings had been held and sundry resolutions passed, a
temporary accommodation of the difficulties appears to have been
made. Oyster River was to build a meeting house on their own
account and at their own charge, and Dover Neck was to build
a minister's house on the same terms. Neither was to call on
the other for "any help for the future ; " but as the Lamperill
river grant for the support of the ministry at Oyster River could
not be collected, for the reason that no person could be found
there to pay it, it was voted that they should have 10 Pds. per
annum from Robert Wadleigh's grant in addition to the 10
Pds. from their own grant, and when anything was recovered
from the Lamperill grant it should be ordered and disposed
of by the whole town.
At the second session of the General Court held at Boston,
Oct. 18, the Court judgeth it meet to appoint John Gerrish to be
Quarter Master to the Troop raised in Portsmouth and Dover.
Also "in answer to the petition of Robert Wadleigh com
plaining of being illegally dispossessed of a house, mill and
other estate by virtue of an execution on a judgment against
Nicholas Leeson at the County Court in Norfolk in April 1668,
Henry Roby, Attorney to and for Robert Wadleigh, appeared
and publicly engaged himself and his heirs to stand to and sat
isfy the charge of this Court in and for the hearing of this
case. The Court on a full hearing of the case and what hath
been alledged by the parties therein, do judge that the petitioner
hath been illegally dispossessed and order that he be repossessed

1671] HISTORY OF DOVER, N. H. 75
in the said estate and have the cost of this Court fifty four shil
lings besides the charge of the court."
The town made a donation of 32 Pds. to Harvard College for
the purpose of erecting a new brick building, the old wooden
one being small and decayed. 1670
From the tax list of this year we learn that the prices of beef,
pork, &c. remained "firm," to adopt the language of modern
times, and also that butter was worth 4 pence per pound, cheese
6d, and that Indian corn brought 4 shillings per bushel.
1671
April 28. — At a meeting of the selectmen, it was ordered that
all timber found cut and carried to the water side, either at
Oyster river, or Fore river, or Bellamey's bank mill, belonging
to the Little John's creek grant, shall be seized, and notice
given to all persons who have cut the timber, or lay claim to it,
to appear before them and make answer thereto, on the 15th of
May ensuing, at the house of William Pomfrett on Dover Neck.
The constable and Philip Cromwell were empowered to give the
notice and carry into effect the order in regard to seizing the
timber. At the same time it was ordered that as there were several
rates in the hands of the constables of many years standing,
and rents and other revenues behind, whereby the town was
much injured and lieth in debt to several persons, Philip Crom
well was appointed to demand and receive the same and pay the
persons to whom the town was indebted.
May 15. — Richard Waldron and Richard Coocke chosen dep
uties to the General Court.
July 5. — Mr. John Rayner, jr. ordained Pastor, as the suc
cessor of his father.

76 NOTABLE EVENTS IN THE [1673
1672
March 19. — At a meeting of the selectmen all delinquent con
stables were ordered to ' ' make up their accounts with the
Treasurer" for "all old arrears," and in case of neglect they
might expect to hear from the selectmen forthwith and be dealt
with according to law. At the same time the Treasurer was
directed to "repair the glass about the meeting house," and
place it to the town's account.
Left. Coffin, who had been ordered to " provide ammunition
for the town according to law, ' ' is credited with delivering to
Capt. Waldron on the 22d of the month " too baralls of Powder
and mach."
The selectmen agreed with Dea. John Hall to "sweep the
meeting house and ring the bell for one whole year," for the
sum of 3 Pds.
April 16. — Philip Cromet had liberty to keep a ferry at Lam
perill river, to charge 2d for every person, and 6d for every
horse and man passing, which order was ' ' to stand until the
County Court take order about it."
For ' ' the better encouragement of Mr. John Rayner in the
ministry," it was voted that the 40 Pds. of mill rents with the
penny rate, should be paid him yearly so long as he continued
minister of Dover ; this penny rate to be levied on the inhab
itants of Dover Neck, Cochecho, Bloody Point and Oyster River
" according to their articles."
The selectmen also had power to treat with Mr. Rayner and
to "agree with him for his building for himself convenient
housing not exceeding 70 Pds." Twenty acres of swamp land
were at the same time laid out for the use of the ministry, in the
great swamp upon the Neck, which was not to be alienated
without the consent of every inhabitant.
Richard Waldron and Peter Coffin were chosen Deputies to
the General Court. 1673
Jan. 25. — John Roberts and Jeremie Tebbets had liberty from
the selectmen to improve six acres of land in the common lying
off the east side of the path that ' ' doeth go unto the watering
place on Dover Neck near unto Thomas Perkins' house," which
land was to be improved by them seven years for their use, and
then to be returned for the town's use, and left plains for feed
ing ground.

1675] HISTORY OF DOVER, N. H. 77
1674
March 2. — In choosing town officers this year, the town voted
that Nicholas Hanson should " officiate no longer as a seller of
pipe staves." The surveyor of highways for last year was to
stand for this year.
June 18. — -A committee consisting of Ensign John Davis,
Sargent Robert Burnum, Deacon John Hall, John Gerrish and
John Wingate was appointed to run the line from Newichwan-
nock river unto the utmost bounds on the south side of Lam
perill river.
Upon the complaint of James Nute, sen. that Philip Cromwell
was "taking in his highway and trespassing on the common,"
Sargent John Roberts and Deacon John Hall were appointed to
" go to the place and take notice of what is done and give an
account at our next meeting that we may regulate the same
according to equity." At the next meeting, on report of the
committee, Philip Cromwell was ordered to remove his fence
forthwith and set it according to his own bounds that "we may
have our old ways to pass in upon, on penalty of having his
fence pulled down and also fined."
Under date of 14th 12th mo. of this year, Rev. John Elliot's
Church Records of the First Church in Roxbury, Mass., says :
A fisherman about Pascatoway had 2 servants, who in anger conspired
to kill yr master, did so, tooke his mony & fled, but were taken & both
executed. This is the first record of the execution of white men in any
of the Piscataqua plantations, so far as noticed.
1675
May 12. — In answer to the petition of the inhabitants of
Oyster river Philip Hollet, Jno. Bickford, Robert Burnhams,
John Woodman and others, the General Court ordered, "that
the petitioners shall have liberty yearly to choose three select
men, who shall have power to make such rate or rates as they
shall see the necessity for the maintenance of the ministry, to
be collected by the constables according to law."
July 15. — William Furber, Anthony Nutter and John Wood
man were chosen ' ' to treat and discourse with the selectmen of
Portsmouth and of the Isle of Shoals or other meet persons,"
about "raising money for the relief of those who have suffered
either by their estates or services in the present war with the
Indians."

NOTABLE EVENTS IN THE [1675
Another indication of the troublous times upon which the
colonists had entered appears in the record : —
Whereas the selectmen neglected the making a provision rate this
present year, according to the former order, by reason of the troubles of
the times, it is voted that the selectmen shall make provision rate for
this present year according to the last year's rate, making abatement of
such men's estates as they see just cause for at their discretion.
Sept. — . — Two houses belonging to two persons named Ches
ley at Oyster River were attacked and burned by the Indians,
two men in a canoe were killed, and two made prisoners, both
of whom soon after made their escape. A few days afterwards,
five or six houses were also burned at Oyster River by the
Indians and two more men, William Roberts and his son-in-law,
killed. To make reprisals for these daring and murderous assaults,
about twenty young men, chiefly of Dover, obtained leave of
Major Waldron, then commander of the militia, to try their skill
and courage with the Indians in their own way. Having scat
tered themselves in the woods, a small party of them discovered
five Indians in a field near a deserted house, some of whom were
gathering corn, and others kindling a fire to roast it. The men
were at such a distance from their fellows that they could make
no signal to them without danger of a discovery; two of them
therefore crept along silently, near to the house, from whence
they suddenly rushed upon those two Indians who were busy at
the fire, and knocked them down with the butts of their guns ;
the other three took the alarm and escaped.
Soon after this, the Indians assaulted a house at Oyster River,
which was garrisoned. Meeting with a good old man without
the garrison, whose name was Beard, they killed him upon the
place, and in a barbarous manner cut off his head and set it on
a pole in derision. {Hubbard 's Eastern Wars.)
Oct. 13. — The General Court "for the better security of the
County of Dover and Portsmouth and of Yorkshire and the parts
adjacent, ordered that there should be forthwith 40 able men
raised and sent to Major Waldron to be by him disposed of for
the end aforesaid, and not to be called off without the said
major's consent, or else by order of the General Court and
Council."

1675]

HISTORY OF DOVER, N. H.

79

Town Records
Provision Rate 1675
Of Dover Neck and Cochecho

Mr. Nutter
Deacon Hall
Deacon dam
Joseph Canie
Thomas Canie Junior
Henery Tibit
Philip Benmore
John Pinckham
Jeremi Tibits
Tho: Beard
Tho: Perkins
Isaac Stockes
Tho: Roberts
Jo: Tuttle
Philip Crumell
Rich: Pinckham
Tho: Whitehouse
John Roberts
Leiftenant Pomfrit
James Newt Junior
Mr. Clements
Johnathan Wattson
Tho: Leighton
Thomas Paine
John Deues
John Heard
Mr. George Waldern
Ralf Twamlie
Ezekiel Wentworth
William Taskett
widdow Hanson
John Church Of Bloody Point
Sargant Hall Henerie Langster
william ffurber william ffurber Junior
Antony Nutter Edward Allin
and eight names are missing

James Newt Senior
Mr. Clements
Abraham Newt
John Hall Junior
Richard Rich
John Dereie
Tho: Teare (?)
Ralph welch
Zacharie ffeeld
Nathaniell Stephens
ginkin Jones
John Ham
William Home
Tho: Harnett
John Elis
Humphire Varnie
nine names missing david Larkin
Tho: Austyn
Tho: Haines
Capt walden
George Ricker and brother
Richard Otis
John gearish
Tho: Hanson
Robert Evens
gershom Wentworth
James Coffen
Tho: downes
Mark Giles
Benjamin Head

Of Oyster Riuer
(Ensign D)avis
(Ja)mes Huckins
John Alt
John Bickford
Tho: willie
Joseph Smith

-)

( 
Tho: Edgerlie
John Hill
John Meader
William Williams Junior
Philip Cheslie senior

80 NOTABLE EVENTS IN THE [1676
Steephen Jones waiter Jackson
Robert Watson Edward Leathers
John Davis Junior James Smith
William Hill Tho: and Philip cheslie
John york John Godard
Nicholas dow Benjamin york
Charles Adams Samuel willie
Joseph Stimson Nichlas Haris
Steephin Willie  Stimson
Joseph ffeild John dow
Tho: Moris william durgin
Nicholas Follett John woodman
Robert Burnum William Williams senior
Mr. John Cutt (Non Resident,) Nathaniel Lummack
Salathiel Denbow davi daniel
Benjamin Mathews ffrancis drew
william perkins william Pittmans
george goe william Follett
This provisions is to be paid att ye price followeth
wheat 5s 6d p bushel, Indian Corne 4s p bushel, pease 4s p bushel, beif
2d>£ p pound, pork 4 p pound, barlie 4 p bushel, butter 5d p pound.
There were other names on the list to which the word '¦ nothing " had
been added : viz :
Isaac Stockes Capt. Barfoott
Rich: Pinckham Elder Wentworth
ffrances hyuck (of Bl Pt)
John Migel (O. R.) Joseph Bickford (O. R.)
Teage Reall (O. R.) Philip Cromell (O. R.)
The highest tax payer on the above list was Capt Waldern
who paid Pds. 2-7-4; the second was John Roberds who paid
Pds. 1-16-3^; the third Job Clements, paying Pds. 1-15-6^;
the fourth Richard Otis, paying Pds. 1-5-7^. The lowest on
the list were John Elis and six or seven others, each of whom
paid 2s 6d. 1676
A treaty was made this year by Wonolancet, chief of the
Penacooks, with Major Waldron in behalf of the Province, of
which the following is a copy: Piscataqua River, Cochecho,
3 July-
At a meeting of ye Com appointed by ye Hond Genl. Ct. for to treat
ye Inds. of the Eastern parts in order for ye procuring an Honll Peace
with ym. Wee wth ye mutll consent of ye Sagamores Underwritten in
behalfe of themselves and ye men — Indians belonging to them being
about 300 in Number, have agreed as followeth :
ily. That hence forward none of ye said Indians shall offer any vio-

1676] HISTORY OF DOVER, N. H. 81
lence to ye persons of any English, nor doe any Damage to theyre
Estates in any kind whatsoever. And if any Indian or Indians shall
offend herein, they shall bring or cause to bee brought ye offender to
some English authority, there to be prosecuted by ye English Lawes
according to Nature of ye Offence.
2ly. That none of said Indians shall entertain at any time any of our
enemies, but shall give psent notice to ye Coute when any one come
among them, ingaging to goe forth with ye English against them (if de
sired) in order to ye seizing of them. And if any of sd Indians shall them
selves at any time bring such or Enemies vnto vs, they shall for their
reward have 3 Pds. for each they shall so bring in.
3ly. The Indians performing on their part, as is before expressed,
wee ye committee doe ingage in ye behalfe of ye English not to offer any
violence to any of their persons or estates, and if any injury be offered to
said Indians by any English they (their) complaints to authority, ye
offender shall be prosecuted by English Lawes according to ye nature of
ye offence ;
In witness to each and all ye promises we have mutually shaken
hands and subscribed our names.
Richard Waldern X Wanolucet, Sagamore
Committee Nic. Shapleigh X Sampson Aboquecemoka
Tho: Daniels X Mr Wm Sagamore
X Squando, Sagamore
X Dony
X Serogumba Samll Numphow
The mark X Warockomec
After this treaty many of the Indians who had joined in
Philip's war upon the English joined themselves to the Pena-
cooks hoping that by means of Wonolancet's influence to escape
punishment. By the invitation of Major Waldron this sagamore
had come to Cochecho, and with him many of these Indians to
the number of three or four hundred. These had the promise
of good usage and had the advice of Major Waldron been fol
lowed, good faith would have been kept with them. But the
renewal of hostilities by other Indians, occasioned the sending
of two companies of soldiers from Massachusetts, under Captain
Joseph Syll and Captain William Hathorne. In the course of
their march, they came to Cochecho, on the 6th of September,
where the Indians were met at the house of Major Waldron.
The two captains would have fallen upon them at once, having
it in their orders to seize all Indians, who had been concerned
in the war. The major dissuaded them from that purpose, and
contrived the following stratagem. He proposed to the Indians
to have a training the next day, and a sham fight after the
English mode ; and summoning his own men, with those under

82 NOTABLE EVENTS IN THE [1676
Captain Frost of Kittery, they, in conjunction with the two
companies, formed one party, and the Indians another. Having
diverted them a while in this manner, and caused the Indians
to fire the first volley, by a peculiar dexterity the whole body of
them (except two or three) were surrounded, before they could
form a suspicion of what was intended. They were immediately
seized and disarmed, without the loss of a man on either side.
A separation was then made : Wonolancet, with the Penacook
Indians, and others who had joined in making peace the winter
before, were peaceably dismissed ; but the strange Indians (as
they were called) who had fled from the southward and taken
refuge among them, were made prisoners, to the number of two
hundred ; and being sent to Boston, seven or eight of them who
were known to have killed any Englishmen were condemned
and hanged ; the rest were sold into slavery in foreign parts.
{Belknap.) This is the account of the affair as given by Dr. Belknap,
who wrote while people born at the time, the children of some
of those who were participants or eye witnesses of it, were on
the stage and must have been familiar with all its details.
Tradition adds to this that the Indians were furnished with
a cannon mounted upon wheels, which pleased them very much.
They were ignorant of its management and were furnished with
gunners by the English. The Indians manned the drag ropes,
and the sham fight commenced. In changing the direction of
the cannon, the English gunners ranged the piece along a file of
the Indians upon one of the drag ropes, and fired, killing and
wounding a large number. This was attributed to accident.
Major Waldron, it is evident, was deserving of praise instead
of censure for his prudent course in this matter, and had the
Indians known of his influence in their favor, it would doubtless
have prevented the massacre that took place 13 years afterwards,
when the Major was sacrificed to avenge the wrongs erroneously
attributed to him. Having promised them good usage it is
clear that he did all in his power to redeem his promise and by
his advice saved many of the Indians from certain death.
The heirs of Mason revived their claims to the Province this
year by petition to the King, and at a public town meeting in
Dover, in July, it was "unanimously agreed upon, voted and
ordered that our trusty and well beloved Richard Walderne,
sarjent Major, do in the name and behalf of our town petition
his Maj'te that he would interpose his Royal authority and

1677] HISTORY OF DOVER, N. H. 83
afford us his wonted favor, that we be not disturbed by said
Mason or any other, but continue peaceably in our present just
rights under his Majesty's Massachusetts Bay government."
They further declared that they had bona-fide purchased their
lands of the Indians ; recognized their subjection to the govern
ment of Massachusetts, under whom they had lived happily, and
by whom they were now assisted in defending their estates and
families against the savage enemy. {Belknap.)
The General Court ordered that a committee of militia in the
towns and county of Dover and Portsmouth should be required
to ' ' make nine several rates on the inhabitants thereof, accord
ing to law, ' ' to defray the charges of the war.
Dec. 21. — " Mr. John Rayner, jr. minister of Dover, died of a
cold and fever that he took in the field among the soldiers."
{Hull's Diary.) The soldiers composed the expedition which
arrived in Dover Sept. 6, and those under the command of
Major Waldron, who joined them here, Mr. Rayner doubtless
acted as chaplain while they were in service here, and in their
march eastward. 1677
March 30. — Indians being discovered in the woods, Major
Waldron sent out eight of the Indians in his employ, one of
whom was called Blind Will, to obtain further information in
relation to them. Those sent out were all surprised together,
by a company of Mohawks ; two or three escaped, the others
were either killed or taken. Blind Will was dragged away by
his hair, and being wounded, perished in the woods on a neck
of land formed by the confluence of Cochecho and Ising- glass
rivers, which still bears the name of Blind Will's Neck.
May 24. — The Court ordered that the Indians about Piscata
qua should be settled about Quochecho, and to prevent the
inconvenience by Indians travelling the woods with their guns
it was further ordered that all " neighbor Indians and friends "
should be enjoined on the sight of any English person, or being
called unto, to immediately lay down their "gunns," and no
Indian had liberty to travel in the woods on this side of the
Merrimack river without a certificate from Major Waldron.
Oct. 22. — The inhabitants of Dover, opposed to Mason's
claim and desirous of continuing under the government of
Massachusetts, addressed a petition to the Home government as
follows :

84

NOTABLE EVENTS IN THE

[1679

To the King's Most Excellent Majesty — The humble petition of your
Majesty's subjects the householders of the town of Dover upon the Pis
cataqua river, New England.
That forasmuch as through the goodness of God and the favor of your
Most Excellent Majesty (which like the sweet influences of superior or
heavenly bodies to the tender plants, ) hath cherished us in our weaker
beginnings, having been continued through your special grace under
your Majesty's protection and government of the Massachusetts, to which
we voluntarily subjected ourselves, many years ago, yet not without
some necessity, in part felt for want of government, and in part feared
upon the account of protection which hath been more apparent since ;
the happy event or issue of which doth cause us to be humble and
earnest supplicants to your Majesty at this time, that we may be continued
under the jurisdiction of the Massachusetts as formerly, our full acquiesc
ing wherein and ample satisfaction wherewith we do hereby make our
serious profession of, and do therefore beg your royal assent thereunto,
which favor of your Majesty's we shall account as a cloud of the latter
rain and be further quickened to pray for all manner of prosperity upon
your Majesty's person and councils as becomes your loyal subjects.
Dated at Dover the 22d October 1677.
They pray to be continued under ye Massachusetts government.

John Evans Richard Waldron
William Shukford William Wentworth
Isak Trackie John Davis
Gershom X Wentworth John Robearts

John Hill
John Rann
Wm Ffurber, jr
John Gerrish
George X Bacon
JohnX Winget
Stephen Jones
Richard X Roe
Thomas X Canney
Thomas X Hamock

Ezekell X Winford
Thomas Downes
Joseph Canne
John Church
Thomas Edgrly
John Dam
John Ham
John Hall, jr
William Ffurber
Henry X Langtof
John Hall, senior

Anthony Nutter
John X Hud
John X Bickford
Thomas Beard
Charles X Adams
Job Clements
John Bickford
Nathaniel Stones
Ginkin X Jonnes
Thomas X Roberts Those with an X made their marks.

1678
Under this year Rev. John Pike has the following memo
randum among other personal " occurents " in his journal :
John Pike came to Dover for ye work of the ministry Nov. 1.

1679
May 28. — In answer to the petition of Mrs. Frances Rayner,
widow of Rev. John Rayner, the Court ordered that the select
men of Dover ' ' do take effectual care to settle the accounts
between the inhabitants of said town and Mrs. Rayner, admin-

1679] HISTORY OF DOVER, N. H. 85
istratrix to the estate of the deceased Mr. John Rayner, relating
to his salary, and the payment of such arrears as are yet unpaid,
and that this be done at or before the last day of September
next." May 30. — The Court ordered the County Court, next to be
held at Dover, to ' ' take effectual care for the levying of the
public rates payable and due from the inhabitants of that Court,
as well those on the Isle of Shoals, as elsewhere, that so the
dues belonging to those that have done service in the late war,
and disbursed their estates for the public, may be paid as in
equity we are bound."
Sept. 18. — The union of New Hampshire with Massachusetts
was dissolved at this time by royal proclamation. John Cutt
was appointed President of the Province with a council of six
of the principal inhabitants, of whom Richard Waldron of Dover
was one. Agreeably to the royal direction they chose three
other gentlemen into the council, of whom Job Clements of
Dover was one. The President nominated Major Waldron to
be his deputy or vice-president and John Roberts, marshal.

CHAPTER III
Under Province of New Hampshire
1680
Writs were issued for calling a General Assembly, the persons
in each town who were judged qualified to vote were named in
the writs, and the oath of allegiance was administered to each
voter. The number of qualified voters in Dover at this time was 61,
in Portsmouth 71, in Hampton 57, in Exeter 20; in all 209.
The Assembly met at Portsmouth on the 16th of March. The
members from Dover were Peter Coffin, Anthony Nutter and
Richard Waldron, jr. 1681
May 5. — Rev. John Pike, the minister of Dover, married
Sarah, the second daughter of Mr. Joshua Moody, the minister
of Portsmouth. Took office Aug. 31, following, being a stormy
day, the same in which Mr. Moody with his wife and others
were overset in a canoe, and in some danger of drowning.
{Pike) Another attempt of Mason to revive his claims was success
fully resisted. Having come over from England with a man
damus, requiring the council to admit him to a seat at the board,
he soon endeavored to persuade some of the people to take
leases from him, threatening others if they did not, forbidding
them to cut firewood and timber, asserting his right to the prov
ince and assuming the title of Lord protector. The council
having prohibited these proceedings, Mason refused to hold his
seat with them, and a warrant being issued for his apprehension,
he suddenly returned to England. During these transactions
President Cutt died, and Major Waldron, as vice president, suc
ceeded him. The vacancy made in the council by the death of
President Cutt was filled by Richard Waldron, jr.

1683] HISTORY OF DOVER, N. H. 87
1682
Jan 3. — Colonel Waldron's mills burnt down in a very rainy
night. {Pike)
The following order, which is preserved in the Provincial
Records, shows up one of the neighborhood quarrels of the time ;
To the Constable of Dover : — You are hereby required, in his
Majesty's name, to summon Ephraim Trickie to appear before the court
to morrow, being the 5th instant, to answer to the complaint of Mary
Carter, for pulling down her fence, about her cornfield, some time the
last week, and for swearing many oaths. And you are also hereby
required to summon Thomas Bickford to appear at the same time before
the court, to answer for his swearing many oaths at the same time;
and you are hereby required to summon Henry Langstare, sen. to appear,
to give in his evidence to what he knows about the fence above said
being thrown down. Hereof fail not, and so make a return under your
hand. Dated at Portsmouth, September 4th, 1682.
By me : Richard Martyn of the Council.
I have summoned the persons above mentioned, Ephraim Trickie,
Thomas Bickford, and Henry Langstare, sen. according to law, to give in
evidence in the case intended.
Sept. 4. Will. Henderson, Constable.
A tax of four pence on a pound was laid by the court this
year, payable in merchantable pine boards, at ' ' any convenient
landing place in Piscataqua river," at 26s. per M., white oak
pipe staves at 50s., Red oak, 35s, beef 2d per lb., pork 3d, corn
3s per bush., wheat 5s, peas 4s, malt 3s, fish at price current;
and whoever paid their rates in money were to be " abated one
third." 1683.
The trial of Edward Gove for " high treason " occurred this
year, being the first and last trial of the kind in the colony or
province of New Hampshire. Gove, who lived in that part of
Hampton, now Seabrook, was a leading man as well as a mem
ber of the assembly, and was very active in his opposition to
Mason's claims and to the Governor who favored them. He
finally carried his opposition so far as to visit Dover, Ports
mouth and Exeter, and raised men to rebel against the govern
ment. Warrants were issued for his arrest and when a justice
and a constable attempted to arrest him he resisted and they
failed in his arrest. He with his followers rode from Exeter to

88 NOTABLE EVENTS IN THE [1684
Hampton with trumpets blowing and drawn swords. At Hamp
ton they were surrounded and taken, all but the trumpeter who
broke through and escaped. Gove was taken to Portsmouth
and a special court was summoned Feb. 15, 1682-3, when he
was tried for high treason, found guilty and sentenced to be
hanged, drawn and quartered. Sentence was deferred to learn
the King's pleasure. He was sent to England and confined in
the tower of London for three years, was pardoned Sept. 14,
1685, returned home and his estate was restored to him.
July 19. — Foul weather set in after something of a drought,
and continued till the beginning of September, to the great
damage and almost ruin of husbandry. {Pike.)
Oct. 8. — Writs were issued on the complaint of Robert Mason
for attaching the goods, or for want thereof, taking the bodies of
Major Waldron and other inhabitants, and taking bond for their
appearance at the court of pleas to be held at Great Island, to
answer in an action of trespass for illegally keeping said Mason
out of possession of certain lands and tenements in Cochecho,
Dover, and other places in the said province, and felling his
woods, to the damage of three thousand pounds, &c.
1684
Feb. 3. — An earthquake was sensibly observed by many,
though not universally perceived. This happened Sabbath
day, 4 o'clock afternoon.
March 13. — The Governor and Council ordered, "that the
meeting house at Dover be immediately fortified, and a line
drawn about it, which meeting house shall be the main garrison
for defending the inhabitants against the attacks of the enemy;
also that the house, formerly called the watch house, be a by-
guard ; likewise, that the houses of Peter Coffin, Esq. and
Richard Otis, be by-garrisons for Cochecho, for securing the
inhabitants that dwell thereabout."
March 22. — A prodigious tide, rising some feet higher than
the observation of the oldest settlers in this place, did great
damage to wharves and warehouses in Boston and Pascataqua.
April 22. — Happened a tide a little inferior to the former, and
in some places flowed somewhat higher.
Nov. 8. — Was exceeding dark, from ten in the morning, till
two in the afternoon, which might be occasioned by a very black
and thick cloud passing over very low. It seemed as though the
sun had been greatly and totally eclipsed.

1685] HISTORY OF DOVER, N. H. 89
1685
The attempt of the heirs of Capt. Mason to obtain possession
of the lands claimed by them, and the countenance which they
received from the courts at the instigation of Gov. Cranfield, led
to forcible resistance on the part of some of the inhabitants.
Executions were issued for the arrest of Major Waldron and
other principal men. An attempt being made to serve the exe
cution in Dover a number of persons forcibly resisted the officer,
and obliged him to relinquish his design. Warrants were then
issued against the rioters, and the sheriff with his attendants
attempted to seize them, whilst the people were assembled for
divine service. This caused an uproar in the congregation, in
which a young heroine distinguished herself by knocking down
one of the officers with her bible. They were all so roughly
handled that they were glad to escape with their lives. {Belknap.)
Mason next brought suits by writ against Major Waldron,
who had always distinguished himself in opposition to his
claim, for holding lands and felling timber, to the amount of
four thousand pounds. The Major appeared in court, and
challenged every one of the jury as interested persons, some of
them having taken leases of Mason, and all of them having
lands which he claimed. The judge then caused the oath of
voire dire to be administered to each juror, purporting " that he
was not concerned in the lands in question, and that he
should neither gain or lose by the cause." Upon which the
Major said aloud to the people present, " that his was a leading
case, and that if he were cast they must all become tenants of
Mason; and that all persons in the province being interested,
none of them could legally be of the jury." The cause how
ever went on; but he made no defence, asserted no title and
gave no evidence. Judgment was given against him, and at the
next court he was fined for " mutinous and seditious words."
Suits were instituted against many other land owners and
decided in the same summary manner. In Dover, besides
Waldron, there were John Heard, sen. William Home, Jenkin
Jones, William Furbur, jr. John Hall, jr. Joseph Field,
Nathaniel Hill, James Huckins, William Tasket, Zachery
Field, Philip Chesley, jr. Thomas Chesley, Robert Burnham,
Anthony Nutter, William Furbur, sen. Thomas Paine, Charles
Adams, Thomas Edgerly, Henry Langstaff, Thomas Stevenson,
John Meader, John Woodman, John Windict, John Davis, sen.
Joseph Beard, John Roberts, Joseph Stevenson, Samuel Hill,

90 NOTABLE EVENTS IN THE [1689
Philip Lewis, John Gerrish, John Hill, Joseph Hall, Thomas
Roberts, sen. and perhaps others, who were thus declared dis
possessed. From seven to twelve cases were dispatched each
day. Some executions were levied; but the officers could
neither retain possession nor find purchasers, so that the property
soon reverted to its owners. 1686
Sept. 13. — At a general town meeting the selectmen were
empowered to lay out highways for ' * his Majisty's and country's
use " in all parts of the township of Dover.
It was also voted to pay the minister of Dover 60 Pounds,
and the minister at Oyster river 40 Pounds for the year ensuing
from the roth June last, "in such species and prices" as follows:
pine boards 20 shillings, pork 3d per lb, wheat 5s per bush,
peas 4s, barley 3s, corn 3s.
John Evans was voted 20 shillings per year, besides his fees,
so long as he shall supply the office of town clerk.
1687.
April 27. — It was voted that the selectmen have power to
make a rate to the value of 15 Pds. for the relief of widow
Dorothy Roberts and to be employed for her use ; to be " paid
in such species as followeth:" wheat 5s per bushel, Indian
corn 3s, peas 4s, pork 3d per lb, beef 2d. "For the use of the
poor," is added to the vote in parenthesis.
This winter was productive of few snows, and those very
shallow. It seldom fell above an inch at a time, and perhaps
all together would not have amounted to above a foot or a foot
and a half deep; but many rains in lieu thereof. {Pike)
Sept. 3. — Pheasant Eastwick, coroner, makes return of an
inquest held at Oyster river, on the body of Elizabeth Jenkins,
wife of Stephen Jenkins, planter, that "she wilfully destroyed
herself by casting herself into the water."
1688
" This year ye meazells raged thro out ye country, beginning
at Boston, and so coming eastward." {Pike)
1689
June 27. — The " destruction of Cochecho," as it was called for
many years, occurred at this time, the particulars of which are
thus narrated by Dr. Belknap :

1689] HISTORY OF DOVER, N. H. 91
Thirteen years had almost elapsed since the seizure of tbe 400 Indians,
by Major Waldron. During all this time an inextinguishable thirst of
revenge had been cherished by them which never till now found oppor
tunity for gratification. Wonolancet, one of the sachems of Penacook,
who was dismissed with his people at the time of the seizure, always ob
served his father's dying charge not to quarrel with the English ; but
Hagkins, another sachem, with some of those Indians who were seized
and sold into slavery abroad and had now found their way home, could
not rest till they had revenge. There were five garrisoned houses at the
time around the falls where are now situated the works of the Cocheco
Manufacturing Co. three on the north side, viz. Waldron's, Otis' and
Heard's, and two on the south side, viz. Peter Coffin's and his son's.
These houses were surrounded with timber walls, the gates of which, as
well as the house doors, were secured with bolts and bars. The neigh
boring families, living in houses not fortified, retired to these houses by
night, " but by an unaccountablenegligence.no watch was kept. The
Indians, who were daily passing through the town, visiting and trading
with the inhabitants, as usual in time of peace, viewed their situation
with an attentive eye. Some hints of a mischievous design had been
given out by their squaws, but in such dark and ambiguous terms that
no one could comprehend their meaning. Some of the people were
uneasy, but Waldron, who from a long course of experience, was inti
mately acquainted with the Indians, and on other occasions had been
ready enough to suspect them, was now so thoroughly secure, that when
some of the people hinted their fears to him, he merrily bade them go
and plant their pumpkins, saying that he would tell them when the
Indians would break out. The very evening before the mischief was
done, being told by a young man that the town was full of Indians and
the people were much concerned ; he answered that he knew the Indians
very well and there was no danger."
The plan which the Indians had formed was, that two squaws should
go to each of the garrisoned houses, in the evening, and ask leave to
lodge by the fire ; that in the night when the people were asleep, they
should open the doors and gates, and give the signal by a whistle ; upon
which the strange Indians, who were to be within hearing, should rush
in and take their long meditated revenge. On the evening of Thursday,
the 27th of June, two squaws accordingly applied to each of the garri
sons for lodgings, as they frequently did in time of peace. They were
admitted into all but the younger Coffin's, and the people at their request,
showed them how to open the doors, in case they should have occasion
to go out in the night. Mesandowit, one of their chiefs, went to Wal
dron's garrison, and was kindly entertained, as he had often been before.
The squaws told the Major that a number of Indians were coming to
trade with him the next day, and Mesandowit while at supper, with his
usual familiarity, said, "Brother Waldron, what would you do if the
strange Indians should come ? " The Major carelessly answered, that he
could assemble an hundred men, by lifting up his finger. In this unsus
pecting confidence the family retired to rest.
When all was quiet the gates were opened and the signal was given.
The Indians entered, set a guard at the door, and rushed into the major's

92 NOTABLE EVENTS IN THE [1689
apartment, which was an inner room. Awakened by the noise, he
jumped out of bed, and though now advanced in life to the age of eighty
years, he retained so much vigor as to drive them with his sword through
two or three doors, but as he was returning for his other arms they came
behind him, stunned him with a hatchet, drew him into his hall, and
seating him in an elbow chair, on a. long table, insultingly asked him,
" Who shall judge Indians now ? " They then obliged the people in the
house to get them some victuals, and when they had done eating they
cut the major across the breast and belly with knives, each one with a
stroke saying, "I cross out my account." They then cut off his nose
and ears, forcing them into his mouth; and when spent with the loss of
blood, he was falling down from the table, one of them held his own
sword under him, which put an end to his misery. They also killed his
son-in-law Abraham Lee, but took his daughter Lee with several others,
and having pillaged the house, set it on fire. Otis's garrison, which was
next to the Major's met with the same fate ; he was killed with several
others, and his wife and children made prisoners. Heard's was saved by
the barking of a dog, just as the Indians were entering. Elder Went
worth, who was awakened by the noise, pushed them out, and falling on
his back, set his feet against the gate and held it till he had alarmed the
people. Two balls were fired through it, but both missed him. Coffin's
house was surprised, but as the Indians had no particular emnity to him,
they spared his life and the lives of his family and contented themselves
with pillaging the house. Finding a bag of money, they made him
throw it by handfuls on the floor, while they amused themselves by
scrambling for it. They then went to the house of his son, who would
not admit the squaws in the evening, and summoned him to surrender,
promising him quarter. He declined their offer, and determined to de
fend his house, till they brought out his father and threatened to kill
him before his eyes. Filial affection then overcame his resolution and
he surrendered. They put both families together into a deserted house,
intending to reserve them for prisoners, but while the Indians were busy
in plundering, they all escaped. Twenty-three people were killed in this
surprisal, and twenty-nine made prisoners. Five or six houses with the
mills were burned. So expeditious were the Indians in the execution of
their plot, that before the people could be collected from the other parts
of the town to oppose them, they fled with their prisoners and booty. As
they passed Heard's garrison in their retreat, they fired upon it, but the
people being prepared and resolved to defend it, and the enemy being
in haste, it was preserved. The preservation of its owner was more
remarkable. Elizabeth Heard, with her three sons and a daughter, and some others,
were returning in the night from Portsmouth. They passed up the
river in their boat unperceived by the Indians, who were then in posses
sion of the houses ; but suspecting danger by the noise they heard,
after they had landed they betook themselves to Waldron's garrison,
where they saw lights, which they imagined were set up for direction to
those who might be seeking a refuge. They knocked and begged earn
estly for admission, but no answer being given a young man of the
company climbed up the wall and saw to his inexpressible surprise an

1689] HISTORY OF DOVER, N. H. 93
Indian standing in the door of the house with his gun. The woman
was so overcome with the fright, that she was unable to fly, but begged
her children to shift for themselves, and they with heavy hearts left her.
When she had a little recovered, she crawled into some bushes and lay
there till daylight. She then perceived an Indian coming toward her
with a pistol in his hand ; he looked at her and went away ; returning he
looked at her again, and she asked him what he would have ; he made
no answer, but ran yelling to the house, and she saw him no more. She
kept her place till the house was burned and the Indians were gone, and
then returning home found her own house safe. Her preservation in
these dangerous circumstances was more remarkable, if, as is supposed,
it was an instance of justice and gratitude in the Indians. At the time
when the four hundred were seized in 1676, a 'young Indian escaped and
took refuge in her house, where she concealed him; in return for which
kindness he promised her that he would never kill her, nor any of her
family in any future war, and that he would use his influence with the
other Indians to the same purpose. This Indian was one of the party
who surprised the place and she was well known to the most of them.
The same day, after the mischief was done, a letter from Secretary
Addington, written by order of the government, directed to Major Wal
dron, giving him notice of the intention of the Indians to surprise him
under pretence of trade, fell into the hands of his son. This design was
communicated to Governor Bradstreet by Major Hinchman of Chelms
ford, who had learned it of the Indians. The letter was despatched
from Boston, the day before, by Mr. Weare ; but some delay which he
met with at Newbury ferry prevented its arrival in season.
The prisoners taken at this time were mostly carried to Canada, and
sold to the French, being the first that were ever carried there. One of
these prisoners was Sarah Gerrish, a remarkably fine child of seven
years, and grand-daughter of Major Waldron, in whose house she lodged
that fatal night. Some circumstances attending her captivity are truly
affecting. When she was awakened by the noise of the Indians in the
house, she crept into another bed and hid herself under the clothes to
escape their search. She remained in their hands till the next winter
and was sold from one to another for several times. An Indian girl
once pushed her into the river, but catching hold by the bushes, she es
caped drowning, yet durst not tell how she came to be wet. Once she
was so weary with travelling that she did not awake in the morning till
the Indians were gone and then found herself alone in the woods, cov
ered with snow and without any food. Having found their tracks she
went crying after them till they heard her and took her with them. At
another time they kindled a great fire and the young Indians told her
she was to be roasted. She burst into tears, threw her arms around her
master's neck and begged him to save her, which he promised to do if
she would behave well. In Canada, she was bought by the intendant's
lady, who treated her well and sent her to a nunnery for her education.
But when Sir William Phipps was at Quebec she was exchanged and re
turned to her friends, with whom she lived till she was sixteen years old.
The wife of Richard Otis was taken at the same time, with an infant
daughter of three months old. The French priests took this child un-

94 NOTABLE EVENTS IN THE [1690
der their care, baptized her by the name of Christina, and educated her
in the Romish religion. She passed some time in a nunnery, but de
clined taking the veil, and was married to a Frenchman, by whom she
had two children. But her desire to see New England was so strong,
that upon an exchange of prisoners in 1714, being then a widow, she left
both her children, who were not permitted to come with her, and re
turned home, where she abjured the Romish faith. She was married
afterwards to Capt. Thomas Baker, and lived in Dover till her death in
1773- Oct. 28. — At a public town meeting held at the meeting
house on the Neck, Lieut. John Tuttle was chosen to open the
votes at Portsmouth for the choice of a commissioner, for the
joining with the commissioners of the United Colonies, and to
join with the rest of the representatives of the Province, in
giving such instructions to the said commissioners as shall be
thought meet, for the vigorous management of the present war.
1690.
Jan. 1. — At a public town meeting the following proceedings
took place in reference to the government of the Province which
had been thrown into disorder by the revolution in Massachu
setts, whereby the Andros Government had been overthrown:
"Whereas this Province, since the last revolution in the Massachu
setts Colony, has been destitute of government, and has hitherto waited
their Majesties' order for a settlement thereof, which, not yet arriving,
and seeing a present necessity of falling into some method of govern
ment, in order to our defence against the common enemy :
Voted, nemine contradicente, that six persons be chosen in this town,
as commissioners, to meet with the commissioners of the other towns of
the Province, to confer about and resolve upon a. method of government
within this Province, and what the said commissioners of the whole
Province, or the major part of them, shall conclude upon, and agree as
to the settlement of government among us : we, the inhabitants of Dover,
shall hold as good and valid to all intents and purposes ; hereby obliging
ourselves to yield all ready obedience thereunto, until their Majesties'
order shall arrive for the settlement of the government over us."
The persons chosen by the majority of votes of the town are Capt.
John Woodman, Capt. John Gerrish, Lieut. John Tuttle, Mr. Thomas
Edgerly, Lieut. John Roberts, Mr. Nicholas Follett.
At the first meeting of the commissioners from the towns of
Dover, Portsmouth and Exeter, they came to no conclusion ; but
afterward, they thought it best to return to their ancient union
with Massachusetts. A petition for this purpose, signed by 392
persons, being presented, they were readily admitted till the
King's pleasure should be known ; and the members were sent
to the general court which met there in this and the two follow-

1690] HISTORY OF DOVER, N. H. 95
ing years. The gentlemen who had formerly been in commission
for the peace, the militia and the civil offices, were by town
votes, approved by the general court, restored to their places,
and ancient laws and customs continued to be observed.
{Belknap.) In addition to this statement of Belknap, the following from
C. W. Tuttle, Esq., published in the proceedings of the Massa
chusetts Historical Society gives details of interest.
"When the memorable year 1689 ended, the four towns in New
Hampshire were still without union and without government. The
prospect of having a provincial government set over them by William
and Mary was no better than when the government of Andros was
withdrawn from them, more than eight months before. * * * At
this juncture of affairs, Portsmouth, Dover and Exeter came to an
understanding that each should choose commissioners with full power
to meet in joint convention and devise ' ' some method of govern
ment in order to their defence against the common enemy." Hamp
ton, at first reluctant, finally joined with the other towns. Each
selected six delegates, with the exception of Exeter, which elected
four, making 22 in all. They were the chief persons in the four
towns of the Province, and heads of families. The commissioners met
in Portsmouth on the 24th Jan. 1690. How they organized and who their
officers were, is unknown. The Convention unanimously adopted a
simple form of government, substantially like that set over the Province
by the royal Commissions of Charles II, to President Cutt and also Lt.
Gov. Cranfield. To give their act the greatest force and authority, each
and every member of the Convention set his hand to the instrument on
which was drawn the form of the new provincial government. This
celebrated document, the only remaining record of the Convention now
known, is in the handwriting of John Pickering, a lawyer of Portsmouth,
and a member of the Convention. Having finished its labors, the Con
vention adjourned to meet again , after the election of officers for the new
government, and count the votes."
This venerable document came to Mr. Tuttle's hands several
years since among the papers of John Tuttle, a member of the
Convention and his paternal ancestor. It had never before
appeared in print and no copy of it was preserved in the public
archives.
Form of Government.
New Hampshire in New England.
At a meeting of the Committee chosen by the inhabitants of the
respective towns within this Province for the settlement of a method of
order and government over the same, until their Majesties take care
thereof, held in Portsmouth the 24th of January 1689-90.
Whereas, Since the late revolution in the Massachusetts Colony, no
order from their Majesties has yet arrived for the settlement of govern
ment in this Province, and no authority being left in the Province save

96 NOTABLE EVENTS IN THE [1690
that of the late Justice of Peace : which, considering our present circum
stances, cannot answer the end of government, viz. the raising of men,
money, &c. for our defence against the common enemy.
Resolved, That a President and Council, consisting of ten persons, as
also a Treasurer and Secretary, be chosen in the Province, in manner and
form following: viz. for the Council, three persons of the inhabitants
of Portsmouth, three persons of the inhabitants of Hampton, two
persons of the inhabitants of Dover, and two persons of the in
habitants of Exeter; which persons shall be chosen by the major
vote of the inhabitants of the town where they live, and the President,
Treasurer and Secretary to be chosen by a major vote of the whole
Province, which President shall also have the power over the militia
of the Province as major, and the President and Council so chosen, or
the major part thereof, shall with all convenient speed call an assembly
of the representatives of the people not exceeding three persons from
one town, which said President & Council or the major part of them,
whereof the President or his Deputy to be : or together with the repre
sentatives aforesaid, or the major part of them, from time to time shall
make such acts and orders, and exert such powers and authority as may
in all respects have a tendency to the preservation of the peace, punish
ment of offenders, and defence of their Majesties' subjects against the
common enemy, provided they exceed not the bounds his late Majesty,
King Charles the Second, was graciously pleased to limit in his royal
commission to the late President and Council of this Province.
Robt : Wadleigh John Woodman Henry Green Nathanll Fryer
Willm Hilton John Gerrish Nathll Weare Wm. Vaughn
Samuel Leavitt John Tuttle Samuel Shurbern Robt Elliott
his
Jonathan Thing Thomas Edgerly Morris X Hobbs Richd Waldron
mark
John Robearts Henry Dow John Pickerin
Nich. Follett Edward Gove Tho. Cobbett
Jan. 30. — A town meeting was held in Dover to choose two
members of the Council, and to vote for President, Secretary and
Treasurer. Capt. John Gerrish and Capt. John Woodman were
elected members of the Council. The votes for the other Pro
vincial officers were given and sealed up to be opened by the
commissioners and counted with the votes of the other towns.
About the same time a meeting was held in Hampton for a
similar purpose, when a majority agreed not to vote for any
provincial officers, to the great surprise of the whole Province,
the six commissioners from that town having agreed in Conven
tion to the form of government. This action put an end to the
attempt to form a provincial government, and a union was
formed with Massachusetts as related by Dr. Belknap.
March 18. — Salmon Falls was surprised by the Indians and
French, just after the manner of Cochecho. The whole place

1692] HISTORY OF DOVER, N. H. 97
was destroyed by fire; 27 persons slain, and 52 carried
captive. The party which came from Trois Rivieres, was under the
command of Sieur Hertel, an officer of great repute in Canada,
and consisted of 52 men of whom 25 were Indians under Hoop-
hood, a noted warrior.
July 6. — Two companies under the Captains Floyd & Wiswall,
who were scouting, discovered an Indian track, which they pur
sued till they came up with the enemy at Wheelwright's Pond,
in Lee (then a part of Dover), where a bloody engagement
ensued for some hours; in which Wiswall, his lieutenant,
Flagg, and sergeant Walker, with twelve more, were killed,
and several wounded. It was not known how many of the
enemy fell, as they always carried off their dead. Floyd main
tained the fight after Wiswall's death, till his men, fatigued and
wounded, drew off; which obliged him to follow. The enemy
retreated at the same time ; for when Captain Convers went to
look after the wounded, he found seven alive, whom he brought
in by sunrise the .next morning, and then returned to bury the
dead . ( Belknap . ) 1691
The heirs of Mason having sold their title to lands in New
Hampshire to Samuel Allen, a London merchant, the latter pro
cured a commission for government of New Hampshire, in
which his son-in-law, John Usher, was named as lieutenant
governor, with power to execute the commission in Allen's
absence. The people of Dover and the other towns in the
province again submitted, with extreme reluctance, to the
unavoidable necessity of being under a government distinct
from Massachusetts. {Belknap) 1692
Nov. 28. — The Provincial Council, to prevent the drawing off
of the soldiers from Cochecho and Oyster river, ordered the
Treasurer to disburse twenty or thirty pounds to supply said
soldiers with provisions, and to enable them to continue at their
posts for the better defence of the Province. {Prov. Records)
Dec. 25. — A doeful and tremendous noise was affirmed to be
heard in the air nigh Capt. Gerrish's garrison, which continued
with a little intermission near half an hour. {Pike)

98 NOTABLE EVENTS IN THE [1694
1693
Jan. 21. — Another small earthquake happened about two
hours before day.
May 10. — Tobias Hanson killed by the Indians, as he
travelled the path near the west corner of Thomas Downs'
field. Oct. 15. — Sabbath day, about 10 o'clock in the morning, a
great rumbling noise was heard by .many towards the northeast,
supposed to be a considerable earthquake. {Pike)
The General Assembly in ordering that every town in the
Province should provide a schoolmaster for the supply of the
town on penalty of ten pounds, excepted Dover during the war
with the French and Indians from the provisions of the act.
This exemption was doubtless in consequence of the desolation
of the town in 1689, from which it had not yet sufficiently
recovered to support the charge of a school.
1694
The settlement at Oyster river was attacked by the Indians,
under the lead of Villieu, a French missionary, in this year. A
body of about two hundred and fifty of them, collected from the
tribes of St. John, Penobscot and Norridgewog, approached
the place undiscovered and halted near the falls on Tuesday
evening, the 17th of July. The settlement was on both sides of
the river and the houses chiefly near the water. There were
twelve garrisoned houses in all, sufficient for the defence of the
inhabitants, but apprehending no danger, some families remained
at their own unfortified houses, and those who were in the
garrisons were but indifferently provided for defence, some being
even destitute of powder. The Indians were formed in two
divisions, one of which was to go on each side of the river
and plant themselves in ambush, in small parties, near every
house, so as to be ready for the attack at the rising of the sun ;
and the first gun was to be the signal. John Dean, whose house
stood by the saw-mill at the falls, intending to go from home
very early, arose before the dawn of day, and was shot as he
came out of his door. This firing, in part, disconcerted their
plan ; several parties who had some distance to go, had not then
arrived at their stations ; and the inhabitants in general being
alarmed, some of them had time to make their escape, and
others to prepare for their defence.

1694] HISTORY OF DOVER, N. H. 99
Of the twelve garrisoned houses, five were destroyed, viz. Adams',
Drew's, Edgerly's, Meader's, and Beard's. They entered Adams' with
out resistance, where they killed fourteen persons; "the grave is still to
be seen in which they were all buried." Drew surrendered his garrison
on the promise of security, but was murdered when he fell into their
hands. One of his children, a boy nine years old, was made to run
through a lane of Indians as a mark for them to throw their hatchets at,
till they had dispatched him. Edgerly's was evacuated. The people
took their boat, and one of them was mortally wounded before they got
out of reach of the enemy's shot. Beard's and Meader's were also
evacuated and the people escaped. The defenceless houses were nearly
all set on fire, the inhabitants being either killed or taken in them, or
else in endeavoring to fly to the garrisons. Some escaped by hiding in
the bushes and other secret places. Thomas Edgerly, by concealing him
self in his cellar, preserved his house, though twice set on fire. The
house of John Buss, the minister, was destroyed, with a valuable
library. He was absent; his wife and family fled to the woods and
escaped. The wife of John Dean, at whom the first gun was fired, was
taken with her daughter, and carried about two miles up the river,
where they were left under the care of an old Indian, while the others
returned to their bloody work. The Indian complained of a pain in his
head, and asked the woman what would be a proper remedy ; she
answered occapee, which is the Indian word for rum, of which she knew
he had taken a bottle from her house. The remedy being agreeable, he
took a large dose and soon fell asleep, and she took that opportunity to
make her escape, with her child, into the woods, and kept herself con
cealed till they were gone.
The other seven garrisons, viz. Burnham's, Bickford's, Smith's, Davis',
Bunker's, Jones' and Woodman's, were resolutely and successfully de
fended. At Burnham's, the gate was left open. The Indians, ten in
number, who were appointed to surprise it, were asleep under the
bank of the river, at the time the alarm was given. A man within,
who had been kept awake by the toothache, hearing the first gun,
aroused the" people and secured the gate, just as the Indians, who were
awakened by the same noise, were entering. Finding themselves dis
appointed, they ran to Pitman's defenceless house, and forced the door
at the moment that he had burst a way through that end of the house
which was next to the garrison, to which he with his family, taking
advantage of the shade of some trees, it being moonlight, happily
escaped. Still defeated, they attacked the house of John Davis, which
after some resistance, he surrendered on terms; but the terms were
violated and the whole family was either killed or made captives.
Thomas Bickford preserved his house in a singular manner. It was
situated near the river and surrounded with a palisade. Being alarmed
before the enemy had reached the house, he sent off his family in a boat,
and then shutting his gate, betook himself alone to the defence of his
fortress. Despising alike the promises and threats by which the Indians
would have persuaded him to surrender, he kept up a constant fire at
them, changing his dress as often as he could, showing himself with a
different cap, hat or coat, and sometimes without either, and giving

100 NOTABLE EVENTS IN THE [1694
directions aloud as if he had a number of men with him. Finding their
attempt vain, the enemy withdrew, and left him sole master of the house,
which he had defended with such admirable address. Smith's, Bunker's
and Davis' garrisons being seasonably apprised of the danger, were
resolutely defended. One Indian was supposed to be killed and another
wounded by a shot from Davis'. Jones' garrison was beset before day.
Captain Jones hearing his dogs bark and imagining wolves might be
near, went out to secure some swine and returned unmolested. He then
went up into the flankhart and sat on the wall. Discerning the flash of
a gun, he dropped backward ; the ball entered the place from which he
had withdrawn his legs. The enemy from behind a rock kept firing on
the house for sometime and then quitted it. During these transactions,
the French priest took possession of the meeting-house, and employed
himself in writing on the pulpit with chalk, but the house received no
damage. Those parties of the enemy who were on the south side of the river
having completed their destructive work, collected in a field adjoining
Burnham's garrison, where they insultingly showed their prisoners and
derided the people, thinking themselves out of reach of their shot. A
young man from the sentry-box fired at one who was making some
indecent signs of defiance and wounded him in the heel : him they
placed on a horse and carried away. Both divisions then met at the
falls, where they had parted the evening before, and proceeded together
to Capt. Woodman's garrison. The ground being uneven, they ap
proached without danger, and from behind a hill kept up a long and
severe fire at the hats and caps which the people within held up on sticks
above the walls, without doing any other damage than galling the roof
of the house. At length, apprehending it was time for the people of the
neighboring settlements to be collected in pursuit of them, they finally
withdrew ; having killed or carried away between ninety four and a
hundred persons, and burned about twenty houses, of which five were
garrisons. (Belknap.}
The names of the killed, so far as preserved, are these : John
Dean, James Huckins, five Chesleys, Robert Watson and others
of his family, Mrs. Emerson's mother and sister, Ensign John
Davis and wife and several children, and his sister Smith and
two sons, a Clark, a Gellison, a brother of the last named who
jumped into a well and there died, Samuel Adams, his wife and
twelve others of his family, Edward Leathers' wife, a woman
named Jackson, some children of Thomas Edgerly, jr. Zackariah,
son of Thomas Edgerly, sen. Francis Drew, his wife and son
Benjamin. Of the captured were two daughters of Ensign
John Davis, one of whom never returned ; one or two of Samuel
Adams' family, one or two persons in the house of Thomas
Edgerly, jr. Thomas Edgerly, a daughter and his son Joseph,
Thomas Drew and his wife. The names of the others, killed
or captured, are lost.

1696] HISTORY OF DOVER, N. H. 101
The Provincial Council took measures to relieve the sufferers,
sending soldiers for their protection and provisions for their
subsistence. William Furber, on his petition, was authorized to keep a
ferry from his house at Welchman's cove, to transport travellers
over to Oyster river, and to receive of passengers, viz. for a man
three pence and for horse and man eight pence, to land at
Mathews' neck; for those landing at Durgin's, six pence for a
man and twelve pence for horse and man ; and the same for
returning. The said Furber "to keep attendance and a suffi
cient boat or gundaloa." 1695
April 3. — The inhabitants of Dover and Oyster river having
been at the charge of subsisting the soldiers sent from Massa
chusetts for the protection of the frontiers, the Provincial Council
directed the Treasurer to give orders to the respective constables
of those places to forbear collecting taxes from such persons as
had been thus charged.
Nov. 14. — Orders were issued to the Treasurer of the Province
to pay the bills for ' ' billeting soldiers ' ' as follows : To Cochecho
from the 15th May to nth June and from 15th July to 14th Oct.
excepting 14 days of the time, 16 pds. is. 4>^d. To Oyster
River from 16th May to nth June and from 15th July to 14th
Oct. wanting 10 days, 81 pds. os. 6d.
1696
Feb. 17th. — The Provincial Council having information that
the bridge over Cochecho river was broken and gone, whereby
relief to Heard's Garrison would be hindered in case of an
attack from the enemy, ordered the Secretary to give notice to
Capt. John Woodman, Capt. John Tuttle and the Selectmen of
Dover that they with all convenient speed call the inhabitants
of the town together and make a sufficient bridge over the
same. April 27. — Capt. Tuttle's account for subsistence of soldiers
at Cochecho and Dover, 16 pds. 6s. nd. and Capt. Woodman's
account for similar services at Oyster River, 51 pds. 5s. od. were
ordered by the Council to be paid.
May 7. — John Church, sen. slain by the Indians, as he
travelled to seek his horse, upon a little hill betwixt Cochecho
and Tolend. {Pike)

102 NOTABLE EVENTS IN THE [1698
July 26. — The people of Dover were waylaid as they were
returning from the public worship, when three were killed,
three wounded, and three carried to Penobscot, from whence
they soon found their way home.
The persons killed were Nicholas Otis, Mary Downs and
Mary Jones; those wounded were Richard Otis, Anthony Low-
den and Experience Heard ; those captured were John Tucker,
Nicholas Otis, jr. and Judith Ricker.
As these persons all appear to have lived between Waldron's
Garrison and Garrison Hill, it is probable that the attack was
between the upper falls and the brow of the hill before reaching
Otis' Garrison.
Aug. 27. — David Davis killed by the Indians at Lubber-land.
(Pike.) April 15. — The Provincial Council ordered Major Wm.
Vaughn to send six men to Heard's Garrison at Dover for
strengthening the same, the men to be equally divided between
Portsmouth and Hampton.
Also — "Ordered, that Thursday the 29th of this inst. April,
be kept as a day of public thanksgiving through out this Prov
ince and all servile labor to be forbidden thereon : Major
Vaughn and Richard Waldron, Esq. appointed to draw up the
proclamation and to be sent by the Sheriff to the ministers of
each town to observe it accordingly."
The bills of inhabitants of Dover for subsistence of soldiers
amounting to 37 pds. 14s. 3d, and of inhabitants of Oyster river for
the same, amounting to 25 pds. 4s, were examined and allowed.
From the Council Records at Concord, in the office of Secre
tary of State :
"These may certify whom it may concern that Samuel Snell a soldier
hath served his Majeste in garrison in Dover since ye last account from
ye 21st of June 1697, till the 20th of July following being four weeks and
one day. Test. John Tuttell, Capt."
Nov. 15. — Tho. Chesley, sen. slain by the Indians not far
from Johnson's Creek; Will Jackson taken at the same time,
and at the same time made his escape. {Pike)
1698
This summer was generally wet and pretty hot, especially
from the first week in June ; but from the middle of August it
proved exceeding wet, to the great hindrance and damage of
husbandry. {Pike)

1699] HISTORY OF DOVER, N. H. 103
Sept. 30. — A violent southeast storm that blew down many
fences, and shattered the tops of some houses and barns.
{Pike.) Oct. 13. — A violent northeast storm produced the like effects
— nearer the sea, it fell rain, higher up the country, snow.
{Pike.) Oct. 19. — A violent northeast storm of rain, which melting
the aforementioned snows caused an extraordinary freshet,
flowing higher than the observation of the oldest standers in
these parts — carried away many logs and boards, and endan
gered the very mills. {Pike.) 1699
Jan. 31. — A considerable earthquake happened about 1 o'clock
this day, and another the night following, if it was not a clap of
thunder. Feb. 8. — Experience Heard, alias Jenkins, who was scalped
by the Indians July 26, 1696, recovered and lived to have one
child, died chiefly of her wounds bleeding. {Pike)
Feb. 19. — "The Lt. Governor was pleased to give the Council
to understand that this day Capt. John Tuttle of Dover with
some other of the inhabitants of said town had been to inform
him that the Indians late conversant at Cochecho were all sud
denly withdrawn, and that they departed on Thursday night
last, supposed to be occasioned by an Indian that came that
afternoon out of the woods, and made all dispatch to gather all
the Indians together, with whom he went away that night.
Some of the squaws who seemed to be well affected to the
English discovered a great deal of sorrow, saying they should
never see them again, and by their whole carriage gave occasion
for suspicion that the Indians designed mischief against us, and
therefore desired the Council's advice: — who thought meet that
the Lt. Governor forthwith issue out his order to the Major of
the Militia of this Province, with all expedition requiring him to
command all the Captains of the several towns that they immedi
ately appoint Watch and Ward in their several precincts, and
that they continue so till further order ; and likewise take care
that if any Indians come into any of the towns in a peaceable
manner they may be civilly treated." {Prov. Records.)
From March 25-29 was a continued storm of snow, rain, hail,
thunder and extreme wind. It began with snow and ended with
snow. {Pike)

104 NOTABLE EVENTS IN THE [1701
May 16. — The Treasurer of the Province was directed to pay
Capt. John Tuttle of Dover, one half of his account for soldiers
wages and subsistence out of Dover rates, the whole sum being
92 pds. 6s. iod. — and the other half to be paid out of the first
money raised by the Assembly, after Major William Vaughan
hath adjusted his account as Treasurer. 1700
Sept. 6. — Travelling in Amesbury woods with two more in
my company, we killed a rattlesnake near Hunt's new field,
which had three rattles in ye end of his tail, with which he
made a prodigious and terrible noise. {Pike)
1 701 (
Jan. 30. — The Lt. Governor laid before the Assembly a letter
from John Bridger, Surveyor of his Majesty's woods, dated at
Boston the 21st, in which he states that he had "prepared a
great many thousand trees in order to make tar for the use of
his Majesty, in the river Piscataqua, particularly on the commons
of Dover, on that side next to Suhawannick ? river, and in the
woods next Quamphegan mill, and in the woods by John Win-
gett's, and on a point below the house of Wm. Henderson, sen ;
all of which land being common and by act of assembly open
to the improvement of any person, he presumed his Majesty
might when no injury to the subject — yet some envious,
malicious and Unthinking people had felled many of the said
trees which he had prepared to the great disappointment of the
project he was on, and his Majesty's interests at home as well
as here. He therefore makes these unlawful actions known to
the Lt. Governor and asks for the punishment of the offenders,
which done will prevent his asking redress from other places or
persons; otherwise he must seek to put a stop to such pro
ceedings by the best and momentous care he is capable of."
This letter the Lt. Governor and Council regarded as a
reflection on their loyalty, and in reply "did much admire"
the writer's different sentiments concerning the government of
the Province from what they were at his first coming hither. And
as for the persons complained of they thought it his duty to
prosecute such offenders that they may receive condign punish
ment according to their demerits ; promising that nothing should
be wanting on their parts to prevent any prejudice to his
Majesty's interests therein.

1702] HISTORY OF DOVER, N. H. 105
Committees were chosen by the freeholders to survey and lay
out convenient highways in the several parts of the town ; in
pursuance of which it was ordered, that the highway to the
spring near the back cove should be left open clear through in
to the swamp by the bed of the creek as in ancient times ; that
a convenient highway four rods wide should be laid out from
the mast path to Chesley 's mills on Oyster river and over the
freshet and by Edward Small's clear through to the old way
formerly laid out into the commons by Edward Small's and so
to Lamperill second falls, maintaining the same width; that all
the land at the head of Oyster river formerly used for a landing
place should be left open for the conveniency of the people for
transportation of goods and the mast path from Oyster river
falls to the utmost bounds of the township as it now goes should
be a stated highway 4 rods wide, &c.
Dec. 3. — Commissioners were appointed by the Council to
run the lines between the several towns of the Province and to
" make good and sufficient bound trees or bound marks" — the
Dover commissioners consisting of Capt. John Tuttle, Lt. James
Davis and Lt. William Furber. 1702
March 4. — The Indians " by their late carriage having given
occasion for suspicion that they design mischief," the Lt. Gov
ernor gave orders that scouting parties should be organized
from Kings Town to Salmon Falls river. Capt. Woodman of
Oyster river was required to send two men from that place to
Lamperill river and back, and two other men to Toll End falls
to the house of John Ham, jr. and Capt. John Tuttle of Dover
was required to send two men from Ham's to Salmon Falls to
the house of Capt. Ichabod Plaisted : this scout to be daily kept,
unless on such days as the weather will not admit of travel.
{Prov. Records)
April 6.— Mr. Richard Waldron, son of the Major, received
by vote of the town a grant of the falls, in Cochecho river,
"commonly called Hayes's falls, with due regard to the falls
below;" said Waldron paying thirty shillings a year therefor,
the rent to begin June 24, 1704.
Rev. John Pike having several times signified to the town
"that he was minded to remove to Salisbury" and by the
removal of his family had given just cause to expect the same,
it was voted that Capt. John Gerrish, Mr. Richard Waldron and

106 NOTABLE EVENTS IN THE [1704
Capt. John Tuttle be invested with full power to join with the
Selectmen to settle with Mr. Pike for the payment of arrears,
and also to treat with him for his further continuance in town.
1703
The Selectmen this year laid out a convenient highway to the
mill erected at the ' ' second falls of the Cochecho ' ' (upper
factory) and also ways for accommodation to the falls at Tolend
— showing that the water power at these falls had thus early
been improved.
Oct. 30. — One Christopher Patrick, a soldier, was slain by
the Indians betwixt Quamphegan and Salmon Falls, about half
an hour after sunset. He had five guns discharged upon him,
and was shot with many bullets. {Pike)
First snow, Sept. 28, very cold. Winter began Oct. 31, and
ended March 7. {Pike) 1704
Jan. 15. — Happened the highest tide that ever was observed
in these parts of the country. Did great damage to warehouses
and cellars ; carried away some houses and many stages at Isle
of Shoals ; transported many hay stacks, and in some places
tore up great quantities of marsh and removed it far off into
other places. {Pike)
Jan. 27. — Volunteers being called for to "go forth against the
Indian enemy," Lt. Samuel Chesley adviseth the Council of 40
or 50 as ready to list under his conduct as captain from Dover
and Oyster river : that they have upwards of 30 pair of snow
shoes and rackets already made : and that their principal want
will be for a further supply of snow shoes and some bread.
March 27. — Capt. John Woodman, Capt. John Tuttle and
Capt. John Knight of Dover were ordered to muster their sev
eral companies at the meeting house on Dover Neck on Wed
nesday the 5th of April by 10 o'clock, a.m., and Capt. John
Tuttle then and there was to take a list of such as shall enter
themselves volunteers in the service against the French and
Indian enemy.
April 25.— At a public town meeting it was voted, "forasmuch
as it is found by experience that it is very grievous to the select
men to be exposed to the great trouble of going from house to
house to take an inventory in order to make an assessment for

1704] HISTORY OF DOVER, N. H. 107
redressing said grievance for time to come," the selectmen
should post an order in the public meeting places in the respec
tive parts of the town and this should be accounted sufficient
notice to the tax payers to bring in their accounts, and those
who neglected to do so it should be lawful for the selectmen to
rate by doom.
Nathaniel Meader was slain by the Indians at Oyster river,
not far from the place where Nicholas Follet formerly dwelt.
{Pike) April 26. — Edward Taylor was slain by the Indians at Lam-
per-eel river. His wife and one child carried away. {Pike)
April 28. — Thamsin Mesarvey, Mr. Waldron's maid servant,
was taken by 4 Indians, betwixt sunset and dark, at a spring in
the Major's pasture, between his house (formerly burnt) and
barn; and after examination was knocked down and left for
dead, but recovered again. The enemy flying hastily away at
the outcry of the watch, by which means Mr. Waldron escaped ,
that was then coming over the Boom. {Pike)
The Boston News Letter oi May 8, 1704, contained this account
of the affair from its correspondent at Portsmouth :
Piscataqua, April 29. — By Letters thence, acquainted, that on Fryday
the 28, four Indians Seized a Servant Maid of Richard Waldron 's Esq. at
Cochecho, who went about 150 yards from the Garrison to a Spring, for a
Jugg of Water, about half an hour after Sun down : Supposed to be the
same Indians that did the mischief mentioned in my last, upon Nathaniel
Meader and Edward Taylor: They askt her many Questions: viz —
Whither there was not a French Shallop put on Shoar in New England
in a Storm ? And what was become of the Frenchmen ? Whither or not
we had any Forces going out against the French? What number of
Souldiers was in the Garrison ? What Mr Waldron had been doing in his
Field all day? What he designed to do with that new Timber hal'd to
the side of his House ? They told her that they had lyen near his House
all that day, and a week before to wait to catch him, whom they saw to
pass over his Boom towards Capt. Gerrishes two Houses, by Sun-set; and
that they might take him on his return, they had crept down to the foot
of the Boom, as near as possible: at which time the Maid came along,
and were forced to take her, otherwise they must have been discovered :
They told her also that they had been so near him in the Field, that one
had cock'd his Gun at him, and going to discharge, another persuaded
him to forbear, he would presently have a better Shot at him : They like
wise told her 'twas never the near (of no use?) for him to build his For
tifications round his House, for they would certainly take him, and that
'twere in Vain for him to Plant his new Orchard in his Field, for he should
neither eat the apples, nor drink the Cyder, for that they would have
him by & by, and roast him, and She should see it. In the Interim Mr
Waldron coming over the Boom, the Watchman on the top of his House,

108 NOTABLE EVENTS IN THE [1704
not knowing who it was, call'd Stand ; which the Indians hearing, being
frightened ran all away, one stept back and with the head of his Hatchet,
knock' t the Girl down and left her for Dead, who lay in the Spot two
Hours, till being found wanting, was enquir'd after and search'd for at
the spring, where she was found, a little come to her self; hope she
may do well, for her skull is not broke. Thus Mr Waldron narrowly
escap'd. A manuscript note attached to this article, in the handwriting
of Rev. Dr. Elliott, by whom the volume of the News Letter
was formerly owned, says " this story was invented by the girl
to conceal her staying too long at the spring with a young man."
But this report was doubtless itself an invention. Rev. Mr.
Pike, as quoted previously, recorded the event without expressing
any doubts of the girl's story, and Penhallow, who resided in
Portsmouth, gives the same account in his Indian wars. Dr.
Belknap, whose accuracy and research are well known, when
he wrote his history 75 years after, in this town, had never
heard the truth of Thamsin's story questioned. After he removed
to Boston he appears to have heard of the manuscript ' ' elucida
tion ' ' attached to the News Letter, and added a note to that
effect in an interleaved copy of his History.
April 30. — Persuant to an order from John Pickering, Speaker
of the House of Representatives, for the choice of " two princi
pal men to join with the Representatives to debate and determine
matters relating to Mr. Allen's claims," the town made choice
of Richard Waldron and John Tuttle.
May 28. — Sacrament day — an ambush of four Indians lay
betwixt Tristram Heard's and Ephr. Wentworth's, upon the
north side of the hill, but were happily discovered and escaped.
{Pike.) The following from the Boston News Letter oi June 1, probably
refers to the above :
" On Sabbath last, some of the sculking Enemy lay in ambush for
people at Cochecho, going to Public Worship, and narrowly escap't being
on Horseback, ran safely by them, scouts went out immediately after
them, and found some dryed Beef and pewter bullets in the thickets
where they lay."
June 1. — Samuel Tasker was slain by eight or nine Indians
at Oyster river. {Pike)
Aug. 11. — Mark Giles, sen. of Cochecho, and his son John,
slain by seven or eight Indians as they were passing a corner of
their field. {Pike)
Aug. 19. — Joseph Pitman slain by the Indians as he was

1705] HISTORY OF DOVER, N. H. 109
guarding some mowers, not far from Oyster river meeting
house. {Pike)
Information having been received from the eastward that 600
Indians designed an attack on the settlers at the head of
Piscataqua river, orders were issued to the several captains to
call every person into garrison, and if possible to bring in their
cattle, and observe all other duties of watching and warding
that might be of advantage for their security. No such great
force as this appeared, but small parties kept hovering on the
outskirts, who committed the outrages above mentioned.
1705
June 28. — John Hewland, a young man that came out of
England with Major Vaughan, was drowned at Cochecho.
{Pike.) July 18. — Mr. Henry Longstar of Bloody point deceased after
10 days sickness, occasioned by a fall into his leanto, 4 stairs
high, whereby, being grievously bruised, it brought an inflamma
tion upon him. He was about 100 years old — a hale, strong,
hearty man. {Pike)
(The name of this man sometimes appears in the records as
Longstaff, and again as Lancaster, which probably is the correct
orthography.) "Upon the humble application of Capt. John Knight of Dover, near
Bloody Point, setting forth that the ferry there kept to Hilton's Point
belonging to Dover Neck, and the other from the said Bloody Point
to Kittery Neck, were always holden by the inhabitants of Trickey's
farm, which now is his by purchase, and thereupon humbly prays that
the right of said ferrys may be conferred upon him.
It is accordingly agreed, that the Governor be desired to give him a
patent for the said ferrys, he not demanding more than twelve pence for
every horse and man at each ferry, and three pence for every single
person without Horse, he always taking care that there be Boats always
ready, that there be no complaint thereupon. (Assembly Records?
This year the winter began to set in hard about Nov. 19 —
began to break up Candlemas day. Most part of April and
May was stormy, wet, cold, cloudy weather. The summer
following pretty hot. The coldest was Dec. 25, the hottest day
was June 29. (Pike.)

110 NOTABLE EVENTS IN THE [1706
1706
March 26. — The town of Dover was ordered by the Provincial
Council to pay James Ball 4 pds. 4s. for his services as a soldier
at her Majesty's Fort Wm. and Mary, from 13th June 1705, to
20th Sept. 1705, there being a neglect of said town in making
an exchange of soldiers every ten days according to order of
Governor and Council.
April 22. — At the meeting for the election of town officers,
the committee formerly chosen to lay out highways was con
tinued, and the districts for the surveyors to keep in repair were
thus defined: "The inhabitants of Dover Neck from Hilton's
Point to Abraham Clark's; the inhabitants on the North side of
Oyster river from said Clark's to Oyster river falls; the inhabi
tants on the South side of Oyster river from Oyster river falls to
Lamperill falls; Cochecho from Cochecho to Salmon falls."
April 27. — The Indians came in upon the south part of Oyster
river, by the little bay, and killed ten persons, the chief whereof
were brother John Wheeler and his wife, John Drew, &c. It is
thought this was done by Bombazeer? {Pike)
Belknap says: "The garrison was near, but not a man in it:
the women, however, seeing nothing but death before them,
fired an alarm, and then putting on hats, and loosening their
hair that they might appear like men, they fired so briskly that
the enemy apprehending that the people were alarmed, fled
without burning or even plundering the house which they had
attacked. John Wheeler, meeting this party and mistaking
them for friendly Indians, unhappily fell into their hands and
was killed with his wife and two children. Four of his sons
took refuge in a cave by the back of the Little Bay, and though
pursued by the Indians, escaped unhurt."
June 4. — George Ricker and Maturin Ricker of Cochecho,
were slain by the Indians. George was killed running up the
lane near the garrison. Maturin was killed in his field, and his
little son carried away. {Pike.)
Aug. 10. — Nicholas Peaslee was slain by the Indians in the
day time, at his cave, some miles above Oyster river, where he
had dwelt night and day, summer and winter, from the last
breaking out of the war, precisely three years, though he was
in the very wake and way where the enemy used to pass. He
was a man of strange confidence, and would not be persuaded
to leave his place. {Pike.)

1708] HISTORY OF DOVER, N. H. ill
1707
July 8 — John Bunker and Ichabod Rawlins, both of Dover,
going with a cart from Lt. Zachariah Field's garrison to James
Bunker's for a loom, were assaulted by many Indians, and both
slain. The enemy, supposed to be 20 or 30 in number, slaught
ered many cattle for the Jones's at the same time, to the number
of 15 or more. (Pike.)
Sept. 17. — Capt. Samuel Chesley, his brother James Chesley,
and six more stout young men, were slain by the Indians, as
they were cutting and hauling timber, not far from Capt. Ches-
ley's house. The Indian that killed James Chesley was slain
upon the spot by Robert Tomson. Phillip Chesley and three
more escaped. (Pike.)
Sept. 30. — Old Widow Horn was taken by the Indians near
the lower corner of Capt. Gerrish' s field, as she travelled the
road. The same day several troops passed the road, both before
and after she was taken. (Pike.)
Nov. 17. — At a public town meeting at the meeting house on
Dover Neck, Capt. John Gerrish, moderator, it was voted that
Mr. Pike have 15 pds. per annum added to his salary of 65 pds,
one third part thereof to be paid in money, the other two thirds
in provision as formerly, and that the mill rents as they shall be
received be a part of his salary.
This winter began to set in hard about 19th of December —
began to break about 27th of January (though we had some
winter-like weather till the latter end of March). Snows not so
deep nor many this winter as formerly, but the weather extreme
cold. Spring'wet, cold and backward. Summer following very
hot and dry — so likewise was the fall: by which means hay and
corn were cut exceeding short. (Pike.)
1708
May 10. — Philip Chesley, Ezekiel Wentworth, John Downing
and John Tuttle were appointed a committee to join with the
selectmen for the repairing or building of such bridges as were
thought necessary over such river or rivers as belong to the
town. It was also voted that as "several persons made scruples
about paying their mill rents according to the conditions made
with the town," John Tuttle, the treasurer, was "empowered
to use all lawful means by action or other ways about recovering
the same."

112 NOTABLE EVENTS IN THE [1709
Sept. 18. — David Kincaid of Oyster river was assaulted by
three Indians at his house, some considerable distance from
Woodman's garrison; — 3 guns were fired at him and his lad, but
through mercy, both escaped well. {Pike)
Scouting parties were organized by the Council for the pro
tection of the people on the frontiers. Capt. Robert Coffin, with
the troop under his command was ordered to ' ' march from
Exeter to Kingstown and thence to Oyster river, and there take
up their quarters the first night, and from thence to Cochecho
and so up towards Whitehall, and so to return to Cochecho the
next night, and there quarter; and thence to return the third
day to Exeter again and there lodge, and to continue this march
from day to day till further order, unless diverted by the appear
ance of the enemy ; where upon the first advice he is to repair
immediately to give present relief to any part that may be
assaulted; and that the Treasurer supply the said Troop with
provision for their constant subsistence, unless such as will sub
sist themselves, who shall be allowed the same that the Massa
chusetts Troopers have."
A Latin free school was established by an act of the Assembly
this year. It was to be kept at Portsmouth for the benefit of all
the towns in the Province. The salary of the master was fixed
at 50 pds, of which Portsmouth was to pay 28 pds, Hampton 8
pds, Dover 6 pds, Exeter 6 pds, Newcastle 2 pds. This was the
first Latin free school established by law in New Hampshire,
though Dover as early as 1658 had required its schoolmaster to
teach the language, as will be seen by the record of that year.
1709
May 9. — As complaint had been made that the pound on
the Neck was not sufficient to accommodate other parts of
the town, it was ordered that the inhabitants or any part of
them living at Cochecho, Oyster river, or Bloody Point, should
have liberty to build a pound in all or each of said places,
at their own cost and charge, the same to be holden and
accounted the town pound or pounds, and the keepers thereof
and their fees were to be appointed, ordered and directed by the
selectmen. June 30. — Bartholomew Simpson, jr. of Oyster river, was
slain by an ambushcade of Indians, near Capt. Woodman's
garrison. {Pike.)

1710] HISTORY OF DOVER, N. H. 113
Aug. 22. — Jeremy Tibbetts, sen. was accidentally shot in
ye thigh by his bro. John. The wound shortly began to
gangrene (and mauger ye physician) issued in his death Aug.
31. {Pike) 1710
Rev. John Pike, the minister, died on the ioth of March of
this year, in the 57th year of his age, and the town at a public
meeting held on the 22d May voted to advance 10 pds. towards
defraying the charge of his funeral. In order to procure a suc
cessor "as soon as may be," Capt. John Gerrish, Richard
Waldron, Esq. Capt. John Knight, Capt. John Tuttle, Capt.
Nath. Hall, Mr. Ezekiel Wentworth and Lieut. Thos. Tebbetts,
by a vote of the town, were " desired to take care as often as
they can to procure a person to preach on the Lord's days and
as soon as possible to write or send to Mr. Sever to endeavor to
obtain his company a month or more to a constant settlement
among us as we shall agree : and for his encouragement to let
him know that if by God's providence he do settle amongst us
his salary shall not be less than 80 pds. per annum money, and
100 pds. payable in two years towards the purchase of house
and land as he sees meet, and that whoever preaches among us
until a settlement shall have twenty shillings every day and
subsistence for himself and horse paid out of the town treasury."
At another meeting held Dec. 18, it was voted that "the
minister that it shall please God by his providence to settle
among us shall have ten acres of land for his encouragement to
build a house on over and above the 100 pds. voted in order
to his settlement," and 6 pds. added to his salary to procure
him wood. It was also voted that " fifty or sixty acres of land
on the Bloody Point side should be set apart for the use of the
ministry when it shall please God to erect a settlement of that
kind among them there."
Jacob Garland was killed by the Indians this summer when
on his return from public worship on the sabbath.

114 NOTABLE EVENTS IN THE [1712
1711
Rev. Nicholas Sever, was ordained on the nth April as the
successor of Rev. John Pike, and remained the minister of Dover
until the spring of 1715, when he was dismissed "on account of
an impediment of his speech."
In the spring of this year the Indians renewed their ravages
on the frontiers in small parties. Thomas Downs, John Church,
a son of the John Church who was killed by the Indians in 1696,
and three others were killed in Dover ; and on a sabbath day
several of the people of the town fell into an ambush as they
were returning from public worship. John Horn was wounded,
and Humphrey Foss was taken, but by the determined bravery
of Lieut. Heard, he was recovered out of the hands of the
enemy. In consequence of these ravages the House of Assembly
passed the following vote :
"Voted for Incouragement of Volunteers to Kill and Destroy the
Indian Rebels in the province of New Hampe for every man shall be
paid sixty pound, for every woman forty pound, for every child thirty
to be paid out of the Treasury, and that the said Volenteers shall Re
main in that service at least four months, not leaving any Garrison un
armed, but have the consent of the comitte of Meletia for there so
Inlisting. 10 May, 1711, by order of the house. Sam'l Keais, Clark."
May 11. — The town "voted and ordered that from and after
the first day of April next ensuing no person shall presume to
turn any geese upon the commons in Dover on penalty of for
feiting the same," and it was made lawful for any person to kill
such geese as he should find on the commons as well as his own
land, " for they shall be accounted as wild geese."
1712
April. — About this time the Indians renewed their hostilities.
Ensign Tuttle was killed in Dover, and Jeremiah Crommet at
Oyster river. In July, an ambush was discovered, but the
enemy escaped; and while a party was gone in pursuit of them,
two children of John Waldron were taken, and for want of time
to scalp them, their heads were cut off. There being no man
at that time in Heard's garrison, a woman named Esther Jones
mounted guard, and with a commanding voice called so loudly
and resolutely, as made the enemy think there was help at hand,
and prevented farther mischief.

1713] HISTORY OF DOVER, N. H. 115
Dec. 15. — The town voted that a sufficient boom should be
erected over Cochecho river, (above the lower falls, probably,)
and that bridges should be built over Bellamy Bank and Oyster
rivers, and also voted 20 pds. towards the building of a boom
over Lampril river ' ' for passage of man and horse till further
order." 1713
May 25.— Nath. Roberts "refused to serve in the constable's
office, being chosen thereunto," and paid his fine of 5 pds.
James Heard also refused a similar honor and paid a like fine.
John Hanson who was chosen in his stead, refused to serve, and
was let off with a fine of 4 pds. 10s.
The inhabitants of Bloody Point, with a portion of those ad
joining them in Portsmouth, petitioned the General Assembly
to be made a separate and distinct parish from Dover and Ports
mouth. The parties were heard on the 16th of July, and it was
" ordered that the petition be granted, and the place made a
parish by themselves, and that they forthwith establish an able,
orthodox, and learned minister among them, and be henceforth
acquitted from the support of the ministry of Dover and Ports
mouth." His Excellency Governor Dudley named the parish
at Bloody Point, Newington.
Aug. 17. — At a town meeting legally called at the meeting
house on Dover Neck, Capt. Tebbets, Ens. Heard and Samuel
Emerson were chosen to represent the town at the next session
of the General Assembly to show reasons why the meeting
house at Cochecho should not be the stated place of public
worship for the future.
A new meeting house had been built at Cochecho about this
time, not by the town, but by individuals. It stood on Pine
Hill a few rods north of the ancient Cushing tomb, and the
above vote indicates that it had been opened for public worship.
This was the third meeting house erected in Dover, separate
from those at Oyster river and Bloody Point.
Although no record has been found of it, it is probable that
the Pine Hill burying ground began to be used for burial pur
poses at this time. Previous to this the ancient Waldron bury
ing ground near the Methodist church, and the still more ancient
cemetery not far from the old meeting house on the Neck, must
have been in use. No monuments exist of the dead, if any
were ever raised, (as they probably were not) for the first hun
dred years after the settlement of the town. The dead of that

116 NOTABLE EVENTS IN THE [1714
early period probably were buried without much ceremony, and
in some cases all marks of sepulcher were concealed to prevent
their desecration by the Indians. In that early day nothing
was read nor any funeral sermon made at a burial, but at the
tolling of the bell, or some other signal, all the neighborhood
came together, and after bearing the dead solemnly to the grave,
stood by until it was closed. The ministers were commonly,
but not always, present. 1714
May 17. — The town meetings continued to be held at the
meeting house on Dover Neck, as the most populous part of the
town, but other sections had now become strong enough to
demand and obtain some of the privileges which had up to this
time centred at the point. Accordingly after the choice of town
officers this year, it was voted that ' ' Mr. Sever preach the next
Lord's day at Cochecho and so every other Lord's day this
summer and till a final settlement be directed."
This arrangement not proving satisfactory, appeal was made
to the Council who advised the choice of a committee of three
persons on the part of the town to treat with those of Cochecho
that were at the charge to erect tbe meeting house there, in
order to settle the matter, and if they could not come to an
agreement to appear at the next session of the Assembly and
make their report, the meetings in the meantime "to be kept
one sabbath day at Dover Neck in the old meeting house, and
the other at Cochecho, in the new."
Considerable difficulty seems to have been met with about this
time, in finding persons willing to serve as constables, for we
find it recorded, Sept. 27, that at a public meeting for the choice
of constable to supply Cochecho part of the town by reason of
Joseph Hanson's refusal, John Richards was chosen in the room
of Hanson, and Benedictus Tarr in Joseph Jenkins's room. At
another meeting, Oct. 29, John Hayes was chosen to supply the
vacancy made by John Ricker's refusal, and Samuel Emerson
in the room of Benedictus Tarr.
The frame of a meeting house built in Kittery this year was
hewn out in Dover and floated down the river.

1715] HISTORY OF DOVER, N. H. 117
1715
April 11. — At the choice of Assembly men this year Capt.
Timothy Gerrish received 19 votes, Ens. Stephen Jones 19, and
Capt. John Downing 29. For selectmen Capt. Tebbetts 75,
Tobias Hanson 53, Joseph Meder 86, John Ambler 78, and
Sargt. Thomas Roberts 89.
Complaint being made that " there had been from time to
time sundry trespassers upon the Town's Common by fencing
in the same without any grant from the town to the prejudice of
the several inhabitants," it was voted that Capt. John Tuttle
and Mr. Samuel Emerson prosecute at law all such trespassers
and offenders and do the utmost the law will allow that the
town's rights and privileges may be preserved, and the select
men were directed to pay any extraordinary charge they might
be at in the affair.
At the above meeting for the choice of Assembly men, it was
voted that in future no votes should be received but ' ' such as
are delivered by the hand of the voter and not sent by the hand
of another man : " from which it would seem that voting by
proxy was not uncommon in those days.
April 22. — The Council and General Assembly appointed a
committee, consisting of John Plaisted, Mark Hunking, Sam
uel Thing and Peter Weare, to "go to Dover and view both
meeting houses there, and make report which of the two
houses, since the separation of Newington, best suits the re
maining inhabitants to meet constantly to attend the public
worship of God on the Lord's day " — the committee appointed
by the town being unable to come to any agreement.
April 26. — The above committee reported that they had at
tended to the duty assigned them and "do find that the new
meeting house hath 73 inhabitants as convenient to it as the old
hath 23, which renders the difference three to one, and we are
of opinion that the new meeting house at Cochecho is the most
suitable place for the public worship in that town."
Whereupon it was ordered that the meeting should be held
hereafter at the new meeting house, and that all the inhabitants
of the town pay in proportion towards the maintenance of the
minister there.
Nov. 11. — Fifty-five of the inhabitants of Oyster river by
petition to the Assembly complain that either by the neglect of
the constable, or the selectmen of the town, or both, no provi-

118] NOTABLE EVENTS IN THE [1716
sion has been made for the support of their minister ; so that
either some few of them must maintain him or they must be
without one and return to Dover again, which was thought a
hardship more than forty years ago, and would be much more
so now when they were increased to double the number they
then were. They therefore pray that the constable and select
men may be called to answer for their neglect. Also that they
may have power to choose annually suitable persons to assess
and tax the inhabitants of their parish for the support of their
minister, and also to choose and settle a schoolmaster, ' ' without
any other regard to the town in general than that the constable
annually chosen at the general town meeting for collecting the
Province tax in our district, may also collect our parish dues."
{Assembly Records. )
The Assembly in answer to the petition, ordered the select
men of Dover to proceed forthwith to call to account Joseph
Davis, the delinquent constable, and see to it that he make up
his accounts and pay the money, and in case of his neglect to
do so, to treat him as the law directs, and that the selectmen
forthwith make an assessment as formerly on the inhabitants of
the Parish of Oyster River for the support of the present minis
ter, Mr. Buss, until another minister shall be called and settled
in his room.
Dec. 24. — The " multiplicity of public houses occasioning
many disorders," the Assembly enacted that there should be
but six taverns in Portsmouth, three in Hampton, two in Dover,
one at Oyster River, two at Exeter, two at New Castle, and one
in the parish of Newington, and that " all other tippling houses
be suppressed." 1716
May 4. — The Assembly voted "that the agreement of the
town of Dover with that part of the town called Oyster River
about maintaining a minister among them at their own cost and
charge be confirmed : and that the new meeting house built
there, be the place of the public worship of God in that Dis
trict," and established a distinct district with all rights and
privileges belonging to a Parish, with full power and authority
to call and settle a minister there and make assessment for the
payment of his salary and all other Parish charges, equally on
the several inhabitants within the district, and annually to
choose five persons, freeholders within said Parish, to make the
tax and manage all affairs of the Parish, and that persons so

1716] HISTORY OF DOVER, N. H. 119
chosen, with a Justice of the Peace of this Province, shall,
whenever they see cause, call a Parish meeting to transact any
matters concerning the Parish, and that the first meeting be on
Monday the 14th inst. at the aforesaid meeting house, and that
John Thompson, the present constable of that District, notify
the inhabitants thereof ; and further that all persons that have
of late years paid to the minister there, shall continue to pay
their proportion to him that shall succeed in said office.
The "unhappy differences" between the inhabitants of
Dover Neck and Cochecho, in relation to ministerial affairs,
having been settled by the Council and Assembly as before
stated, most of the inhabitants of both sections reconciled them
selves thereto, as appears by the following record : —
Whereas there has been of late an unhappy difference between the
inhabitants of Dover Neck and Cochecha with Refference to the ministry
and meeting house there in order an amicable union and for maintaining
of Peace and Christian Love Amongst us, the subscribers hereto, viz.
Richard Waldron, Esq. Capt. Timo Gerrish, Ltt Tristram Heard, Ens
Paul Wentworth, Sergtt John Ham and Mr Will ffost on the behalf of
the inhabitants of Cochecha, and Captt Thomas Tebbetts, Ltt Joseph
Roberts, mr Sam'll Tebbets, mr Thomas Robbarts senr. and Ens Joseph
heard in behalf of the inhabitants of dover neck have unanimously
agreed to Joyn together in Calling a minister to preach at new meeting
house at Cochecha Every sabbath day in the month of november, december,
Janry, february, march, April, and Every other sabbath in the months of
may, June, July, August and September, October and the Remainder of
the year, viz. that Every other sabbath in the Last six months mentioned
he preach for the people at the old meeting house in dover and that in
the same Rate made for the finishing the new meeting house money shall
be Raised not Exceeding tenn pounds for the better Repairing of the sd
old meeting but In Case at the public Town Meeting the Town by a major
voat of the Inhabit consent not to this agreement Then we the subscribers
in the behalf of the inhabitants of dover neck, viz., Capt. Thos. Tebbets,
Ltt Joseph Robbarts, Mr. Samll Tebbets, Mr. Thos Robbarts, sen. and
Ens Joseph heard do hereby oblige ourselves to Joyn with the Inhabit
ants of Cochecha to Call a minister and pay our proportion of his yearly
sallarey, and further upon due compliance with this agreement by the
Town in general the new meeting house at Cochecha to become the
Towns meeting house they paying in Equal proportion towards the decent
finishing the same with proviso that who so Ever is granted the privilege
of building a pew there for the accommodation of himself and family
shall pay ten pounds towards the building and finishiug of the sd meet
ing house.
In witness whereof we the parties before named oblidg ourselves Each
to the other to perform on our parts Every article in the foregoing agree
ment, to which we have hereunto set our hands this eleventh day of
may 17 16.

120 NOTABLE EVENTS IN THE [1717
Tho Tebbets Richard Waldron
Tho Robbarts Timo Gerrish
Jos Robbarts Tristram heard
Samll Tebbets william fost
Jos heard Jno ham
paul Wentworth
At a public town meeting held at the meeting house on the
Neck on the 28th May it was "voted a concurrence with the
foregoing articles and that the same be recorded in the Town
book." "John Tuttle descented from the vote."
Joseph Roberts and Samuel Tebbets of the Neck and Timothy
Gerrish and Tristram Heard of Cochecho were joined with the
selectmen as a committee to call a minister in order to a settle
ment according to the agreement. 1717.
Jan. 7. — The committee formerly chosen for calling a minister
in order to a settlement was authorized to offer him 90 pds. a
year salary for his " Incuridgment." To which Samuel Emer
son and five others entered their " docents."
March 25. — At a meeting called for the choice of Assembly
men, it was voted that for the future they should have four
shillings a day for their services in the General Assembly.
May 20.— The town voted that, as the money granted for the
glazing and seating of the new meeting house at Cochecho was
found insufficient to "do it for conveniency, ' ' if any gentlemen
would be so kind as to advance twenty or thirty pounds for that
service and trust the town for the same till next year the money
should then be raised to reimburse them and they first paid.
At the same time " the inhabitants commonly called Quakers"
were granted ten acres of land for a pasture, for the purpose of
enabling them the better to accommodate their travelling friends,
to be " laid out in some convenient place between the watering
place or gutt and Cochecho," not intrenching upon any former
grant. Nicholas Harford had liberty to keep a ferry from Beck's slip
to Kittery, with a sufficient boat or gundalo for the safe trans
portation of man and horse, for which service his fee was to be
2d for a single person, and 6d for man and horse.
Sept. 18. — Rev. Jonathan Cushing was ordained as the minis
ter of Dover, being the successor of Rev. Nicholas Sever.

1718] HISTORY OF DOVER, N. H. 121
1718.
Feb. 2. — The town voted to build a substantial standing
bridge over Lamperill river, and appointed Capt. Samuel
Emerson, Capt. Samuel Tebbets, Capt. Paul Gerrish and
Lieut. Joseph Jones, with the selectmen, a committee to view
the place and agree with workmen to build the same, the
selectmen to raise money in the next town rate to defray the
charge thereof.
March 7. — " We are informed from Dover that the snow lies
two feet deep on the ground, and that several parts are bare on
the Neck, where last week were seen swarms of grasshoppers,
some hopping and some flying, which considering the season of
the year and the nature of the creatures seems very strange."
{Boston News Letter.)
The following notice also appeared in the News Letter :
At Oyster River- Parish in Dover, March 26. This day (through the
smiles of Heaven upon us) we had a Church gathered here, in the
Decency and Order of the Gospel, and our Teacher the Reverend Mr.
Hugh Adams was then consecrated and established the Pastor thereof :
who then preached from the Text in Cort. 3, 11. We being then favored
with the Presence and Approbation of some Reverend Pastors of the
next Neighboring Churches, with the Honored Messengers thereof, at
the said Solemnity, in our New Meeting House, wherein they gave the
Right Hand of Fellowship.
As Witness Our Hands, Nathaniel Hill,
Stephen Jones.
Oct. 8. — Mr. John Buss, the late minister at Oyster River,
petitioned the Governor, the Council and Representatives, to
"order a competent maintenance for him during life " — where
upon it was voted " that the Selectmen of Dover be advised to
do their duty and take care of the said John Buss, and supply
him with what he is in necessity of, according to the law of this
Province; and that the selectmen of Dover pay him twenty
pounds out of the town stock to be paid quarterly from year to
year." Oct. 11. — The clerk of the Council was ordered to send noti
fications to Dover and Exeter, to be published on the meeting
house doors, that any person that has any objection to make
against cutting off the entail on the land of Peter Coffin, Esq.
deceased, made to his grandsons EHphalet and Tristram Coffin,
their heirs, &c. may appear at the next spring sessions of the
Assembly and object accordingly.

122 NOTABLE EVENTS IN THE L1722
1719
The aurora borealis was first noticed in New Hampshire this
year, causing much consternation in some places, many believ
ing that the end of the world was at hand.
1720
May 26. — For the "conveniency of the inhabitants to go
down to Oyster River," the Selectmen laid out a highway " be
ginning on the south side of Edward Euines house and so to
go southerly between John Bussell's land and Joseph Daniels'
twenty acre lort and running down to Lt. Joseph Jones' land
and so turning west and be south by said Jones' line keeping
the same breadth of two rods and so running to said Jones'
norwest corner bound mark then turning south and by east by
said Jones' line taking off a corner of Thomas Willies' land
keeping the same breadth till it comes to ye highway that leads
to the King's thoroughfare road between the two white pines
standing by the said road." 1722
The town of Barrington was granted by George I. this year,
"to our loving subjects the present proprietors of ye Iron works
lately set up at Lampry river," Hon. John Wentworth and
others for their encouragement and accommodation to carry on
and maintain the aforesaid works. Among the conditions were
that they were to build fifty dwelling houses and settle a family
in each within seven years and break up three acres of ground
for each settlement and plant or sow the same ; build a meeting
house : and reserve two hundred acres of land for a parsonage
and one hundred acres for the benefit of a school.
Feb. 6. — The Provincial Council having heard that there were
a considerable number of Indians at Dover whose words and
actions gave just grounds of suspicion of an ill design against
that town, requested the Governor to cover the inhabitants there
with fifty men for six days : and ordered that the Treasurer sup
ply them with three hundred weight of bread. {Prov. Records.)
May 2. — The inhabitants of Dover, by their Committe, Col.
Waldron, Capt. Jones and Capt. Paul Gerrish, petitioned the
Assembly ' ' that Cochecho River and Lamprey River might be
bridged at the province charge. ' ' They also petitioned for a
tract of land above the town, and it was ordered that " Col.

1723] HISTORY OF DOVER, N. H. 123
Waldron and Capt. Wentworth might collect out of the said
petitioners such persons as they thought proper to be proprietors
and present the same to the board for approbation."
June 28. — Men were impressed for scouting and cutting a
road from "Winnipishoky" pond to Dover, and the Treasurer
was directed to supply them with provision and ammunition,
and that no sons under age or servants be admitted to take up
any of their wages, without their parents or masters consent.
Aug. 29. — On petition of the representatives of the town of
Dover for a special act to ' ' exempt the town from keeping a
gramar school during the Indian warr," it was voted that the
prayer be allowed, provided they keep a school for reading,
writing and arithmetic. {Assembly Records?)
As the petitioners represented that the circumstances and
situation or settlements of the inhabitants of the town were such,
"the houses being scattered over the whole township so that
in no one place six houses were within call, by which inconven-
iency they could have no benefit of a gramar school," that " as
the time fit for children to go and come from school was gen
erally the chief time of the Indians doing mischief, and that
they were afraid to send the children to school and the children
dare not venture, so that the salary of the schoolmaster was
wholly lost, " it is doubtful whether the vote of the Assembly
was such an answer to their request as they desired. We judge
that they wished to dispense with all schools for a time, and
that they did so, for it will be seen that in 1723 Humphry
Sullivan, the schoolmaster, petitioned the Assembly to require
the town to pay his bill for services rendered.
The following notice, duly recorded on the Town books,
shows the law or usage, at the time, in regard to estrays :
Advertisement — These may Certify whome it may Concarne that John
Smith of Louberland has got in his Constity A Stray mare of a black
Roone Coller In defferent Large and if aney Person Cann lay A Just
Clame to the same Paying the Charg of Keepping and Crying may obtaine
the same mare.
December the 13th 1722. 1723
March 13. — At a meeting of the selectmen liberty was given
to John Parell of Dover to keep a ferry over the Back river from
his house or landing place over to Sargt. Drew's usual landing
place, and for his services he was to receive one penny for every
inhabitant carried over the river and two pence for strangers.

124 NOTABLE EVENTS IN THE [1724
May 20. — Ordered that two schoolmasters be procured for
the ensuing year and that their salary exceed not 30 pds. apiece,
to attend the directions of the selectmen for the service of the
town in equal proportions.
At the same time Mr. Sullivan accepts to serve the town as
schoolmaster three months certain, beginning his services the
21st day of May; promising the selectmen if he left sooner he
would give them a month's notice to provide themselves with
another, and the selectmen were also to give him a month's
notice if they disliked him.
July 22. — The committee appointed by the General Assembly
to fix upon the most commodious place for building a bridge
upon Lamprill river, between Dover and Exeter reported that
the picked rock, so called, a little above the first dam, was the
most proper place. The clerk was directed to notify the select
men of said towns thereof, and further "that his Honor the
Lieut. Governor and Council expect that a suitable bridge be
built as soon as possible at the place mentioned in said report."
On the petition of Humphry Sullivan for 50 pds. to be paid him
by the town of Dover for his services as schoolmaster, &c. the
Assembly ordered that the selectmen be served with a copy thereof
and directed to give answer thereto before the 15th of March next.
(What answer the town made does not appear.)
The unnecessary firing of guns during the present Indian war
was prohibited in Dover and the other towns on penalty of 40
shillings. 1724.
The following record establishes the main highway to Dover
Neck and the Point, the same substantially, no doubt, as it
exists at the present time :
March 28. — At a meeting of the selectmen this day, they finding noth
ing upon record of a highway ever laid out from Cochecho to Dover,
which they think necessary to be done, and accordingly order that the
said highway shall begin at the country road that comes over Bellamy
Bank river on the western side of the meeting house at Cochecho, and
from thence Dover Neck down to the spring near Capt. Millets house,
and from thence between the land of Capt. Millet and the land of
Capt. John Tuttle late deceased, down to Hilton's Point, as it has hith
erto been in use, keeping the breadth of four rods throughout the same
and something more where the badness of the way requires it.
Stephen Jones, 1
John Smith, I
Benjamin Wentworth, [ Selectmen.
Nicklas Harfutt, J

1724] HISTORY OF DOVER, N. H. 125
June 12. — Robert Burnham was admitted into the Council
Chamber, and presented an Indian scalp to the board, and made
oath that it was bona fide the scalp of an Indian slain two days
before at Oyster River by a party of men under the command
of Mr. Abraham Bennick and that he believed the said Indian
was an enemy Indian, &c. Whereupon it was ordered the
slayer be paid 100 pounds out of the treasury.
Aug. 27. — The house of John Hanson, at Nock's Marsh, was
attacked by the Indians, two of his children killed, and his
wife, maid servant and four children carried into captivity.
Being a Friend he refused to leave his exposed position, as
advised by his neighbors in the more compact part of the settle
ment. Thirteen Indians and French Mohawks lay for several
days near his house in ambush waiting until Hanson and his men
were away. When he had gone to the weekday meeting and
two sons were at work at some distance the Indians entered the
house. Mrs. Hanson with the servant and four children were
in the house, of which one child the Indians immediately killed
to terrify the others ; two other children were at play in the
orchard and would have escaped but that just as the Indians
had finished rifling the house the two came in sight and made
such noise that the Indians killed the youngest boy to stop the
alarm. They then started for Canada, with Mrs. Hanson (who
had been confined but two weeks previously,) her babe, a boy
of six years, and two daughters of 14 and 16 years, and the
servant girl. They all reached Canada and Mr. Hanson, soon
after the attack, went there to ransom them. This he succeeded
in doing, with the exception of his daughter of 16, whose ransom
he was unable to obtain, as the Indians would not release her
on any terms. Mr. Hanson got home Sept. 1, 1725, but he
could not content himself while his daughter was in bondage,
and about the 19th April 1727 started in company with a kins
man who with his wife was bound on a similarly sad errand to
redeem children ; but he was taken sick and died on the journey.
The daughter married a Frenchman and never returned. (An
interesting account of Mrs. Hanson's capture and residence in
Canada was published in 1780.)
Sept. 18. — The town appointed Capt. Paul Gerrish and Capt.
Benjamin Wentworth agents or attorneys to prosecute all actions
of trespass upon the town's commons " already begun or here
after to begin and to substitute attorneys under them as they
see cause."

126 NOTABLE EVENTS IN THE [1725
1725
Feb. 20. — The bloody fight with the Indians by Capt. Love-
well and his men, at the pond in Wakefield which has ever since
gone by his name took place at this time. On the 24th, the
brave company with the scalps of the enemy ten in number,
stretched on hoops, and elevated on poles, entered Dover in
triumph, and proceeded thence to Boston, where they received
the bounty of 100 pds. for each scalp.
May 20. — Rev. Mr. Hugh Adams, the minister at Oyster
River, having addressed a manuscript to his Hon. the Lieut.
Gov. and General Assembly " Entitled a Theosophical Thesis,
&c. with an appendix under the title of remarkable Instances,"
&c. praying the countenance and grant of the Government for
the publication thereof — the Assembly voted forasmuch as the
contents of said manuscript are principally controversal points
of Divinity and some Enthusiastical accounts of God's Judge
ments, &c. and therefore more properly the object of considera
tion for an Ecclesiastical than a Civil Council, the Reverend the
Gospell Ministers of this Province be desired to take the said
whole manuscript under their consideration and report their
opinion thereon to the end that the publication thereof may be
countenanced or discouraged, and the said manuscript disposed
of as may be most for the glory of God.
The Reverend gentlemen to whom the manuscript was re
ferred, made their report, at a later day, received the thanks of
the government for the same, and it was ordered that the said
manuscript be lodged in the Secretary's office and that the clerk
of the Council be directed not to give a copy of it or any part
thereof directly or indirectly to any person on any pretence
whatsoever without the consent of the General Assembly.
The character of Mr. Adams's production which the Assembly
so carefully excluded from the public eye, may be gathered
from the report of the Reverend gentlemen who sat upon it,
which was as follows :
To the honble the Liut. Governor & Comander in chief in and over
his Majties Province of New hampshire in New England and the honble
the Councill & the Representatives of the Said Province.
Tho we are loth to Expose the weakness of our Brother the reverend
mr. Hugh Adams, yet inasmuch as he has so Publickly Exposed himself
by addressing to your hour & the Generall assembly a Manuscript so full
of Enthusiasm & Impertinence, In obedience to your Desire we have
considered the contents of the said Manuscript and have made the fol
lowing remarks —

1725] HISTORY OF DOVER, N. H. 127
i) Wee are sorry to See that mr Adams has therein Discovered such
an affectation of finding out new and Strange doctrines in Divinity.
2) That he Should So wretchedly pervert the Sacred Scriptures to
Support his odd extravagant Notions.
3) That he has so little Modesty as confidently to Set up his Single
oppinion in Many Instances in opposition to the Judgment of all the
famous divines in the world.
4) That he layes So great a Stress on his groundless opinion as to
Make fundamentall articles of faith and Such an unchristian unchari
table Spirit in complaining to the almighty agt Som verry worthy Psous
for Crossing his unreasonable Humor.
On these & Severall other accounts that Might be Mentioned wee
Judge the above Said manuscript unworthy of the Least countena from
the Government.
So recomending yr hour & this honble house to the Divine Conduct in
all the Important affairs that lie before you wee Subscribe our Selves
your most humble & obedint Servants. Jabez Fitch
William Shurtleff
In the name and at the Desire of the Ministers of the Province.
Mr. Adams continued the minister at Oyster River, after
wards Durham, until 1750, when he died, at the age of 74. He
was graduated at Harvard in 1696. A very curious petition of
his to the Provincial Assembly in 1738, complaining of the
delinquency and trespasses of his parishioners, has been pre
served. In this petition, Mr. Adams represents Durham "as
an Achan in the camp : and as the seven sons of Saul in the
days of King David : and as Jonah in the ship of the Common
wealth of the Province." And he prays, not only for justice to
himself, but that a neglect to pay a minister, may be made
penal, and presentable by the grand jury, as it was in Massa
chusetts, which he considered the principal reason why the
people of that Province had been " proportionably spared from
the throat pestilence, and other impoverishing more than New
Hampshire." The old gentleman appears to have had singular
notions of the efficacy of his prayers ; and among other things
which he had accomplished by prayer, he informs the Assembly
that, being provoked by the injustice of his people, and their
robbing him of the 50 pds. addition to his salary, he prayed
while it was yet more than three months to the harvest, that "it
might not rain: and it rained not for three months after;"
when some of his friendly brethren prevailed upon him, and he
' ' appointed and conscientiously sanctified a church fast from
evening to evening and abstained three meals from eating,

128 NOTABLE EVENTS IN THE [1726
drinking and smoking anything," and the Lord, he says, was
pleased to hear, and granted such plentiful and warm rains as
to produce " a considerable harvest; so as was then remark
able." He concludes his petition by importunately asking for
justice, and expressing his firm belief that, after he had obtained
it, God will be entreated for the land in New Hampshire. What
impression his petition made upon the Assembly, or what
answer it received, is not recorded. {N.H. Hist. Coll.)
Aug. 16. — At a meeting of the freeholders of Dover Parish,
at Cochecho meeting house, Col. Waldron moderator, it was
" voted that our minister Mr. Jonathan Cushing's salary that
the town gave him of 100 pds. in the year 1717, shall be made
as good to him as it was at his first settlement amongst us."
1726
March 26. — On the petition of Nicholas Hartford, who
' ' humbly sheweth ' ' that his grant of liberty to keep a ferry
over the fore river from Dover Neck to Kittery, made in 1717,
had been of little profit at present nor likely to be for many
years, and as he had been at great charge in building conven
iences, and had no assurance of said ferry any longer than his
own life, the said ferry was confirmed to him and his heirs.
Capt. Samuel Emerson was chosen in the room of Capt. Ben
jamin Wentworth, deceased, to join with Capt. Paul Gerrish to
prosecute at law any person or persons that trespass on the Town
commons. April 25. — Through the backwardness of the Spring, and the
great want of hay, a great many cattle have perished for want
of fodder ; which is the general complaint throughout this
Province and the County of York. (Boston Paper.)
May 20. — The Assembly voted to build a Court House and
Prison in Dover for the use of the Town and Province.
Sept. 2. — By order of the Council, Dover and the other towns
in the Province were served with a copy of a Proclamation of
Peace, which was sent to "ye Chief Military Officer in each
town, to be proclaimed by beat of Drum."

1728] HISTORY OF DOVER, N. H. 129
1727
May. — . — The polls and estates of the Province were assessed
as follows :
Polls, 16 years old and upwards, 5; Income upon trade, per
Pd. 1 penny ; Officers' income per Pd. 1 penny; Houses and
lands, valued at 6 years income, per Pd. 1 penny ; Oxen 4
years old and upwards 4 Pd ; Cows 3 years old and upwards 2
Pd. 10s; Horses 3 years old and upwards 4 Pd; Swine 1 year
old 1 6s; Sheep free for encouragement; Indian and Negro
slaves, ad valorem, 16 to 40 years of age.
Oct. 29. — An earthquake occurred of which it is recorded
that "the shake was very hard, and was attended with a terrible
noise, something like thunder. The houses trembled as if they
were falling; divers chimneys were cracked and some had their
tops broken off. ' '
Rev. Hugh Adams, in his Church Records at Oyster River,
under date of Nov. 7, says, " Tuesday. At Oyster River Parish.
On our Parish Fast Day on Account of the Awful Earthquake,
which had been on Sabbath night about 1/2 hour after 10 — So
in all our Land. Then I baptized Mary Hix, daur. of Joseph."
1728
May 24. — The several towns in the Province, in the valuation
of their lands for the purpose of taxation, having adopted the
practice of valuing them in one town at one rate and in other
towns at not half that value, the Assembly voted for the purpose
of making a more equal proportion that in Dover, Portsmouth,
Exeter, and other towns, with the exception of Londonderry
and Kingston, the valuation should be six shillings an acre,
and in the two latter towns five shillings per acre. Also that
all Negro, Indian and Mulatto slaves be valued at 20 Pds. per
head. June 23. — Rev. Hugh Adams in his Church Records notes
the baptism of " Phillis, our servant child, born in my house of
Maria, our Indian Woman Servant;" — showing that Indians
were sometimes employed as servants, as many, it is well known,
were also held and sold as slaves.

130 NOTABLE EVENTS IN THE [1729
1729
April 4. — Howard Henderson, Elisha Clark, James Wellmet,
Joseph Canne and Abigail Blackston made complaint to the
Governor and Council that having been settled on a certain
tract or neck of land for upwards of forty years, of which they
had been put in peaceable possession by the freeholders of the
town, and all of which time had been partly spent in subduing
the Indian enemy and partly in subduing and cultivating the
wild land, Richard Waldron as administrator of his father's
estate, had brought an action against them to recover possession
of the same, pretending that one half thereof was granted to
his father in 1652 and the other half to William Furber and
others ; that said grant to Waldron having been made when the
town was under the government of Massachusetts was esteemed
by many of no validity, but the court having put him in posses
sion of the half which he claimed and a jury had set off the
upper part to him and the lower part to them where their settle
ments, orchards and improvements had been made, but that
Waldron being dissatisfied with the award had procured another
jury, which had given him the lower half where the petitioner's
houses, barns, &c. stood, so that after thirty years labor and
the expense of much blood and the sweat of their brows they
with their wives and children were now drove into the wild
wilderness, and for all this injustice they asked such relief as to
law and equity did appertain.
What action was taken upon this petition does not appear.
April 25. — The inhabitants of the north east of Dover (Somers-
worth), petitioned the Assembly to be set off as a parish for the
benefit of the ministry.
May 13. — The petitioners appeared and were heard by their
counsel, resulting in the appointment of a committee "to go on
the spot and view the several districts and settle a dividing line
according to their best judgments and that the petitioners in the
meantime be free from being rated to the minister of the old
town, &c. and the major part agreeing shall be accounted suffi
cient to make return at the next session for confirmation."
Oct. 10. — The committee reported, and it was voted that the
petitioners have liberty to bring in a bill accordingly, "varying
the bounds from the head of Fresh Creek to a white oak tree as
the road goes." The bill incorporating the Parish passed the
Assembly in December.

1730] HISTORY OF DOVER, N. H. 131
A petition from several Quakers in behalf of themselves and
their friends at Dover, praying to be exempted from gathering
the Minister's rates as Constables, was presented to the
Assembly. The Rev. Hugh Adams also presented a petition praying
"for some remedy in regard to ye debasedness of ye paper
currency, &c."
Dec. 15. — Capt. Paul Gerrish preferr'd a petition signed by
near three score of the principal men in Dover praying an order
to rectify some abuses suffered by Dover Town book of Records
by the fault of the late Town Clerk, as they apprehend. Where
upon it was
Voted, That the clerk of the said town of Dover for the time being be
hereby prohibited entering any old Committee Grants that are suspected
not to be legally obtained and to enter only such grants as have been or
may be allowed by said Town or the selectmen thereof until the next
sitting of the General Assembly and that there be a committee chosen
by the General Assembly to go to the Town Clerk for the time being who
is hereby required to show unto such Committee such entrys, matters
and things as he or any of the said Town suppose to be done by ill prac
tice, and the said Committee shall by virtue hereof summon before them
all such persons that can give any light in explaining any matters or
things which they may see occasion to examine into for discovering the
truth and detecting such vile practices and to give such person or per
sons their oaths, and to make return of their doings therein to the
General Assembly next session, and that Nathl Wear, Esq. and Theo.
Atkinson, Esq. be a committee of this House to join such as shall be
appointed above for that end and that the Petitioners pay the charges.
Jam Jaffrey, Cler Assem.
1730
March 24. — The report of the committee appointed to examine
the Dover Town Books was in substance that they found by the
said Town book that great forgery and fraud had been used and
frequently practiced by entering grants many years back in the
inter spaces of the book and that the book had often been
exposed and lay open to many persons to enter what grants
they saw proper therein and that they found many of the said
original grants in the former Town clerk's hand which appeared
to be fraudulent and deceitful ; that great quantities of land
had been laid out by virtue of said grants by which the town,
they imagined, had been stripped of at least fifteen thousand
pounds worth of land.
Oct. 28. — The Rev. James Pike was ordained pastor of the
church in Somersworth parish. The ceremony was opened by

132 NOTABLE EVENTS IN THE [1730
the Rev. Mr. Tufts, the Rev. Mr. Wise preached from the 9th
chap, of Matt. 37 & 38 verses. The Rev. Mr. Cushing
gave the charge and the Rev. Mr. Rogers the Right Hand of
Fellowship. Mr. Pike was born in Newbury, Mass. March 1, 1703 ; grad.
H. C. 1725. He taught school in Berwick, by which means he
became acquainted with Somersworth people and began to
preach there. He was ordained and remained until his death
March 19, 1792. The first Somersworth meeting house was
built in 1729 and taken down in 1773.
Dec. 30. — Upon the report of the committee on the Town Books, made
March 24, it was voted that another committee be chosen to make a more
exact and particular inquiry into the several grants and returns in said
book, supposed to be corrupt and vicious ; and that they have full power
to summon and examine any person or persons upon oath, in order to dis
cover the truth as far as may be, and any person or persons duly convened
by summon before the said committee, and refusing to declare upon oath
what he or they know of the affair, shall be committed to prison by said
committee, or the major part of them, there to remain till they comply
to take their oaths, and that then the said committee give public notice
on all the meeting houses in Dover (with convenient time for all persons
that have any claims to any land by virtue of the aforesaid supposed
vicious grants or returns) to make out the same before the said com
mittee, at a certain day and when the said committee have made a
strict examination in the Town book and fully heard all the claimers
upon their grants and returns, then to make a particular report
how many corrupt and vicious grants and returns they find on the said
book, with the dates thereof, in what folios of the book they stand
recorded, and who are the respective granters, and what quantity of
acres is mentioned in each grant and return, in order to the General
Assembly's proceeding thereon as to justice doth appertain ; and that
Mr. Odiorn and Mr. Sherburne be of the committe from the Council to
join with such as the House shall appoint to act in the above affair.
R. Waldron, Sec.
The House concurred, with an amendment, that the whole
town of Dover pay the charge of the committee, and appointed
Nathl Weare and Theo. Atkinson as the committee on their
part.

1732] HISTORY OF DOVER, N. H. 133
1731
April 30. — The committee appointed by the Assembly to
examine the Dover Town Book made a detailed report which
is now on file in the Secretary's office and is published in the
9th Vol. of State Papers. They found fifty four cases of land
grants entered on the books "fraudulent, corrupt and vicious,"
for reasons given. They also report that " many things appear
very dark by the record which we have omitted because we
could not come at the original grants nor find any particular
information about them." Also that "by James Barnum's own
oath he purchased a bundle of those grants from the widow of
William Furber, the former clerk, and sold them to many per
sons, who have got them recorded."
By a vote of the town this year, one and a half acres of land
at Pine Hill, near the meeting house, were set apart as a public
burying ground.
May 3. — Thomas Millet and the Proprietors of Hilton's Point
in Dover petitioned the Assembly for a Gate Way, and an order
was passed that the petitioners serve the selectmen with a copy
to appear to show cause, &c.
Capt. Mathes, a selectman of Dover appearing and not object
ing, the petitioners had leave to set up a gate at the entrance
into the highway that leads up from the water's side by Capt.
Millets over Huckleberry hill, &c.
The "people called Quakers" again petitioned to be ex
cused, when constables, from gathering Minister's rates ; and
the Assembly excused them by enacting that such persons shall
be exempted from gathering such rates of any other persuasion,
and that the town should make choice of those who were not
Quakers to gather the same. 1732
March — "On the 8th of this month Doctor Alden was found
Dead in the High Street of Dover at his Horses Feet. He had
a deep Wound in his Head supposed to be received in his Fall
from a Glass Bottle he held in his Right Hand : One of his Legs
was broke, and he was frozen stiff." {Boston News Letter)
List made in the year of our Lord one thousand Seven hundred and
thirty two of all ye trained soldiers at ye South side of Oyster River in
Dover ye third comppenney in Coll Gilmans Regiment and under ye
command of John Smith Junner our preasant Captain May ye fifth.
Peter Mason, John Smith ye third, Samuel Smith, Benjamin Smith,
Joshua Crumit, Robert Kant, Joseph Thomas, William Shepard, Daniel

134 NOTABLE EVENTS IN THE [1733
Doo, Abraham Beunet, Solomon Davies, Jabues Davies, Jeremiah Davies,
John Moor, John Laski, William Randal, John Randal, John Petman, Na
thaniel Meader, Thomas Drew Junner, Eli Clark, Eleazer Benet, John
Genkens, John Gra, John Jenkens Junner, George Gray, Jacob Wormwood,
Richard Denmore, Joseph Daveis Junner,Benjamin Daveis, Samuel Daveis,
Salathiel Denmore Junner, Hezekias Marsh, Stephen Willie, Benjamin
Durgin, John Drew, Joseph Chesly, John Durgin, James Durgin, Thomas
Chesley, James Smith, Joseph Durgin, Joseph Woodman .Thomas Langley ,
John Davies, Jonathan Durgin, Joshua Davies, John Runls, Joseph Worm
wood, John Daveis Junner, Jeremiah Pender, Ebenezer Daveis, John
Doo, Joseph Doo, Benjamin Doo, Theoder Wille, Francis Drew, Francies
Footman, Thomas Drew ye third, Eliphalet Daniel, John Langley
Stephen Genkins Junner.
May 8. — Stephen Jones of Oyster river made application to
the Assembly for relief, on the ground that "when his father's
house was burnt, he had burnt in his chest in said house forty
two pounds of this Province money." It was voted that he be
paid that sum "out of the money now to be burnt." (The
Assembly at every session was in the habit of ordering
" brought in to be burnt" all the paper money issued by the
Province which had been received for taxes, &c.)
Paul Gerrish, Esq. one of the Dover representatives had
"liberty to be absent on Extraordinary occasions."
May 15. — The Assembly voted that Oyster River be a Parish
by the name of Durham, and the act was approved by Gov.
Belcher on this day. 1733
Feb. 6. — A petition of 226 inhabitants of Dover to Gov.
Belcher and his Majesty's Council represented " that there was
a very considerable tract of land very commodious for settlement
lying nigh Winnepessocay Pond, and these humble petitioners
not having a competency of land to afford them a comfortable
subsistence, prayed that their honors would be pleased to grant
them said tract of land for a township of such dimensions, and
with such limitations, restrictions and conditions as they in
their great wisdom should think proper."
The petition was ordered to "lye for consideration."

1735-6] HISTORY OF DOVER, N. H. 135
1734
Oct. 18. — A petition of Christian Baker, praying for liberty
to keep a House of public entertainment was read ; the prayer
of the petitioner granted, with liberty to bring in a bill accord
ingly. {Assembly Records.)
{ Mrs. Christina Baker was a daughter of Capt. Richard Otis,
and with her mother and others was taken captive, in infancy, by
the Indians, in their attack on Dover, as related in 1689.)
David Dunbar, Lieut. Governor of New Hampshire and Sur
veyor of the King's Woods, at this time, had marked some
timber in Dover as the "King's Own." Paul Gerrish, who
had Major Waldron's blood in his veins, thought he had a
better right to it than Dunbar or the King either, and deter
mined to maintain it. He sawed the timber into boards, with
out any reverence for or regard to the King's mark. Dunbar
on hearing of his audacity, forthwith came to Dover with a
boats crew to seize the boards. He found Gerrish at the mill
at the head of a goodly number of workmen prepared to dis
pute his claims. But Dunbar was fearless, and blustered and
threatened and looked big. Gerrish and his men, however,
feared neither law nor the sword. When Dunbar threatened
they 'threatened, and when he swore they swore back again,
until he concluded that discretion was the better part of valor,
and retreated without effecting his object, and without the
boards. 1735-6
The country was visited with a new epidemic which obtained
the name of the " throat distemper," and which was very fatal
to children. It prevailed extensively in almost every town in
New Hampshire, and many families lost all their children.
About one thousand died in fifteen towns. The number of
deaths in Dover was eighty eight, seventy seven of which were
children under ten years of age.
From July 1735, to September 1736, in Hampton, 55 persons
died of throat distemper ; 99 in Portsmouth; 88 in Dover ; 127
in Exeter; 11 in Newcastle; 37 in Gossport; 44 in Rye ; 18 in
Greenland; 21 in Newington; 22 in Newmarket; 1 8 in Stratham ;
113 in Kingston ; 100 in Durham ; 22 in Chester; 210 in Hampton
Falls. {Belknap)
There was published in Boston a pamphlet of 17 pages of
rhyme, concerning the ravages of the throat distemper. The
two following verses are a specimen :

136 NOTABLE EVENTS IN THE [1738
" To Newbury 0 go and see
To Hampton and Kingston
To York likewise and Kittery
Behold what God hath done.
The bow of God is bent abroad
Its arrows swiftly fly
Young men and maids and sucking babes
Are smitten down thereby."
1737
This year we had a hard winter, backward spring, and hay
exceedingly scarce ; many cattle died. In the summer there
was a scarcity of corn also, so that many people went about
begging people to sell them at almost any price a quart of corn,
to keep them from starving. A good crop of English hay, and
afterwards of corn, put a stop to this severe suffering.
1738
Feb. 25. — At Oyster River Mr. Pere's house was burnt down,
& himself and four children consumed in the flames. His wife
jumped out of a chamber window, but is scorched to such a
degree that her life is despaired of. {Boston paper.)
The following deposition of Christine Baker is given in
Bourne's History of Kennebunk as used in a suit brought by
Aaron Littlefield against the executors of his father's will to
recover his portion of the estate. He had been taken prisoner
by the Indians and carried to Canada where he was detained
several years. When he returned the other heirs objected to
his claim on the ground that he had become a Catholic, and
therefore had no rights which the court was bound to respect.
Bourne mistakenly says that " Captain Christian Baker in 1714
discovered that Littlefield was at Quebec and gave such infor
mation to the Governor as succeeded in securing his return,"
&c, whereas " Christian " was the "Christine Otis" whose
captivity is related under the head of 1689.
The deposition of Christen Baker. All that I can say concerning
Aaron Littlefield Who Whares taken by the Ingons from Calebunk in ye
Province of Massitusetts to the Best of My knowledge is as follows,
that I Very Well knew him in Canady, and that he was baptized Peter
and that he was A papist by Profeshon, and his Living and his Marige
was in a place called Bashervell in Canady, Nine Miles from Mount
Royal, and that I See his Sister in the Nunnery in Canady About fifteen
or Sixteen years ago. And this is ye Hull truth of What I know, as
witness my hand. Sworn to Before Paul Gerrish, J. P.
Dover, April 1738.

1742] HISTORY OF DOVER, N. H. 137
Sept. 9. — In the Assembly, it was ordered that the clerk send
to Dover and Exeter representatives that have been absent this
session, to appear Monday next, to attend to his Majesty's ser
vice at their peril.
A moderate winter ; all sorts of provisions plenty and a good
crop of corn and hay. 1739
An exceedingly hard winter ; hay scarce and dear. In the
summer a great crop of hay and grain, but a short crop of
Indian corn. 1740
July 21. — "A list of the training men under Thos. Millet,
Capn. of Dover," published in the State Papers, Vol. 9th, gives
the number as 97 ; and ' ' a list of ye Second foot Company of
Dover, July 24, 1740," published in the same volume, gives the
names of 153. Attested by John Wingate, Left. The "List
of the Troopers under the command of Copll Tristram Coffin
in Dover, July ye 29, 1740," also published in the same volume,
gives the names of 40. Stephen Robarts, dark. Making a
total of 290.
Moderate winter ; a great crop of corn, but very green. In
the fall a long storm of twenty days, in which there was not
one whole fair day. Many mills, bridges &c. were carried
away; cellars were full of water, and corn being green, rotted
in the chambers. 1741
A hard winter ; deep snows, scarcely any passing except
through fields and on snow shoes. Hay scarce in the spring.
In the summer good crops of hay, grain and corn.
1742
Among the acts of the Assembly this year was an act for
" Docking an Intail " of a certain parcel of Land containing
ninety seven acres, situate in Dover, given and devised by
Thomas Hanson, in and by his last will and testament, unto his
two sons Manl and Jonathan.
The widow of Thomas Pinckham, late of Dover, complained
to the Assembly that her late husband "did inlist himself in his
Majesty's service for the late Cuba expedition, and that there
was allowed him the sum of 2 pds. 14s. for his subsistence

138 NOTABLE EVENTS IN THE [1744
money, which was never paid him or her " — whereupon the
Assembly voted that the said widow be paid the sum claimed
' ' old tenour in full of all demands. ' '
The proportion which Dover paid at this time upon every
1000 pds. of Provincial taxes was 86 pds. The only towns
which exceeded it were Portsmouth and Exeter, the former pay
ing 140 pds. and the latter 89 pds.
A moderate winter and fruitful summer. The throat distem
per prevailed this year, and 95 persons died in a population of
about 800. 1743
The Provincial Assembly this year appointed a committee
" to take a draft of the whole township of Dover, and to set off
that part that is set off to Durham, and likewise set off what is
Somersworth and to set off what they think is necessary for a
new Parish at Madbury and to represent the quantity and quality
of the lands in tbe Parish of old Dover and that proposed
for Madbury, in the best manner they can and to make their
report at the next session."
The Assembly voted that Capt. John Gage (one of the Dover
representatives) be paid the sum of 7 pds. old tenor for a pair
of blankets supplied Capt. Cowas and his squaw, per the
Governor's order.
Members of the Assembly who did not attend promptly to
their duty w.ere fined or had their pay docked. June 29, it is
recorded that " the question was put whether Capt. Wallingford
(a Dover member) shall be allowed a day for the 24th curr't, he
only appearing in the forenoon about an hour. It past in the
negative, and that the clerk strike that day out of entry." At
the same session the fine for absence without leave was increased
from five to ten shillings.
A moderate winter. In the summer a multitude of devouring
worms appeared, so thick in some places as to make people sick
while mowing their grass, and the hay stunk after being put
into the barns. Grasshoppers also devoured much corn and
grass. 1744
Feb. 15. — Col. Thomas Wallingford, a member of the Assem
bly from Dover, made complaint to the House that on the 13th,
during the session, Cyprian Jeffrey, of Portsmouth, storekeeper,
made an assault upon him and drawing his knife said " he

1745] HIS TOR Y OF DOVER, N. H. 139
would cut his (Wallingford's) throat, if he got forty men to do
it." The House,, considering that Jeffrey, in so doing, did
greatly affront, insult and offer great indignity to them, issued
a warrant for his arrest, and on his being brought before
them he acknowledged himself to be in fault and declared that
he had no design to affront the House or Col. Wallingford and
prayed for forgiveness, which was granted, Col. Wallingford
declaring himself satisfied, and the offender dismissed on paying
costs. ' ' A hard winter, but fruitful summer. Provisions were
plenty, and people complained because they could not find a
market for their produce. Many people driven out of the woods
this year by the Indians." 1745
At the meeting of the Assembly this year, Thomas Millet,
Esq. and Capt. John Wingate appeared before the House and
represented that no proper return had been made by the
selectmen of Dover of the election of Col. Thomas Walling
ford, John Gage, Esq. and Major Thomas Davis, who claimed
seats as members from that town ; and that four of the select
men had made a return on the precept for three other persons.
Upon this representation the House sent for the sheriff to pro
duce his precept and returns, who appeared and alleged as the
reason why he returned the sitting members was because he
was at the town meeting and thought the gentlemen he had
returned were the proper persons.
On examination it appeared that four of the selectmen out of
the five had made a return on the precept for three other per
sons. The question was then raised whether an election " can
be due unless the qualifications of the electors be judged of by
the selectmen and moderator or the major part of them as
directed by the triennial act." The majority of the House
decided that the question " ought not to be put," and then after
considerable debate it was voted that the sitting members were
legally elected to represent the town. From this decision
Meshech Weare and five other members ' ' pray'd leave to dissent
and accordingly did dissent."
At the capture of Louisburg this year Dover furnished a
company of soldiers which was under the command of Capt.
Thomas Westbrook Waldron, and afterwards of Samuel Hale.

140 NOTABLE EVENTS IN THE 1745]
The muster roll of this company, which has been preserved
by William Hale, a grandson of Capt. Samuel Hale, contains
the following names :
Samuel Hale, Captain, Dover. Entrance Feby 13. In the service
till Octr. i, — 32 weeks, 6 days. Received of the Commissary,
19 shillings, 6 pence.
Moses Wingett, Lieutenant.
Clement Ham, Ensign.
Eleazar Young, Sergeant.
Benjamin Lebby, Sergeant, a.
Samuel Heard, Sergeant, a. c.
John Bussell, Sergeant.
John Giles, Corporal, a. c.
Samuel Tibbets, Corporal, c.
Thomas Perkins, Corporal. Rochester.
Reuben Gray, Corporal, a.
John Hubbard, Drummer.
Samuel Merrow, Rochester.
Jacob Bussell. Father, John Bussell.
Ichabod Hill. a. d.
John Titcomb. c.
John Hussey.
Benjamin Stanton. Father Ben Stanton, a.
Josiah Clark. Father, Josiah Clark, a.
R. Kenny Waldron. a.
Stephen Evans. Master, Elihu Hayes, a.
Ebenezer Cook. >j.
Joseph Abbot.
Samuel Watson, c.
Daniel Wingett.
Thomas Ash. b.
Archibald Smith.
Daniel Lebby. Master, David Danels. a. d.
William Glidden.
John Forse. a.
William Thompson. Rochester.
Nicholas Grace. Master, William Gerrish. a. d.
Joseph Berrey. a.
Paul Nute.
Love Kenney.
Morrice Fowler.
David Kinket. Master, Wm. Damm. a.
Zebulon Drue. c.
John Gowell.
Richard Harris, a.
Jacob Hossom. a. u.
John Smith, a.
Thomas Roberts. Master, Samuel Roberts, a. d.
Nathaniel Perkins, Master, Samuel Roberts, a. d.

174S] HISTORY OF DOVER, N. H. 141
D. Henry Sleeper. Portsmouth. Master, Joseph Buss.
D. Sam. Indian, Portsmouth. Master, Richard Salter.
D. Samuel Hunt. (Huntress on another slip). Portsmouth.
D. Eliphalet Ring. Portsmouth.
D. Joseph Nelson. Portsmouth. Master, Charles Holt.
D. Jonathan Stoodley, Portsmouth.
D. George Damm. Portsmouth. Master Solomon (?Reede).
D. Theophilus Damm, Newington.
Benjamin Bunker, Clerk, Durham, a.
Louisburg. Octr ist, 1745.
Errors Excepted. Saml Hale
Wm Wi  Commissary.
a. In service until October 1, — 32 weeks, 6 days.
b. In service until May 20, — 13 weeks, 5 days.
c. Received of the Commissary, one pair of Mogasons.
d. Received of the Commissary, one pound four shillings.
D. " Draughted Men."
Belknap, speaking of the New Hampshire volunteers, says :
" By the 17th of February, two hundred and fifty men were
enlisted for the service." New Hampshire furnished, in all,
three hundred and fifty men, under command of Col. Samuel
Moore ; not including one hundred and fifty men raised in our
Province, but in the pay of Massachusetts. New Hampshire
furnished one eighth of the' entire force raised in New England ;
a less proportion than at Bunker Hill, where more than one half
were from our State.
The throat distemper prevailed this year. A letter from
Benja. Hanson, jr. to Lt. Moses Wingate, who was in the
army, gives this local intelligence :
Wm. Twombly 3d has lost 2 children and Joseph Twombly has lost
one, his only son. We have had very violent thunder and lightning,
such as you and I never saw hardly in our lifetimes. Your brother John
Drew was killed by lightning in the month of May on Sabbath day.
* * * We had a hard trial for Assembly men, such as you never saw in
this town though you are an older man than I am. * * * They have got
John Gage, Esq. Thomas Wallingford, Esq. and Thomas Davis. Major,
my loving friend, I have writ the heads of all the news and concerns of
our town. Your wife has often been at my house and she bears your
absence as well as you or I can expect any woman, considering their cir
cumstances. I write in short, having no opportunity but this, being
from home at Capt. Hanson's, without any jacket on my back, but
thanks be my credit and purse I have a good bowl of punch in my hand
and I wish you was with me to take a part with me.
A very moderate winter and fruitful summer. Provisions
plenty and cheap, but merchants' goods very dear.

142 NOTABLE EVENTS IN THE [1746
In 1842 the New Boston Artillery had in its possession an
ancient piece of ordnance which, it is stated :
Is a handsome French piece, cast at Paris in 1743, and has upon it the
French Colonial Arms, and au appropriate inscription. The marks upon
it evince that it has seen other service in its day than that of stirring up
the echoes among the New Boston hills at annual Regimental Musters.
An abrasion upon its knob shows that it has been struck by the shot of
an opposing gun, and sabre hacks liberally distributed over it, mark it
as the trophy of some desperate conflict. It was captured by the New
Hampshire troops under command of Sir William Pepperell at the
seige of Louisburg in 1745, and is supposed to have been presented by
him to the Province through Governor Wentworth.
Two other guns, which were captured at the same time, after
being used by the Portsmouth Artillery until they were con
sidered dangerous, were exchanged with some brass founder for
old bronze. 1746
June 27. — A party of Indians came down to Rochester, where
seeing five men at work in a field with their arms at hand, the
Indians concealed themselves and one of them fired his gun for
the purpose of inducing the men to discharge their pieces,
which they did. The Indians then rushed upon them before
they could load again and the men retreated to a small deserted
house and fastened the door. The Indians tore off the roof, and
with their guns and tomahawks despatched Joseph Heard,
Joseph Richards, John Wentworth and Gershom Downs. They
wounded and took John Richards, and then crossing over to
another road, came to some men who were at work in a field, all
of whom escaped ; but they took Jonathan Door, a boy, as he
was sitting on a fence. Richards was kindly used, his wounds
were healed, and after eighteen months, he was sent to Boston
in a flag of truce. Door lived with the Indians and acquired
their manners and habits, but after the conquest of Canada
returned to Rochester. (Belknap.)
Thursday, Oct. 16, was appointed by the Governor with
advice of Council, as a day of public fasting and prayer on
account of the French fleet now upon or near our coast, the
shortness of our harvest of corn, &c.
Moderate winter. A terrible drought in the summer, which
cut short both the corn and grass, so that corn which had been
selling at 10s. per bushel, now sold at 26s.

1749] HISTORY OF DOVER, N. H. 143
1747
Jan. 7. — A portion of the regiment which had been raised for
the reduction of Canada, set out on their march from Dover to
Winnipiseogee pond this day. Walter Bryant, who accompanied
the expedition as surveyor and guide, records the starting of the
expedition as follows :
Wednesday, January 7th, A. D. 1746-7 — Major Davis, Capt. Goffe, and
Capt. Shackford with sundry of their men marcht from Cochecho to
Rochester. On a Sabbath morning in the spring of this year, at Rochester, the
wife of Jonathan Hodgdon was taken by the Indians, as she was going to
milk her cows. She called aloud to her husband. The Indians would
have kept her quiet, but as she persisted in calling, they killed her,
apparently contrary to their intentions. Her husband heard her cries
and came to her assistance at the instant of her death. His gun missed
fire and he escaped.
A tedious hard winter; drifting snows and difficult passing,
but a fruitful summer. This year the value of paper money
sank extremely low, making it difficult to transact business.
1748
Petitions for the new town of Somersworth were presented to
the Assembly this year, and the House voted to set it off from
Dover " invested with all the privileges and powers of a town,
distinct from Dover, except the managing of the common lands,"
but in the Council the bill was " read and debated and ordered
to lay for consideration."
A hard, cold winter, the most severe ever known. The severe
cold began on the 27th of November, and on the 3d of Decem
ber the deep snows began to come, and continued storms soon
made it very difficult to pass even across the fields or on the
rivers. It was estimated that twelve feet of snow fell during the
winter. This large body of snow went away strangely, without
any rain or flood. A terrible drought followed in the summer,
which cut short the English grain and grass, but the Indian corn
stood it wonderfully. Much damage done by fires in the woods.
1749
Great excitement was occasioned at this time by a controversy
between the Governor and the Provincial Legislature in respect
to the prerogatives of the former, who claimed the privilege of
granting writs for the election of members independent of the

144 NOTABLE EVENTS IN THE [1750
consent of the Assembly. The party in opposition to the Gov
ernor elected Richard Waldron Speaker. The Governor nega
tived his appointment and ordered the house to admit the new
members and choose another speaker. This they refused to do,
and as neither party would yield, no business was transacted.
The Assembly met about once in a month and was kept alive,
by adjournments and prorogations, for three years. The public
credit suffered greatly by this controversy. No taxes could be
laid or collected. The public records were shut up. No
authenticated papers could be obtained. The soldiers who
guarded the frontiers could not get their pay.
A comfortable winter, but in April came a most distressing
drought, which cut off the English grain and grass, and cattle
were ready to perish for want of feed. Indian corn seemed
almost past recovery, but a fine rain on the 6th of July revived
the corn so that we had the best crop ever known, which was
the principal support of both man and beast. Many people
went from forty to sixty miles into the woods to cut meadows,
and others drove their cattle into the woods to browse them.
i75o
Aug. 26. — A singular and splendid appearance in the heavens
was noticed at this time which is thus described by one who
witnessed it. "This evening I was suddenly surprised by an
explosion in the air. It was a quarter after nine, and the sky
as free from clouds and thick of stars as I ever saw it. It
appeared as if the sky opened in the south about half way from
the horizon, as large as the broadside of a house, and the flame
as deep a color as any fire I ever saw. It closed up gradually,
and was near two minutes before it disappeared." {Interleaved
almanac. )
Sept. 26. — An Indian named Nambrous, belonging to the
Penobscot tribe, was arrested for attempting to kill Moses Win-
gate of Dover by stabbing him with a knife; but there being
no evidence to convict him, the court, Hon. Ellis Huske, Chief
Justice, considering that the Indian natives were making war
upon the people of New England, referred the question of his
discharge to the Council, which body advised the Governor to
give orders to the sheriff to detain the Indian and his squaw till
further orders.
A hard winter, which made it difficult keeping cattle alive.
This was done chiefly by corn and browse. The summer was
a fruitful one.

1753] HISTORY OF DOVER, N. H. 145
1751
"New Year's day " commenced this year on the 21st of
December, according to the old style of reckoning, and January
1, instead of March 21, as heretofore, was made the beginning
of the year or " first month " for all future time.
An uncommonly moderate winter, so that the ferry boat
crossed the salt river every month in the year, but a cold and
backward spring, and a wet summer. Great crops of hay, and
a middling crop of corn. 1752
The time for which the Assembly was elected having expired,
a new one was called in the same manner, which came together
with a spirit of moderation and a disposition to transact the long
neglected business. Meshech Weare was elected Speaker, and
all things went on smoothly.
We had a more than common cold, close, hard winter; the
severe cold continuing for two full months, and frozen so hard
that it was the common practice to go with sleds and sleighs
from Boston to Castle William, and vessels were all frozen in.
A very dry spring ; in the summer wet, and a great crop of hay,
and a good prospect for a crop of corn, but on August 29th
there was a severe frost, which killed the corn and almost every
green thing. There was scarcely any sound corn raised and
people were put to great difficulty for seed corn in the spring,
and in the spring following there was such a scarcity of provi
sions, both corn and meat, that it would make the hardest heart
ache to hear the complaints of the multitudes of people ready
to perish for want of food, and begging for a handfull of corn.
In the summer corn was brought in vessels from over the sea,
and many were able to get a supply at 45s. per bushel. {Lane's diary.)
1753
The "Friend's meetings" which had begun to be allowed,
if not fully tolerated, in various places, at this time, became
greatly annoyed by outsiders who took this measure to prevent
the spread of the "heresy." At Brentwood, where a meeting
was allowed, complaint was made that "several persons, men
and women are speaking at one time, " also " saluting each other
men and women, old and young pretending it to be a kiss of

146 NOTABLE EVENTS IN THE [1755
charity which 'will prove of ill consequences if you continue
therein." This complaint resulted in the discontinuance of
the meeting for a time.
An open winter, a favorable season, and good crops of corn
and grass. Very sickly throughout the country.
1754
Feb. 22. — Petitions for a new parish in Dover, by the name of
Somersworth, were presented again this year, and the Assembly
appointed a committee "to take a view of such part of Dover
as may be necessary in order to judge whether the prayer of the
petition ought to be granted or not, and make report thereof as
soon as may be, the petitioners to be at the cost and charge
thereof." April 22. — The act for incorporating the parish of Somers
worth into a town was passed by the Assembly — the town taking
the name which the parish had formerly borne, and possessing
the same boundaries.
A moderate winter, remarkable for an uncommonly cold day
coming up suddenly, the 22d January, in which many people
out a- fishing and otherwise employed, perished. A fruitful
summer. 1755
Madbury was disannexed from Dover and made a parish for
the support of a minister this year ; being as they alleged at a
distance from the meeting houses in Dover and Durham, and
having some years since at their own cost built a meeting house
situated more conveniently.
Two companies were raised this year in Dover and the towns
formerly a part of it, for the expedition to Crown Point, and
another, under Capt. Paul Gerrish, for Albany. New Hamp
shire furnished in all 500 men.
Nov. 18. — "About four o'clock in the morning was an ex
ceeding shock of ye earthquake which shock was nere as much
as that in ye year 1727, Oct. 29, but ye noise was not so loud."
{Kelly's diary.)
John Winthrop, Hollis Professor of Mathematics and Philoso
phy at Harvard College, described the ' ' great earthquake which
so lately (Tuesday, Nov. 18, 1755) spread terror and threatened
desolation throughout New England," in a lecture delivered in
the chapel of the college on the week following the earthquake.

1757] HISTORY OF DOVER, N. H. 147
The shocks were sufficient to throw bricks from the professor's
chimneys with a velocity of twenty-one feet per second, to burst
a distiller's cistern by the agitation of the liquor in it, and to
break off the spindle of the vane on Faneuil Hall in Boston.
This spindle was a pine stick, five inches in diameter and ten
feet in height, and carried a weight of thirty pounds on its top.
A moderate winter, a middling crop of hay and a light crop
of corn. A troublesome year on account of the war.
1756
A regiment was raised in New Hampshire this year to operate
against Crown Point, the command of which was given to Col.
Nathaniel Meserve, and Hon. Thomas Westbrooke Waldron of
Dover, was appointed a commissioner, to reside at Albany, for
the purpose of taking charge of the stores.
In the expedition against Crown Point, Samuel Gerrish led
one of the Dover companies and John Titcomb another.
" A fourth open winter in succession. Many people plowed
and fenced in the month of February, and as good carting as in
summer. We had a fruitful summer." 1757
June 20. — At a public town meeting held for the purpose of
seeing if the town would take any measures ' ' to provide a
meeting house suitable to attend the publio worship of God of
which we are destitute at present," it was voted that the town
would provide a suitable place. Also that the old meeting
house be pulled down and applied towards the building of a
new one as far as it will go ; that the new house be set up either
where the old one stands or near by on the Town privilege,
either on the hill or under the side of the hill as the Town shall
think most proper, and that a committee be chosen to draw a
plan for the house, to take proper advice as to the bigness and
model of the same, and to " serve at their own cost."
July 4. — It was voted that a plan of Berwick lower meeting
house taken by the committee be accepted, that Thomas W.
Waldron, Stephen Evans and Dudley Watson be appointed to
sell the pew privileges and take other means for building the
house. Laboring men in building the house to have thirty
shillings old tenor per day, finding themselves, and the same
for their oxen in hauling timber, &c.

148 NOTABLE EVENTS IN THE [1758
Dec. 23. — Samuel Heard of Dover, a soldier in the Crown
Point Expedition, in Col. Nathl Meserve's regiment, having
represented to the Assembly his indigent circumstances and his
not being able to subsist himself by reason of the loss of his leg
in May, 1756, and the late grant made him by the government
being spent, it was voted that he be allowed the sum of thirty
pounds, to be delivered him as occasion may require, by Capt.
Thomas Wk. Waldron.
A hard winter, much snow and a great scarcity of hay. A
very sharp drought in summer, which cut short the fruits of the
earth. The season a very sickly one.
1758
March 27. — At a public town meeting, among other officers,
Stephen Evans and George Hanson were chosen " Informers or
Inspectors against killing Deer out of season."
Thomas W. Waldron and Howard Henderson were chosen
representatives this year.
The Assembly passed a bill this year limiting the number of
taverns in the State. The number allowed to Dover was three.
April 28. — " We hear from Dover that at a late regimental
muster an enlisting officer had part of one of his feet shot away
by the carelessness of a soldier." {N. H. Gazette.)
(Enlisting was going on at this time to raise soldiers for the
French war — of which New Hampshire furnished 800.)
June 5. — At a public town meeting it was voted that the new
meeting house be built on the hill near the old one. At another
meeting, held July 10, this was reconsidered, and it was voted
to set it upon a lot purchased of Joseph Hanson, against which
Thomas Millet and seven others (living on Dover Neck) entered
their dissent. A committee was appointed to procure and make
suitable provision for raising the new meeting house.
Nov. 27. — At a public town meeting it was voted that Rev.
Mr. Cushing for this winter season shall preach and hold forth
the public worship of God in the new meeting house and there
continue said service for the future and that he begin the public
worship there by preaching one or more sermons on Wednesday
the 13th of Dec. next.
The selectmen were directed to take care of the old meeting
house " so that it may not be exposed to be torn to pieces this
winter."

1760] HISTORY OF DOVER, N. H. 149
' ' A very hard winter, deep snows and the most difficult passing
we have had for ten years. The latter end of March the snow
lying 3 or 4 feet deep was as hard as ice and people sledded
upon it over fences. Hay was scarce. A wet summer, the corn
being very green stank in our chambers. Corn sold at 4 pds. a
bushel." 1759
March 26. — At a public town meeting held at the old meeting
house on Pine Hill, Col. John Gage, Capt. Howard Henderson
and Lieut. Dudley Watson were chosen a committee to petition
the General Assembly for liberty to raise money by a lottery to
build a bridge over Cochecho river.
It was also voted to have two schools in town, exclusive of a
grammer school and the school in Madbury part. (Madbury
was still a part of Dover. ) Also to pay the constables at the
rate of 20 shillings for every 100 pds. for collecting the taxes,
instead of their rates being given in as heretofore, provided
they make up with the selectmen at the end of the year.
July 7. — At a public town meeting held at the new meeting
house, it was voted that 2500 pds. old tenor be raised and paid
to the committee for building the house. Also that Rev. Mr.
Cushing have rooo pds. old tenor, for his salary. Mr. Cushing
being present at the vote accepted the same.
Sept. 1. — Nicholas Powers coming up the river on his way
home from Elliot was drowned. He was, it is said, a school
master and was returning from his school at Elliot to his home
on Dover Neck when his boat was upset.
Nov. 26. — A committee was appointed to sell the old meeting
house and pay the proceeds thereof to the committee for build
ing the new house. Also voted that the vacancy left " in front
of the front gallery in the new house be for pew privileges."
' ' A comfortable winter, a very wet summer, and in general
the most plentiful year for all sorts of provisions and fruits of the
earth that I ever knew." Corn sold at half a dollar a bushel.
1760
March 31. — At a public town meeting held at the old meeting
house on Pine Hill, it was voted that there be no more schools
for the year ensuing than by law is required.
A committee was appointed to settle the lines between Dover
and Barrington and empowered to prosecute or petition to the

150 NOTABLE EVENTS IN THE [1761
General Assembly if needful and carry on the same to a final
issue. (This appears to have been the last "public town meeting
held at the old meeting house on Pine Hill.")
Oct. 13. — At a public town meeting held at the Quaker meet
ing house, a committee was appointed to sell the old school
house standing on Pine Hill and pay the proceeds thereof to
the selectmen.
The Assembly this year passed an act granting the town lib
erty to raise two thousand pounds, new tenor, by way of Lot
tery, to rebuild their Great Bridge over Cochecho river — the act
to be in force three years and no longer.
Another comfortable winter and fruitful summer.
1761
Jan. 28. — The Quakers of Dover, by Joseph Austin, Thomas
Tuttle and Samuel Austin, for and on behalf of themselves and
the rest of their brethren and by order of their monthly meeting
held at Cochecho the 18th day of the ioth mo. 1760, petitioned
the Assembly, setting forth that they were burthened with a tax
to hire soldiers into the service, and praying, for reasons assigned,
to be relieved therefrom. The Assembly assigned a day for a
hearing thereon, and ordered them to cause the chief officer of
the Regiment, & the selectmen of the town to be served with a
copy of the petition and order thereon, at their own cost and
charge, that they might appear and shew cause, if any they
had, why the prayer should not be granted.
Feb. 6. — It was voted that the prayer thereof be granted and
that the tax ordered by the Treasurer's warrant to be assessed
on the people called Quakers in the towns of Dover, Durham,
Somersworth, Rochester and Barrington in the year 1760, be
remitted and that the same be added to the Province Tax of
said towns for the year 1761.
March 30. — At a public town meeting it was voted to petition
the General Court for a law to empower the First Parish to
transact their affairs exclusive of the other town business.
July 27. — The committee for building the new meeting house
having complained that the money for that purpose had not been
fully paid them, that many persons who had agreed to do so, by
the purchase of pew privileges, had neglected it, &c. a town
meeting was held at which the committee for examining their
accounts made report that the whole amount expended was

1762] HISTORY OF DOVER, N- H. 151
1 1248 pds. 18s. 4d, old tenor: which report was accepted and
the building committee was empowered to sue those men who
owe money towards building the house.
Aug. 27. — The town voted to build a new bridge over the
Cochecho in place of the old one, the latter "not being fit to
repair on any account so as to be passable for man or horse."
Three thousand pds. old tenor, were raised for building the
bridge. The drought was so severe this summer as to cut short the
crops and render supplies from abroad necessary. During the
drought a great fire raged in the woods, in the towns of Barring
ton and Rochester, burning with irresistible fury for several
weeks, and was not extinguished till a plentiful rain fell in
August. An immense quantity of the best timber was destroyed
by this conflagration. 1762
June 11. — The First Church was incorporated as a Parish dis
tinct from the town at this time.
Oct. 4. — The town voted to build a new bridge over Bellimons
Bank river, at or near the place where the old bridge was stand
ing, and raised 1200 pds. old tenor, for that purpose.
Howard Henderson and Thomas W. Waldron were chosen
representatives to the Assembly.
Oct. 30. — A boat was upset in the river near Dover Point and
four persons, viz. Mr. Walton and wife, her brother Hunking
Moses, and Walton's sister, were drowned. {N. H. Gazette.)
We had the most severe cold long winter ever known, with
deep and drifted snows, which made it exceedingly difficult
passing and difficult browsing cattle in the woods, which many
people depended on doing for want of hay. The spring being
backward, many cattle, horses, swine and sheep died. People
were put to great difficulty to get their plowing done, and hay
sold for 100 pds. per ton. In the upper towns especially by the
month of February there was scarcely any corn to be bought,
and the people were obliged to come to the lower towns begging
and pleading for a quart of corn. Those people who had corn
were obliged to deal it out little by little, as long as they had
any, and to depend for a supply "from abroad when the vessels
should come in. The vessels began to come about the middle
of March and people came from the upper towns and lugged the
corn up through the snow drifts, leading their horses. Corn at

152 NOTABLE EVENTS IN THE [1763
first was sold at 3 pds. 15s, but afterwards as high as 6 pds. a
bushel. When the spring came, all, rich and poor, were buyers
of provisions. But the discouraging circumstances of the people
did not end here. They had no sooner planted their ground
than the worms appeared and it seemed as if they would destroy
everything. Many planted over the second and third time.
Gardens were wholly eaten up and ruined. Then a most dis
tressing early drouth came on in the month of May, exceeding that
of last year, for we had but little rain in the spring, not enough
to settle the ground after the frost was out. The drouth was so
sharp and grass dried up so fast that people began to mow what
little they had in June, and there was not more than half or
two thirds as much as last year. It sold for 120 pds. a ton.
English grain grew strangely and we had a pretty good crop,
especially winter grain. Indian corn stalks dried up and it was
thought after the middle of August that we should have little
or no Indian corn, for most of it was quite dead ; but Aug. 18
we had a plentiful rain, followed by seasonable weather, which
remarkably renewed the face of nature and recovered most of
our Indian corn, so that some people had a middling crop.
Grass grew remarkably and the poor cattle came to good beef.
People also gathered abundance of acorns and nuts and fattened
their pork on these, thus saving their corn. During the severe
drouth of this summer terrible fires prevailed in many places,
destroying an immense amount of property, filling the inhabi
tants with terror and dismay. Many buildings were destroyed
and fields laid waste by the fires. {Lane 's Journal)
1763
March 28. — The town voted to build a new bridge over the
river near Capt. Paul Gerrish's mill in Madbury.
Oct. 7. — As two men were running horses in Dover one of the
men was hove off and instantly killed. {N. H. Gazette.)
' ' We had a third hard winter, deep snows and difficult travel
ling; (hay scarce, 120 pds. a ton;) and a very wet summer.
Much hay cut, but mean and flashy, sold for 20 pds. a ton.
Middling crops of English grain, good crops of flax and Indian
corn, and abundance of Spanish potatoes, and tho' every thing
has been scarce the two years past, yet everything is very plenty
this fall except money."

1765] HISTORY OF DOVER, N. H. 153
1764
A comfortable winter and provisions plenty, but a very
unfruitful summer, short crops of Indian and English corn.
Indian corn being eaten by worms and planted over again, was
very late and backward, and early frosts killed abundance of it.
1765
March 25. — The town voted to have five schools for the term
of six months, increasing the number from that required by
law, which appears to have been three including Madbury,
which was still a parish of Dover.
Howard Henderson and Thomas W. Waldron were chosen
assembly men.
July 22. — The vote passed at the annual meeting in March
" to hire five schools for the space or term of six months," was
reconsidered at a meeting called at the request of thirty free
holders by a constable, the selectmen having declined to do it.
There were no organized school districts required by statute
law until after 1800; hence, but few schoolhouses were erected
and but few instructors were required.
In December, 1771, Governor Wentworth in his message to
the legislature called their attention to this important subject in
these words :
The promotion of learning obviously calls for legislation. The
insufficiency of the present laws is evident, seeing that nine-tenths of
our towns are wholly without schools or have such vagrant foreign mas
ters as are much worse than none, being for the most part unknown in
their principles and deplorably illiterate.
This picture may have been too highly colored, but it was
true that in many of our towns no money was raised for the
support of schools until after the peace of 1783. The towns in
those days had large taxes to pay, but moderate means to pay
them, and all their energies were required to obtain the com
forts of life and carry on the war.
A hard, cold and difficult winter, with deep snows and as
difficult passing as ever known. Corn scarce and beef plenty.
A very good crop of hay and corn this summer. The land is
in great commotion by reason of the Stamp Act.

154 NOTABLE EVENTS IN THE [1767
1766
Jan. 16. — Lee, part of the original territory of Dover, and
afterwards of Durham, set off and incorporated as a town.
June 2. — The town voted to erect a dwelling house, stable,
ferry ways, &c. at Hilton's Point for the convenience of trav
ellers and a committee was appointed to obtain subscriptions to
defray the expense.
July 31. — Rev. Jeremy Belknap was invited to preach in
Dover as an assistant of Rev. Mr. Cushing, and after he had
preached " as a probationer" for a month it was unanimously
voted by the parish to pay him one hundred pounds lawful
money, yearly or every year, as a salary. It was also voted to
give him one hundred and fifty pounds, to be paid at the follow
ing periods : 50 pds. in three months, and 50 pds. in six months,
and 50 pds. in nine months next after his ordination, to provide
him with a convenient house to dwell in during his ministry ;
or, instead of said 150 pds., that the parish shall provide him a
convenient house, barn and garden ; and that it be left to his
determination and choice which to accept. Mr. Belknap
decided to accept the 150 pds.
Dr. Belknap afterwards purchased of Charles Clapham the
house on Silver street where he lived during his ministry in
Dover, which stood on the site of the Belknap school house,
and was taken down when the school house was built in 1854.
The Belknap lot originally comprised the adjoining lot on
which the house built about 1776 by Dr. Ezra Green stands,
where Dr. Green lived until his death in 1847, and which did
not pass out of the hands of his descendants until 1876.
A moderate winter and plentiful crop of all the fruits of the
earth this summer. Health, Peace and Plenty.
1767
April 13. — The town voted to appoint a committee " to search
the Town's former accounts to see if there is any mistake in said
accounts and if they find any to endeavor to have them recti
fied ; " 40 pds. were raised for the support of schools. Capt.
Shadrach Hodgdon had leave to hang a gate near the house of
Joseph Hodgdon at his own cost ; Elijah Estes was indemnified
for the loss he sustained in the weight of gold as purser for the
selectmen ; and it was voted not to purchase a Town House.
Thos. W. Waldron and Otis Baker were chosen represen
tatives.

1767] HISTORY OF DOVER, N. H. 155
The population of Dover as found by the census taken this
year was 1614, viz : Unmarried men from 16 to 60, 186 ; Married
men from 16 to 60, 217; Boys 16 years and under, 347; Men
60 years and above, 39; Females unmarried, 500; Females
married, 239; Male slaves, 19; Female slaves, 9; Widows, 58;
— the number of inhabitants in the State being 52700. By this
census it is seen that in the previous century the population of
the town had increased from about 500 to more than 1600,
though Oyster River had been detached from it and incorporated
in part as Durham in 1732 and Lee in 1766, Bloody Point as
Newington in 1764 and Fresh Creek as Somersworth in 1754.
This part of the territory of the old town set off from the parent
stock contained in 1775, Durham 12 14, Lee 954, Newington
332, and Somersworth 965, a population of 3465 in all, or more
than double that of Dover in 1770.
This population, the third and fourth generations in descent
from the original settlers, was mainly dependent upon what they
could produce from the soil for support. Some additional
grants of land had been made to outsiders in the outlying parts
of the town where there was timber and water power, as to
Robert Wadleigh and others in 1669, near the boundaries of
Exeter, from which an attempt was made by previous settlers
to eject them, but which the courts in Massachusetts, which had
then assumed jurisdiction, confirmed to them.
The following correspondence, honorable to both parties,
preserves an incident in Town history, or of that of some of its
prominent citizens, the occasion for it being the fact that Rev.
Mr. Belknap, in returning from his wedding tour to Boston had
injured a neighbor's horse, of which he had had the use :
From Mr. Belknap to Capt. Waldron.
Sir : —
I never heard till this day, that your horse was dead of the wound
which he got by my riding him from Boston. Justice demands and
gratitude obliges me, to offer a compensation. I therefore sincerely and
readily make you an offer of my horse (valued at 12 pds, which is the
sum I gave for him), and will give you a promissory note of as much
more as you shall judge will make an equivalent.
I am very sorry for your loss, and that I was the occasion of it; but
can truly say, I shall be glad if you will accept what I have offered
above. I am, Sir, with the greatest respect,
Your obliged, humble servant,
July 15th, 1767. Jer. Belknap.

156 NOTABLE EVENTS IN THE [1768
Capt. Waldron replied as follows:
Rev. Sir: — My horse slipped his wind the 20th June last, under
the care of Farrier Coleman. If some unconcerned, officious gabbler
had not blabbed the secret, I trust a jubilee year from that Hegira would
have passed, without its reaching your ears.
I never had the slightest thought of your making any satisfaction for
him, and now freely declare, that I disclaim any demand that could be
made relative thereto on Mr. Belknap by his
Most respectful, humble servant,
July 16, 1767. Thomas W. Waldron.
The following account of the wedding journey, taken from
the Doctor's interleaved almanac, as given in his biography, is
a model of brevity :
June 12th. Set out for Boston, lodged North Hill.
13th. Travelled to Ipswich ; met Governor Wentworth on the road ;
he entered Portsmouth this day.
14th. Preached at Ipswich.
15th. Reached Boston ; evening married.
18th. Set out on our return, rode through the rain, and lodged at
Hampton, Mr. Thayer's.
19th. Got home to Dover in the evening safe and well.
Deaths in Dover this year, by the Record of Rev. Mr.
Belknap, 9.
Middling winter ; in summer a short crop of hay ; plenty of
Indian corn, but no demand for it for the last two years. Duties
laid on glass, tea, paper &c. at home, makes uneasiness here.
Money is scarce.

1768
March 14. — The town voted that there was no objection to
the Parish of Madbury being set off as a town, according to the
prayer of their petition to the Governor, Council and Assembly.
March 28. — The selectmen were empowered to purchase a
sufficient quantity of common land for landings on each side of
Cochecho river.
May 27.— Final and complete separation between Madbury
and Dover was made by an act of the Assembly passed at this
time, which gave the parish all the town powers and privileges
which were not given it previously.
Deaths in town this year, 17.
A moderate winter and not a very fruitful summer. An
army and fleet sent over to bring us into subjection.

1771] HISTORY OF DOVER, N. H. 157
1769
May n. — When the apple trees were in bloom this day, there
was the unusual sight of snow covering them in the afternoon,
and continuing till the next morning. {Dr. Belknap.)
Deaths this year, 19.
Very cold weather this winter after the middle of January,
which held more than a month and froze harder than for several
years. In summer a good crop of hay and corn.
1770
Jan. 22. — The town voted to build a new bridge over Cochecho
river " at the upper ware next below Capt. Waldron's mills at
the lower falls." 200 pds. was raised by tax for the purpose
and 2s. lawful money was to be paid per day to the men work
ing on the same, finding themselves. A meeting was held Feb.
26, to see if the town would reconsider the above vote, when
" by polling " it was voted not to reconsider.
March 26. — -It was voted to build a Town House and a com
mittee was appointed for that purpose, who were to do it in the
best and cheapest manner.
Deaths this year, 16.
A moderate winter ; a terrible drouth in summer so that about
the middle of August there was but little prospect of a crop of
corn. The worms ate the corn in the spring and a very uncom
mon sort of worm, called the canker worm, ate the corn and
grass, all as they went, above ground, which cut short the crops
in many places. 1771
The building of the bridges, above and below the falls, was
the subject of some contention this year, and the cause of an
appeal to the Assembly, which body thereupon voted that, " it
appearing that there was a Town vote for building the Lower
Bridge it is thought to be just that the charge thereof should be
paid by the whole Town. But it appearing that the Upper
Bridge is more useful for the public, therefore voted that said
Upper Bridge shall hereafter be maintained at the charge and
expense of said Town, and that the petitioners have leave to
bring in a bill accordingly."
Otis Baker and John Gage chosen representatives.
Deaths this year, 23.

158 NOTABLE EVENTS IN THE [1773
An open winter and several great freshets, which carried away
mills, bridges, &c. In summer very hot weather and a middling
crop of hay and corn. 1772
Nov. 10. — This day Rev. Mr. Belknap preached a sermon
before his Excellency John Wentworth, Esq. governor of His
Majesty's province of New Hampshire, at a review of the second
regiment of Foot, at Dover, in said province; and met so favor
able a hearing, that the officers requested a copy for the press,
which was granted. {Life of Dr. Belknap)
Deaths this year, 17. 1773
The first courts in Strafford county were holden in Dover this
year. Previous to this, in consequence of the sparseness of the
population, the county had remained annexed to Rockingham
for judicial purposes and all the courts were held at Portsmouth.
The following incident, recorded in a memorandum of Rev.
Mr. Belknap, occurred about this time :
After the laudable example of the ladies in divers towns of this and
the neighboring provinces, on Thursday last, about forty ladies met at
the minister's house in Dover, some of whom brought with them flax
and cotton to spin, and others the yarn ready spun ; and, after spending
the day in a very industrious and agreeable manner, they generously pre
sented to Mrs. Belknap the fruits of their labor, which amounted to 242
skeins of seven knots each, beside the surplus of their materials, which
th e time did not allow them to spin. They behaved with the utmost order
and decency, and were entertained with the best refreshments the season
afforded, which were kindly and plentifully supplied by those who were
well-wishers to industry.
On the petition of Otis Baker and others that the town would
give or sell the county a lot for a jail, it was voted that the
town could not give one, but that the selectmen might sell
one in some suitable place. The selectmen were also authorized
to pay Benjamin Geer 4 pds. 6s. 6d. to satisfy the claim of
Dr. Atkinson for curing a wound he received in his knee.
Deaths this year, 15.
The number of polls in Dover this year was 338, value of
rateable estates 530 pds. and its proportion of each 1000 pds. of
the Province tax, as fixed by the General Assembly, 25 pds. 13s.

1774] HISTORY OF DOVER, N. H. 159
1774
The following document copied from the Town records, shows
the stand taken by the patriots of the Revolution against the
arbitrary proceedings of the British Government, whose iron
rule had begun to lead many of them to think that independence,
if not inevitable, was desirable. This eloquent protest against
the tyranny of the Mother Country and its ' ' good and gracious
king" (as they still called him) is among the first mutterings
of the Revolution which was soon to follow. It appears to have
been a general protest adopted by the several colonies of New
England, and Dr. Belknap, the Minister of Dover, taking a
deep interest in the patriot cause, and contributing by his writ
ings for the press, and his exhortations from the pulpit and on
other public occasions, to hasten the crisis which led the colonists
to take up arms to vindicate their rights, may have been its
author. At a legal meeting of the qualified voters of the town of Dover, this
tenth day of January, 1774, convened at the Friend's meeting house, in
said town on purpose to consider of the innovations attempted to be made
on American privileges.
Col. Otis Baker was chosen moderator.
Although we deprecate every thing which in its infant motions tends
to alienate the affections which ought to subsist among the subjects of
the same King, yet, we can not longer behold the arts used to curtail the
privileges purchased with the blood and treasure of British America,
and of New England in particular, for their posterity, without bearing
our testimony against them.
As these colonies have ever recognized the Protestant Kings of Great
Britain as their Lawful Sovereign, and we in this Province, the man whom
the king has pleased to send us as his representative. — We acknowledge
this representative from our first formation into a Government has had
a negative voice on all Bills proposed for Laws in the manner his Majesty
has at home.
And as it doth not appear that any Parliaments have been parties to
any contracts made with the European settlers in this once howling
wilderness, now become a pleasant field, we look on our rights too dearly
bought, to -admit them now as Tax masters. — Since (by laws as firm as
the honor of crowned heads can make them, and which we have no ap
prehension so good and gracious a King as we obey, will suffer to be
abridged) we have Parliaments of our own, — who always with the great
est cheerfulness furnished his Majesty such aids as he has been pleased
to require from time to time according to the abilities of the people, and
even beyond them ; of which, none but themselves could be adequate
judges. Why the King's subjects in Great Britain should frame laws for his
subjects in America, rather than the reverse, we cannot well conceive, as

160 NOTABLE EVENTS IN THE [1774
we do not admit it to be drawn from any Pact made by our ancestors,
or from the nature of the British Constitution, which makes Represen-
tion essential to Taxation, and this supposed power of Parliament for
taxing America is quite novel, some few instances for the better regula
tion of trade excepted, which no more prove their supposed right, than
the tortious entry of a neighbor into the infant's field does that of the
intruder. But if superior strength be the best plea, how would they
relish the alternative ? which if political arithmetic deceives not advances
with hasty strides ; tho' nothing but downright oppression will ever
effect it.
Therefore, Resolved 1st, That any attempt to take the property of any
of the King's subjects for any purpose whatever where they are not rep
resented, is an infraction of the English Constitution, and manifestly
tends as well to destroy it, as the subject's private property, of which
recent proofs are plenty.
Resolved 2d, That we, and our American brethren, are the liege people
of King George the Third, and therefore have as full and ample a claim
to all the privileges and immunities of Englishmen, as any of his sub
jects three thousand miles distant, the truth of which, our demeanor
clearly evinces.
Resolved 3d, That the Parliament in Britain by suffering the East
Indian Company to send us their Teas subject to duty on landing, have
in a measure testified a disregard to the interests of Americans, whose
liberal services ill deserves such ungenerous treatment.
Resolved 4th, That we are of opinion that any seeming supineness of
this Province in these very, very interesting matters, hath proceeded
from a consideration of their smallness among their brethren, rather
than from any sensibility of impending evils.
Resolved 5th, That this town approves the general exertions, and
noble struggles made by the opulent colonies through the continent, for
preventing so fatal a catastrophe as is implied in taxation without repre
sentation, viz. slavery, than which, to a generous mind, death is more
eligible. Resolved 6th, That we are, and always will be, ready in every consti
tutional way, to give all the weight in our power to avert so dire a
calamity. Resolved 7th, That a dread of being enslaved ourselves, and of trans
mitting the chains to our posterity (by which we should justly merit their
curses) is the principal inducement to these measures.
And whereas, our House of Commons have a committee for corre
sponding with those of the several colonies on these matters, and the
committees of the several towns in this Government to correspond with
each other at the necessary time, may be subservient to the common
cause,— therefore resolved, that a committee to consist of five persons
be chosen for that purpose.
Voted that Col. Otis Baker, Capt. Caleb Hodgdon, Capt. Stephen
Evans, Capt. Joshua Wingate, and John Wentworth, Jr., or either three
of them be the Committee of Correspondence for this town.
Voted that the proceedings of this meeting be entered in the Records
of this Town, and that an attested copy thereof be sent to the Committee

1774] HISTORY OF DOVER, N. H. 161
of Correspondence at Portsmouth, to assure them and all concerned,
that our hearts are knit with those, who wish the weal (as it is constitu
tionally fixed) of our most gracious Sovereign and all his numerous
subjects. These votes and resolves after being maturely considered, were
unanimously passed by the voters present at said meeting — after which,
followed a dissolution. Otis Baker, Moderator.
Recorded agreeably to the proceedings at said meeting.
Pr. John Wentworth, Junr. Clerk p Tern.
July 18. — A committee of five consisting of Capt. John Wal
dron, Capt. Caleb Hodgdon, Capt. Joshua Wingate, Capt.
Stephen Evans and Nathaniel Cooper, was chosen to represent
the town at a meeting to be held at Exeter for "appointing
Delegates to join in a General Congress of the Provinces for
considering of and advising to the most conciliating methods of
establishing their rights and harmony among all the subjects of
our gracious Sovereign, which meeting is proposed to be held
on the ist Sept. at Philadelphia." And 6 pds. io s. were voted
as the proportion of Dover towards paying the expenses of the
delegates, which the selectmen were authorized to advance.
The following tho' not occurring in Dover is worthy of preser
vation. 1774, July 21. — The delegates from the several towns in the Province
of New Hampshire met at Exeter, and chose John Sullivan, Esq. and
Colonel Nathaniel Folsome, to join the General Congress at Philadelphia
the first of Sept. next. (Boston newspaper.)
Nov. 7. — A town meeting was held to see if the inhabitants
would raise anything, either "in money, fat cattle or sheep,"
for the relief of the poor of Boston, then suffering from the
operations of the Port Bill. And it was voted that the town
would ' ' give something. ' '
Deaths this year, 10.

CHAPTER IV
Under State Government
1775
Jan. 2. — At a town meeting the following preamble and reso
lutions were adopted: —
The Designs of the Continental Congress holden at Philadelphia being
so humane and benevolent, the result of their proceedings so salutary
and effective as justly to attract the notice of the millions of freemen in
America, this town on mature consultation are fully convinced that
nothing (under Heaven) will so evidently tend to preserve the rights of
Americans or frustrate the attempts already made for their destruction
as carrying the same into full execution. For which purpose,
Voted, That Messrs. Otis Baker, Shadrach Hodgdon, Stephen Evans,
Joshua Wingate, John Waldron 3d, Caleb Hodgdon, Job Wentworth, jr.
John Kielle and John Gage be a committee.
Voted, they have the following instructions, viz :
ist. We expect that to the utmost of your power you carefully intend
the preservation of peace and good order in the town so far as the same
may be endangered by a discussion of sentiment relative to political
matters. 2d. We enjoin you that by every lawful means you see the recom
mendations and proceedings of the Continental Congress steadily com
plied with by the inhabitants of this town so far as we are therein
concerned. 3dly. As examples you are to encourage every kind of Temperance,
Frugality, Industry and Economy, and to discountenance every species
of Vice, Immorality and Profaneness. Neither to use any sort of Gatne-
ing or unlawful diversions yourselves, nor suffer it to be done within
your knowledge without intimating your own dislike and the displeasure
of the town thereat.
4ly. Whereas, Hawkers, Pedlars aud Petty Chapmen are continually
strolling through the Country with Goods, Wares and Merchandize
(much of which was undoubtedly forwarded by the enemies of America)
in order to vend the same to the great hurt and decay of trade and in
defiance of a good and wholesome law of this Government — You are
therefore not knowingly to harbor, conceal or entertain any of them,
nor purchase any of their wares, nor permit any within your knowledge
to do it, and in case any Taverner, Innholder, or Retailer within this
town, after being duly informed thereof, shall be knowinglj' guilty of
either the acts in this instruction mentioned, — You are to take every legal
measures to prevent their ever hereafter being licensed by the Court of
Sessions either as Tavemers or Retailers.
5ly. Notwithstanding any persons may be so daring and hardy as to
counteract the sense of the town expressed by these instructions, you
are by no means to suffer any insult or abuse to be offered to either per
sons or estates, but use your utmost endeavor to prevent the same.

1775] HISTORY OF DOVER, N. H. 163
61y. Of all breaches of these instructions you are as soon as may be
to inform your neighbors and the Selectmen of the town that whenever
it may be necessary the town may be convened in order to consult and
advise thereon.
May 15. — Capt. Shadrach Hodgdon and Capt. Stephen Evans
were chosen to represent the town at the Provincial Convention
to be held at Exeter, to continue in office six months if the
Convention shall so agree, with full power to act for the town
in the best manner they can devise, subject to such further
instructions as the town may think proper to give them.
The Convention met at Exeter April 21, and continued in
session till May 2, though it is not certain that it adjourned on
that day, the journal, which appears to have been imperfectly
kept, not taking note of it. John Wentworth was its President.
Another Convention met May 17, composed in part of the same
members,- who held over from former elections, and of others
newly elected. Matthew Thornton was chosen President. It
continued in session until Sept. 2, when it adjourned till Oct.
31, when another session of 17 days was held, closing its work
finally on the 16th of November.
May 31. — Madbury set off from Dover, and incorporated as a
town, Population 677.
June 3, — A Committee of Safety was chosen by the town and
it was voted that the recommendations of the Provincial Con
gress to the inhabitants of the colony be a general rule for the
conduct of the committee and that the inhabitants of the town
do strictly conform to the same.
Thirty one companies of soldiers were raised in New Hamp
shire at this time and marched to Medford, Mass. to reinforce
Gen. Sullivan. The company raised in Dover constituted the
18th — John Waldron, Captain; Ebenezer Ricker, ist Lieut;
John Goodwin, 2d Lieut.
July 22. — At a town meeting held on the petition of 31
inhabitants, to see if the town would vote to ' ' let the schools
drop this present year for the reason of extraordinary charges
other ways," 29 voted to "let them drop" and 28 against. A
poll was demanded when 37 voted for and 37 against schools,
the moderator then added his vote to one side and the clerk to
the other, making the poll 38 for and 38 against, when a motion
was made to adjourn to the 7th of August, which was carried, at
which time it was "voted nemine contradicente that there be no
schoolsthis present year, ten being the number of hands therefor. ' '

164 NOTABLE EVENTS IN THE [1776
Rev. Mr. Belknap having been chosen by the Committee of
Safety to serve as Chaplain to the New Hampshire troops sta
tioned in the vicinity of Boston, notified them of his readiness
to perform liis part, if, as he was led to infer, the ministers in
the other parts of the State were to supply the army by turns;
but to reside there constantly in the character of chaplain was
what many considerations besides the precarious state of his
health, concurred to forbid.
Dec. 9. — Otis Baker and Stephen Evans were elected to rep
resent the town in the body which now assumed the name of the
Provincial Congress. Col. Baker declined and John Wentworth,
jr. was elected in his place. This Congress met at Exeter Dec.
21, being styled in the records the "Fifth Provincial Congress."
The Committee of Safety, being required to take charge of a
company of tories sent from New York, ordered 19 of them to
be sent to Dover jail, 28 to Exeter, 14 to Amherst and 7 to
Portsmouth. By a census of the State taken this year "for the purpose of
establishing an adequate representation of the people," Dover
was found to contain males under 16 years of age 410, males
from 16 years of age to 50 not in the army 342, males above 50
years of age 74, persons gone in tbe army 28, all females 786,
negroes and slaves for life 26 — total 1666. Also, 180 stand of
arms, 60 wt of powder. 1776
Jan. 14. — Johnson, an Indian, preached in Dover, for whom
a contribution was made amounting to 5 pds. 4s. 9d. {Nath.
Cooper' s almanac.)
Jan. 16. — Hon. Thomas Westbrook Waldron, having been
appointed by the " Honorable Congress or General Assembly,"
a Councillor for the County of Strafford, declined the office, in
consequence of having been ' ' little able to leave home for three
winters successively."
Jan. 29. — Fast through tbe State of New Hampshire.
May 17. — Continental Fast.
July 9. — The key of Peter Mitchell's store in Dover was taken
from him by the Committee of Safety, agreeably to a requisition
of the colonial authorities, and the goods therein afterwards
confiscated. Mitchell appears to have been the servant or book
keeper of one James McMarster of Portsmouth, a suspected
person, who petitioned the Assembly to have his property

1777] HISTORY OF DOVER, N. H. 165
restored. This was refused and Mitchell was ordered to confine
himself within the town of Dover till further orders, afterwards
modified to ' ' leave to travel anywhere within twelve miles of
Dover." A regiment of soldiers was raised at this time for operations
in Canada and placed under the command of Col. Joshua Win
gate of Dover. Timothy White also of Dover was Quarter
master. The company raised in Dover was officered as follows :
Caleb Hodgdon, Captain and Major ; Abraham Perkins, Capt.
and Lieut. ; Tobias Leighton, Lieut. ; Samuel Stagpole, Lieut. ;
John Starbord, Ensign.
July 13. — It was voted that forty two shillings be given by
the town to each of the soldiers enlisted and that shall enlist
since the nth inst. and proceed in the present expedition to
Canada not exceeding fifteen or sixteen men, and that the
Selectmen hire the money (and pay the same) in the best man
ner they can immediately on the town's account.
Nov. 21. — Thanksgiving through the State of New Hamp
shire. Dec. 21. — A Convention met at Exeter and formed a tempo
rary Constitution, to continue during the war with Great Britain,
under which Constitution Meshech Weare was elected Presi
dent. This was the first Constitution formed in any of the
Colonies after the Revolution commenced.
Deaths this year, 47 — of which 8 were " abroad in war."

1777
Jan. 23. — Theophilus Dame, Esq. sheriff of the County of
Strafford, received orders from the Committee of Safety to
" liberate from prison all such of the New York prisoners as
gave bonds with two sufficient sureties, to the Speaker of the
House, to remain true prisoners within the town of Dover —
such sureties being inhabitants of this State."
March 27. — The committee appointed by the Assembly to
examine into the condition of the goods seized as the effects of
James McMarster and to nominate some person to dispose of
them, made a report recommending Nathaniel Cooper, "whose
hands the goods are now in," and that he pay the net proceeds
into the treasury, after deducting five per cent commission for
all trouble and expense.

166 NOTABLE EVENTS IN THE [1777
April 22. — Mr. John B. Hanson was ordered to deliver to
Theophilus Dame, Esq. " as much beef as he shall desire for
the use of the New York prisoners confined in Dover Goal."
May i. — Snow storm.
May 5.— Voted that Col. Otis Baker, Capt. Thomas Young,
and Capt. John Hayes be empowered to enlist what men are
wanting to make this town's quota of men for completing the
Battalions to be raised in this State, on the best terms they can.
It was also voted that the selectmen furnish the committee with
money to hire said men and raise the same in the next tax bill.
May 15.— John Wentworth, Esq., Col. Wingate, J. Kielle, S.
Heard, Andrew Wingate, J. B. Hanson, Capt. Gage, Capt. J.
Hayes, Nathl. Cooper, chosen Committee of Safety.
Voted that the Alarm and Train Band Lists have three shillings
a day, and one shilling and sixpence a half a day, allowed them
by the town for each day they train in a year more than the law
requires. Sept. 10. — It was voted that "thirty dollars be given to each
soldier who enlists for the Continental Service until the last of
November next, and that the Selectmen pay each soldier said
sum when mustered."
Dec. 12. — Small flight of snow being the first of this season.
(Nathl. Cooper's interleaved almanac.)
The town this year petitioned the Assembly for the privilege
of raising money by lottery for the purpose of building a bridge,
and Josiah Bartlett, the chairman of the committee, reported
that "although they esteem Lotteries in general to be preju
dicial to society, yet considering the unhappy disputes that have
arose and still subsist in the town of Dover on account of said
bridges," that an act be passed enabling the town to raise
150 pds. by lottery for that purpose. The act was passed.
The "institution of slavery" existed, (though it could
hardly be said to flourish) in Dover, until after the Declaration
of Independence. Dec. 6, 1773, Col. Otis Baker bought of
Henry Ward of Newport, Rhode Island, "a negro boy named
Cato," which boy the aforesaid Ward, for and in consideration
of the sum of "one thousand four hundred pounds, old tenor,"
promised the said Baker to "defend to him and his assigns
forever, against the lawful claims of all persons whatsoever."
June 4, 1777, Col. Baker gave Cato his freedom, the certificate
of emancipation being signed by Jeremy Belknap as a witness.

1779] HISTORY OF DOVER, N. H. 167
As already stated, by the census of 1775 there were " 26 negroes
and slaves for life " in Dover iri that year. These were mostly
emancipated by their nominal owners during the revolution, or
all became free by general consent and the adoption of the
State Constitution soon after. Many of them, however, re
mained for life in the families which they had faithfully served
as slaves, preferring the protection of their old masters to the
larger liberty which was offered them.
1778
March 14. — The Assembly voted that " it is offensive to this
house that any member should play at cards or any other un
lawful game in public houses and that they be desired to desist
therefrom." March 30. — The town voted that "a committee of two per
sons be chosen to inquire into the state of our quota of Conti
nental troops, and if we are found lacking to take the most
effectual measures for filling up the same."
June 15. — Voted that Mr. John Bm. Hanson, Col. Joshua
Wingate and Major Caleb Hodgdon be a committee to hire six
men as soldiers to go to Rhode Island to reinforce General
Sullivan's Division. 1779
March 18. — The committee on estates of absentees (tories
who adhered to the royal cause) having advertised for sale in
Dover sundry articles as part of the estate of Gov. John Went
worth, among which were named a large and valuable collection
of books, and two fine weather glasses, the Assembly " consid
ering that they would be more likely to sell at much greater
advantage in the town of Exeter, where there was a constant
resort of people from other towns, especially when tbe General
Court is sitting there, than in Dover," ordered the committee
to adjourn the sale to that town on the 25th inst.
These articles were the "spoils" of the Governor's seat at
Wolfborough, and so far as appears from the records of the time
he was the only loyalist who was so dealt with in the county of
Strafford, with the exception of the servant of James McMarster,
previously mentioned.
May 4. — One of the most violent thunder storms which was
ever known in the maritime parts of New Hampshire, occurred
this day, at noon. A cloud rose in the N. W. and another in

168 NOTABLE EVENTS IN THE [1780
the S. W. at the same time: they crossed each other, and the
former passed very near the earth ; a very black darkness came
on, the lightning was an incessant glare, and the thunder
a continual peal for about an hour. Many trees, several barns,
mills and dwelling houses were struck ; cattle and sheep were
killed in the pastures in several towns ; and a valuable new
house built for religious worship, at Somersworth, was set on
fire and consumed. Its steeple had a metallic vane and spindle,
but no conductor to the earth. The bell was melted and fell
while in a state of fusion, and no piece of it larger than a mus
ket ball could be found. {Dr. Belknap.)
May 10. — The town voted ' ' that the Selectmen advance the
Continental and State bounty agreeably to a request of the
Committee of Safety, if they have it in stock, and if not the
Selectmen are empowered to hire money for said purpose."
July 5. — Voted, " that the selectmen advance the Continental
bounty, being 60 pds. and State bounty of 30 pds. and travel for
five men, and if they have it not in hand that they hire the
same and have power to raise it in the next year's tax." Also,
that a committee be chosen to hire eight men for the Continental
Army one year, and five men for the service of Rhode Island
six months.
Aug. 30. — Voted "that a hundred dollars a month be given
nine men to serve as soldiers at Portsmouth, &c. including
what the State is to pay them."
On the question of accepting the declaration of rights and
plan of government for the State, as transmitted by the committee
of the Convention at Exeter, it was unanimously voted that the
town does not approve of the same.
Deaths this year 9. 1780
During the winter of 1779-80 snow lay on the ground from
the middle of November to the middle of April, four feet deep
everywhere. In December and January a snow storm continued
seven successive days, and the snow fell to four feet on a level,
with drifts eight and ten feet high. Sheep were buried in the
drifts many days, and even men and animals perished with cold.
Long Island Sound was crossed by heavy artillery on the ice.
It was followed by a backward spring. (Old record. )
May 19. — The unusual darkness of this day, which has ever
since caused it to be known as the "Dark Day," is thus
described by Dr. Belknap, then a resident of Dover :

1781] HISTORY OF DOVER, N. H. 169
Fires had spread very extensively in the woods, and the westerly wind
had driven the smoke over all the country. It was so thick near the
horizon, for several preceding days, that the sun disappeared half an
hour before its sitting ; and in the low grounds it was almost suffocating.
The morning of the 19th was cloudy, with some rain ; and a black cloud
appeared in the south west, from which thunder was heard. The rain
water, and the surface of rivers, was covered with a sooty scum. The re
mains of a snow drift, which had been raked clean, the preceding day,
became black. Several small birds flew into the houses, and others were
found dead abroad, being suffocated. About an hour before noon, the
clouds assumed a brassy appearance ; after which their color became a
dusky grey ; at one hour after noon it was necessary to light candles.
At the time of the greatest obscuration, the smoke of a chimney was
observed to rise perpendicularly, and then incline to the west. A thick
fog, which came in from the sea, moved along the hill tops in the same
direction. A light gleam was seen in the north. The extent of this
darkness was more than 200 miles, from north to south. To the westward
it reached beyond Albany, and it was observed, by a vessel at sea, 15
leagues beyond Cape Ann. The darkness varied its appearance, in some
places, through the afternoon ; but in the maritime parts of New Hamp
shire, there was no cessation or interruption of it; and the evening pre
sented a complete specimen of as total darkness as can be conceived.
Before midnight the vapors dispersed, and the next morning there was
no appearance of them.
June 26. — The town voted " that the selectmen be a commit
tee for the purpose of getting eight men for the Continental
service on the best terms they can."
July 4. — Voted "that the Selectmen with the two Captains of
the companies in Dover be a committee to get our quota of
militia men for the Continental service."
Joshua Wingate and John Kielle were chosen representatives
to the Convention to settle a plan of government for the State.
1781
Jan. 22. — Tbe town voted " that Mr. Andrew Torr, Capt. John
Gage and Maj. Benja. Titcomb be a committee to get the pro
portion of men wanting from this town to fill up and complete
the Continental Army in the cheapest and most expeditious
manner possible."
March 5. — Voted "that each recruit from this town as their
quota of men for completing the Continental Army have and
receive as wages fourteen bushels of Indian corn per month
during their stay in the service, and that the selectmen give
their security for the payment of the same accordingly."
July 16.— On the petition of Capt. Thomas Young and Capt.

170 NOTABLE EVENTS IN THE [1781
James Calef, stating that they had been "ordered by Col.
Stephen Evans without loss of time to enlist or draft fourteen
able bodied effective men to serve three months if not sooner
discharged, wherever the Commander in Chief shall order as
soldiers," it was voted "Capt. Young and Capt. Calef be a
committee to raise the fourteen men required, and that they
give thirty shillings silver money to each man that enlists,
which they shall have whether called on to go into service or
not, and when they march each man shall receive thirty shillings
more like money."
Sept. 19. — At a town meeting held for raising soldiers, it was
voted ' ' that nine men now to be raised for three months be
given ten silver dollars each as bounty and paid fourteen
bushels of merchantable Indian corn per month by the town
in Jan. 1782."
Oct.  Theseige and surrender of Yorktown, the crowning
event of the war of the Revolution, was concluded this month,
at which the gallant Colonel Alexander Scammell, one of the
bravest and most distinguished officers of the war, who went
from Durham in command of a New Hampshire Regiment, was
foully murdered by the enemy.
" On the morning that the enemy evacuated their advanced redoubts,
he being officer of the day, reconnoitered rather too far, and fell insensi
bly among a number of horsemen who were patrolling in front of the
lines they had retired to. Two of them addressed him in rather harsh
terms, the one seized his bridle and the other presented a pistol to his
breast. Thus situated he acknowledged himself a prisoner, when a third
rode up, presented his pistol close enough to burn his coat, and shot
him in the back ; a fourth made a stroke at him with his sword, but the
shot having weakened him, he fell from his horse, and the intention of
the villains was frustrated. They plundered him of everything he had,
and hurried him into their lines. The officers who were present never
interfered, nor even after he was carried in did they treat him with any
kind of civility or respect. He was released on parole the next day, and
died six days afterwards of his wounds. Col. Scammell was but 33 at
the time of his death. Much of his 'early life was passed in this vicinity.
At one time he kept school in Berwick, and afterwards studied law with
Gen. Sullivan at Durham, from whose office he went into the war at its
commencement. Of great stature, six feet two inches in height, he was
not only a conspicuous figure, but universally beloved for the amiability
of his character, as well as admired for his daring bravery."

1782]

HISTORY OF DOVER, N. H.

171

1782
Jan. 11. — The General Assembly in granting a tax on the
polls and estates of the inhabitants, this year, of 110000 pds,
specified the following articles, in addition to silver and gold, in
which it might be paid :

Good New England Rum
West India Rum 
Beef Cattle, first payment by last of June
2d " Sept.
" " 3d " Nov.
Men's neat leather shoes, good
" yarn hose, of best quality
Cotton or cotton & linen cloth % wide .
Good tow & linen cloth 1 yd wide
Good white woolen cloth % wide
Linen cloth % wide for shirting for officers
Good felt hats 
Good 8 quarter blankets, for soldiers
Good wheat flour 

at 2s. 6d.

per Gallon

4s.

do.

3^d

lb.

3d

do.

2^d

do.

6s.

per pair.

5s-

do.

2S.

per yd.

is. 6d

do.

7s.

do.

5S-

do.

5s.

21s.

42s.

per cwt.

Some of the towns which were delinquent in their payments
were notified by John Wentworth, in the Portsmouth and Boston
papers, that they would be proceeded against, with the amount
of rum or Spanish milled dollars respectively due, viz : Tufton-
borough n Gallons of W. I. or 16 1/2 Gallons N. E. or 1
Spanish milled dollar for each gallon. The rum was to be de
livered at Boston or Haverhill, Mass., or Portsmouth.
Feb. 17. — An unusual kind of hoar frost was observed. The
wind had been northerly on the preceding day, with some
appearance of snow. The morning was calm and foggy. The
trees and bushes were white with frost, which appeared on the
north sides only of the twigs and smaller branches ; but on the
larger limbs and trunks, there was none. Nor was any seen on
the houses or fences, excepting on the sharp edges of boards,
but every point of a stick or nail, and every rope and string,
which was exposed to the north, was covered. The spiculae
were of all lengths, from an inch downward, and about the
thickness of a knitting pin. They increased in number and
size, for about two hours after the rising of the sun, and in
about an hour after this began to fall like snow on the ground ;
they did not all disappear till two hours after noon. (Dr.
Belknap.)

172 NOTABLE EVENTS IN THE L1784
Dec. 9. — The town voted to accept the plan of government
for the State as proposed by the Convention, being of opinion
that "it was as perfect as the present state of affairs would
admit." 1783
March 31. — The town voted that the present form of govern
ment be in full force till a better plan is established.
May 26. — The town voted to procure a piece of ground for
the purpose of erecting a county (court) house and to raise two
hundred dollars towards building the same.
Oct. 13. — The town voted unanimously to adhere to the former
vote respecting a plan of government for the State without the
alterations proposed in the late address of the Convention;
(referring to the Convention held for the purpose of forming a
Constitution.) Oct. 31. — The new State Constitution was finished this day.
1784
March 29. — The first election of State Officers by the people
took place this year, and at a legal meeting held at Dover this
29th day of March the Hon. Meshech Weare received 155 votes
for President, General Sullivan n, and Wiseman Clagett 2.
June 2. — The new Constitution went into operation this day,
and Meshech Weare was duly inaugurated as President of the
State, having been found elected to that office by the people at
the State election in March.
The chief magistrate was styled "President" from 178410
x793. when the term "Governor" was substituted under the
amended Constitution of that year.
Dr. Belknap, this year, made a journey to the White Moun
tains, leaving Dover July 20th and returning on the 31st, in
company with Rev. Mr. Little of Wells, Mr. Cutler of Ipswich,
Dr. Fisher of Beverly, and Mr. Heard of Ipswich. The journey
was made on horseback, and the diary which he kept has been
published, the original being among the Belknap papers in the
Mass. Historical Society.
The number of soldiers lost by the war of the Revolution
rom Dover is stated by Dr. Belknap to have been 29. Having
taken much pains to collect the returns from the several towns,
he found that the loss from 27 towns in different parts of the

1785] HISTORY OF DOVER, N. H. 173
State amounted to 377. From this he estimated that the num
ber lost from the whole State amounted to 1362, and if a farther
allowance was made for the sailors, &c. the number would reach
1400. Deaths this year, 24. " Abroad in war " from 1777, 21.
i7»5
March 28. — At the annual town meeting the vote for Presi
dent of the State was for George Atkinson 124, John Sullivan
36, John Langdon 7. Party distinctions were not very clearly
defined at this time, but the votes for Atkinson were doubtless
cast by those who subsequently ranked with the Federalists.
The whole vote of the State this year, was 7079. George Atkin
son had 2755, John Langdon 2497, John Sullivan 777, Josiah
Bartlett 720, scattering 330. There being no choice by the
people, John Langdon was chosen by the Senate.
The selectmen were authorized to sell lots on the Landing for
the purpose of promoting and encouraging trade, &c. 100
pounds was raised for the support of schools. John Waldron
chosen representative.
April 3. — Died, Thomas Westbrooke Waldron. He was the
fourth in descent from Major Richard Waldron, and was born
July 26, 1721. He inherited the large landed possessions of his
family in Dover, and was for many years its most important
citizen. He served with distinction as Captain in the Louisburg
expedition under Sir William Pepperell ; was Commissioner at
Albany, Provincial Representative, Councillor, &c. and after
the establishment of the State Government held many town and
county offices.
April 9. — This day a schooner of fifty tons burthen, built at
Garrison Hill, by Capt. Richard Tripe, was hauled and landed
on the ice a few rods below the lower bridge. The snow cover
ing the earth at this time was not less than three feet deep.
October — . — A great freshet, carrying off all the bridges in
the town, and covering the Landing with water.
October 31. — The town voted to build a bridge, this fall if
possible, below Waldron's falls, where the lower bridge formerly
stood. Deaths this year, 33.

174 NOTABLE EVENTS IN THE [1787
1786
March 26.— The vote for President of the State was for Major
General Sullivan 228; all others 12. The whole vote of the
State this year was 8567, of which John Sullivan, who was
elected, received 4309, John Langdon 3600, scattering 658.
John Waldron chosen representative.
Dr. Ezra Green and others petitioned the town to appropriate
some of the money which the Landing lots were sold for to the
purchase of a bell, inasmuch as Dover was the only shire town
in the county and was in much need of a bell for its own accom
modation and for that of the court when in session. The town
voted in the negative.
Sept. n. — The pastoral relation of Dr. Jeremy Belknap with
the First Church ended.
Oct. 26. — At a town meeting held for the purpose of taking
the minds of the people on the plan for emitting a paper cur
rency agreeably to the requisition of the General Court, 17
voted for accepting the plan as sent out, 2 for not having any
paper currency, and 1 for having 100,000 pounds emitted to
redeem public securities at twenty shillings on the pound and
said money to pass in all payments.
Deaths this year to September, 8.
1787
Jan. 10. — Died, John Wentworth, jr., the first lawyer in Dover
and an eminent and useful citizen. He was born July 14, 1745,
graduated at Harvard College 1768, was a member of the
House of Representatives and of the Committee of Safety, and
a member of the Continental Congress in 1778-1780.
Feb. 28. — Rev. Robert Gray settled as the successor of Rev.
Jeremy Belknap. Mr. Gray was a native of Andover, Mass.
where he was born in 1761, and after serving in the war of the
Revolution, graduated at Harvard College in 1786. His con
nection with the Parish was regularly dissolved May 20, 1805.
He was never resettled in the ministry and died at Wolfborougli
in 1822.
March 26.— The vote for President of the State was for John
Sullivan 243, John Langdon 1. The whole vote of the State
was for Sullivan 4642, Langdon 4034, Josiah Bartlett 628,
Samuel Livermore 608. There being no choice by the people,
John Sullivan was elected by the Senate.

1788] HISTORY OF DOVER, N. H. 175
1788
Jan. 7. — Dr. Ezra Green was elected to meet the Convention
to be held at Exeter Feb. 2, to consider the proceedings of the
Federal Convention for forming a Constitution.
March 31. — At the annual town meeting John Sullivan re
ceived 178 votes for President of the State, John Langdon 14.
The vote of the State this year was for John Langdon 4421,
John Sullivan 3366, scattering 1053;. whole vote 8840, neces
sary for a choice 4419. Langdon, having two majority, was
elected. John Waldron was chosen Representative.
It was voted to grant a lot of land for the erection of a hay
market. June 3. — Elisha Thomas was executed in Dover for the mur
der of Capt. Peter Drown at New Durham, in the preceding
February. This being the first execution in the county of
Strafford, a large concourse of people were present from Dover
and all the neighboring towns to witness it. The scaffold was
erected near the foot of the hill leading from Central street to
the river, on ground now enclosed in the yard of the Cochecho
Print Works.
It is recorded of the execution that : —
The very peculiar circumstances of this unhappy man's fate induced
a vast concourse of spectators to attend his execution. He appeared to
be much affected with his situation, and employed the few moments then
allotted to him, in exercises, but did not address the spectators. Indeed,
the melancholy catastrophe, which his rash conduct had occasioned,
operated so powerfully upon his senses, that it was with difficulty he
supported himself to the fatal moment, which was to cut the thread of
his existence, had arrived. The Sheriff treated the criminal with a
degree of tenderness and humanity which did him honor ; nor did he
hurry him out of the world, but let him live till the last moment ;
which having arrived, after shaking hands with the sheriff, he was
launched into eternity. (N. H. Gazette.)
The murder for which Thomas was executed took place in
the tavern of Mr. Randall in New Durham, where Thomas got
into an altercation with another man, and Capt. Drown, in
endeavoring to separate them, was stabbed with a knife by
Thomas and died in a few hours. Thomas left at home a wife
and six children. Some days after he was committed to jail his
wife, taking her youngest child to one of the neighbors, set out
for Dover to see her husband. In the night, the other five chil
dren being in bed, the house caught fire and was burnt, and

176 NOTABLE EVENTS IN THE t1788
four of the children were burnt with it, the oldest only escap
ing. While in jail, and a few days before his execution,
Thomas attempted to escape, having removed his chains and
penetrated the chimney almost sufficient to pass through, before
he relinquished his design. During his imprisonment, he was
allowed on Sundays the privilege of attending church, being
guarded by the Sheriff and his posse to the meeting house which
stood on the site of the present edifice at the ' ' corner. ' ' The jail
at that time was on what was long known as "jail hill," the
ground later occupied by the house of Daniel Niles.
July  —There was great rejoicing all over the country at
this time in consequence of the ratification of the Federal Con
stitution by the requisite number of States to enable it to go
into effect. New Hampshire was the ninth State which gave
its assent — the number required to secure its adoption. The
Constitution was ratified by the State Convention at Concord,
June 21, and expresses were immediately sent off to carry the
news to the country.
The New Hampshire Gazette, at Portsmouth of July i, gives
the following account of the celebration in Dover ' ' in conse
quence of having the most Important Pillar in the Federal Edi
fice Erected in New Hampshire."
In the afternoon of Tuesday last, a number of gentlemen of that town
assembled, and being embodied, nine cannon were discharged, at the
distance of nine minutes from each other — the nine States of the Union
were given as toasts, one immediately preceding each cannon, in the
order they adopted the Constitution, and were succeeded by nine cheers.
The corps of Light Horse, and a company of foot were joined. The
member of the Convention from Dover, was then waited on, and a toast
was given as a testament of thanks, for his services and was succeeded
by musick and a. feu de joy from horse and foot,
After passing the town (in procession) animated by the approving
smiles of the ladies present — a semicircle was formed near the meeting
house, where nine cannon were again discharged, and nine toasts were
publicly given.
After repeated cheers and expressions of unaffected joy, the company
received an invitation to the Hall Chamber — where nine flowing bowles,
and four empty stood prepared for their reception, and nine social Songs
were sung, which closed the evening in harmony.
(The "four empty bowles" were of course' symbolic of the
four States whicli at that time had not ratified the Constitution.)
As an illustration of the spirit of the times it is stated that
in the neighboring town of Berwick, a delegate to the Conven
tion having bargained with a trader for the cloth for a suit of

1788] HISTORY OF DOVER, N. H. 177
clothes, to wear on the occasion, being asked his sentiments in
relation to the Constitution, and letting it be known that he
intended to vote against it, was compelled to go without his new
suit, the patriotic trader refusing to let him have it when he
called for it.
Aug. 19. — A violent hurricane destroyed hundreds of acres
of woodland in New Hampshire, unroofed many barns, and did
much other damage.
Sept. 13. — The vote of Dover for Presidential Electors, for
choosing the first President under the Constitution, is thus
recorded : For John Sullivan 30 votes, John Parker 38, John
Pickering 27, Judge Dudley 20, Gen. Bartlett 17, Col. Dame 10,
Col. Toppan 10, Paine Wingate 2, Gen. Cilley 2, Daniel Rindge
1, Dr. Cutter 1.
The whole number of votes cast in the State was 20142. No
person having the requisite number for a choice, the Legislature,
Jan. 7, 1789, made choice of Benj. Bellows, John Pickering,
Ebenezer Thompson, John Sullivan and John Parker, they
having the largest number of votes. They cast their votes for
George Washington and John Adams, the first President and
Vice President.
The selectmen were authorized to sell as many of the town's
lots on the Landing as would be sufficient for the purchase of a
Bell, and no more.
Nov. 4. — The Congregational Society in Dover, New Hamp
shire, have lately received for the use of their meeting house,
and of the town, an elegant bell of considerable size. The
Society of Friends, in that town, propose furnishing a clock at
their expense. {Salem paper)
This story about the " Friends " and the clock was doubtless
intended for a joke upon them, or it was perhaps a sly hit of
their own upon the " world's people," who had been spending
the town's money upon such a useless article as a bell. So far
from purchasing a clock, the Friends in Dover, who at that
time constituted perhaps nearly one half of the population, then,
as in subsequent years, needed neither clock or bell as a remin
der for them to assemble, on the Sabbath, or at any other time,
at their place of worship. They accordingly objected to being
taxed for the purpose of buying bells for the "steeple houses "
of other denominations. But they were out-voted in town
meeting_Church and State — the Parish and tbe Town — being
then one and indivisible. Like peaceable folks they submitted,

178 NOTABLE EVENTS IN THE [1789
though doubtless with some strong remonstrance ; for the town,
to reconcile them to the purchase, and perhaps with some con
sciousness that it was their due, voted to pay them a certain
sum annually for the use of their Society as an equivalent for
what they were required to pay towards the bell. This subsidy,
however, did not continue many years — the vote was either
repealed or conveniently forgotten — and the music of the bell
was thereafter free to all, as it had been paid for by all, if it
was not regarded by all as " its own exceeding great reward."
The truth of history perhaps requires that it should be added
that the bell thus obtained did not prosper. A few years after
(1796) through some flaw in its manufacture or hard usage in
ringing it for fires, on the 4th of July, or other occasions, it
became cracked, was taken down and recast into its successor,
which has since done duty on the First Congregational meeting
house, and which from the long service to which it has been
subjected may be regarded as tolerably safe from any similar
accident. Dec. 17. — John Burnham Hanson, a citizen of prominence,
holding the offices of town clerk, county treasurer, &c. was
found dead in the river, supposed to have drowned himself in a
fit of temporary insanity.
Dec. 18. — On the petition of a large number of the Society
of Friends to have the vote for purchasing a Bell reconsidered,
the town voted not to reconsider — yeas no, noes 120.
1789
March 30. — Vote for President of the State, John Pickering
138, John Sullivan 107. Parties this year began to assume the
distinction of Federal and Republican. There was no choice of
President by the people. John Sullivan, who was supported by
the republicans, had 3657 votes, John Pickering, who was the
federal candidate, 3488, Josiah Bartlett 968, Joshua Wentworth
89, scattering 332. John Sullivan was elected by the Senate.
The Committee appointed by the Court of Sessions to report
a plan for a Court House, reported that the House be erected
near where the Pound stood ; that a grant be made to the town
of $300, for that purpose, the Town to finish the same by the
time of the setting of the Court in November next.
April 6.— The old Court House, at the Corner, was erected
this year, the court previously having held its sessions in the
meeting house. The County granted $300 for the purpose.

!790] HISTORY OF DOVER, N. H. 179
The town gave the land and voted to sell so much of the com
mon Landing as would be sufficient to complete the building in
addition to what was subscribed by individuals and granted by
the county. Richard Tripe was the contractor for building.
When the Court House was completed, some difficulty occurred
in effecting a settlement, Capt. Tripe having charged for some
work not contained in the specifications and which the Town
declined to pay for. He brought an action against the Town
for the amount claimed, and the Town appointed a Committee
to defend the suit.
Nov. 2. — The town voted to allow the Society of Friends
13000 feet of boards for their proportion of the money paid for
the purchase of a bell, as soon as the same could be collected
from the persons who bought the lots.
Nov. 23. — The selectmen with Col. Amos Cogswell, Mr.
Charles Chapham and Mr. Stephen Sawyer were a committee
to settle with Mr. R. Tripe including what he has done more
than was required by the Court.

1790
Jan. 18. — Voted "That if Mr. Tripe has any proposals of
accommodation to make to the Town respecting the action he
has now brot against said Town that the Committee be impow-
ered to hear the same and lay it before the meeting at their
adjustment." Feb. 9. — Voted not to receive Tripe's proposals.
March 29. — At the annual town meeting the vote for Presi
dent of the State was for John Pickering 126, Joshua Went
worth 85, Josiah Bartlett 2. There was again no choice of
President by the people, John Pickering who was again run by
the federalists, had 3189 votes, Joshua Wentworth, republican,
2389, Josiah Bartlett, republican, 1676, scattering 528. Josiah
Bartlett was elected by the Senate.
April 26. — A committee was appointed to see if the terms on
which the mill privileges at the falls had been granted to
Richard Waldron in 1653, viz : the'payment yearly of 12 pounds
in boards or plank so long as the same were occupied, had been
complied with, and if not why not. The committee were
directed to search the Salem Records for evidence of the con
tract, who subsequently reported through Dr. Ezra Green, that
nothing could be found there about it.

180 NOTABLE EVENTS IN THE [1792
July 12. — The first newspaper published in the town, entitled
" The Political and Sentimental Repository or Strafford Regis
ter," appeared this day.
Aug. 30. — Voted to build a Pound near the Gravel Pit at the
foot of Pine Hill. Afterwards reconsidered and erected on
Pine Hill back of Anthony Hanson's house.
The following "marriage in high life" appeared in "The
Political and Sentimental Repository or Strafford Register,"
under date of December 9, 1790 :
Married in this town, by the Rev. Mr. Gray, on Sunday morning last,
Mr. David Boardman to the agreeable & accomplished Miss Nabby
Waldron, youngest daughter of the late Thomas Westbrook Waldron,
Esq. Where friendship full exerts her softest power,
Perfect esteem enlivened by desire
Ineffable, & sympathy of soul :
Thought meeting thought, & will promoting will,
With boundless confidence : For nought but love
Can answer love, & render bliss secure.
Dec. 13. — A committee was appointed to remonstrate against
the division of the County of Strafford, by the setting off of
Dover, Durham, Lee, Madbury and Somersworth to the County
of Rockingham, a plan which was agitated at this time.
1791
March 28. — Vote for President of State Josiah Bartlett 159,
scattering 7. There was no opposition to Bartlett's election
this year. He received all the votes cast (8699) but 288, which
were counted as scattering.
July 4. — Independence was celebrated this day and an oration
delivered by Wm. King Atkinson, which was afterwards printed
by E. Ladd. 1792
Jan. 14. — The printing office of Eliphalet Ladd, situated at
the Corner was burnt, which caused for a short time the sus
pension of his paper. In less than a month however it reappeared
with the title of "The Phoenix." The number for Feb. 14,
which is apparently not the first of the new issue, and two or
three succeeding numbers, contained communications reflecting
upon citizens for delinquency in not assisting in extinguishing
the flames, until in the paper of Feb. 29, the editor says:

1792] HISTORY OF DOVER, N. H. 181
"Several pieces are received respecting the fire, but as there
has been too much already published concerning that accident,
we forbear troubling our readers with any more on the subject,
— as it has become too personal and abusive to be admitted."
March 26. — Vote for President, Josiah Bartlett 138. Whole
vote of the State 8389, of which Bartlett received 8092.
May 7. — At a town meeting held at the Court House to take
into consideration the Constitution of the State with the amend
ments thereto, it is recorded that " the town voted against the
larger part of said amendments."
June.— The State Legislature held its first and last session in
Dover this year. The Phoenix of June 7 says : ' ' Yesterday
tbe Hon. General Court of this State assembled in this town,
when John S. Sherburne, Esq. was chosen Speaker of the
House of Representatives — and they proceeded to business.
This day at 11 o'clock they repaired to the Meeting house where
the Rev. Mr. Morrison of Londonderry delivered an ingenious,
spirited and animating discourse from Romans, chap. 13,
ver. 3," &c.
The Legislature sat in the Court House, then just built.
The number of members was about 100. Josiah Bartlett
Governor. Among the amusements of the day The Phoenix advertises
the following :
Theatre — At the Theatre in Dover, on Friday evening the 8th inst.
will be presented an Opera, called the Beggar's Opera. To which will
be added Garrick's Satyrical Farce called Lethe or Aesop in the Shades.
Tickets is 6 may be had at this office.
The Legislature continued in session until June 22, when " in
the afternoon his Excellency left this town on his way to his
seat at Kingston."
ju]y 5. — " u/e are informed from good authority that a canal
is to be dug from Winnepissiokee pond to unite the waters with
Cochecho river — and that a subscription is filling for that
purpose — and we hear that a gentleman of Property in Ports
mouth has offered 500 pounds towards the undertaking — and
considering the rage for Canal cutting — it will be accomplished
with ease — as 'tis said, that the water in the pond at the time
of the great freshet, a few years since, overflowed, and found
their way into Cochecho river. ' '
A correspondent of the Phoenix, in the issue of July 19, offers
to " communicate " the waters of the pond and the Cochecho

182 NOTABLE EVENTS IN THE [1792
for one hundred dollars, though he says ' ' to make it navigable
for rafts of lumber, &c. from Merrymeeting river to Norway-
plain in Rochester, it will undoubtedly cost several thousands."
Aug. 15. — There has been as great a drought in this part of
the country for this three weeks past, as was ever known in this
county, there not having been any rain of consequence these
four weeks, till last Sunday evening, when we had a very severe
shower attended with as heavy thunder and sharp lightning as
has been known here these several years ; it broke in a number
of places in this town, but we have not as yet heard of its doing
any damage. The corn in dry places, we apprehend, is too far
gone to be recovered by the refreshing shower. {Phoenix)
Aug. 22 — Last Monday afternoon several countrymen were
running horses in the centre of this town, when Mr. Joseph
Burnham running into the street one of the horses ran him
down, threw his rider, and went down over the hill. Mr. Burn-
ham was taken up to all appearance dead, but by the exertions
of the citizens and doctors of the town, by rubbing, bathing,
&c. he was in some measure recovered, his shoulder was put
out, and his left ear nearly torn from his head — he was other
wise very much hurt, but we hope not mortally. The rider
received no damage, and we hope this accident may prove a
warning, and prevent in future the bad practice of running
horses in this town. (Phoenix.)
The following is the first notice which we have of a regular
post for the conveyance of letters, &c. No post office had yet
been established in the town :
The subscriber having undertaken to ride post from the Printing-
office in Dover through Rochester, Wakefield, Wolfborough, Middle-
town, New Durham, the Gore to Gilmantown, and to return through
Barnstead, Barrington, Northwood, Lee, Durham to Dover — Would
inform the public that he will supply them with the Dover Newspaper,
at 8s per year in produce or 6s. 8d. in cash. Those gentlemen who may
think fit to employ him on any private business, may depend on his
exertions, his punctuality and fidelity — (being under bonds, with suffi
cient sureties for the faithful performance of the undertaking) — and he
proposes to go to Portsmouth should sufficient encouragement offer —
the above rout will be performed weekly (extraordinaries excepted) —
and those gentlemen who live on the road, who think fit to take the
papers, he shall leave their papers weekly at their houses and he hopes
by this means to give general satisfaction — as they will receive the
freshest intelligence directly from the press.

1793] HISTORY OF DOVER, N. H. 183
He will leave the Printing Office in Dover every Wednesday morning
at 8 o'clock, and as soon as possible will inform the public of his several
stages and the times and places, where he may be found on the rout.
All letters and papers will be conveyed at the rate established by
Congress. Josiah Paine.
Dover, Aug. 29, 1792.
Sept. 12. — It is a fact that the lightning during the past sum
mer has struck as much as fifteen times within a mile and a
half of this office. {Phoenix)
Sept. 26. — Died in this town Mrs. Stacpole aged 101.
On Saturday morning last about 2 o'clock this Printing Office
was again threatened with fire, a Blacksmith Shop belonging to
Mr. Samuel Estes, nearly opposite the office, was discovered in
flames and entirely consumed. {Phoenix)
Nov. — The following persons were chosen Electors of Presi
dent & Vice President, whose votes were again cast for Wash
ington and Adams : Josiah Bartlett, John Taylor Gilman,
Jonathan Freeman, John Pickering, Ebenezer Thompson,
Benja. Bellows. Whole vote of the State 25564.
The vote of Dover was as follows : 43 for each of the candi
dates. Dec. 26. — The rage for Bridge building has increased to such
an amazing height that we learn it is in contemplation to erect
one from this town over Bloody point ferry to Newington — and
that lots are now selling to build a city on the beautiful peninsula
leading to the ferry. {Phoenix) 1793
Jan. 26. — "On Thursday last the gentlemen of this town met
at Capt. Shannon's tavern, and celebrated the complete estab
lishment of the Liberty of the French Nation, when after an
elegant entertainment patriotic toasts were given." &c.
March 4. — Vote for Governor, Josiah Bartlett 187, John
Langdon 12, scattering 6. President Bartlett was this year
elected the first Governor under the amended Constitution,
receiving 7388 votes. John Langdon had 1306, John Taylor
Gilman 708, Timothy Walker, 382, scattering 70. Whole vote
9854- March 23. — " Died in this town Mr. Benjamin Deane in the
31st year of his age — an useful and active citizen. During the
late revolution, he was captured, while in the service of his
country, and was confined in Forton prison for the space of

184 NOTABLE EVENTS IN THE [1793
eighteen months: during which he four times with others
effected his escape from the prison, by digging beneath the
walls, but unfortunately was retaken before he could get with
out the realms of despotism. He has left a wife and two small
children to bemoan his loss.
While man is growing, Life is in decrease,
And Cradles rock us nearer to the Tomb.
Our Birth is nothing but our Death begun,
As Tapers waste the instant they take Fire.
July 2. — No Post Office being established in Dover at this
time letters were held for delivery at the Portsmouth office, and
those not called for within the prescribed time were advertised
in the Portsmouth papers. The Portsmouth Oracle in its adver
tised list of this date, has the following for Dover people :
EHphalet Ladd, Freeman Perry, Edward Thomas.
July 6. — " The Fourth of July was celebrated in this town
by the inhabitants with their usual vivacity. The day was
ushered in by the ringing of bells and discharge of cannon.
The morn appeared for a short time overspread with clouds and
darkness, truly like the morn of '76, but it was but momentary.
We soon saw the clouds and darkness disperse and beheld the
bright sun of Independence beaming its rays upon us in all the
splendor of meridian day," &c.
Aug. 5. — Last Wednesday evening, at 8 o'clock a fiery Meteor
of uncommon size was seen in this and neighboring places.
Its apparent diameter when first observed was small but in
creased until it appeared larger than the sun. {Newspaper of
the day)
Aug. 13. — Died, Mrs. Elisa Mellen, aged 21, the amiable
consort of Henry Mellen, Esq.
The petition of Samuel Wentworth, collector of taxes, repre
sented that from motives which originated partly in his own
private interests and partly from his attachment to the town,
he was induced to undertake the labor of collecting the town
taxes " at a lay" that was more favorable to the town than
was ever before known, in fact that he paid the town a small
consideration for the office, but that finding great difficulty
and trouble and having spent a great deal of time in the work,
and being called upon by the selectmen for money which he
had been unable to collect, he prayed that the town would
make him such allowance as their great wisdom should deem
just. The town voted to pay him 9 pounds.

1794] HISTORY OF DOVER, N. H. 185
The town voted to sell six lots on the Landing ; the money
arising therefrom to be paid into the treasury. Also, to build a
bridge over Back river, near Libbey's, agreeably to the report
of a committee, the common laborers to have 3 shillings a day,
and the committee the same, they finding themselves.
Aug. 26. — Theophilus Dame, Sheriff, gives notice that "the
noted Henry Tufts broke out of goal on the night of the 25th."
He was " confined for his old offence, that is, left," (sic) and is
described as " about six feet high, and forty years of age, wears
his own hair, short and dark coloured, had on along blue coat."
Five dollars reward is offered for his arrest.
Tufts, who was a native of Lee or that vicinity, was the most
noted vagabond of his day, and spent much of his time in Dover
and other jails for the petty offences of which he was guilty.
A history of his life and misdeeds was published about the year
1800 from the Dover printing office, written by Major Thomas
Tash of New Durham, from Tufts dictation. Tufts lived
many years after this time, and died in Maine about the year
1825 under an assumed name.
Oct. 15. — Many people are now complaining of a distemper
arising from an uncommon cold, the effects of which visibly
proclaim it a species of the influenza, though in operation not
so severe, nor lasting. {Newspaper of the day.)
1794
March 3. — Vote for Governor, Ebenezer Thompson 133, John
Taylor Gilman 69, scattering 3. John Taylor Gilman was
elected Governor, receiving 7629 votes, and there were 2841
votes cast for various other candidates. He was subsequently
chosen for ten successive years, for the most part with little
opposition. The spring of this year was very early ; apple trees were in
blossom April 23. The "great frost " occured the night of the
17th of May, the apples which were as large as pistol balls and
the rye and flax, which were headed were all killed. The can
ker worms were also killed. {Chase's Diary.)
Piscataqua Bridge, leading from Durham to Newington, and
connecting Dover with Portsmouth, was built this year. It
was begun in April and finished in December.

186 NOTABLE EVENTS IN THE [1796
1795
March2.— Vote for Governor, John T. Gilman 186, scattering7.
The selectmen were empowered to send the bell on the meeting
house to Europe to the foundry where it was cast, to get it cast
over again. It was also voted not to build a work house for
the employ of the town's poor.
On the petition of Walter Cooper to have the town "account
able for the future maintenance of a poor negro woman now in
his family," the town voted that it would not be accountable.
The summer of this year was remarkably wet. Throughout
ten weeks, from the middle of June it rained more or less more
than half of the days. (Chase's Diary)
1796
March 28. — Vote for Governor, John T. Gilman 177, scatter
ing 3. Voted, to divide the town into Districts and compel
each District to build a school house within six months. If
any District refuses, the selectmen were to build the house at
the expense of the District.
July 18. — The town voted to lay out roads 4 rods wide across
the Landing, and sell the lots at auction.
Aug. 29. — Dr. Ezra Green was appointed agent to dispose of
the town bell and procure a new one of nearly the same magni
tude as the old one, at his discretion. It was afterwards voted
not to release the Society of Friends from paying their propor
tion of the cost of the last bell.
Nov. 7. — The vote of Dover for President this year was 39
for the Electors who subsequently voted for John Adams and
Oliver Ellsworth. Adams and Jefferson being chosen President
and Vice President. The whole vote of the State was but 4374.
The electors chosen were Oliver Peabody, John Taylor Gilman,
Benja. Bellows, Timothy Farrar, Eben Thompson, Timothy
Walker. Dr. Dwight, in his travels through New England, visited
Dover this year, and records the following as his impressions of
the town :
The site of Dover is chiefly a declivity. The buildings are substan
tial and decent, but formed with very little taste or beauty. A small
number of them only are painted: and most of these with a dull dis
agreeable color. There is nothing sprightly in the appearance of the
town, except the activity of its inhabitants. The commerce of Dover
consists chiefly in lumber. The material is daily diminishing, and in a
short time will probably fail. Whether a substitute can be found by the
inhabitants, I am ignorant.

1798] HISTORY OF DOVER, N. H. 187
1797
March 27.— Vote for Governor, John T. Gilman 147 — no
opposition. Aug. 28.— Voted to allow Dr. Jacob Kittredge to open a hos
pital to innoculate for the small pox, and that the selectmen,
with Dr. Ezra Green and William Hale be a committee to locate
the same and order when it should be opened and closed.
Sept. 13. — Voted that the land for a burying place on Pine
Hill be laid out and a plan be returned to the Town Clerk.
Pine Hill had been occupied as a burying ground from the
time, probably, of the erection of the meeting house there in
1713, and in 1731 one and a half acres were by vote of the town,
ordered to be laid out for that purpose. The action of the town
at this time would indicate that the previous order had not been
complied with, or no return thereof had been made.

1798
March — Vote for Governor, John Taylor Gilman 177, no
opposition. The following Proclamation, signed by some of the "first
citizens " of Dover, appears in the Sun of April 4:
To whom it may Concern. — Know ye that we the undersigned, being
duly appointed to the care of all the Hogs of the ancient and honorable
town of Dover, going contrary to the Laws of the Land, for the current
year, deeply penetrated with a sense of the importance and extensive-
ness of our office and thinking we may say without vanity that no men
are better qualified therefor than ourselves (as some of us have hereto
fore sustained the same office and had the honorable testimony of the
approbation of our constituents, by being dismissed for being overzeal ous
in the performance of our duty.)
We shall therefore immediately after the publication hereof, on our
part according to rules of true bienseance pay our respects to all the
multitude of swine thus committed to our care, and if on theirs we do not
find their necks properly decorated with a certain piece of machinery vul
garly called a Yoke, somewhat larger than a modenTpudding, that is to
say, equal to the swine's neck above the neck, half as much below, with
the bottom thereof three times as long as the thickness of the neck,
together with a ring in the Nose ; for this offence against the rules of
Decorum, we shall not spit at them, nor challenge to private duel, but we
shall (even if a majority of us shall agree to it) positively expel. We
shall join in grand alliance with their old and arch enemys the Jews,
and shall prosecute and persecute them without discrimination of age or
character.

188 NOTABLE EVENTS IN THE [1798
Given under our hand in Town Meeting, this 27th day of March, 1798.
Amos Cogswell,
Henry Mellen,
Wm. K. Atkinson, f In behalf of the
Thos. Footman, \
John Remich, ( Hogreeves.
Sam'l. Wentworth,
Sam'l. Bragg, Jr.
N. B. — As an encouragement to the owners to pay the small fees
attached to our office, with promptitude and alacrity we inform, that we
have it in contemplation to appropriate the net proceeds, to the purchase
of an ENGINE.
April 11. — The body of Mr. Peter Man, who had been missing
almost eight weeks, was found in the pasture of Mr. Ezra
Young. It appears that he was disordered when he left his
home, and having wandered about one mile and a half through a
very deep snow, it is supposed that he was taken in a fit and
expired. May 30. — The following address from the President of the
United States appears in the Sun newspaper :
To the Inhabitants of Dover in the State of New Hampshire :
Gentlemen: — I thank you for your Address to the President and Con
gress, which has been presented to me by your Senator in Congress, Mr.
Livermore.* The present alarms do indeed presage events of the highest import
ance, not only to the wealth, dignity, and glory, of the nation, but to the
existence of the American name — the machinations of force and fraud
have been so long practiced upon the United States, that they must be
dead, to every sense of honor, and feeling of resentment, against insult
or injury, and every prudent precaution of self preservation, if they are
not, at length aroused, to unanimous and manly resistance.
The indignation of the inhabitants of Dover, at the conduct of the
French Republic towards these States, is as natural, as their approbation
of the measures taken to appease its unjust and implacable outrages —
and their exultation in the enjoyment of the rights of Freemen, are
honorable to the government they have instituted and chosen.
Your resolution that while patriotism shall be esteemed a virtue, and
the love of freedom continue to warm the human heart, no nation under
heaven shall rob you of your rights, is in the genuine style of freemen,
and determined Republicans. JOHN ADAMS.
Philadelphia, May 17th, 1798.

' No copy of this address has been preserved on the Town Records.

1800] HISTORY OF DOVER, N. H. 189
June 6. — The Rev. Mr. Gray of Dover delivered before the
Legislature, which sat at Hopkinton, "an ingenious and patri
otic Discourse, which discovered at once the true Patriot and
able Divine." The House voted that 500 copies be printed and
50 presented to Mr. Gray.
July 4. — " That Day ever memorable in the annals of Ameri
can glory, was duly celebrated in Dover. An Oration was pro
nounced by Daniel M. Durell, Esq. in which were united an
elegance of style and that glow of energetic patriotism which is
so highly congenial with the feelings of every one who deserves
the name of an American," &c. (Sun.)
Aug. 27. — At a town meeting for the choice of Representa
tives to Congress, Peleg Sprague received 48 votes, Abiel
Foster 48, William Gordon 47, Jonathan Freeman 38, James
Sheafe 7, Joseph Dennie 4.
Sept. 8. — Mr. Joseph Young went on board a loaded gondola
at the Landing, in order to watch her till high water, but being
tired, he went into the cuddy and there fell asleep till the tide
came up and filled her, by which he was drowned.
Sept. 27. — On Thursday the 27th inst. His Excellency John
T. Gilman reviewed the troops belonging to Col. Fisher's Regi
ment in Dover.
Dec. 3. — Voted, that the roads be broken out and the labor
in doing it be paid for as other labor on the highways.
1799
March 25. — Vote for Governor, John Taylor Gilman 188, no
opposition. On the petition of Joseph Clements and others for liberty to
build a school house on meeting house hill (so called), the town
voted that it had "no objection."
' ' Meeting house hill ' ' was the elevation on Dover Neck
where the second, if not the first, meeting house was built.
1800
Jan. 1. — Intelligence of the death of Washington was pub
lished in the Dover Sun, which was dressed in mourning on the
occasion. Jan. 10.— Died, Colonel Theophilus Dame, aged 73. He was
a Canadian by birth, and had been an officer in the British ser
vice, but became a citizen of Dover about 1768. He was

190 NOTABLE EVENTS IN THE [1800
Sheriff of the County from its formation in 1773 till the time of
his death, and as such had charge of the Jail, and was at all
times a leading citizen.
March 6. — •" Arrived at Portsmouth, schooner Fanny, Capt.
John Riley of Dover, 29 days from Martinique. Feb. 12, was
brought to by a French privateer, called the Hasard from Porto
Rico, who ordered the Fanny's boat to be hoisted out, in which
Capt. Riley and two men went on board the privateer — the
boat soon returned with five Frenchmen, who searched the vessel
and took away property to the value of about 400 dollars, and
left her." {Dover Sun)
March 31. — The votes for Governor, cast this day in Dover,
were for John Taylor Gilman 117, Timothy Walker 109. Joseph
Gage was elected Representative to the General Court. At
this time Barrington and Rochester were both larger than
Dover, each electing two Representatives.
July 4. — " The day was celebrated in a manner worthy the
occasion, and such as reflected great honor upon the citizens.
At 12 o'clock the principal gentlemen of the place convened at
Mrsv Lydia Tebbets' where, after cooling punch and a good
dinner they drank the following toasts," &c. The 12th toast
was as follows :
"The Bright Star of Federalism — At the approaching elec
tion may it conduct the wise men of the west to Quincy, the
American Bethlehem, the residence of our political Savior ' ' —
Three cheers.
Aug. 25. — Voted to lay out and lease a tier of lots on the
Landing for one year, and the proceeds go towards the purchase
of an engine.
The Legislature chose Presidential electors, this year, viz :
Oliver Peabody, John Prentice, Ebenr. Thompson, Timothy
Farrar, Benjamin Bellows and Arthur Livermore, who cast the
vote of the State for John Adams and Charles C. Pinckney —
Thomas Jefferson and Aaron Burr being subsequently elected
by the House of Representatives President and Vice President.

1802] HISTORY OF DOVER, N. H. 191
1801
March 30. — Vote for Governor, John Taylor Gilman 59, Tim
othy Walker 130.
Voted, to divide the centre school district into two districts.
Oct. 27. — Died, Colonel Otis Baker, aged 75. He was a
member of the House of Representatives and of the Committee
of Safety, during the Revolution, and a Justice of the Court of
Common Pleas from 1773 to 1785. 1802
Jan. 1. — John Wheeler appointed Postmaster vice Dr. Ezra
Green resigned.
March 29. — Vote for Governor, John T. Gilman 66, John
Langdon 213. The Republicans or Jeffersonians, this year
brought out John Langdon as their candidate for Governor and
made a vigorous opposition to the election of Gov. Gilman, but
he was chosen by a vote of 10377 to 8753 for Langdon. Dover,
at this time, after giving the federal ticket almost an unani
mous vote for several years, appears to have fallen into the
hands of the Republicans.
Voted, that William Hale, Joseph Smith and Mark Walker
be a committee to examine the Landing and find a suitable
place for building a slaughter house.
April 3. — Notice is given that the Postmaster General has it
in contemplation to convey the mails from Boston to Portland,
passing through Dover, in 24 hours.
April 7. — Died, much lamented, Mr. Joseph Gage, merchant.
The offspring of virtue, the child of humanity, have lost a
friend. The grief of his numerous friends and relations may
be great, but the world will mourn the loss of an " honest man."
{Dover Sun)
Died, at sea, on his passage home from the West Indies,
Captain David Boardman, aged 34. Candor and strict honesty
in his behavior through life entitled him to true respect, and an
affectionate wife and five young children will long feel the loss —
as will his numerous relations. (Dover Sun.)

192 NOTABLE EVENTS IN THE [1804
1803
March 7. — Vote for Governor, John T. Gilman 86, John
Langdon 114. The vote this year was the largest ever cast in
the State, being 21317. Gilman received 12263, Langdon
9011, scattering 43.
The town voted to adopt by-laws against swine running at
large under a penalty of $3.30 for each offence, and also adopted
an act of the General Court in relation to the extinguishing of
fires. Dec. 17. — Notice is given of the organization of the Strafford
Bank, the first established in town. Subscribers to the stock
are notified by Wm. King Atkinson, President, that One hun
dred dollars on each share will become due on the fourth Tues
day of January, and that "one fourth part at least, and as much
more as may be convenient, will be expected in gold and silver,
and the residue in bills of the banks of Massachusetts."
By an act of the Legislature this year the Proprietors of
Piscataqua Bridge were authorized to raise $15000 by lottery
for the purpose of repairing ]the bridge. 10000 tickets were
issued at $5 each. The bridge at that time, it was stated, had
been erected by individual enterprise at an expense of nearly
$70000, and had never netted three per cent interest.
1804
Feb. 8. — A shock of an earthquake about 2 o'clock in the
morning. Uncommon quantity of snow for the season.
Feb. 25. — William Hurd and John Jones, for passing coun
terfeit ten dollar bills of the New Hampshire Bank, were sen
tenced by the Supreme Judicial Court, held in Dover, "to sit
one hour in the pillory, pay a fine of $200 each, and costs of
prosecution, and to stand committed until sentence be per
formed." March 13. — Vote for Governor, John T. Gilman 86, John
Langdon 160. Whole vote of the State, Gilman 12246, Lang
don 12009, scattering 27.
A committee of eleven, including the selectmen, was ap
pointed to examine the several school districts and agree with
the inhabitants how and where to build school houses.
Aug. 27. — A committee was appointed to agree with some
man or men to run out the town and make a plan of the same.

1805] HISTORY OF DOVER, N. H. 193
Oct. 9. — A most violent and destructive storm occurred, occa
sioning the loss of many vessels and lives on the coast. The
weather was so cold that farmers lost large quantities of pota
toes by being frozen in the ground. The snow was greatly
drifted and much of it remained by the side of fences until
April 1805.
Nov. 5. — Vote for Presidential Electors in Dover this year,
in favor of Thomas Jefferson 75, opposition 140. The State
was carried by the Republicans. Whole vote 17452- Requisite
for choice 8727. John Goddard, Levi Bartlett, Jonathan Steele,
Robert Alcock, Timothy Walker, George Aldrich and William
Tarlton were chosen by votes varying from 8995 to 9088. They
cast the vote of the State for Thomas Jefferson and George
Clinton, who were subsequently elected President and Vice
President. 1805
March 12. — Vote for Governor, John T. Gilman 109, John
Langdon 202. After a sharp contest, and with the largest vote
ever cast in the State, the Republicans succeeded in unseating
Gilman and electing Langdon Governor. The whole vote was
28443. Langdon received 16097, Gilman 12287, and there were
59 scattering.
April 6. — The following notice appeared in the Dover Sun :
important discovery. — A number of men digging up the earth, in
this town, for the purpose of making an aqueduct through Mr. Daniel
Waldron's land, discovered a vein of dark brown sand running from
east to west, much impregnated with Quick-silver of the best quality.
Upon close inspection globules of this metal were found dispersed
through this vein from the size of the smallest grain of sand to that of a
duck shot — which leaves no room for doubt, but upon further attention,
larger quantities may be discovered, and prove beneficial to the owner of
the land.
May 17. — The Dover Turnpike road from Dover to South
Berwick was opened this year. In the Sun, of this date, John
Wheeler, Treasurer, gives notice to stockholders that the
Directors have ordered the fourth assessment to be paid, and
Stephen Sawyer advertises for "30 or 40 stout able bodied
young men" to work on the road.

194 NOTABLE EVENTS IN THE [1806
July 4. — The day was noticed with "uncommon festivity."
' ' Its early dawn was liberally saluted by Capt. Henderson's
company of Artillerists, which performed the occasional evolu
tions with great spirit and precision." At 11 o'clock the com
pany collected at Mr. Ela's tavern " where the parched throat
was agreeably slacked with cooling punch." An elegant
dinner was prepared in " Union Hall upon the hill opposite the
great falls. ' ' 1806
March 4. — A new line of stages for the accommodation and
convenience of passengers who wish to travel between Boston
and Portland, the upper road, was established at this time. It
left Boston & Portland, Mondays, Wednesdays & Fridays at 6
o'clock a.m., met at Richardson's tavern in Durham the same
evening, exchanged passengers, and returned next day.
' ' Those persons who put their names down first for a passage,
before the stage starts, will have the preference, and no more
than nine passengers will be taken." Nathl. W. Ela, Dover,
was one of the ten proprietors issuing the notice.
March 11. — Vote for Governor, John Langdon 199, John T.
Gilman 1, Michael Read, Esq. 9. The federal party made but
feeble opposition to the election of Langdon this year as is
indicated by the vote of Dover. The whole vote was 20573, °f
which Langdon received 15277. Of the remainder Timothy
Farrar had 1720, John T. Gilman 1553, Jeremiah Smith 902,
Oliver Peabody 866, scattering 255.
Voted, to give a premium of ten cents to any person killing
a crow within the limits of the town the present year.
Oct. 11. — The wife of Mr. Roberts of Dover, N. H. was
lately delivered of three beautiful & perfect boys, each weigh
ing 7 pounds : who with their prolific mother are all in perfect
health. {Oracle)
Nov. 1. — On Wednesday last, at the request of the Church
of Christ in Dover, an Ecclesiastical Council convened in that
place for the purpose of ordaining Mr. Martin L. Herlbut, their
Pastor elect.

1808] HISTORY OF DOVER, N. H. 195
Though the council were fully satisfied with the quality of the candi
date, literary, moral & ministerial, though they approved the ardor and
engagedness manifested by his friends in endeavoring to obtain his set
tlement with them : yet, such was the determined spirit of remonstrance
that was presented, such the number of names affixed, and so solemn the
protestations of its supporters, that it was their wish to have a settled
minister among them, if they could be gratified in the man, that it was
thought expedient by the council not to proceed to ordination, but to
give those who professed themselves dissatisfied an opportunity to show
the sincerity of their zeal in endeavoring to obtain a candidate. And
we fervently pray that one may be obtained whom God will honor as an
instrument of softening the prejudices that seem to exist, and enkindling
the dying embers of social and religious affection in that respectable
village whose present state in a social and religious view, excites painful
and anxious apprehensions in the breasts of all who are the friends of
piety, peace & order ! (Portsmouth Oracle, Nov. 15, 1806.)
1807
March 10. — Vote for Governor, John Langdon 180, no opposi
tion. Vote of the State 16861, of which Langdon received
13912, scattering 2949.
July 15. — Died, Dr. Jacob Kittredge, aged 76 years — an old
and much esteemed physician.
Aug. 19. — Mr. Watson, while unloading a gundalo in the
evening, accidentally fell overboard and was drowned.
Oct. 8. — A comet which attracted much attention was seen
about this time. 1808
March 8. — Vote for Governor, John Langdon 133; no oppo
sition. The selectmen were " empowered to point out a lot of
land suitable for a gun and engine house where they may think
the most proper." They selected a lot near the Court House
which after much opposition from adjoining property holders
was finally occupied for the engine.
June 26. — At 20 minutes past 2 o'clock in the morning the
shock of an earthquake was sensibly felt. Its duration from 1
io ij4 minutes.
July 4. — " On this day the Federalists of this town celebrated
the anniversary of the day on which America became inde
pendent in the true spirit of Freemen. The day was ushered
in by the discharge of cannon and ringing of the bells. At
10 o'clock, A.M. a procession was formed at Mrs. Tebbetts' by
Ezra Green, Esq. the Marshal of the day ; consisting of about
sixty gentlemen of this and the neighboring towns who (pre-
ceeded by a number of gentlemen musicians of this town who

196 NOTABLE EVENTS IN THE [1808
generously volunteered their services in promoting the amuse
ments of the day) marched to the Meeting-house. The public
exercises commenced with an appropriate ode, composed for the
occasion by Henry Mellen, Esq. which was sung and played
by a select band of musicians in a style of superior excellence,
after which an interesting, patriotic and elegant oration was
delivered to a brilliant and highly gratified audience by Moses
Hodgdon, Esq. in which the orator forcibly and correctly
traced to their sources the causes of the democratic faction in
our nation, the various measures by which they ascended to
power, and the causes of the present deplorable situation of our
beloved country. The performance being closed by another
ode prepared for the occasion, the company repaired to the
Court House and partook of an elegant dinner which was pro
vided for tbe occasion by Mrs. Lydia Tebbetts, the hall and
table being ingeniously and elegantly decorated, after which the
following toasts were given accompanied by discharge of cannon
and appropriate music and among the rest that much admired
one entitled the " Embargo" was sung by Henry Mellen, Esq.
The utmost harmony prevailed through the day which was
closed in the full expectation of a glorious resurrection of the
cause of truth and federalism."
The following specimen of the toasts drank on the occasion
with one stanza of Mr. Mellen's ode, will suffice : —
The President on the flats — the tide of a "successful experiment"
being out.
J. Q. Adams — When political dancers rigadoon at the top and change
sides— they ought to attend to the tune. "There is no luck."
Dear sirs, it is wrong
To demand a New Song :
I have let all the breath I can spare go ;
With the muse I've conferred,
And she wont say a word,
But keeps laughing about this Embargo.
Nov. 4. — The vote for Presidential Electors was for the Madi
son ticket headed by John Langdon 172 ; for the opposition
headed by Jeremiah Smith 133.
The federal party at this election regained the State. Their
Presidential electors were chosen by votes varying from 13929 to
14006 : the whole vote of the State being 26721, and 13361 being
requisite for a choice. They cast the vote of the State for Charles
C. Pinckney for President and Rufus King Vice President —
James Madison and George Clinton being subsequently elected.

1810] HISTORY OF DOVER, N. H. 197
1809
March 14. — Vote for Governor, John Langdon 173, Jeremiah
Smith 131. The federal party this year brought out Jeremiah
Smith for Governor and elected him. He received in the State
15610 votes, John Langdon 15241, scattering 132.
It was voted to "purchase a lot of land of Capt. Moses Ham
to set the gun house on if he would sell for $30, which he
agreed to do in town meeting." 1810
Jan. 19. — The memorable " Cold Friday " occurred, of which
mention is frequently made by New England historians. The
thermometer ranged all day long from 15 to 20 degrees below
zero while the wind "attained to the proportions of a hurricane.
A family in Sanbornton, whose house was prostrated by the
gale, perished before its members could reach the nearest shel
ter, a half mile away. A stage driver on the route from Boston
to Salem, was found frozen stiff upon his box with the reins in
his hands, when the horses halted before the hotel door in
Lynn. March 13. — Vote" for Governor, John Langdon 176, Jeremiah
Smith 135. The Republicans this year recovered the control
of the State, electing Langdon by a vote of 16325 to 15166 for
Smith, with 84 scattering.
Aug. 27. — Voted that the selectmen be empowered to sell the
uncurrent bank bills now in the town chest to the best advan
tage. Dec. 26. — This Wednesday evening, at q% o'clock, the in
habitants of Dover were alarmed by the cry of fire. It com
menced its destructive progress in a large building owned by
Samuel Bragg, jr. printer, in the bindery on the lower floor,
the upper story of which was occupied by Mr. Bragg as a Print
ing Office and Bookstore, and the remainder of the ground floor
was tenanted by Messrs. Philemon Chandler, shop-keeper, and
Jesse Varney, morocco shoemaker. On the first discovery the
Bindery, which was full of books, and loose paper, appeared
completely enveloped in flames and before means could be pos
sibly taken for alarming the citizens the stair-case leading to
the Printing Office and Bookstore were shrouded in a sheet of
fire. The conflagration from room to room was rapid beyond
conception : and although the inhabitants who were in large

198 NOTABLE EVENTS IN THE [1810
numbers assembled in a few minutes made every exertion in
the power of mortals to arrest the velocity of this devouring
element, the whole building soon exhibited one column of
flame, ascending in awful grandeur to the clouds. The dwelling
house of Samuel Bragg, the elder, standing within a few paces
of the Printing office, after having had the fire frequently extin
guished upon it in various places, at last yielded to the fury of
the raging flames and in a few minutes became a heap of smok
ing ruins. A small dwelling house situated near the south end
of the Printing office, belonging to a Mrs. Marshall, was also
consumed. A large dwelling house, in one end of which was a
store, occupied by Mr. Horace Parmele and family, standing
near, was almost wholly destroyed by attempts to pull it in
pieces in order to save the stores and buildings on the opposite
sides of the streets. Providentially the evening was very calm.
Not a single article was saved from the Printing office and
Bookstore. A few articles from Mr. Chandler's shop, and a few
articles with his account books from Mr. Varney's shoe store,
were rescued. Mr. Parmele's loss was also considerable.
The grateful thanks of all interested are due to the prompt,
judicious and persevering exertions of the citizens and Engine
company in their united endeavors to rescue the property of the
sufferers from destruction and to prevent a more general devasta
tion. The Engine company" of Berwick deserve great praise
for their manly endeavors to afford assistance at this awful
period. Fortunately throughout this scene of consternation and
amazement no life was lost, nor limb broken.
The christian and philanthropist, the wealthy of all denomi
nations, are earnestly besought to afford from their abundance
liberal assistance to these unfortunate sufferers. No claims
can be stronger on the feelings of humanity than those of the
honest and industrious whose hard earnings have been swept to
destruction in a moment by the maddening power of this master
of the elements. {Letter from Dover on the morning after the
fire, to the Portsmouth Oracle.)

1812] HISTORY OF DOVER, N. H. 199
1811
March 12. — Vote for Governor, John Langdon 184, Jeremiah
Smith 106, scattering 2. Another hard contest for the Govern
orship and the Republicans successful, Langdon receiving
x7554> Smith 14477, scattering 65.
It was voted by the town to give a premium of 20 cents for each
full grown crow that may be killed in the town the ensuing year.
Dec. 8. — Died, Mr. Samuel Bragg, jr. editor and printer of
the Dover Sun. "In the death of Mr. Bragg the town of Dover
has experienced a great loss. He was a very industrious and
enterprising man of steady habits and attention to his business.
He had by his assiduity and great diligence acquired a very
handsome property, when about twelve months since, while
absent on a journey, he was in a moment stripped of almost
every dollar by the all-devouring element of fire. This disaster
took such hold of his mind, as, after a while, to produce a de
jection of spirits, and invite a complication of disorders which
has thus early put a period to his mortal existence."
Dr. Dwight, who again visited Dover about this time, says : —
" I found Dover considerably improved since my last visit, and,
what was not a little gratifying to me, furnished with a good
Minister of the Gospel." This was the " pious and judicious
Clary." 1812
March 10. — Vote for Governor, John Taylor Gilman 156,
William Plumer 155, scattering 2. Both parties brought out
new candidates for Governor this year, and the Federalists,
aided by the unpopularity of Madison's administration and the
war which was impending, succeeded in outvoting the Republi
cans, but did not regain the State. John Taylor Gilman, their
candidate, who was again brought forward as their strongest
man, received 156 13 votes, William Plumer, the republican can
didate 15492, and there were 877 scattering. There being no
choice the Legislature, which was republican, elected Plumer.
Sept. 2. — A meeting of sundry persons from almost all the
towns in the county of Strafford was holden in Dover and it was
voted ' ' to call a public meeting of the friends of peace who
disapprove of the present premature, impolitic and unnecessary
war, at Gilmanton, on tbe 7th of Oct. to take into consideration
the present alarming state of our public affairs and to adopt
such prudent legal and constitutional measures as will most
effectually promote the interests, welfare and honor of the

200 NOTABLE EVENTS IN THE [1812
nation. All persons of the foregoing description were requested
punctually to attend." The notice was signed by " Moses
Hodgdon, Secretary for Com. of Arrangements."
The meeting was held at Gilmanton as notified and largely
attended, some 3000 persons being present. Resolutions and
an address in opposition to Madison and the war were adopted,
and candidates for Presidential Electors and Members of Con
gress nominated. Among the latter was Daniel Webster, who,
with the other candidates on the Federal ticket, was subsequently
elected. New Hampshire at this election voted for De Witt
Clinton giving him 8 votes to o for James Madison. The vote
of Dover was 236 for Clinton, 87 for Madison.
Oct. 12. — Military inspection and parade in Dover of the 2d
Regiment, upon the area fronting the Court House, the appear
ance of the soldiers being highly commended in the ' ' Sun ' ' news
paper. " Major Edward Sise appeared equipped capa-pie for the
exercises of the day and proceeded with great dignity and mili
tary precision to dispose his company in battalion array. After
which he moved them to an elevated and spacious field on the
western side of Dry Hill (so called) where he formed them in
line," &c. &c.
Nov. 2. — The vote for Presidential Electors was 232 for the
Clinton ticket and 73 for the Madison ticket. This election
was sharply contested and the vote of the State increased to
34800. The federal party made choice of their electoral ticket
by votes varying from 18839 to 20386. They cast the eight
votes to which the State was then entitled for De Witt Clinton
for President, and for Jared Ingersoll for Vice President 7, and
for Elbridge Gerry 1. Madison and Gerry were subsequently
elected. Dec. 26. — -John Wheeler notified the proprietors of the Dover
Cotton Factory to meet at Mrs. Lydia Tibbetts' dwelling house
on the 19th of Jan. 1813, at 5 o'clock P. M. for the purpose of
organizing under their act of incorporation.
The ' ' Dover Cotton Factory ' ' which was incorporated this
year, with a capital of $50000, was the first attempt at manufac
turing on an extensive scale in the town. As the lower falls
were supposed to be fully occupied with the saw and grist mills
which then stood thereon, the first Factory was built two miles
up the river and was long known as the Upper Factory. Like
most new enterprises it was but moderately successful to its
projectors. John Williams was agent of the corporation.

1813] HISTORY OF DOVER, N. H. 201
1813
March 9. — Vote for Governor, John T. Gilman 184, William
Plumer 164. The vote of the State was Gilman 18107, Plumer
17410, scattering 212.
March 31. — Died, John Waldron, senior, aged about 90, and
onthe 28th his wife Hannah, aged 85; having lived together
in a married state 67 years and 5 months.
April 24. — Daniel L. Currier and Richard Gove inform the
public that they will carry on the Cloth Dressing and Colouring
business at Currier's mills near the Landing, and "for the
accommodation of their customers, at this critical moment,
when money appears to have taken wings, they will gladly
receive in payment for their labor such good things as the Earth
brings forth."
May 3. — The dwelling house of Mr. Woodman Colman burnt.
June 19. — William H. Griffin advertises his Nail Factory at
Waldron's falls, for sale, with all the machinery. This, so far
as appears, was the first Nail Factory established here. The
business was pursued, in a small way, for several years, until
it was superseded by the superior inventions of Jacob Perkins,
by which cut nails were furnished much cheaper.
Same date — A painter residing in a neighboring town, adver
tises for employment in Dover, payment for which may be
" made in wood, lumber or cash as may be most agreeable."
This would seem to indicate that the painting business was still
unrepresented in Dover, as it was seventeen years previously,
according to the note of Dr. Dwight. (See 1796.)
July 3. — Ezra Green, Librarian, advertises the books missing
from the Dover Library, among them the following : indicating
that "light reading " was not one of the follies of the times:
Adams's View of Religion, Chauncey on Universal Salvation,
Fordyce's Sermons to Young Women, Hoadley's Forms of
Prayer, &c. The nearest approach to the "sensational" is
Lady Montague's Letters and the Life of Dean Swift.
Sept. 4. — Yesterday detachments of U. S. troops, recruited
in the District of Maine, amounting to about 350, passed through
this town on their way to Burlington, Vt. They were fine
hardy looking men.
Sept. 9. — This day was observed as a National Fast by Pro
clamation of President Madison, on account of the war with
England then in progress.

202 NOTABLE EVENTS IN THE [1814
Oct. 27. — The General Court convened in extra session at
Concord, on the call of Gov. Gilman, principally to consider
the difficulty then existing in relation to holding the Courts.
The Legislature, at the June session, had remodeled the Judi
ciary, by which operation sundry Judges had found themselves
out of office. Instead of submitting quietly, as in later times,
they persisted in holding on, and the Governor in his message
states that when the regular Judges, their successors, opened
the court for Strafford County, at Dover, Richard Evans and
Clifton Claggett, two persons who were Judges of the old Court,
pretended also to open a court, having a person of their own
appointment, whom they called a clerk, and proceeded to make
speeches and do other acts in defiance of law.
The Collector of Direct Taxes was about — one of the ways
and means for carrying on the war — and the Dover newspaper
feelingly complains, that "for the purpose of receiving the
license tribute our little town was visited last week and the sum
of about $600 was received of the retailers and inn-keepers. ' '
J. Mosely, " Fashionable Hair Dresser, Cutter, Shaver and
Boot Blacker, ' ' offers his services to the public, and assures his
friends of his " assiduous endeavors to prove himself worthy of
their patronage." L. S. Parmly, a travelling dentist, offers to
furnish "durable enamel artificial teeth," and perform various
dental operations. All who desire his services are requested to
call at Mrs. Hodgdon's tavern for three days. About this time,
also, William Palmer, a well known mason for half a century
afterwards, offers to build, at the shortest notice, " Russian
Stoves, on a new and improved plan, with or without fireplaces."
All of which furnishes indications of the progress which Dover
was making in " modern " fashions and improvements.
1814
Feb. 23. — A barn belonging to John Tebbetts was burnt by
an incendiary and with it 13 head of cattle, 50 tons of hay, and
a quantity of cider.
March 8. — Vote for Governor, John T. Gilman 176, William
Plumer 192. Vote of the State, Gilman 19695, Plumer 18794,
scattering 73.
April 30. — Proposals were issued for building the Dover Cot
ton Factory and Dam, at the falls near Jona. Kimball's — the
building to be 100 feet in length, 32 feet wide and three stories
high.

1814] HISTORY OF DOVER, N. H. 203
Same date — John T. Hanson, aged 24, died from injuries re
ceived in assisting in the removal of a house. May 1. — Died,
Col. Caleb Hodgdon, aged 82. " He bore an active part in the
war which gave independence to the country." {Sun.)
May 20. — A violent hail storm and tornado occurred, doing
much damage to crops, buildings, &c. in some towns in New
Hampshire. The violence of the wind may be estimated by
the report that a pair of oxen were taken up by it, carried some
distance, thrown into a pond and one of them Killed !
May 21. — In consequence of frequent alarms from Portsmouth
that British ships of war, hovering on the coast, designed to
attack that place, the militia of Dover with others, was ordered
by Gov. Gilman to assist in repelling the enemy. The Dover
company was commanded by Capt. Andrew Peirce, and con
sisted of 66 men, rank and file, who continued on duty from
May 24 to July 3. The only fighting recorded is reported by
the Sun of June 4: —
Skirmish at Rye. — Reports are circulating of a skirmish at Rye,
between an English barge and a party of the militia. We know not
what foundation there is for the report, but thus it stands : A coasting
vessel was chased into Rye on Monday last by a barge from one of the
British frigates, manned with from 40 to 50 men. A small party of
militia (15) lay concealed behind a stone wall with their muskets well
charged with ball and buckshot : — they awaited the appearance of the
British to within good ducking distance, when they poured a most deadly
fire into the barge, which compelled her instantly to pull for the frigate,
the militia firing upon them with sportsmanlike aim until out of reach.
A Mr. Haley was afterwards on board the frigate, who states that he was
informed by one of the officers that the barge lost 16 men in her rencontre
with the militia.
If true, this engagement must inspire our foe with a due respect for
stone walls and Yankee marksmen.
Aug. 29. — The town appointed a committee, of which Daniel
M. Durell was chairman, to examine into the situation of the
common lands of the town and whether any encroachments had
been made thereon. The committee reported that sundry roads
had been fenced in by adjoining landholders and much common
land that formerly belonged to the town had also by some means
become included in the lots of private individuals. The report
was accepted, but no other action appears to have been taken
upon it.

204 NOTABLE EVENTS IN THE [1815
Sept. 10. — A public meeting was held at which it was re
solved : —
That at the present alarming crisis we will to the utmost of our power
exert ourselves to assist the constituted authorities in providing the
means necessary for the defence of our coast and every other part of the
country that may be in danger of invasion.
That a committee of 12 persons, of whom the selectmen shall be
three, be chosen, which shall be called the Committee of Defence, and
that said committee be authorized at the expense of the town to repair
such arms and accoutrements of the militia of this town as may be de
fective, and to provide suitable necessaries and conveniences for such as
are or maybe called into active service, having particular regard to the
ability of the individuals who own such arms and accoutrements.
That in compliance with the recommendations of the Committee of
Defence of the town of Portsmouth, it is recommended to the inhabit
ants of this town to repair to Fort Sullivan, and labor to-morrow or on
Monday next, and every man who shall faithfully so labor for eight
hours and provide his suitable implements shall be paid J1.00 by the
town. That it be recommended to all able bodied men of this town who are
by law exempt from military duty to meet at the Court House on Mon
day next at 3 o'clock, P.M. in order to form themselves into a military
company for defence.
That Wm. King Atkinson, Amos Cogswell, Oliver Crosby, John Wil
liams, John Waldron, D. M. Durell, Walter Cooper, Joseph Smith and
Robert Rogers with the selectmen be the Committee of Defence, and
Amos White overseer of the men going to the fort to work.
1815
March 14. — Vote for Governor, William Plumer 193, John
T. Gilman 165. Vote of the State, Gilman 18357, Plumer
J7799, scattering 38.
March 25. — Died, after a short illness, John Phillips Gilman,
aged 49. Mr. Gilman maintained through life a reputation of
unspotted integrity. He was for a number of years (1793 to
1803) Register of Deeds for the County of Strafford, which office
he filled with honor to himself and to the satisfaction of his
fellow citizens. He was born in Exeter and received his name
at the request of Hon. John Phillips founder of Exeter Acad
emy, who made him a handsome present.
The first block of brick stores on the Landing was built this
year by Joseph Smith and Rogers & Patten. It was still stand
ing, on the east side of Main street, in 1872.

1816] HISTORY OF DOVER, N. H. 205
1816
March 12. — Vote for Governor, William Plumer 196, James
Sheaf e 163. Governor Gilman having declined a re-election
this year, the federal party brought out James Sheafe, as their
candidate, and received their final defeat in the State. The
vote was for Plumer 20338, Sheafe 17994, scattering 75.
The representatives to the General Court were instructed to
procure the passage of a law to prevent the seining of alewives
in Cochecho river.
The committee appointed to purchase a town farm for the
poor, reported that they had bought one from tbe heirs of Richard
Waldron : price $4824.
Nov. 4. — Vote for Presidential Electors, 136 republican, 95
opposition. In the State, republican 15188, federal 13367. The
8 votes of the State were cast for James Monroe and Daniel D.
Tompkins, for President & Vice President.
Nov. 25. — Voted to sell the public land on the south side of
the road leading over Pine Hill and apply the proceeds towards
the expense of fencing the burying ground.
This year, (1816), commonly called the "cold year," was
thus described: "The whole face of nature appeared shrouded
in gloom. The lamps of heaven kept their orbits, but their
light was cheerless. The bosom of the earth on a mid-summer
day was covered with a wintry mantle; and man, and beast,
and bird, sickened at the prospect. On the 6th of June the
snow fell several inches deep, followed by a cold, frosty night,
and on the two following days, snow fell and frost continued.
On the nth of July a deep and deadly frost came which killed
most vegetables; corn which had the appearance of maturity
was destitute of its natural taste or substance ; rye was good and
supplied the article of bread for the inhabitants."
The following is extracted from a Diary kept at the time :
May 15: froze hard enough on plowed land to bear a man. June 6:
snow squalls. June 8: a snow squall. June 10: frost. June n : a heavy
frost, killed a great deal of corn— some pieces of it were entirely dead,
and five-sixths of the apples killed. June' 22 : ice remained in Wason
tan yard. August 20 : a squall of rain, but snow on the mountains in
Goffstown. August 22 : a heavy frost which killed a great deal of corn
and potatoes.

206 NOTABLE EVENTS IN THE [1817
1817
March n. — The vote for Governor was for William Plumer 177,
James Sheafe 1 1 1 . The vote of the State was William Plumer
19088, James Sheafe 12029. Jeremiah Mason 3607, Josiah
Bartlett 539, scattering 112.
July 17. — President Monroe, who took his seat on the 4th of
March of this year, made a visit to New England, going from
Boston to Portsmouth and Portland, and returning by way of
Dover, which he reached this day. He was received at the line
of the State by the committee appointed by the town authorities,
conducted by the Marshals and select escort, when the following
address was made to him by the Hon. D. M. Durell: —
Mr. President — In the progress of your national visit you confer an
additional honor upon New Hampshire, by this day re-entering the first
State upon the records of our union.
Your fellow citizens of the vicinity eagerly seized the occasion for
again paying their respects to the Chief Magistrate of a great and
happy nation.
We cheerfully present you, sir, the tribute of our most affectionate
regards, and pray you to accept it, as the pledge of our veneration and
esteem, both for yourself and for the government over which you are
called to preside.
The President was then escorted by the principal inhabitants
of Dover, a part of Capt. Lyman's troop from Rochester &
Milton, under the command of Col. Edward Sise, and a great
cavalcade of citizens, to this town. On his arrival, he received
a national salute from the artillery. After passing a few
moments at Wyatt's Inn, the President, attended by his suite,
proceeded to an eminence arranged for the purpose, near Col.
Cogswell's, decorated with the rural simplicity of evergreens
and roses, where he was addressed by the Hon. Wm. King
Atkinson, as follows:
Mr. President — Sir : Forming a small but component part of the
great nation over which you preside, permit us in behalf of the inhabit
ants of the ancient town of Dover, to express the lively sensibility, with
which it receives within its borders, a personage so distinguished, in
obtaining and perfecting the independence of our common country.
Believe us, sir, we duly appreciate your eminent services, in the
various high and honorable departments assigned you by the public
voice. These we consider as the surest pledges of "love of country.
These must receive the gratitude of the nation ; your best reward ;
indeed, sir, you now receive it.

1817] HISTORY OF DOVER, N. H. 207
As to ourselves, we enter into no competition with other places, in
external demonstrations of respect ; yet, sir, we beg leave to assure you
that the interest we take in your happiness, as well on your own account,
as for the high and honorable station to which you have been called by
the voice of your fellow citizens, is no less sincere than theirs.
We have no fortifications, no attractions, for your view. Our pursuits
are principally agricultural. The little commerce which we had, has
suffered the depression incident to that on the Atlantic shore. We turn
in part to domestic manufactures.
We now give you, sir, 'tis all we can, a most cordial welcome to this
part of New Hampshire. A similar pleasure has been unknown to her
citizens, except in the instance of one of your illustrious predecessors,
whose arms you followed in youthful life, in the perilous, but glorious
contest for the freedom of your country.
We humbly implore the Great Parent of the Universe, with whom is
the destiny of nations, to take you into His holy keeping ; that under
your auspices and fostering care, this great, free and independent nation
may increase in splendor, and its government be administered for the
best interest of its citizens ; that your health may be preserved and
invigorated by your present tour, and that you may have a happy return
to the bosom of your friends and family. We wish you long life, health
and a prosperous administration.
To this address, the President made an elegant, appropriate
and particular answer. He with great modesty, observed, that
he considered this attention not paid to him as an individual,
but to his office ; that he had little or no claim for the services
that he had been enabled to perform towards the happiness of
the nation ; that the depression of our commerce ought to be
borne with fortitude, and must have been expected on the return
of peace ; that he felt himself honored by the attentions paid
him in this section of the union, and united with us in fervent
prayer that our government might be administered for the best
interest of the nation.
The President and suite, were then escorted back to Wyatt's
Inn, by the Committee, with whom he dined, and soon after, he
gratified a great concourse of attending citizens by making his
appearance in our streets. He passed the evening and night
with the Hon. William Hale who invited many respectable
citizens and ladies to spend the evening, and they were intro
duced to the President, and were highly gratified by his
dignified affability.
The President and suite left Dover on the 18th for Concord.
Wyatt's Inn, in 1817, was the old Dover Hotel, and Colonel
Cogswell's house stood opposite, where the New Hampshire
House was built later.

208 NOTABLE EVENTS IN THE [1818
1818
March 10. — Vote for Governor in Dover, William Plumer 152,
William Hale 49. Plumer was re-elected, receiving 18674
votes in the State, with feeble opposition from the federal party,
who divided their votes, giving Jeremiah Mason 6850, William
Hale 5019, scattering 922.
A Sabbath School was opened for the first time in Dover,
Aug. 16, at the Court House, pursuant to a notice signed by
Rev. Joseph W. Clary, John W. Hayes, Amos White, Andrew
Peirce and Wm. Woodman, Committee. Parents were re
quested to send such of their Children as were reading in a
class. The books to be used, the Bible, or Testament, Psalms
and Hymns, Catechism, &c. Parents not able to furnish their
children with suitable clothing were requested to send them
dressed in the best clothes they had, and ladies connected with
the society would furnish them with such additional clothing as
was found necessary. In the fall of the year the school was
suspended for the winter, when the following report was made :
Average number of scholars no; number of verses of scripture
recited 9934; verses in hymns 6029; answers in catechism 5366.
A little girl 7 years of age, recited 544 verses in scripture, 99 in
hymns, 361 in catechism.
Nov. 6. — Died, Capt. John Riley, aged 66. His death was
occasioned by a fall from the staging of a ship building in this
town, two days previous, by which both his thighs were broken
and mangled in the most shocking manner. He has left a
numerous family to mourn the loss of a kind husband and father
and true friend. {Strafford Register.)
The Dover Franklin Academy was incorporated this year,
receiving a liberal endowment for the times from public spirited
citizens, the chief of which was in the land on which it stands
and several lots on Central street adjoining, the gift of Daniel
Waldron. Dec. 8. — "We are happy to be able to inform the public that
the Academy in this place, so much needed and so long ex
pected, was on Saturday last solemnly dedicated to God and to
Science ; that it is now opened for the reception of students,
and that about 25 have already commenced their studies in
various departments of literature and science. The dedicatory
services were commenced by appropriate sacred music, per
formed in scientific style by a select choir. This was followed

1820] HISTORY OF DOVER, N. H. 209
by a very devout and appropriate prayer by Rev. Mr. Clary.
Mr. Andrew G. Thayer, the preceptor elect of the institution,
then delivered to a numerous, brilliant and highly gratified
audience an Address, in which were portrayed in true glowing
colors, the blessings of religious, moral, literary and scientific
education, and the several duties of teachers and pupils, in such
a manner as to evince his thorough acquaintance with the sub
ject, and to afford a flattering expectation that his election to
the office of preceptor will be a lasting blessing to all who may
enjoy the benefits of his instruction."
Dec. 31. — Observed as a day of Thanksgiving throughout
the State by proclamation of Gov. Plumer, who was somewhat
censured by the people for putting off the time honored festival
to the last day of the year. 1819
Jan. 7.— Whittier's mills, at Tolend, (Whittier's Falls) con
sisting of a fulling, and grist mill, and a building used for cloth
dressing, were destroyed by fire. Loss between $2000 and $3000.
Jan. 19. — "Our bleak and inhospitable winters have been
this year exchanged for vernal weather and delicious westerly
winds. Our December and January have resembled our old
fashioned May and June, and the ground has not yet been cov
ered with snow. On the contrary our Southern brethren have
been visited by one of our rigorous winters and are everywhere
whining about snow and frost." (Newspaper report.)
At March election, Vote for Governor, Samuel Bell no, no
opposition. In the State, Bell received 13761, William Hale
8660, scattering 1844. This was the last rally of the federalists
as a party.
June 9. — A hurricane blew down Mr. Ford's barn.
{Emerson' s Diary.)
1820
March 14. — Vote for Governor, Samuel Bell 254, scattering 8.
Governor Bell received 22212 votes in the State and 2559 were
counted as scattering.
Aug. 20. — There was a severe drought this summer and veg
etation was also much injured by grasshoppers — corn and
potatoes on the higher ground being almost entirely cut off.

210 NOTABLE EVENTS IN THE [1821
Sept. 29. — Died, Hon. William King Atkinson, aged 56. He
was born in Portsmouth, and was a nephew of George King,
who inherited the property of Theodore Atkinson who died in
1779. George King was a relative of Atkinson and changed
his name to George Atkinson when he became his heir. He
died without issue, and the large entailed Atkinson estate be
came the property of his nephew, William King, who also
assumed the name of Atkinson. William King Atkinson grad
uated at Harvard College in 1783, commenced the practice of
law in Dover about 1786, was Register of Probate from 1787 to
1819, Attorney General of the State, and Judge of the Superior
Court, and from his large wealth and official position was for
many years one of Dover's most eminent citizens.
Nov. . — At the Presidential election there was no opposition
in the State to Mr. Monroe. It was the "era of good feeling."
The Presidential Electors in Dover received from 58 to 26 votes
each. The town voted $800 to repair the Court House, raising it 3
feet from the foundation and adding 15 feet in length.
1821
March 13. — Vote for Governor, Samuel Bell 276, scattering
11. In the State, Bell 22582, scattering 1866.
The Dover Cotton Factory, having obtained possession, this
year, of the Lower Falls, so long the property chiefly of the
Waldron family, enlarged their operations by increasing their
capital to $500000, and building the first Cotton Mill erected in
that locality. This mill was called and was long known as No.
2, to distinguish it from the mill at the Upper Falls.
The corner-stone of the new Factory was laid on the 4th of
July with masonic ceremonies, when Col. Andrew Peirce deliv
ered an appropriate and pertinent address. The brethren after
wards partook of a collation at the house of Mrs. Tebbetts, and
spent the evening in characteristic harmony {Strafford Register)
A Nail Factory was also set up at the Lower Falls this year,
at which 1000 tons of Iron were rolled and 700 tons manufactured
into nails annually, but the business becoming unprofitable, it
was abandoned.
Sept. 14. — The commissioned and non-commissioned officers
of the Dover military companies formed a volunteer association
under the title of " Soul of Soldiery," and under command of
Capt. Brewer made their first public appearance this day in a

1822] HISTORY OF DOVER, N. H. 211
neat uniform. The numerous manoeuvres performed were prin
cipally of the Light Infantry Drill, and were executed with a
correctness and rapidity highly gratifying to the numerous
spectators : their firing in line, in square, and in chain, were
admirably well done, considering this was their first effort in
public. {Strafford Register)
The month of September was long remembered as a season
of uncommon storms and tempests. On the 3d, a most violent
storm raged on the whole Atlantic coast, from Portsmouth to
Charleston, in which many lives and a great amount of property
were destroyed. On the 9th a tornado occurred, by which in
New Hampshire and other New England States several persons
were killed and wounded, numerous houses, barns, &c. demol
ished, and many domestic animals destroyed.
1822
Jan. 15. — Died, Mr. Dover Gage, a respectable black man, at
a very advanced age. He, and his sister, was stolen from his
parents in Africa, while playing a short distance from his home,
by some of those miscreants in human shape who violate the
rights of their fellow man and make slaves of those whose com
plexions the God of all may have tinged with a darker hue
than their own. He lived in this town from his youth, useful
and respected ; but it seems to have been the peculiarly hard
fate of Mr. Gage to have been denied a home where his own
choice or that of his friends would have fixed him : for scarcely
had he been placed in his grave ere his body was again stolen,
and it may be by his unrelenting white persecutors. {Strafford Register)
March 12. — Vote for Governor, Samuel Bell 166, no opposi
tion. In the State, Bell 22934, scattering 1046.
June 5. — On petition of the officers of the 2d Regiment, the
Regiment was divided by the Legislature, and a new Regiment,
the 39th, constituted, composed of soldiers in Rochester, Farm-
ington, &c. leaving to the 2d the towns of Dover and Somers
worth only. As an argument in favor of the division it was
represented that those towns alone bad 631 enrolled men, and
that as Rochester was the territorial centre where the regiment
usually mustered, it was a great hardship to compel the largest
portion of the men to go from ten to twelve miles to attend it,
occupying the best part of three days, during which they were

212 NOTABLE EVENTS IN THE 11322
allowed by their respective towns ' ' beef and bread enough for
one dinner only and a drink of rum."
July 23. — Drowned in the river, near the falls, Mr. Jedediah
Hanson, aged 63. He had been reaping grain in a field near
the river through the day, and went into the water to bathe.
He was observed by those who had been at work with him to
swim with "extraordinary lightness" some rods from the
shore, when he very suddenly sunk. His body was recovered
the next day.
Aug. 25. — Died at Wolfborough, Rev. Robert Gray, aged
61; a Revolutionary pensioner and pastor of the Congregational
Church in Dover from 1787 to 1805.
Sept. 9. — An accommodation stage between Dover and Ports
mouth commenced running, three days in the week, fare 50
cents. Oct. 30. — Died after an illness of eight days, the Hon. Charles
Woodman, aged 31 years. He was interred Nov. 1. with the
masonic honors. A great number of masonic brethren,
together with a large collection of people testified by their
attendance at the funeral, their respect to his memory. There
has seldom been an instance of a young man cut down amid
prospects more flattering than those of Mr. Woodman. He was
surrounded by almost all those circumstances which we so
uniformly consider as constituting the sum of human happi
ness. An amiable family, a sound and vigorous bodily consti
tution, an ample property, and an extensive popularity, all com
bined to render his life pleasant, and to attach him to this world.
But from all these enjoyments, and from the bright anticipations
of future honors, he has been suddenly removed.
" How frail, men, things ! how momentary both."
For three years past Mr. Woodman has been annually elected
a member of the Legislature from this town, and was at the
time of his death Speaker of the House of Representatives,
having been chosen to that office at their last session. At the
late Congressional election he was put in nomination for
member of Congress and was one of the two highest of the
unelected candidates.
Mr. Woodman for his success in life has been indebted almost
entirely to his own exertions. He commenced his career with
out the aid of that patronage to which young men oftentimes

1823] HISTORY OF DOVER, N. H. 213
owe their early promotion. His friends were such as he had
attached to him in his intercourse with them, and these were
numerous. He possessed in a remarkable degree the happy
faculty of retaining and increasing their number, and at tbe
same time of conciliating his enemies. A warm and obliging
disposition, a strong attachment to his friends, and a persevering
industry in all his concerns, were distinguishing traits of his
character. {Strafford Register) 1823
March 11. — Parties took a new departure this year. Samuel
Dinsmoor was nominated by a Legislative caucus as the Repub
lican candidate for Governor, to which some of the members of
that party took exception and brought out Judge Levi Wood
bury as an opposing candidate. After a sharp contest,
Woodbury was elected, receiving the votes of all opposed to
"Legislative dictation." He received 16985 votes to 12718 for
Dinsmoor, and 240 scattering.
The vote of Dover was for Woodbury 378, for Dinsmoor 21.
June 20. — A person on the Landing having in charge a
wagon loaded with powder, strewed a quantity on the ground ;
a lad touched the loose powder with a coal of fire, which com
municated to the straw in the wagon, and the whole exploded.
Two men were killed in attempting to stop the horses, and a
third was seriously injured. The wagon was blown to atoms.
Oct. 20. — Died in Lee, Walter Cooper, aged 49, the first
Cashier of Strafford Bank.
Dec. 30. — The Dover Bank, incoporated at the June session
of the Legislature, this year, commenced business in its new
building near the Landing.
The name of the Dover Cotton Factory was this year changed
to Dover Manufacturing Company, its capital increased to
$1000000, and Mill No. 3 was built. The Dover Bank and the
Savings Bank for the County of Strafford were incorporated.
The Dover Aqueduct Co. was chartered and the Strafford
Guards organized.
Deaths, this year, males 18, females 12, children 15 — Total 45.

214 NOTABLE EVENTS IN THE [1824
1824
Feb. 12. — Great freshet on the Cochecho, raising the water
much higher than had been known for many years. The bridge
on the main road to Boston (near Sawyer's) and that near Ham's
mills were carried away, but the Upper bridge built by the
Manufacturing Co. and the Landing bridge, although severely
shaken remained safe.
Feb. 17. — Notice was given that the Savings Bank for the
County of Strafford was organized and ready to receive
deposits. March 9. — Vote for Governor, Levi Woodbury 244, David L-
Morril 127, scattering 3. At the election, this year, the federal
party having disbanded, the voters rallied to the polls on the
Presidential line which was then forming, a large majority in
the State favoring the election of John Quincy Adams, while
William H. Crawford and General Andrew Jackson had their
supporters. David L. Morril was brought out as the Adams
candidate for Governor, while Judge Woodbury, whose course
as Governor had disaffected many who had voted for him at the
previous election, was nevertheless vigorously supported, as
will be seen by the vote of Dover, where he was also regarded
as a firm friend of Mr. Adams. The result was a failure to
elect in the State. Morril received 14899 votes, Woodbury
n 741, and there were 3708 scattering. The whole vote was
30348 and 15 1 75 being necessary for a choice Mr. Morril lacked
a few votes of an election. The Legislature containing a
majority of his friends, he was elected Governor in a conven
tion of the two houses.
May 2. — Mr. Samuel Howard, aged about 70, fell into a
spring head foremost, in endeavoring to dip a bucket of water,
and was drowned.
A number of new enterprises were projected this year.
July 28. — The proprietors of the Cochecho River Boat Co.
held their first meeting for the choice of officers, &c. At the
June session of the Legislature petitions were presented for a
charter to build a canal, or railway from Winnepisiogee Lake
to Dover ; also for the purpose of plying ferry boats to be moved
by horse power across the river from Dover Point to Newington.
Mr. Alfred I. Sawyer commenced the business of cloth dressing
at the place formerly known as Libby's mills, which was the
foundation of and has since grown into the Sawyer Woolen
Company.

1824] HISTORY OF DOVER, N. H. 215
The choice of Bank Directors at this time shows who were
the leading business men of the day : Strafford Bank — John
Wheeler, Joseph Doe, Moses Hodgdon, Nathaniel Young, Asa
Freeman, Jacob M. Currier, Eri Perkins. Dover Bank —
Andrew Peirce, James Bartlett, Stephen Hanson, Barnabas H.
Palmer, John Williams, J. B. H. Odiorne, John Ball, Jesse
Varney, Jacob Kittredge.
General Lafayette made his visit to the country this year and
was everywhere received with demonstrations of respect. A
committee was appointed (Aug. 30) to invite him to Dover.
This committee consisted of John Waldron, Amos Cogswell,
Moses Wingate, (who had been soldiers with Lafayette in the
Revolution), William Hale, Daniel M. Durell, John Wheeler
and John Williams. The committee waited upon the General at
Portsmouth (Sept. 1,) and presented the following address:
The citizens of Dover, recognizing in you the early friend of the
United States, and participating in the sentiment that gratitude is an
acceptable return for friendship so disinterested, have deputed their
committee to assure you how sincerely they venerate your character,
and how highly they appreciate the services you so generously rendered
the American people in the hour of peril.
In the name of our fellow townsmen we thank you for your services —
we congratulate you upon your return to our beloved country, and bid
you a cordial welcome to New Hampshire.
The principles of freedom to which you have been so long devoted,
and which are so dear to the hearts of Americans, belong to no particular
age or country — they are equally the birthright of all who have the
courage to assert and the virtue to defend them: — hence, we perceive in
you, not only the friend of America, but the benefactor of the whole
human family.
If your early visit to this country inspired our fathers with an
admiration for your virtues never to be forgotten, your return hither,
at this auspicious period, has awakened in their posterity the strongest
recollection of your former services and excited the tenderest sympathies
for the many sacrifices you have made in the cause of liberty.
We wish you, sir, all the felicity consequent to a life devoted to so
good a cause, and, in the name of our fellow townsmen, solicit you to
favor them with the opportunity of tendering you the homage of their
respect in the village of Dover. The time, sir, is submitted to your con
venience.

216 NOTABLE EVENTS IN THE [1824
General Lafayette replied as follows :
Gentlemen— The warm reception I have this day experienced in the
State of New Hampshire is very gratifying to my feelings — and the good
people of the town of Dover have done me additional honor by deputing
their committee to greet me on this occasion.
I beg leave, gentlemen, to thank you for the favorable opinion they
are pleased to express, through you, of my revolutionary services, and
for the kind invitation they have given me to make them a visit.
When I shall have the pleasure of again seeing this part of the
Union, which I hope to have in the course of the ensuing spring, I will
do myself the honor to pay my respects to the village of Dover.
In the meantime, gentlemen, I beg of you to accept my thanks for
your personal and very flattering attentions and assure you that the first
wish of my heart is for the lasting happiness and prosperity of your
beloved country.
The people of Dover, in large numbers, availed themselves of
the opportunity to greet the Nation's Guest by going down to
Portsmouth, as he could not come to them, at this time. The
Strafford Guards, their favorite military organization, went
down to perform escort duty and was highly commended for its
fine appearance.
Sept. 10. — Died, Tristram Coffin, by suicide, aged 43 — the
last male descendant of Peter Coffin, the original settler, in
Dover. Nov. 1. — At the Presidential election the whole vote of the
State was but 9389. So decisive was public sentiment in favor
of the election of Mr. Adams that no opposition was made to
the electoral ticket which was formed for his support. They
received all the votes which were cast, varying from 8869 to
9339, and gave the 8 electoral votes of the State to Mr. Adams
for President, and John C. Calhoun for Vice President. In
Dover 85 votes were cast for the highest candidate on the Adams
ticket ; Ichabod Bartlett had 105 votes for Member of Congress
and 12 other candidates received from 85 to 9 votes each. The
State at this time was entitled to 6 members and elected them
by general ticket.
Nov. 22. — The town voted to give $5000 towards the building
of a new stone Jail provided the same should be erected in
Dover. Deaths this year, 53.

1825] HISTORY OF DOVER, N. H. 217
1825
Jan. 28. — The New Hampshire Turnpike, leading from
Portsmouth to Concord, was surrendered by the Proprietors to
the State for the purpose of establishing a free highway.
Feb. 12. — The trial of Amos Fernald of Gilford, for the
murder of his natural son, Alfred Fernald, aged 5 years, which
took place before the Superior Court, excited much interest.
The prisoner was charged with keeping his child confined and
literally starving him to death, and after a four days trial the
jury returned a verdict of manslaughter. The number of
spectators, their anxiety to hear the trial, and the want of room
in the Court House, induced the Court to adjourn to the Meet
ing House, where the trial was held.
March 8. — Vote for Governor, David L. Morril 538, scatter
ing 5. There was no opposing candidate in the State to Mr.
Morril. He received 29166 votes and 563 were returned as
scattering. April 28. — The Methodist meeting house, the first one of this
denomination built in town, was dedicated this day.
May 3. — This being the day of the annual military parade
and inspection, the Strafford Guards paraded in front of the
house of Hon. William Hale, when a beautiful standard was
presented to them, in behalf of the ladies of Dover, by John W.
Mellen, accompanied by an eloquent address, to which Ensign
Sperling, on receiving the standard, made an appropriate
reply. May 18. — A meeting was held at Ela's tavern to consider the
expediency of constructing a canal or railway from Winni-
piseogee Lake to the tide waters of the Piscataqua river, a charter
for which had been obtained at the fall session of the Legisla
ture in 1824. The meeting was largely attended, gentlemen
being present from Portsmouth and Dover, and from many of the
towns bordering on the Lake, and resulted in the appointment
of committees to obtain the necessary surveys and prepare plans
for procuring the stock of the company to be taken up. The
cost of a canal, connecting the waters of the Lake with the
streams running into the Cochecho at Dover, of sufficient depth
for boat navigation, was estimated at about $700000.

218 NOTABLE EVENTS IN THE [1825
June 23. — The long expected visit of the Nation's guest,
General Lafayette, was made to Dover at this time. Having
come from Concord where he had been received by the Legisla
ture, he was met near the Durham line by the Dover committee
of arrangements and a large number of citizens in carriages and
on horseback, among whom were about thirty young gentlemen,
from 15 to 20 years of age, in uniform dress, and mounted, who
added much interest to the scene. The General was introduced
to the chief marshal, Hon. D. M. Durell, by Major Walker,
marshal of the escort of Durham, who addressed him as fol
lows :
General — -The citizens of Dover, apprised of your approach to the
neighborhood of their village, and of your kind intentions to afford
them an opportunity of paying you their respects therein, have deputed
their committee to congratulate you upon your safe arrival in this part
of the State of New Hampshire, and to proffer to you the attentions of a
select number of gentlemen to escort you to town. They have all re
quested me to solicit the favor that you will honor them with your com
pany at dinner this day, at such hour as may best suit your convenience.
1
To which the General replied, that he was greatly indebted
to the good citizens of Dover, for the kind solicitude they mani
fested for his personal safety. That he accepted their proffered
attentions to accompany him to town, and also their very polite
invitation to dine with them. And said, he embraced the
present occasion to tender to them and to their committee his
best respects.
The procession was then formed and the General escorted
into town. When on the hill near Capt. Dunn's a salute of 13
guns was fired by the Dover Artillery, stationed on Pine Hill.
Two fine military companies, the Strafford Guards, commanded
by Capt. Paul, and the Rockingham Guards of Portsmouth,
commanded by Capt. Lafavour, performed escort duty. Amidst
the joyous acclamations of a vast concourse of people who lined
the streets, and filled the adjacent houses and house-tops on
either side, the procession proceeded down Pleasant street to
the Corner, where it passed beneath a grand arch, twined with
evergreens and banners, and from thence onward to the new
upper bridge, over which another arch was thrown, and so on
to Franklin square, returning by way of the Landing to the
Dover Hotel. Here the General was introduced to the commit
tee of arrangements, the chairman of which, the Hon. William
Hale, addressed*him as follows:

1825] HISTORY OF DOVER, N. H. 219
General Lafayette : The Freemen of Dover, participating in the
blessings extended to the United States, in the establishment of their
independence and republican government, will ever retain deep senti
ments of gratitude for the distinguished and enlightened Patriots who
in our revolutionary struggle voluntarily contributed their mighty
efforts. To you, sir, who so eminently served us in the time of our utmost
need, we mingle with the nation, the homage of our gratitude, and re
joice that amid the convulsions which have agitated the country of your
nativity, your virtue has dignified and preserved you.
We rejoice, sir, in beholding you as one of the most early, distin
guished and effective advocates of that revolution that gave us liberty.
We more rejoice in now seeing you a matured monument of republican
glory, whose firm integrity has been alike impervious to the allurements
of power, or to the frowns of adversity.
We most cordially welcome you to our village.
To which the General made an appropriate reply, which was
received with loud and repeated cheers from the surrounding
multitude. A very great number of people were then introduced to and
kindly greeted by the General, among whom were many of the
surviving officers and soldiers of the revolution.
After a suitable time for repose, the General accompanied by
the committee of arrangements, the Governor's aid, the legis
lative committee, Col. Dunlapand Col. Emery, the aids of Gov.
Parris of Maine, and a large number of other citizens, repaired
to the town hall, which was elegantly fitted and decorated with
appropriate ornaments and emblems, where they partook of an
excellent and sumptuous dinner, prepared by Mr. Wyatt for
the occasion. After the cloth was removed, the following toasts
announced by D. M. Christie, Esq. were drunk, accompanied
by appropriate music and the discharge of artillery.
I. The United States of America — May their internal prosperity
continue to progress, and their peaceful Foreign relations be perpetual.
Hail Columbia.
2. Our Republican institutions — May they endure while Liberty has
a name. Song, by Mr. Barnes — Columbia land of Liberty.
3. John Quincy Adams — May his Presidential term be as prosperous
as it is now auspicious. Adams and Liberty.
4. The memory of Washington. Pleyel's Hymn.
5. General Lafayette — May his glory and happiness be equal to his
exertions and sufferings in the cause of Liberty.

220 NOTABLE EVENTS IN THE [1825
General Lafayette after having expressed his thanks for the
welcome of the people of Dover, for the toast just now given,
and for the manner in which it had been received, proposed the
following sentiment :
The town of Dover — May this cradle of New Hampshire for ever and
ever, and more and more enjoy every sort of agricultural and manufac
turing prosperity, the happy results of American Independence and
Republican Freedom.
Song— -(Written and Sung by John W. Mellen, Esq.)
Hail to the vet'ran who once fought our battles,
And planted his laurels when green were his years,
We greet thee once more, while no hostile gun rattles,
But peace and contentment in beauty appears.
War's blasts are heard no more,
Or the loud tempest's roar
Of armies in conflict once terribly joined.
Hail to Thee, Patriot! — thy sun's setting glory
Shall shed o'er the world the bright light of thy fame,
Monarchs and Conquerors can live but in story,
But virtues like thine, unborn ages proclaim.
Heaven guard thy sacred head,
Long may its dews be shed
In life-giving freshness to lengthen thy days.
O perish the thought, that so soon we must change
The spot where we take the last soul thrilling look,
Of him who returns to his own lov'd La Grange,
For the scene that's imprinted on memory's book.
Smooth be thy passage o'er
The blue wave that safely bore
The youthful adventurer, the Patriot in years.
6. Our Revolutionary Patriots — A nations gratitude is theirs.
Duet — "The worn soldier," &c.
7. Our allies during our revolutionary struggle — A grateful remem
brance of their services. Marseilles Hymn.
8. The Holy Alliance — May its schemes of tyranny be frustrated by
the spirit of rational Liberty. Rogue's March. ,
9. The South American Republics — A long continuance to their dear
bought liberties. Washington's March.
10. General Bolivar — He who can decline the distinction of reigning
over, is worthy of reigning in the hearts of his countrymen. President's March.
n. Agriculture — The basis of all human sustenance. Speed the Plough.
12. Manufactures—May industry and enterprise meet an ample
reward. Woodcutter's March.
13. Our rising Commerce — Let it be the handmaid of agriculture and
manufactures. Hull's Victory.
By G. W. Lafayette — Equality of rights, the corner stone of the tem
ple of Liberty.

1825] HISTORY OF DOVER, N. H. 221
By Mr. Lavasseur — Industry, source of prosperity, the surest guarantee
of Liberty.
By S. Mitchell, Esq. — The Major Generals of our Revolutionary Army —
The chief-columns that sustained Liberty's Temple throughout the war
of independence — "rest" to the fallen — health to Lafayette the last
chief-column standing.
After dinner the General and suite agreeably to -previous in
vitation, retired to the mansion of the Hon. William Hale,
where were assembled much of the beauty and fashion of this
and the adjacent towns, for the purpose of being introduced,
and of reciprocating smiles and congratulations with the Gen
eral. And where too was prepared by Mrs. Hale and her
daughters in a most elegant and tasteful style, a supper, that,
after the General had retired, was promiscuously participated
in by a very splendid and great collection of ladies and gentle
men in the most perfect familiarity, cheer and good humor.
The General left the house of Mr. Hale on Friday morning
at 8 o'clock, for Maine, preceded by the committee of arrange
ments in carriages and followed by the Legislative Committee.
On arriving opposite the Cotton Factories the carriages were
halted, the Great Gate of the Factory yard was thrown open,
discovering a double line of the females employed in the Factory
to the number of nearly two hundred, tastefully and handsomely
dressed in white with blue sashes. The General on entering
the Factory yard was repeatedly cheered with the huzzas of
hundreds from the tops of the buildings surrounding the Factory
yard; he was conducted by Messrs. Williams and Bridge into
the Factory, the porch of which was tastefully decorated with
wreaths of evergreen and roses. The Factory was still for a
moment, but as if by magic it was instantly in full operation,
attended throughout by the girls who had received the company
on entering the yard, each at her proper place and busy in her
proper employment. On leaving the Factory, the General was
conducted to his carriage and escorted by the committee of
arrangements and marshals of Dover to the line of the State of
Maine, where he was received by Cols. Dunlap and Emery, aids
of the Governor of Maine.
The good humor and order which prevailed throughout the
occasion, sufficiently evinced the pleasure and kind feelings
with which our distinguished visitor was received ; as there were
probably not less than ten thousand persons of all classes of
citizens from this and the neighboring towns assembled, among

222 NOTABLE EVENTS IN THE [1825
whom not an instance of irregularity or disorder was noticed.
Much credit is due to the alacrity and taste of the ladies of the
village displayed in the various decorations of the dining hall,
arches and streets, which were such as to elicit the applause of
strangers who were present.
It is due to the chief Marshal of the day to notice the enter
tainment given by him to the escort, Legislative Committee and
other Gentlemen on their return from Berwick, which was in a
style of elegance and taste seldom surpassed.
Of the military escort it is sufficient to say that they received,
as they deserved, the unqualified commendation of the General.
The artillery company appeared in a new and beautiful uni
form, and their discipline and good conduct on the occasion was
highly creditable to the company and their officers.
We are glad the General took time for a passing visit to the
extensive establishment of the Dover Manufacturing Co. as it
gave him an opportunity of observing personally the progress in
one important branch of the useful arts; and it is presumed,
he can no where meet with Factories more complete and thor
ough in their construction and arrangement, both for the fabri
cation of cotton cloth and of the machinery requisite for the
same; all being of the very first description. The General ex
pressed himself very much gratified with the healthy appear
ance of those of both sexes engaged within the Factories, the
order among them, and the perfect neatness of every room into
which he was introduced ; of the machinery, and gearing of the
mills, he spoke in high terms, " much more perfect than any he
had witnessed," and the quality of the goods, " far superior to
any he had seen in the country." It was a subject of regret
that he could not have examined more particularly the machine
shop, where nearly all the parts of the whole machinery for the
establishment are manufactured from the raw material, where
some valuable improvements have been made in the mode of
preparing the important parts of the machinery, as well as
highly valuable alterations made upon those generally in use in
the larger manufacturing concerns.
On the whole, the General's visit was highly gratifying to
himself, son and secretary, who expressed themselves very
fully on the subject ; and it will be a source of pride to the
proprietors, to Mr. Williams the Agent, and to Mr. Bridge,
under whose special care the arrangements were made for the
reception of the illustrious Guest. {N. H. Republican.)

1826]

HISTORY OF DOVER, N. H.

223

July 26. — The weather of the last week has probably
equalled in heat that of any season for many years. In many
places in New England the thermometer stood at about 100 on
Thursday. Numerous deaths have taken place in consequence
of the extreme heat and drinking cold water. (N. H. Republican.)
Aug. 9. — Mr. Israel Tebbets, of Madbury, was weighed in
this town a few days since and his weight found to be 435
pounds ! {N. H. Republican)
Nov. 16. — The Winnipiseogee Canal Co. held its first
meeting for the choice of Directors in Dover, this day, when
the following were chosen : Jeremiah Mason, Ichabod Bartlett,
Timothy Upham, Daniel Brown, Joseph Smith, Andrew Peirce,
John Williams, James Bartlett, J. B. H. Odione, D. M. Durell,
Asa Freeman, David Barker, jr., John B. Swasey, John
Wingate, jr., John Coe.
Record of Deaths in Dover for 33 years.

1792

4-

1793

15-

1794

14.

1795

14.

1796

27.

1797

22.

1798

31-

1799

26.

1800

40.

1801

41.

1802

61.

1803

25-

1804

24.

1805

25.

1806

43-

1807

12.

1808

26.

1809

34-

1810

32-

1811

23-

1812

26.

1813

47-

1814

16.

1815

47-

1816

3°-

1817

40.

1818

32.

1819

1820

182 1

27.

1822

58.

1823

46.

1824

54-

1825

IOI.

1826.
Jan. 28.— Died, Col. Amos Cogswell, aged 74 years. He
was engaged in the long and arduous struggle of his country
for its independence, from the commencement to the close, a
term of eight years. He entered its service a private and came
out a major. A colonel's commission was conferred on him
some time after, giving command of a body of horse in the
militia. For a number of years he was a member of the State
Legislature, both in its representative and senatorial depart-

224 NOTABLE EVENTS IN THE [1826
ments. The diversified obligations arising from these various
relations, were discharged in a manner satisfactory to the public
and honorable to himself. His social and domestic virtues
secured to him universal respect for the former, and such was
his kindness of heart that he became peculiarly endeared to
all the inmates of his domestic circle. The peculiar traits of
mental excellence referable to him, were, that integrity of
principle which was above suspicion, and that firmness of
purpose that knew no wavering, constituting the prominent
characteristics of a mind of a superior order. {N. H. Republican)
March 14. — Vote for Governor, David L. Morril 413, Benja.
Pierce 89. A sharp contest took place this year in the State
for Governor. David L- Morril, who was supported by those
friendly to Mr. Adams's administration, received 17679 votes
and was elected. Gen. Benja. Pierce, who was the candidate
of the Jackson men, though he had not then distinctly avowed
himself as an opponent of Mr. Adams, received 12287 votes
and 285 were returned as scattering.
April n. — A census of the town taken at this time gave
a population of 4160, showing an increase of 1289 since 1820,
when the number was 2871. Washington street from Central
square to the Tolend road was opened this year, principally
through the Coffin property, which had been in possession of the
family since it was granted to Peter Coffin, the original settler:
and so averse were the heirs to the " improvement," that for a
long time they refused to accept the damages awarded them by
the town.
June 9. — Died, Nicholas St. John Durell, aged 21 years, the
oldest son of Hon. D. M. Durell. A young man of much
promise and a member of the West Point Military Academy,
from which he was on the point of graduating with high
honors. July 4. — The 50th anniversary of American Independence
was celebrated with much eclat. Oration by John W. Mellen,
who, in speaking of Adams & Jefferson, then supposed to be
living, but who died before the close of the day, and of the
' ' rising glories of the country which they had labored to
establish," said, "it will give new keenness to their mortal
vision and add new vigor to their wasting strength as hand in
hand they enter the dark valley."

1826] HISTORY OF DOVER, N. H. 225
Aug. 7.— A very heavy thunder shower, during which the
house of Moses Hodgdon, Esq. on Silver street, was struck by
lightning. A beautiful sycamore tree in front of the house
received the electric fluid, an immense body of which ran down
the trunk, ripping off the bark, a portion of tbe lightning
entering the house by a limb of the tree. The house of Mr.
John Evans, about 50 rods distant, was struck at the same
instant : a man was struck to the floor, but recovered in a few
minutes. About the same time, a barn belonging to Mr. Benja.
Kielle, about 2% miles from the village, was struck and con
siderably injured.
Lieuts. Worth and Findlay, U. S. Engineers, appointed by
the Secretary of War, made a reconnoissance and survey of
the contemplated canal route from Dover to Winnipiseogee, in
August of this year.
Great rains and freshets, carrying away dams, bridges, &c.
and doing much damage to crops. In a period of 35 days,
from Aug. 11 to Sept. 14, rain fell on 17 days. "A damp mold
and rust are penetrating every part of our dwellings. The hay
in our barns, the vegetables in our gardens, and the potatoes in
our fields are perishing with rot." {N. H. Republican.)
Oct. 18. — Died, Marble Osborne, aged 74, a member of the
Society of Friends. He was much esteemed by all who knew
him, and it may be emphatically said, he was that noblest work
of God, an honest man. Also died, Oct. 23, Mercy, aged 67,
relict of Marble Osborne.
Nov. 21. — Proposals were issued by a committee of the
citizens of Dover, in behalf of the town and county, for the
building of a new Jail on Silver street.
A person sailing upon the Cochecho, in a small boat, saw a
mink swimming rapidly towards the shore, having seized a
large eel which he succeeded in bearing to the shore, in spite
of its efforts to free itself by entangling the mink in its folds.
The mink had nearly secured the eel in its den, when the
spectator landed and seized it himself. It weighed more than
two pounds.

226 NOTABLE EVENTS IN THE [1827
1827
March 13. — Vote for Governor, Benja. Pierce 558, scattering
20. Gov. Morril having declined a reelection, public sentiment
turned towards Gen. Benja. Pierce, who had been bis competitor
at the previous election as a suitable successor to the office,
especially as it was understood that, like Gov. Morril, he was
friendly to the administration of Mr. Adams, which was then
being powerfully assailed by the supporters of Gen. Jackson.
Gen. Pierce, it was asserted, had given the most postive assur
ances that such was his position. A legislative caucus, con
trolled by the Adams men, had accordingly nominated him,
and he was therefore generally voted for — there being no opposing
candidate. A portion of the voters, however, having some
doubts as to his sentiments, or believing that he would be con
trolled by the opponents of Mr. Adams, withheld their support.
Some of them voted for Gov. Morril and others threw scattering
votes. The result in the State was as follows : Benja. Pierce
23695, D. L. Morril 2529, scattering 1187.
Aug. 28. — A remarkable celestial phenomenon was observed
in many places. About half past nine o'clock in the evening a
luminous arch was seen rising from the western horizon and ex
tending across the hemisphere to the eastern verge. The arch or
belt at the zenith was apparently two or three degrees in width,
while its extremities narrowed almost to points at the horizon.
The western point was the most brilliant, and at times exhibited
a sparkling appearance — the centre being less intense and more
tremulous than either extremity. The magnificent spectacle
lasted nearly an hour, the arch moving gradually to the south,
and growing fainter until it disappeared. As the light of this
phenomenon diminished, the aurora borealis appeared around
the whole northern portion of the horizon and increased to an
unusual degree of brilliancy.
Aug. 31. — Died at Brunswick, Me. at the residence of his
son, Col. John Waldron, aged 87, a native and life long resident
of Dover. He was a Colonel in the Army of the Revolution,
marching his Regiment of 700 men whom he had himself
enlisted, to Cambridge when the war broke out. He was
prominent also in civil affairs, having served as moderator of
town meetings about 30 years in succession, and represented
the town and district in both branches of the Legislature.
Locust street, through the Cogswell field, to Central street
near the residence of Hon. Wm. Hale, was opened this year.
Deaths in Dover this year, 77.

1828] HISTORY OF DOVER, N. H. 227
1828
Feb. 26. — Publication of Dover Enquirer commenced.
March 1. — Drowned, near Waldron's Falls, Mary, daughter
of Mr. William Kimball, aged 10 years. Her body was found
under Central street bridge, above the factories.
March 11. — State election sharply contested between the
supporters of Adams and Jackson. Vote of Dover for Gov
ernor, John Bell (Adams) 517; Benja. Pierce (Jackson) 235.
There being no doubt, this year, as to the sentiments of Gov.
Pierce in relation to the administration of Mr. Adams — he
being, if not an avowed opponent, completely in the control of
those who were — the supporters of Adams organized for victory,
and selecting John Bell as their candidate, elected him by a
decisive majority. The vote in Dover was the largest ever
thrown here up to that time, as it was also the largest ever
thrown in the State. The whole number cast was 39897,
of which Pierce received 18672, and Bell 21 149, with 76
scattering. Net amount of postage accruing at Dover Post Office for
year ending March 31, 1827 — $819.70 — being largest in the
State except Portsmouth.
May 1. — Numerous failures among the business men of
Dover, Portsmouth, Great Falls, &c. occasioned in part by the
suspension of some of the managers of the Manufacturing
Companies. The Enquirer of May 6, remarks :
Between most, if not all, of those who have failed there seems to
have been a connection and mutual dependence ; and though it is said
there is an insolvency somewhere, yet we have good authority for saying
that some of the individuals who have stopped business, were perfectly
solvent, but were driven to this extremity by the want of public confi
dence which for a day or two seemed completely overturned. The
solvency of the Commercial Bank at Portsmouth, and the Dover Bank
were for a day or two suspected and their bills refused in Boston, but
were received again as soon as the situation of things were understood.
The business of the Dover Manufacturing Company at this
time was closed up and the Cocheco Company incorporated in
its place. Williams and Wendell, the pioneers in the enter
prise, giving place to Boston managers. Joseph Smith, Isaac
Wendell and John Williams resigned their positions as Directors
of the Dover Bank and other parties were appointed.

228 NOTABLE EVENTS IN THE [1829
June 8. — A party of seven men and boys sailing down the
river on a pleasure excursion, on Sunday, the boat when near
Dover Point was upset and Henry Demeritt aged 25, and
Ebenezer Paul, 14, were drowned. Demeritt was a good
swimmer and lost his life by endeavoring to save Paul, who
could not swim.
June 28. — Exceeding warm weather — thermometer 97 in the
shade. Lightning struck in various places in town, killing
animals and shattering buildings.
Aug. 8. — "Dover Society for the promotion of Temperance"
formed — the members pledging themselves to abstain entirely
from the use of ardent spirits, except for medicinal purposes —
the first Society of the kind in the town.
Aug. 26. — John H. White appointed Postmaster of Dover, in
place of Asa A. Tufts, resigned.
Sept. 29. — Mr. Ham Foss of Barrington, a carpenter employed
on the Unitarian Church, which was built this year, while
placing some timbers for the roof, the plank upon which he
stood gave way and he fell 35 feet, surviving the accident but a
few hours.
The old Jail on Pleasant street was taken down this year and
the materials sold Oct. 29.
Nov. 3. — Presidential election ; after a warm contest between
the supporters of Adams and Jackson, the vote of Dover was
505 for Adams, 322 for Jackson.
Dec. 28. — River closed by the ice.
1829
Feb. 18. — The new brick Church, erected the last season for
the use of the " First Unitarian Society of Christians in Dover,"
was dedicated, and Mr. Samuel Kirkland Lothrop ordained
as Minister over the Church and Society.
March 10. — -The State election was vigorously contested, but
the drift in favor of the new administration of Jackson, then just
inaugurated, was too powerful to be successfully resisted by the
defeated partisans of Adams. The voters of Dover stood up
manfully to the rack, giving Bell 362 votes to 301 for Pierce,
but in the State Pierce had 22615, Bell 19583, with 485 scatter
ing, and thenceforth commenced that reign of the New Hamp
shire Democracy which continued for more than twenty five
years.

1830] HISTORY OF DOVER, N. H. 229
March 17. — A Boston paper gives notice that "the last weekly
Dover Packet from New Hampshire, brought nearly as many
cotton and woolen goods to this market as were brought by the
packet ship Dover, and more than were brought by the packet
New England, from Liverpool. Cotton goods which were once
purchased in England for 38 cents, and thought remarkably
cheap, were not better cottons than can now be purchased here
at 20 cents."
There was a great body of snow and ice until the first week
in April. The snow was much drifted; in some places in the
roads 5 or 6 feet deep. A heavy rain commenced on the 2d of
April and the snow soon melted.
April 3. — The waters of the Cochecho below the falls rose to
an unusual height — even higher, it is believed, than ever before
known — causing considerable losses of lumber, lime, &c. on the
wharves, which were all inundated. The rise was occasioned
by the collection of ice below, which dammed up the river.
May 19. — Barnabas H. Palmer appointed Postmaster of Dover
in place of John H. White.
Aug. 3. — James G. Avery, a young man in the employ of the
Manufacturing Company, fell from the Dry House, a distance of
about 40 feet, surviving the accident but a few hours.
Aug. 22. — William Bentley, a native of England, was
drowned in attempting to swim across the Cochecho, a short
distance above the Falls — aged 32.
A very severe drought this year, compelling farmers to come
to Dover from many miles in the country to buy corn, an unusual
occurrence. Dec. 31. — The new Brick Meeting House, erected by the
First Parish, was dedicated. Sermon by Rev. Mr. Winslow,
the Pastor, from Psalms 95 : 3. 1830
March 8. — A portion of Piscataqua Bridge, extending from
the arch about 400 feet south, was carried away by the force of
the waters and a great pressure of ice, of about three acres in
extent. March 9. — The political contest of this year was noted for its
acrimonious character. The Jackson party having nominated
Matthew Harvey for Governor, the opposition, which retained
the name of Republicans, brought out Gen. Timothy Upham.

230 NOTABLE EVENTS IN THE L1830
The latter was virulently assailed in the Jackson papers, which
led to a prosecution for libel, and finally to a cow-hiding of the
chief assailant. The vote in Dover was for Upham 429, Harvey
263, and in the State Upham had 19040, Harvey 23214, scatter
ing 187. Mr. Harvey, having been appointed U. S. District
Judge before the close of his term, resigned, and Jos. M.
Harper, President of the Senate, became acting Governor.
April 13. — Hon. Daniel M. Durell of Dover, appointed a
Director of the United States Bank; also, U. S. District Attor
ney for New Hampshire.
The river and harbor bill, containing an appropriation of
$4200, for improving the Cochecho branch of the Piscataqua
river from Dover Falls to its confluence with the Piscataqua,
was vetoed by President Jackson.
July 4. — Philip Emery committed suicide by shooting himself
in the bowels.
July 8.— Mr. Ichabod Hayes, a respectable citizen of Milton,
was thrown from his wagon in Dover, and so much injured as
to occasion his death in a few hours.
Weather unusually warm, the thermometer for three days in
succession (July 16, 17, 18,) ranging from 92 to 98 in the shade.
July 27. — Present appearances promise an unusual crop of
potatoes. Some farmers have offered them at ninepence (12^
cents) a bushel, in anticipation of the harvest. Good hay is
now selling for $5 a ton. {Dover Enquirer.)
Aug. 28. — John P. Hale of Dover, admitted to practice as an
attorney. Nov. n. — The dwelling house of Mr. Michael Whidden, on
Silver street, burnt.
Dec. 9. — Dover Relief Society organized — Hon. William
Hale, President ; Asa A. Tufts, Treasurer and Secretary.
Dec. 15. — Jonathan H. Carr of Somersworth, found dead in
a field near the road leading from Dover to Great Falls. Ver
dict — " Death by intoxication and exposure to cold."
Deaths in Dover in the year 1830 — 72 ; males 33, females 29.

1831] HISTORY OF DOVER, N. H. 231
1831
There were belonging in Dover, at the commencement of this
year, six sloops and schooners, constituting a regular line of
packets, plying between Dover and Boston and other places.
Also three daily packets running between Dover and Ports
mouth. A steamboat was also run on the river a part of the
time. Jan. 15. — A great snow storm, blocking up the roads and
delaying the mails from all quarters.
Feb. 1. — John Gage, James Gage and Samuel Gage, the first
two brothers, and the last a son of James, sentenced to the State
Prison for five years for store breaking. A third brother,
Thomas, died in jail previous to the trial. The wife of John
Gage, a few months after, committed suicide by hanging
herself. March 8. — Vote of Dover for Governor, Ichabod Bartlett,
Republican, 403; Samuel Dinsmoor, Democrat, 271. New
candidates for Governor were brought out by both parties this
year — the Jackson, or Democratic party, as they began to call
themselves about this time, nominating Samuel Dinsmoor who
had been beaten by Woodbury eight years before, and the
Republicans, Ichabod Bartlett, who had served six years in
Congress, and was the ablest speaker and foremost lawyer in
the State. The result was for Dinsmoor 23503, Bartlett 18681,
scattering no.
March 15. — A large seal, six feet eight inches in length, and
weighing nearly 400 pounds, taken in the Cochecho, a few miles
below the town.
July 26. — John H. Rand, while at work on the Dye House of
the Manufacturing Co., fell 15 feet and was instantly killed.
Oct. 8. — The White Mountains covered with snow, which
also fell in various parts of the State.
Oct. 19. — A young woman by the name of Page, committed
suicide by hanging herself, with her apron, from an apple tree.
Nov. 25. — The barn of Mr. Jacob Sawyer, at Garrison Hill,
burnt, with eleven head of cattle and a large quantity of hay.
Dec. 18. — Died, Doctor Jacob Kittredge, aged 36 — a well
beloved physician.
Dec. 22. — Extremely cold — the thermometer one to ten
degrees below zero through the day.
Deaths in Dover this year 85-^-males 39, females 46.

232 NOTABLE EVENTS IN THE [1832
1832
Jan. 7. — An association by the name of the ' ' Dover Lyceum ' '
organized — its object being to "hold meetings for reading, con
versation, discussion, dissertations, illustrating the sciences, or
other exercises which shall be thought expedient."
March 13. — Vote for Governor, Ichabod Bartlett, Rep. 250,
Samuel Dinsmoor, Dem. 301 . The Republican party made its
last rally this year at the State election and was beaten, as at
the previous election. Dinsmoor, in the State received 24167
votes, Bartlett 14920, scattering 146. Dover, which seldom
faltered, gave Dinsmoor a majority as above, and a combination
of a few disaffected republicans, under the name of " Working-
men " with the democracy, succeeded in electing their repre
sentatives to the Legislature, one of whom was John P. Hale,
who thus received that start in public life which he afterwards
made so distinguished as well as honorable to himself and useful
to the country.
March 17. — A great freshet occasioned by heavy rains and
the melting of the snow. The dam at Bow Pond giving way
much alarm was felt for the safety of property on the Landing,
the Bridges, &c. Several mills and every bridge on the river
but one above Dover were destroyed : also a store and black
smith's shop at the outlet of the Pond in Strafford.
March 31. — A meeting to consider the expediency of estab
lishing a steamboat on Winnipiseogee Lake held in Portsmouth
and a committee appointed to make arrangements therefor —
J. B. H. Odiorne and John Coe of Dover members thereof.
An adjourned meeting was held in Rochester, in April, at
which it was announced that all the stock was taken up.
Charles F. Bell, the engineer employed in building the boat,
drowned in the Lake, June 12.
May 20. — The new Freewill Baptist Meeting House dedicated.
June 24. — At a public town meeting the selectmen and
physicians of the town were constituted a Board of Health and
authorized to adopt measures necessary for the public safety
from the Asiatic cholera, then alarmingly prevalent in the
country. Sept. — Ivory H. Willey, 22, killed by the falling of a drum-
wheel upon his head while at work in the Upper Factory.

1833] HISTORY OF DOVER, N. H. 233
Nov. 6. — Vote of Dover for President: Henry Clay 562,
Andrew Jackson 324. The vote in the State was for Clay
electors 19627, for Jackson 26269.
Nov. 20. — The bells of the town tolled and minute guns fired
as a token of respect for the memory of Charles Carroll of
Carrollton, the last signer of the Declaration of Independence,
who died Nov. 15.
Cocheco Block built this year. Deaths in town for the year
73 — males 29, females 44. 1833
Feb. 6. — Rev. David Root installed as Pastor of the Congre
gational Church.
March 12. — Vote for Governor, Samuel Dinsmoor 300, Arthur
Livermore 95. Governor Dinsmoor was re-elected this year
with little opposition, viz : In the State Dinsmoor 28277,
Livermore 3959, scattering 1240.
June 11. — Joseph Hammons of Farmington, appointed Post
master of Dover.
June 18. — A public meeting was held for the purpose of
making arrangements for the reception of President Jackson,
then on a visit to Concord, and who was expected to pass
through town on his way to Portland. But the President, in
consequence of feeble health, returned direct to Boston and
Washington. July 4. — Steamer Belknap commenced running on Winni
piseogee Lake — The first boat ever run by steam on the Lake.
"She glided across the Lake in good style, with fine music
and a large company on board — about 1000 people having
assembled to witness the first attempt to navigate the waters of
the Winnipiseogee by steam." A new line of stages from
Portsmouth through Dover to the Lake was also established.
The " Dover Lyceum " incorporated by the Legislature.
Aug. 6. — Act of the Legislature, authorizing "Jeremiah
Colbath of Farmington to take the name of Henry Wilson,"
published in Dover Enquirer.
Aug. 26. — Died, widow Abigail Brown, aged 102 years, 4
mos. 19 days. She was born in Madbury (then part of Dover)
March 27, 1731, O. S. Her mother lived to the age of 102, and
her grandmother to the age of 104.

234 NOTABLE EVENTS IN THE [1834
Sept. 10. — It is mentioned that snow has fallen upon the
White Mountains every month of the past summer — an unusual
occurrence. Hon. John Quincy Adams passed through Dover on his re
turn from the White Mountains, remarking to a- gentleman with
whom he was in conversation, ' ' that in all his travels he had
never beheld natural scenery so imposing and beautiful as that
to be met in New Hampshire."
Nov. 13. — Meteoric shower of stars observable, between 3
and 4 o'clock in the morning, which attracted much attention
throughout the country.
Dec. 26. — First lecture of Dover Lyceum course delivered,
by the President, Hon. James Bartlett.
Same date. — At a public town meeting a committee of ten
was appointed to memorialize Congress for an appropriation to
remove obstructions in Cochecho river.
Deaths in town during the year 52 — males 27, females 25.
March 4. — Mills of Cocheco Manufacturing Co. stopped for
three days in consequence of a turn out of the female operatives,
occasioned by a reduction of their pay.
March n. — Vote for Governor, William Badger 242, scatter
ing 189. Voted to build a market house at an expense not ex
ceeding $5000. The selectmen were authorized to employ a
surveyor to make a plan of the town, provided he will furnish
a lithographic map of the same — expense not to exceed $50.
Representatives instructed to procure the passage of an act au
thorizing the town to appropriate a portion of its school money
for the support of a High School.
March 15 — Public meeting held to memorialize Congress
relative to the great and increasing distress in the country, con
sequent on the measures of the National Administration in
regard to the public monies, the tariff, &c.
April 28. — -Pastoral relations between the Unitarian Society
and Rev. Samuel K. Lothrop dissolved, he having accepted a
call to the Brattle Street Church, Boston.
May 5. — Wife of John Dunn committed suicide by cutting
her throat with a razor, leaving three children, the youngest
but a week old.

1835] HISTORY OF DOVER, N. H. 235
Aug. i. — William B. Smith appointed Postmaster in place of
Joseph Hammons resigned.
Aug. n . — William Reynolds died from the effects of a blow
given him by his father Joseph Reynolds, with a fire shovel,
while the former, who was in liquor, was in controversy with
his step-mother. Joseph Reynolds, the father, who was 76
years of age, was found guilty of manslaughter, and sentenced
to the State Prison for 5 years.
Sept. 6. — Honors to the memory of the illustrious Lafayette
were paid by the citizens of Dover, the Hon. Caleb Cushing of
Newburyport, delivering an eloquent eulogy on the deceased,
the Governor of the State with his staff, and other distinguished
guests attending and marching in procession. The Rocking
ham Guards of Portsmouth, the Great Falls Rifle Co. and the
Strafford Guards being the escort.
Sept. 13. — Mr. Cyrus Ames killed by the bursting of a gun
fired by another person near whom he was standing.
Nov. 5. — Drowned in the Cochecho, near the Landing, Capt.
Moses P. Perkins, aged 40.
Dec. 2. — A paragraph announcing that it was contemplated
to build a railroad from the termination of the Lowell Railroad
in Wilmington to Andover, first published in a Dover paper.
The editor anticipating the possibility that the road might in
time be built to Dover. 1835
Jan. 4. — The coldest morning observed for many years, the
thermometer indicating 28 degrees below zero.
Jan. 31. — Two boys, children of John B. Sargent and David
Bickford, one 8 and the other 6 years of age, drowned near the
Upper Factory in crossing the river on the ice.
March 10. — Vote for Governor, Joseph Healey 373, William
Badger 362. The rival parties from this time were styled or
assumed the names of Whigs and Democrats. The Whigs
previous to this election had at a State Convention, nominated
Andrew Peirce of Dover, as their candidate for Governor. The
Democrats had nominated William Badger. Mr. Peirce de
clined the nomination, and Joseph Healey, who had been the
next highest candidate in the Convention, was recommended as
a substitute for Mr. Peirce, at a County Convention held in
Dover. The result in the State was for Badger 25767, for
Healey 14825, scattering 308.

236 NOTABLE EVENTS IN THE [1835
Lithographic Map of the town, from surveys of Geo. L.
Whitehouse, published.
May i. — " This day a steeple clock, built by Benjamin Morrill
of Boscawen, N. H. was set going in the tower of the First
Parish Meeting House. The cost of the clock including dial
and fixtures about $300. This is the first steeple clock ever set
up in Dover. This clock was paid for by subscriptions from
various persons, citizens of Dover, and was put up in the tower
of the meeting house by consent of the Parish. Mr. Asa A.
Tufts and Mr. Geo. Quint took care of it for several years, when
the selectmen agreed to pay some one to keep it going."
( Tufts Record.)
June 30. — Bill to incorporate the Boston & Maine Railroad
passed by the Legislature.
July 5. — John Kenney, aged 29, and John Casley, aged 23,
drowned while bathing in the river above the Upper Bridge.
July 14. — Plato Waldron, aged about 56, (colored) drowned
in the Cochecho, near the Landing. Plato was born a slave of
Thomas Westbrook Waldron and was probably about the last
member of the "peculiar institution" who lived and died in
Dover. For many years previous to his death he was Janitor
of the Courts when in session in the old Court House.
July 28. — Meeting held and a committee appointed to con
sider and report upon the subject of building a railroad from
Haverhill or Portsmouth to Dover.
Aug. 11. — The committee reported in favor of a road from
Haverhill and also to Alton Bay.
Aug. 22. — Directors chosen by the grantees of the Boston &
Maine Railroad at a meeting held at Dover Hotel, and on the
31st. books were open for subscriptions to the stock.
Dec. 16. — The coldest day on record for many years. Ther
mometer at noon 13 degrees below zero — average for the
day -13.
Dec. 30. — Rev. Edgar Buckingham ordained as minister of
the Unitarian Society.
Deaths in town this year 82, males 24, females 58.

1836] HISTORY OF DOVER, N. H. 237
1836
Jan. 19. — Rev. Holmes Cushman, a Methodist minister and
afterwards a trader in Dover, was sentenced to the Massachu
setts State Prison for 3 years, for obtaining goods by false pre
tences in Boston.
• March 8. — Vote for Governor, Joseph Healey 317, Isaac Hill
435. Isaac Hill, long the editor of the N. H. Patriot and the
most influential party leader in the State, was elected Governor
this year without any organized opposition. He had been
appointed 2d Controller of the Treasury by Gen. Jackson, and
rejected by the Senate, whereupon theN. H. Legislature elected
him a member of the body which had rejected him. He took
his seat in the Senate, but before serving out his full term he
was nominated for Governor and elected by the following vote :
Hill 24904, Healey 2566, George Sullivan 2344, scattering mi.
March 10. — Mr. Daniel Hayes was instantly killed while
adjusting the machinery of a steam grist mill on Young's
wharf. April 2. — Jacob Ford, an old citizen of Dover Neck, 70
years of age, was drowned at the Portsmouth bridge by the
upsetting of his boat, in which he was proceeding to that town.
April 18. — The small pox was prevalent in Dover this year
and a number of deaths occurred from it.
July 4. — Died, Dr. George W. Kittredge, aged 36. His death
was caused by his labors in attendance upon those sick with
small pox.
Ten thousand dollars were granted by Congress this year for
improving the navigation of Cochecho river.
Steam Boat "Tom Thumb " advertised to run daily between
Dover and Portsmouth this season.
Nov. 7. — Vote for President, Harrison 140, Van Buren 269.
But little opposition was made in New Hampshire to the elec
tion of Mr. Van Buren to the Presidency. The whole vote was
24980. The Van Buren electors were chosen by votes varying
from 18658 to 18722. Vote on division of the county of Straf
ford, ayes 19, nays 19. For a State Insane Hospital, ayes 416,
nays 3.
The coldest day of the year was Feb. 2 — 17 degrees below
zero, average 8)4 degrees below. The warmest day, July 9—
98 above, and average 81 for the day.

238 NOTABLE EVENTS IN THE [1837
1837
Feb. 11. — At a public town meeting it was voted to receive
the surplus revenue belonging to the town, which had been
deposited by tbe General Government with the State, and
William Woodman was appointed agent to receive the same.
The selectmen were appointed commissioners to manage the
fund, the interest to be applied to the payment of the expenses
of the town. The whole amount of this surplus deposited with
the States was $37468859.97 — of which the sum assigned to New
Hampshire was $892115.71. Dover's proportion was $14767.79.
An attempt was made to retain it in the State Treasury as a
permanent fund, to be returned to the General Government (if
ever called for) according to the terms of the act, but the Legis
lature voted to make the several towns the custodians, requiring
them to hold and use it in such manner as to be able to return it
when necessary. Some of them did so, but most of them finally
made another distribution by depositing it in the pockets of the
people. Dover did this by vote of the town in May 1838.
March 14. — Vote for Governor, Isaac Hill 481, scattering 2.
Mr. Hill was re-elected Governor this year with less opposition
than the previous year. Whole vote 24532. Isaac Hill 22361,
Joseph Healey 557, George Sullivan 458, scattering 1156. In
Dover, where the party organization was generally very strin
gently maintained, it was so far relaxed that the Democratic
party elected their full board of representatives to the Legisla
ture, which was a very unusual event in its political history,
not occurring again for many years.
May — Suspension of specie payments by the Banks, and
great excitement in business affairs. Many failures and a gen
eral suspension of manufacturing operations. The Mills in
Dover were mostly shut down and a large number of people
thrown out of employment. An extra session of Congress was
called by President Van Buren.
May 15. — Died, Dr. Samuel W. Dow, aged 34. Drowned in
the Cochecho, William Field, 6. years of age.
June 3. — A very severe thunder storm, the lightning striking
in several places in town, and burning a barn in Madbury, con
taining six cows.
July 17. — Died, Hon. James Bartlett, 44.

1838] HISTORY OF DOVER, N. H. 239
July 20. — Died, Deborah Coffin, the oldest person in town,
having been baptised Sept. 17, 1738. She was born in the
house on Central street which stood on the high bank which
was dug away to make room for Varney's block, and in which
her ancestors lived until the great earthquake in 1755 shook
down the chimney. Her great grandfather was Peter Coffin,
whose garrison stood on the spot where she was born, and
whose house and mills were burnt when Major Waldron was
killed by the Indians in 1689. It was a tradition of the family
that when the Indians entered his garrison four of his hired
men attempted to put them out, but the family prevented them
believing they could trust the Indians. The Indians murdered
the four hired men, but spared all the family. Her father had
ten children, the eighth of whom was Deborah. She remem
bered that when she was young' and the women went out to
milk, a man went with them with a gun, for fear of the Indians.
Much of the land on Washington street, granted originally to
Peter Coffin, remained in the family until "Aunt Deborah's"
death. Sept. 9. — A little child, 6 years old, daughter of Wm. B.
Hayes, was knocked down and trampled to death by a team of
Stage horses near the New Hampshire Hotel.
Sept. 14. — A ship of about 600 tons was launched from the
ship yard of Robert Rogers near the Gulf this day.
Dec. 8. — The Universalist Church on 3d street, built this
year, was dedicated.
The coldest day in the year was Jan. 4. — thermometer 18
below zero. The warmest day July 1 — 95 above zero.
1838
March 13. — Vote for Governor, James Wilson, jr. 617, Isaac
Hill 407. The election was sharply contested this year and a
large vote was brought out — the largest ever cast in the State.
The opposing candidates were James Wilson, Whig, and Isaac
Hill, Democrat, who was running for a third term. Result :
Whole vote 54570, of which Wilson had 25675, Hill 28697,
scattering 198.
The town voted against a division of the County ; also against
calling a Convention for revising the Constitution, or for making
Town Clerks Recorders of Deeds— all of which questions were
submitted to the voters by order of the Legislature.

240 NOTABLE EVENTS IN THE [1838
May 9. — The town voted to loan the Surplus Revenue depos
ited with the town by the General Government, to the legal
voters in equal proportions.
May 23. — Rev. R. O. Williams installed as Pastor of the
Universalist Society.
June 5. — Rev. Lucian Hayden ordained as Pastor of the
Franklin Street Baptist Society.
July 13. — The house of Mr. Samuel Howard at Mount
Pleasant, burnt by a spark from the chimney — the first dwelling
burnt in town since 1831.
July 29. — Great heat — thermometer 97 in the shade.
July 30. — -The house of Francis Drew, at Back river, burnt.
Sept. 4. — Great scarcity of water — Mills shut down half of
each day.
Oct. 25. — Meeting held to secure the building of the Boston
& Maine Railroad from Exeter to Dover, instead of Exeter to
Portsmouth. Dec. — The town voted to subscribe for 140 shares in the
Boston & Maine Railroad and pay for the same with the Surplus
Revenue. Died, in Texas, in June of this year, George Clinton Durell,
aged 22, son of Hon. D. M. Durell, and Charles Ela, aged 27,
son of N. W. Ela — supposed to have been murdered by some of
the lawless desperadoes of that territory, whither they had gone
on a business expedition.
The Nutter & Pierce brick block on the corner of Washing
ton and Main streets (since purchased by the Manufacturing
Co.) was built this year — the third brick block erected on the
Landing. Number of arrivals of vessels in Boston from Dover during
the year 97, — larger than from any other place east of New York
except Portland.
Deaths for the year 86.

1839] HISTORY OF DOVER, N. H. 241
1839
Jan. 9. — Died, Dr. Jabez Dow, aged 63, an old and well
known physician.
March 12. — Vote for Governor, James Wilson 597, John Page
373, scattering 5. On division of the County, 25 for, 253
against. The whole vote of the State was for James Wilson,
Whig, 23928, John Page, Democrat, 30518, scattering 562.
The town voted to reconsider the vote passed in December,
to take stock in the Boston & Maine Railroad.
April . — James F. Curtis, Superintendent of the Boston and
Worcester Railroad, and for several years Superintendent of the
Cocheco Manufacturing Co., was instantly killed by putting
his head from the car window near Boston.
June 25. — Rev. Edgar Buckingham dissolved his connection
with the Unitarian Society, and Rev. David Root his relations
with the Congregational Society.
The ship Orinoco, Captain Rogers, (the last ship built in
Dover) was lost at sea, Sept. 4, on her passage from St.
Petersburg to Boston.
Sept. 12. — Mr. William Pidgin committed suicide by hang
ing himself in his barn.
Oct. 19. — A town meeting was held to see if the town would
authorize the selectmen to pay the assessments on the stock in
the Boston & Maine Railroad which they were instructed to
subscribe for at the meeting held in December last. The town
by a vote of 220 to 117, refused to so instruct.
Nov. 20. — Rev. Jeremiah S. Young ordained over the Con
gregational Society.
Dec. 15. — A very severe storm, causing great destruction to
shipping. The Cochecho Mutual Fire Insurance Co. was incorporated
this year. The Dover Library was opened, and St. Thomas
Church organized ; Rev. William Horton, Rector.
Deaths for the year 106.

242 NOTABLE EVENTS IN THE [1840
1840
Feb. 7. — By a decision of the Court of Common Pleas, the
Turnpike from Dover to South Berwick was declared a free
road from this date and the toll-gate removed.
March 10. — Vote for Governor, Enos Stevens, Whig, 579,
John Page, Dem., 379, scattering 9. In the State, Stevens
20716, Page 30518, scattering 562.
April 3. — Died, Hon. John Wheeler, aged 70 — for 25 years
Postmaster of Dover, having been appointed by Jefferson in
1801. April 22. — Rev. John Parkman installed as minister of the
Unitarian Church.
June 17. — Great Harrison convention at Concord — 10000
people present — 200 from Dover.
June 24. — Boston & Maine Railroad opened to Exeter.
June 29. — George Fletcher, aged 11, drowned in the Cochecho
while bathing.
July 4. — The day was celebrated with much enthusiasm by
the whig party — a procession and collation, toasts, speeches,
&c. The following sentiment was sent in by Dr. Ezra Green,
then in his 94th year, and who at the November election follow
ing, cast his last vote for General Harrison for President :
The Union of all parties upon the principles of the Revolution and
the Constitution — that Whig Principles may prevail among all the People
— May the choice of General William H. Harrison as President of the
United States, be a death blow to all party spirit and a revival of the
spirit of '75.
(Received with three times three cheers.)
July 24. — Extreme heat — the glass standing at 103 in the
shade. Oct. 16. — Died, Moses Hodgdon, Esq. Counselor at Law,
aged 66 — one of the oldest members of the Strafford Bar, hav
ing commenced practice in 1801. He had represented the town
in the Legislature and at the time of his decease was President
of Strafford Bank and of the Savings Bank for the County of
Strafford. Oct. 22. — A store house near Young's Tannery on the Land
ing burnt, and a large quantity of merchandise destroyed.
Nov. 2. — Presidential election — great contest between Harrison
and Van Buren. Vote of Dover, Harrison 662, Van Buren 412.

1841] HISTORY OF DOVER, N. H. 243
The Presidential election this year was the greatest political
contest ever known. For many weeks the whole country was
in a blaze of excitement. In Dover, as elsewhere, the whole
population was arrayed in opposing parties, and great political
gatherings at which there was speaking and singing of songs,
were of constant occurrence. In June 200 of the voters of
Dover went in a body to the great Mass Meeting in Concord, at
which more than 10000 persons were present. The whole vote
of the State was for Harrison 26434, for Van Buren 32671.
New Hampshire was the only Northern State which was carried
for Van Buren.
Dec. 23. — Act passed by the Legislature to divide the County
of Strafford.
St. Thomas Church built this year.
Deaths during the year 87. 1841
Jan. 9. — Benjamin Hodgdon, aged 70, was instantly killed
by falling beneath his cart wheel on Franklin square.
Jan. 26. — Asa A. Tufts appointed Postmaster in place of
William B. Smith, resigned.
March 9. — State election. Vote of Dover for Governor,
Enos Stevens 524, John Page 368, Daniel Hoit 28. The
Abolition or Free Soil party began to make its appearance this
year. Result in the State, John Page, Dem., 291 16, Enos
Stevens, Whig, 21230, Daniel Hoit, Freesoil, 2812, scattering
358. May 6. — Died, Hon. Daniel M. Durell, aged 71. He was
apparently in the enjoyment of good health, had ridden out on
horseback during the day, and was seen walking on the street
with his usual vigorous step until late in the afternoon. About
six o'clock he was found by his family dead in the yard near
his residence. The deceased was one of Dover's most opulent
and distinguished citizens and in the course of a long and
active life, had filled many offices of trust and importance. He
was a graduate of Dartmouth College of the class of 1794, and
commenced the practice of law in Dover as early as 1797.
From 1807 to 1809 he was a member of Congress from New
Hampshire. He afterwards represented the town in the-State
Legislature, and in 18 14 was appointed Chief Justice of the

244 NOTABLE EVENTS IN THE [1842
First District Court of Common Pleas, which office he held
until the Judiciary system was changed and the Court abolished.
In 1830 he was appointed United States District Attorney for
New Hampshire and held the office until 1834.
Aug. 10. — A very severe drought this summer.
Sept. 1. — The annual meeting of the Boston & Maine Rail
road was held in Dover for the first time, on which occasion the
road was opened for the conveyance of passengers to the tem
porary depot beyond the "deep cut " on Washington street.
Oct. 4. — A very severe storm doing much damage to shipping.
Snow fell in considerable quantities, covering the tops of hills
and giving them the aspect of midwinter.
Nov. 20. — The town voted to distribute tbe Surplus Revenue,
except that part which had been appropriated to the payment of
poll taxes, in equal proportions among the legal voters of the
town and the widows of citizens.
Also voted to erect a suitable Town House for the accommo
dation of the town ; the proceeds of Town Lots recently sold to
be used for the purpose of building the House, and the select
men authorized to hire a sum not exceeding $5000 in addition
thereto, making in all $10000. The County subsequently
granted $3000.
Deaths in Dover during the year 108, males 53, females 45,
unknown 10. 1842
Jan. 30. — The thermometer at noon rose to 57 above zero.
In the month of July last, at three different times, it sunk
lower. March 3. — Dennis Halleran, aged 50, was killed by the
caving of the earth, while at work in an excavation on the
railroad near the village.
March 8. — State election. — Vote for Governor, Enos Stevens
342, Daniel Hoit 138, Henry Hubbard 522, John H. White 12.
The death of President Harrison and the results which followed,
had a marked effect upon the politics of the State. Parties
became somewhat mixed. In the election of this year there
were four organizations in the field — the Whig, Democratic,
Independent Democratic, and Free Soil. Result of the vote :
Henry Hubbard, Dein., 26831, Enos Stevens, Whig, 12234.
John H. White, Ind. Dem., 5869, Daniel Hoit, Free Soil, 2812,
scattering 358.

1842] HISTORY OF DOVER, N. H. 245
The selectmen were instructed to grant no licenses for the
sale of liquor. Vote for revision of State Constitution 21,
against 90.
March 9. — Died, John B. H. Odiorne, aged 50 — for many
years a well known business man. He was in Dartmoor prison,
in England, at the time of the massacre of American prisoners,
in the war of 1812.
March 25. — Rain, thunder and snow, about four inches of
the latter falling, which was more than at any one time during
the winter.
April 22. — The thermometer rose to 87 in the shade this day.
May 21. — Died, Captain John Riley, aged 61. He had
attended to his usual business during the day — was present at
a public meeting in the evening — retired to his house about 10
o'clock, and before another hour had ceased to be numbered
with the living. For many years he was a selectman and
Treasurer of the town, had been its representative in the
Legislature, and at the time of his death was one of the
Directors of the Boston & Maine Railroad, in the building
of which he took a deep interest, and to advance it con
tributed liberally and efficiently, both by his means and
superintendence. June 11. — Snow fell for several hours on the hills of New
Hampshire this day.
June 30. —The cars of the Boston & Maine Railroad crossed
the Cochecho for the first time, arriving at the new Depot on
Franklin square at ioj^ o'clock, which with the bridge across
the river was completed a few days previously.
Aug. 29. — The remains of two skeletons, supposed to be
those of Indians, were found in digging down the high bank
which stood where Orchard street runs into Central street, near
which was also the site of Peter Coffin's garrison house in 1689.
Aug. 30. — Stephen Tuttle and William Ellison, young men
about 19 years of age, were drowned by the upsetting of their
boat near Dover Point.
Sept. 21.— Died, Hon. Jeremiah Smith, aged 83, formerly of
Exeter, but for the last years of his life a resident of Dover.
He was a representative in Congress during Washington's
administration, for many years a Judge of the United States

246 NOTABLE EVENTS IN THE [1843
and State Courts, and Governor of the State. Few citizens
were more widely known as a Statesman and Jurist, and none
ever left behind them a more enduring reputation.
Oct. 6. — The corner stone of the new Town Hall was laid
this day, on which occasion appropriate remarks were made by
Hon. John P. Hale. A variety of pamphlets, papers, coins and
other matters, were deposited in a box under the corner stone,
including a sketch of Dover, map of the village, list of Town
Officers, newspapers published in town, &c.
Nov. 18. — Michael Powers, aged 6o, killed by the caving of
the earth while digging on the railroad near the deep cut on
Washington street.
Deaths during the year 153 — males 60, females 93.
1843
Jan. 2. — Boston & Maine Railroad completed to the Junction
in Berwick.
Feb. 21. — Died, Nathaniel W. Ela, aged 77, for nearly half a
century the keeper of a well known hotel on the Landing.
March 14. — -Vote for Governor, Anthony Colby 256, Daniel
Hoit 174, Henry Hubbard 459, John H. White 44. The vote
in the State this year was as follows : Henry Hubbard, Dem.,
23050; Anthony Colby, Whig, 12551; John H. White, Ind.
Dem., 5497; Daniel Hoit, Freesoil, 3402; scattering 83.
March 28. — The snow in the upper part of the State was five
feet deep on a level at this time, and it was remarked that there
had not been so much on the ground so late in the season for
forty years.
July 4. — The new Town Hall opened to the public for the
first time on the occasion of a great Temperance Celebration by
the "Martha Washington Association of Dover."
July 17. — Died, in Boston, John Williams, aged 63, for
several years the agent of the Manufacturing Co. in Dover and
largely interested in the establishment of the business in this
place. July 24. — At a town meeting held in the new Town Hall, the
town voted to convey to the County of Strafford, the use of the
Court Room with the necessary rooms for County Officers, Jury
Rooms, &c. so long as the Court shall sit in Dover, upon the
payment of $3000.

1844] HISTORY OF DOVER, N. H. 247
Aug. i. — The Court held its first term in the new Court
Room. Sept. 16. — The town voted to purchase four acres of land on
the north side of Cochecho river for a Burying Ground, and
authorized the selectmen to lay out the same into lots. (This
land was on Fifth street. The Burying Ground, after being
used for a short time, was found unsuitable for the purpose and
was abandoned and sold.)
Sept. 19. — Phebe Hanson murdered by Andrew Howard in
Rochester. Howard was arrested on the 20th and committed
to jail in Dover. On Oct. 20, he made an attempt to hang him
self in his cell with his handkerchief, and was cut down in
season barely to save his life.
Sept. 21. — The new Freewill Baptist Meeting House on
Washington street was dedicated this day. (This was the
building afterwards converted into the Freewill Baptist Printing
Establishment, which had an office in the basement when
originally built.)
Dec. 30. — The selectmen were authorized to sell the old
Court House and lot for the benefit of the town.
About 100 tenements were built in different parts of the town
this year, a larger number than had been erected in any year
since 1825. Also the Stafford Bank block.
Deaths during the year 105 — males 43, females 62.
1844
Jan. 3. — Moses W. Ham of Farmington, left Dover in the
evening for his home during a severe storm, and was found
dead the next morning near Gage's hill, with his horse and
sleigh near by.
Jan. 16. — Fire in Harper's Furniture Store (Badgers building)
which came near destroying the Enquirer office.
Feb. 3. — Mr. B. A. Ford passed with a horse and sleigh on
the ice from Dover Neck to Newington, a circumstance which
had not before occurred for 30 years. Winter very severe and
Boston harbor frozen over so that a canal had to be cut to admit
the passage of vessels.
Feb. 12.— Died, Captain William Flagg, aged 74. In early
life he was an officer in the naval service of his country, for
which at the time of his death he received a pension from the

248 NOTABLE EVENTS IN THE [1844
Government. He was afterwards an enterprising shipmaster,
and long enjoyed the respect and confidence of his fellow
citizens. March 12. — Vote for Governor, John H. Steele 581, Anthony
Colby 351, Daniel Hoit 109, John H. White 20. Result in the
State, John H. Steele, Dem., 25986; Anthony Colby, Whig,
14750; Daniel Hoit, Freesoil, 5767 ; John H. White, Ind. Dem.,
1988; scattering 201.
April 5. — A man named Ira Libbey was found drowned in a
small pond at the west end of the Town Hall (where Locust
street now runs), and where he had fallen the previous night in
a state of intoxication.
Aug. 12. — Andrew Howard tried for the murder of Phebe
Hanson ; the jury failing to agree he was remanded to prison.
Nov. 4. — Vote for President, Henry Clay 562 ; James K.
Polk 456; James G. Birney 61. The Whig party made a
gallant but unavailing effort to carry the country for its greatest
leader — Henry Clay — in this his last contest for the Presidency.
In the State the vote was for Clay 17776; for Polk 27762; for
Birney, the Freesoil candidate, 7559.
The Printery of the Manufacturing Co. on Payne street was
erected this year, also Varney's Block, and Union Block, on
Central street, and Railroad Block on Franklin Square.
Thomas W. Waldron, aged 30, the United States Consul and
Naval Agent at Canton, died at Hong Kong, China, Sept. 8.
He was son of Daniel Waldron late of Dover, the last possessor
of the Waldron Homestead.
Deaths during the year 121 — males 55, females 66. Among
those who died was Lewis Colbath (at the alms house), a brother
of a future Vice President of the United States.

1845] HISTORY OF DOVER, N. H. 249
1845
Jan. 7. — Hon. John P. Hale's letter to his constituents against
the annexation of Texas, published.
Feb. 5. — Andrew Howard was again tried for the murder of
Phebe Hanson, when the jury returned a verdict of wilful
murder. March 11. — Vote for Governor, Anthony Colby 557 ; John H.
Steele 385 ; Daniel Hoit 109; scattering 6. Vote of the State,
Steele, Dem., 23406; Colby, Whig, 15579; Hoit, Freesoil, 5786;
scattering 994.
John P. Hale, who had been nominated for re-election to Con
gress by the Democratic party, was at this election dropped from
the ticket, and John Woodbury substituted, in consequence of
Mr. Hale's refusal to go with the party in voting for the annex
ation of Texas. A portion of the party, consisting of those who
approved of his opposition to the extension of slavery, voted for
him, and succeeded in defeating his opponent, leaving a vacancy
in the delegation.
May 2. — During a heavy blow an apple tree, known as the
great Wingate apple tree, standing on the farm of William P.
Wingate, on the Neck road, was prostrated to the earth. This
tree, from authentic tradition, is supposed to have been nearly
200 years old. It measured 16^ feet in circumference, and has
been known to bear 40 fyushels of apples a year in succession.
'One year it bore 60 bushels, and it has probably averaged 30
bushels a year for 150 years. The farm on which it stood was
first settled by John Wingate, the ancestor of all the Wingates,
in 1658 or 9, and has always remained in the hands of his
descendants. June 25. — The steam mill of James Davis on Union street
burnt. July 1. — Thomas Stackpole appointed Postmaster in place of
Asa A. Tufts, resigned.
July 9. — Rev. Homer Barrows installed as pastor of the First
Congregational Church.
July 10. — During a heavy thunder shower a hail storm passed
over Dover Neck, in which hail stones fell resembling large
pieces of icicles — one measuring 8 2/io inches in length and
7 y2 in circumference. The vein was apparently but two or
three miles wide.

250 NOTABLE EVENTS IN THE [1846
Very hot weather, the thermometer rising as high as 104.
The rails on the Boston & Maine Railroad near Andover, Mass.
expanded so much by the intense heat of the sun as to throw
them from their places.
Aug. 11. — Andrew Howard sentenced to be hung on the 12th
of November next.
Nov. 12. — All the necessary preparations for the execution of
Andrew Howard this day, were made. The gallows was
erected in the jail yard, and there was a collection of several
thousand persons to witness the execution, when the reprieve of
the prisoner to the 8th of July, 1846, was announced.
The old Court House was sold this year and converted into
tenements, having first been turned around, as it was originally
built to face the south.
There was great political excitement in the town and State
this year, in consequence of the abandonment by John P. Hale
of the Democratic party on the Texas question. Two special
elections were held for member of Congress (in Sept. and Nov.)
at neither of which was there a choice.
Deaths during the year 99. 1846
Feb. 4. — Mr. Plumer Hayes was killed by his head coming
in contact with a circular saw in Davis's steam mill.
March 10. — Vote for Governor, Anthony Colby 650 ; Jared
W. Williams 377; Nathaniel S. Berry 237. Hon. John P. Hale
was elected a representative to the Legislature, which subse
quently elected him its Speaker and then Senator in Congress.
The Democratic party, after ruling the State for seventeen
years, was this year defeated in its election of Governor. The
vote was for Jared W. Williams, Dem., 26740; Anthony Colby,
Whig, 17707; Nathaniels. Berry, Freesoil, 10379; scattering
568. There being no choice, the Legislature, which contained
an anti-democratic majority, elected Anthony Colby.
June 28. — Dr. Ezra Green completed his 100th year this day,
on which occasion Rev. S. K. Lothrop of Boston, preached a
commemorative sermon at the Unitarian Church, and afterwards
administered the sacrament at the house of the venerable
centenarian.

1846] HISTORY OF DOVER, N. H. 251
July 4. — Two young men belonging in Great Falls were
knocked from the top of a railroad car in passing a bridge in
Dover, and so severely injured that both died soon after.
July 8. — Andrew Howard was hung in the jail yard for the
murder of Phebe Hanson Sept. 19, 1843.
Aug. 25. — A smart shock of an earthquake was felt in many
places. To those within doors it sounded like a carriage driven
violently over the ground, or the departure of a heavy train of
railroad cars, for which it was at the time by many mistaken.
Oct. 13. — A friendly address to the people of Dover, from the
people of Dover, in England, in favor of peace, was received by
the selectmen and published in the Enquirer.
Oct. 31. — A dwelling house and barn with a yoke of oxen, a
cow, and a large quantity of hay, belonging to Moses Whittier
on Academy (Waldron) street, were burnt. The same night
another barn belonging to the same person, a mile distant, at
Whittier's Falls, was burnt. Both fires were caused by incen
diaries, for the detection of whom the selectmen were author
ized to offer a reward of $500.
Dec. 12. — The town voted to enlarge the Burying Ground on
Pine Hill by purchasing adjoining lands.
An ancient dwelling house, standing on the corner of Silver
and High (now Locust) streets, pulled down this year, was sup
posed to be one of the oldest buildings in town, if not the old
est. It is said to have been built by the Society of Friends in
the early part of 1700, as a place of business or worship, prob
ably for both. The first Friends' meeting house in town was
built prior to 1700, and stood on Dover Neck, about half a mile
north of the old fort, or meeting house, built by the first settlers
of the town in 1633. This house was taken down about the
year 1700, and the frame and principal materials carried across
the river and rebuilt for a Friends' Society in Eliot, (then a part
of Kittery). The second Friends' meeting house, which was
the one above alluded to on Silver street, must have been built
soon after the first, or at least some years prior to 1720 : for it
appears by their records that in December of that year, they
agreed "to repair their house at Cochecho," as this part of
Dover was then and for many years after universally called, to
distinguish it from the Neck, Oyster river, &c. At that time
(1720) the Friends held meetings both at Dover Neck and

252 NOTABLE EVENTS IN THE [1847
Cochecho, constituting then about one third of the population.
The present Friends' meeting house was built about 1770, at
which time probably, the house on Silver street like the one on
the Neck, ceased to be used, and was converted into a dwelling.
The Cochecho Bank block and Tetherly's block were erected
this year.
By a census of the town taken this year by the selectmen, the
population was found to be 81 17, an increase of 1659 since
1840. Deaths during the year 107 — males 53, females 54.
1847
Feb. 18. — Died, Stephen Hanson, aged 73. He left his house
in the morning, went down town and transacted some business
and was returning home. When near the Congregational
meeting house, at the corner, he fell and expired in a few min
utes. He was a member of the Society of Friends, and was
extensively known as a business man, having taken a leading
part in the introduction of the manufacturing business into the
place. March 9. — Vote for Governor, Anthony Colby 679, J. W.
Williams 457, Nathaniel S. Berry 188, scattering 2. The Dem
ocrats, at this election, regained the State, electing their Gov
ernor, Jared W. Williams, over all opposition. The vote was :
Williams 30806; Colby 21 109; Berry 8531; scattering 54.
Majority for Williams 1212.
The town voted to raise a sum not exceeding 2,% per cent in
addition to the amount required for the support of schools, to be
appropriated for a Teachers' Institute in the county.
March 28. — A public meeting held for the relief of the people
of Ireland, who were suffering from the famine occasioned by
the potato rot. A committee appointed for the purpose raised
by subscription about $2500, besides a considerable amount of
provisions and clothing.
April 17. — The Calico Printery at Bellamy burnt. Loss four
to five thousand dollars. Insured.
June 1. — The wires for the magnetic telegraph from Boston to
Portland put up and an office opened in town.
July 2. — President Polk and suite passed through Dover this
day, in a special train, on his way to Portland.

1847] HISTORY OF DOVER, N. H. 253
July 25. — Died, Dr. Ezra Green, aged 101 years and 28 days.
Dr. Green was born in Maiden, Mass. June 17, 1746, O. S., gradu
ated at Harvard College 1765, and settled in Dover as a physi
cian in 1767. He served in the Army and Navy five years in
the war of the Revolution, sailing with the celebrated Captain
Paul Jones in the ' ' Ranger, ' ' but ever afterwards lived in Dover,
where he was held in great respect. For many years in early
life, having given up the practice of his profession, he was the
principal merchant or trader, going once or twice in the season
to Boston to purchase his most valuable goods. He was the first
Postmaster appointed for the town by President Washington,
and held the office until he voluntarily resigned it during Mr.
Jefferson's administration. He attended church regularly al
most up to the last years of his life, was accustomed to vote in
town meetings when he was nearly one hundred years old,
and took a lively interest in public affairs as long as he lived.
Sept. 2. — Mr. John Savil instantly killed in front of the U. S.
Hotel (later Cochecho Bank) on Franklin Square, by the falling
of a pair of sheers with which he was engaged, with others, in
hoisting a sign post.
Nov. 30. — The Strafford Bank removed from its old location
near the Dover Hotel, to Central Square.
Dec. 27. — A row of wooden stores north of the American
House, on Franklin Square, burnt on a very cold night. Loss
about $6000.
A charter for the Cochecho Railroad from Dover to Alton was
obtained this year.
Deaths during the year 217 — of which 108 occurred in about
eight weeks between July 20 and Sept. 10, principally children.
Two children were drowned in the summer by falling into the
river, and one in the winter while skating.

254 NOTABLE EVENTS IN THE [1848
1848
March 11. — A public meeting in the Town Hall, at which the
war with Mexico, the Texas question, &c. were discussed by
General Sam Houston and Horace Greeley.
March 14. — Vote for Governor, Nathaniel S. Berry 780, Jared
W. Williams 488, scattering 29. In the State, Williams 32245;
Berry 28829; scattering 468.
April 5. — The freight house of the Boston & Maine R. R. in
Dover, burnt, destroying property stored in it estimated at from
fifteen to twenty thousand dollars.
May 1. — The old Somersworth meeting house, near the Dover
line, burnt by an incendiary. It was built in 1780, and stood
on the site of the former house which was struck by lightning
and burnt in 1779. A parsonage house, standing near, was
burnt in 1812, with the communion plate and parish library.
Oct. 17. — The Post Office was removed from Cocheco Block
to Marston's Block.
Nov. 7. — Vote for President, Zachery Taylor 527, Lewis Cass
455, Martin Van Buren 149. In the State, Taylor 14789, Cass
27762, Van Buren 7559.
Nov. 8. — Died, Hon. William Hale, in the 84th year of his
age. Mr. Hale was one of Dover's oldest, wealthiest and most
respected citizens. He represented the State in Congress two
years from 1809 to 181 1, and four years from i8i3to 181 7, and
filled at different times the offices of Representative, Senator and
Counsellor under the State Government — the duties of which
he discharged with honor to himself and to the acceptance of his
fellow citizens. Few men ever lived in the community whose
integrity and worth commanded more respect, and none have
departed from among us who have filled up the measure of their
days more honorably to themselves, or more usefully to their
fellow men. {Enquirer.)
Dec. 13. — Mr. Jeremy Young, aged about 60, of the well
known firm of N. & J. Young, was accidentally drowned in the
Cochecho. The lower Bridge was rebuilt this year at an expense of $1400.
The "Badger Building" a brick block of three stories, con
taining stores, offices, &c. built by Joseph Badger in 1825, and
standing just west of the bridge, was taken down, and the store
house of the Cocheco Manf . Co. built.
Surveys for a railroad from Dover to Portsmouth were made.

1849] HISTORY OF DOVER, N. H. 255
1849
Feb. 1. — S. S. Moulton appointed Postmaster in place of
Thomas Stackpole, resigned.
March 13. — Vote for Governor, Levi Chamberlain 618,
Samuel Dinsmoor 486, Nathaniel S. Berry 139. In the State,
Dinsmoor 30107, Chamberlain 18784, Berry 7045, scattering 117.
May 14. — Died, Eunice Varney, aged 99 years, 5 months, 21
days — a member of the Society of Friends and the oldest person
in town.
July 1. — George T. Wentworth, appointed Postmaster, in
place of S. S. Moulton, removed.
July 3. — The town of Rollinsford, formerly part of Dover,
and afterwards of Somersworth, set off and incorporated.
July 13. — Died in Madbury, Catherine Evans, widow of Sol
omon Evans, aged 102 years and two months, a member of the
Society of Friends. She was born in Dover May 1747, when
Madbury was a part of Dover.
July 23. — A great drought this summer, and great heat.
Several persons in Barrington and other towns, are recorded as
dying from sun stroke while at work in their fields.
July 31. — Died, Alfred I. Sawyer, aged 49 — a useful and
enterprising citizen, and the founder of the "Sawyer Woolen
Mills." Aug. 3. — The day was observed as a National Fast, on the
recommendation of President Taylor, on account of the ravages
of the cholera.
Sept. 18. — The Cochecho Railroad was opened to Farming-
ton for public travel this day — the first ground upon it having
been broken in May 1848.
Oct. 8. — The mountains and highlands in various parts of the
State covered by an early snow storm.
Nov. 18. — Rev. John Parkman closed his connection with the
Unitarian Society.
The " Upper Factory," the first erected in town, having been
for some time disused, was taken down this year.

256 NOTABLE EVENTS IN THE L1850
1850
Jan. 6. — Died in Concord, Jeremiah Stickney, aged 85. He
was the first person to introduce the manufacture of cotton and
woolen hand cards in Dover, having established the business
here as early as 1798, in a building which stood where No. 2
Factory now stands. For many years he employed a large
number of persons, principally children, in the manufacture of
cards, the teeth of which were then set by hand. The manu
facture of cards by machinery, which invention was introduced
about 1820, superseded the old process, and he gave up the
business. Jan. n.— The Dry Goods Store of H. S. Plumer & Co. in
Cocheco Block, burnt. Loss estimated at $9000 — insurance
$5000. March 1. — A very mild winter, but little snow having fallen,
and the mercury falling to zero but twice.
March 12. — Vote for Governor, Levi Chamberlain 619, Sam
uel Dinsmoor 504, Nathaniel S. Berry 138. In the State, Dins
moor 30751, Chamberlain 185 12, Berry 6472, scattering 54.
April 16. — "Six inches of snow on the ground, and the
weather more like midwinter than the middle of the second
month of spring."
April 20. — At a town meeting held to see if the town would
vote to apply to the Legislature for a City charter, the meeting
voted by a large majority to dissolve. At another meeting held
May 25, the matter was again indefinitely postponed.
Oct. 8. — The following were elected Delegates to the Con
vention to revise the Constitution of the State : Andrew Peirce,
Thomas E. Sawyer, Asa Freeman, Shubael Varney, Wm.
Plaisted Drew, John H. Wiggins.
The High School in District No. 2 was established, and the
School House, near the upper bridge, erected this year.

1851] HISTORY OF DOVER, N. H. 257
1851
March n. — Vote for Governor, Thomas E. Sawyer 719,
Samuel Dinsmoor 472, John Atwood 52, scattering 5. Thomas
E. Sawyer, of Dover, was the whig candidate for Governor this
year, and there was no choice by the people. The vote was
for Dinsmoor, Dem., 27425; Sawyer, Whig, 18458; Atwood,
Freesoil, 12049; scattering 179. Mr. Atwood had been the
regular nominee of the democrats, but failing to meet all re
quirements on the slavery question, he had been "disestab
lished " and Dinsmoor taken up in his place. The Legislature,
containing a Democratic majority, elected Dinsmoor.
March 12. — Charles Colby, aged 20, in attempting to jump
upon the cars at the depot, was instantly killed.
April 5. — A boy about 8 years old, son of Patrick McKear-
ney, fell into a well at the foot of Payne street, and was
drowned. April was a stormy month; Minot's Rock Lighthouse and
two Keepers were swept away on the 17th, and there was a
north east snow storm on the 20th. Trees in bloom May 11.
May 7. — Rev. Henry S. Bond installed as pastor of the Uni
tarian Church.
May 19. — The barn of Mr. John Guppy burnt by an incen
diary fire, and with it 2 horses, 4 oxen, 3 cows, and a large
quantity of hay.
Aug. 30. — The Cochecho Railroad was opened from Farm
ington to Alton Bay, and the steamer Dover, which was built
this year, commenced running from Alton Bay to Wolf borough
and Centre Harbor.
Sept. 2. — The barn of Mr. Paul Randall on South Pine
Street, was struck by lightning and entirely consumed.
Sept. 9. — Incendiary fires being very prevalent at this time,
a town meeting was held at which the selectmen were author
ized to offer suitable rewards for the apprehension of the
incendiaries, and to appoint a night watch and committee of
vigilance. Oct. 27. — "There was a smart snow storm early this morn
ing — a thing of rare occurrence in this latitude, in October." {Enquirer)

258 NOTABLE EVENTS IN THE [1852
Nov. 21. — Three men, Samuel T. Twombly, engineer,
Charles Young, fireman, and Richard M'Clusky, repair hand,
were killed on the Cochecho Railroad, near Rochester, the
engine falling into a culvert which had been washed away by a
heavy rain.
The Cochecho Bank was incorporated this year.

1852
March 9. — Vote for Governor, Thomas E. Sawyer 723, Noah
Martin 491, John Atwood 126, scattering 2. Both of the can
didates of the leading parties were from Dover this year. The
vote of the State was for Martin, Dem., 30807 ; Sawyer, Whig,
19850; Atwood, Freesoil, 9479; scattering 269.
A petition for a division of the town, so as to make Dover
Neck, Back River, &c. a new town by the name of South
Dover, was indefinitely postponed. On the question of amend
ing the Constitution, by abolishing the religious test, the town
voted yeas 472, nays 220. On abolishing the property qualifica
tion, yeas 570, nays 119. On making future amendments to the
Constitution by the Legislature, yeas 598, nays 113.
These votes were on the amendments to the Constitution sub
mitted to the people, for a second time, by the Convention of
1 85 1, when the only one which was adopted was that abolishing
the property qualification.
April 2.— The body of a woman was found dead in the river,
about four miles below the landing, apparently from 40 to 45
years of age. No marks of violence were found on her person,
and she was buried by the town authorities in the Dover Neck
burying ground.
April 5. — Nearly a foot of snow, much drifted, detaining the
cars on the railroad four hours. It was nearly six months
between the first and last snow of this winter — one of the long
est and severest ever remembered.
April 10 — Five men belonging in Durham were drowned near
Dover Point, by the upsetting of their boat, which was deeply
laden and the wind blowing violently at the time. Their names
were Elliot G. and Pillow Burnham, father and son, George
Bunker, Edward Furness and Stephen Garland.

!852] HISTORY OF DOVER, N. H. 259
A very severe storm which continued nearly a week, com
menced April 10, raising the streams so high as to overflow
their banks, and compelling the Factories to suspend work.
Bridges were carried away and much other damage done.
April 22. — The Paper-hanging manufactory of Crawford &
Busby on Fifth street was burnt. Loss about $4500.
May — Rev. Homer Barrows, pastor of the First Congrega
tional Church resigned. Incendiary fires prevailed at this time.
The barns on the Coffin place and the Ham field, burnt.
June 16. — Candace Waldron, born a slave in the family of
Thomas W. Waldron in 1781, died, aged 71. William H.
aged 10, son of the late Dr. J. W. Cowan, drowned in Back
river. Surveys for a railroad from Dover to Portsmouth were made
at this time, and it was estimated that the road could be built
for $200000.
Oct. 7. — Five persons killed and a large number badly injured
by a railroad collision near the Wiers — among whom were John
H. Smith (killed) and Richard B. Cater (injured and died two
days after) of Dover.
Nov. 2. — Vote for President, Winfield Scott 637, Franklin
Pierce 471, John P. Hale 137. Vote in the State, Scott, Whig,
15540; Pierce, Dem., 28884; Hale, Freesoil, 6568.
Nov. 27. — The shock of an earthquake was distinctly felt,
resembling the rattling of carriage wheels on frozen ground. '
Deaths during the year 144.

260 NOTABLE EVENTS IN THE [1853
1853
Jan. 12. — Rev. Benjamin F. Parsons installed as pastor of
the First Congregational Church.
Feb. 8. — A very mild winter, but little snow, and the river
broke up this day, after being closed but 43 days.
March 8.- — -Vote for Governor, James Bell, Whig, 653 ; Noah
Martin, Dem., 474; John H. White, Freesoil, 135 ; scattering 3.
No choice of Representatives to Legislature. In the State,
Bell 17590; Martin 30934 ; White 7995 ; scattering 47.
June 3. — Jonathan Littlefield, aged 22, was drowned while
bathing in the Cochecho, near the railroad bridge.
June 24. — Died, Miss Elisabeth Coffin, aged 68. She was a
lineal descendant of Peter Coffin and the last retaining the
family name in Dover. She lived and died on lands originally
owned by her ancestor, and which had remained in the family
for 200 years.
A very severe drought, less rain having fallen in the month
of May than in any one month for nearly 30 years, viz. 3/io of
an inch, the average quantity being 2 7/I0 inches, or 9 times as
much. Aug. 23. — Hot weather, followed by heavy showers, and rot
in the potatoes, whole fields in some cases, being destroyed.
Sept. 20. — Gas lights were first used in Dover this evening,
the mills and many stores having been supplied with it by the
Gas Co. which was established this year.
A gold medal was presented to Hon. John P. Hale by the
sailors of the U. S. Sloop of War Germantown, as a testimonial
for his success in procuring the abolishment of flogging in the
Navy. Dec. 12. — A son of Isaac Adams, 10 years old, drowned
while skating on the pond in the rear of the Unitarian Church.
A pine tree, judged to be over 200 years old, and measuring
14 feet in circumference at the butt, and 78 feet in length, was
cut on the land of Mr. Samuel Emerson at Back river.
Dec. 29. — A very severe storm, two or three feet of snow fall
ing. on a level, greatly impeding travel on the roads and causing
a suspension of business.
Deaths during the year 165.

1854] HISTORY OF DOVER, N. H. 261
1854
Feb. 22. — Aaron Roberts, living on Dover Neck, committed
suicide by hanging himself with a bridle, while in a state of
insanity. March 14. — Vote for Governor, James Bell, Whig, 701 ;
Nathaniel B. Baker, Dem., 371 ; Jared Perkins, Freesoil, 185 ;
scattering 5. In the State, Bell 16941; Baker 29788; Perkins
1 1080; scattering 122.
The town adopted resolutions against the repeal of the Mis
souri Compromise by Congress, by a large majority of votes.
It was also voted to light the streets with Gas.
May 2. — The " Dover Hotel," supposed to be one of the old
est public houses in the State, was closed and converted into
tenements. May 6. — The thermometer sank below the freezing point and
ice nearly half an inch thick was formed. It also snowed quite
fast for about half an hour.
June — The Langdon Bank incorporated.
Aug. 1. — The New Hampshire Hotel injured by fire. Loss
about $1500.
Aug. 30. —A meteor of unusual brilliancy was seen a few
minutes after 7 P.M.
Oct. 10.— The mills of the Cocheco Manufacturing Co. obliged
to suspend operations on account of the scarcity of water — the
streams being lower than they had been for many years.
Nov. 7. — Died, in Milton, Mrs. Abigail Leighton, aged one
hundred and five years. {Enquirer)
Dec. 11. — A smart shock of an earthquake was felt between
12 and 1 o'clock in the night.
Mowing machines were first used by the farmers of Dover,
for cutting their grass this year.
The old dwelling house on Silver street, purchased by Dr.
Belknap the Historian of New Hampshire, soon after his settle
ment in Dover, in 1767, in which he lived while he was the
Minister here, and where he wrote the first volume of his history,
was taken down this year to make room for the "Belknap
Grammar School House."
Deaths during the year 132— males 66, females 66.

262 NOTABLE EVENTS IN THE [1855
1855
Jan. 18. — The shock of an earthquake was felt in many
places about half past six in the evening.
Feb. 22. — The Piscataqua Bridge became impassable and its
use was discontinued, about 500 feet of it being carried away
by the ice.
March 13. — The election of this year was distinguished by
the appearance in the field of the ' ' Know Nothing ' ' or Ameri
can party, which swept the State and elected nearly all of its
candidates over those of all other parties. The vote in Dover
was for Governor, Ralph Metcalf, American, 806; Nathaniel B.
Baker, Dem., 447; James Bell, Whig, 82; Asa Fowler, Free
Dem., 15. The vote of the State was, Metcalf 32119; Baker
27055; Bell 3436; Fowler 1237; scattering 193. The Legisla
ture which contained a large majority of the successful party,
elected John P. Hale and James Bell Senators in Congress, both
seats having become vacant by the failure of the Legislature to
elect at the previous session.
The representatives to the Legislature were instructed to use
their influence for the passage of a prohibitory liquor law, simi
lar to the " Maine liquor law."
April 11. — Ground white with snow, an inch or two of which
had fallen during the night. Weather cold and uncomfortable.
The ice on Lake Winnipiseogee is said to be 2 or 3 feet thick
and loaded teams still pass over it. The sleighing still con
tinues in the country and snow in abundance. {Enquirer)
July 2. — Rev. Henry F. Bond resigned the pastorate of the
Unitarian Church.
Aug. 2. — A Horse Mackerel weighing over 1400 pounds was
caught by Dover fishermen near the Isles of Shoals and exhib
ited in town last week. (Enquirer)
Sept. 1 . — A town meeting was held this day to vote on the
acceptance of a City charter which was granted by the Legis
lature at the June session ; the vote was 498 for accepting and
454 against — a majority of 44 in its favor.
Oct. 13. — The Piscataqua Ferry Co. for carrying passengers
from Dover Point to Newington was organized. Capital $2000.

1856] HISTORY OF DOVER, N. H. 263
Oct. 14. — One of the heaviest thunder showers of the season
took place this evening about n o'clock. Tbe lightning struck
in various places, shattering buildings, &c. and the watchman
at the gas works was knocked down and stunned.
Nov. 26. — Elections for Ward Officers under the new city
charter were held on Monday and Tuesday of this week.
Dec, 27. — Mr. Ebenezer Gordon, an old and respected citizen
of Dover, was killed by being thrown from his sleigh while
descending Swain's hill in Barrington.
Deaths during the year 160.

1856
Jan. 12. — One of the greatest snow storms known for many
years. The ground covered to the depth of nearly two feet,
and drifted in many places to the depth of five or six feet. All
the railroad trains thrown into confusion and travel much
impeded. Feb. 17. — Another severe snow storm occurred at this time,
blocking up travel so effectually that no trains reached Dover
on any railroad for four days.
March 11. — The vote for Governor was, for Ralph Metcalf,
American, 794; John S. Wells, Dem., 646; Ichabod Goodwin,
Whig, 57. In the State, Metcalf 32 119 ; Wells 32031; Good
win 2360; scattering 193. There being no choice by the peo
ple, the Legislature elected Metcalf.
Hon. Andrew Peirce was elected the first Mayor of the city.
The weather still continues of the coldness of midwinter, and
the deposits of snow undiminished. On Monday and Tuesday
mornings (ioth and nth) the thermometer ranged from 10 to 12
degrees below zero. As evidence of the severity of the season,
we are informed that the Piscataqua between Dover Point and
Newington has been twice frozen over — once in January and a
second time in February — strong enough to enable travellers to
pass over. This circumstance has not before occurred probably
within the recollection of the oldest inhabitant — the rapidity of
the current and the depth of the water being such that many
winters frequently pass without its freezing. {Enquirer)

264 NOTABLE EVENTS IN THE [1856
March 25. — First organization of the City Government — Hon.
Andrew Peirce, the Mayor elect, taking the oath of office, and
Charles Clements, Esq. Chairman of the Board of Selectmen,
surrendering the official seals and records of the town to his
successor. April 19. — The" salaries of City officers were established as
follows : Mayor $200 ; City Clerk $200 and fees ; City Marshal
$100; Assistant $50; Treasurer $50. Voted to purchase the
lot known as the "sand bank," adjoining Pine Hill, for $300.
Valuation of the city this year $3562978. Rate of taxation
88 cents on $100.
June 14. — A silver Salver was presented to Hon. John P.
Hale by citizens of Dover, as " a token of their approbation of
his fidelity to Human Rights."
Nov. 4. — The vote for President this year was for John C.
Fremont 914; James Buchanan 598; Millard Filmore 9. In
the State, all opposing parties to the Democracy, united, and
assuming the name of " Republicans," swept the State. Vote :
Republican 38345 ; Democratic 32787 ; scattering 422. The
five electoral votes to which the State was entitled were given
for Fremont and Dayton.
Nov. 19. — Two young men, George S. Clark, aged 26, and
John Foss, aged 23, were killed by the premature discharge of
a cannon which they were firing on Garrison Hill, to celebrate
the election of President Buchanan.
The "Dover Five Cents Savings Bank" was incorporated
this year.
This year was ' ' remarkable for long continuance of intense
cold in winter, and for the long continuance of great heat in
summer." Deaths during the year 141.

1858] HISTORY OF DOVER, N. H. 265
1857
Jan. 7. — Rev. Edwin M. Wheelock ordained as pastor of the
Unitarian Church.
March 10. — Vote for Governor, William Haile, Republican,
827; John S. Wells, Democrat, 569; scattering 12. In the
State, Haile 34216 ; Wells 31214; scattering 452.
April 6. — Samuel D. Smith was killed at the Railroad station
in attempting to get on the cars.
May n. — The Belknap School House was first opened for
use this day, with an address by Hon. John P. Hale. The cost
of the lot and building was about 10000 dollars.
Sept. 17. — Died, Joseph Smith, Esq. aged 85 — for many years
one of the most extensive traders in Strafford County.
In digging the cellar for a house on Nelson street, the founda
tions of a chimney and part of a cellar wall were disinterred,
which are supposed to be the remains of the garrison house of
tbe son of Peter Coffin, or of that of the first tavern opened in
Dover, which it is known stood in that vicinity. Within the
abutment were also found human bones judged to be those of a
female, and a spoon differing entirely from anything that had
been in use for more than 150 years. {Enquirer)
Nov. 5. — Suspension of specie payments by the banks and
numerous failures throughout the country. All manufacturing
operations in Dover for a time suspended.
Deaths during the year 134. 1858
March 9. — Vote for Governor, William Haile, Rep., 918; Asa
P. Cate, Dem., 487. In the. State, Haile 36212; Cate 31679;
scattering 72.
May — Patrick H. Burns appointed Postmaster.
July 22. — Very heavy thunder showers — the lightning striking
No. 5 Factory, prostrating several of the help, and setting fire
to the waste in one of the rooms.
Oct. 6. —The State Fair was held this year, for the first time
in Dover, continuing four days, on the grounds near Willand's
Pond. It was estimated that from twenty to thirty thousand
people attended the fair.
Deaths during the year 119,

266 NOTABLE EVENTS IN THE [I860
1859
March 8. — Vote for Governor, Ichabod Goodwin, Rep., 971;
Asa P. Cate, Dem., 615. In the State, Goodwin 36326; Cate
32802 ; scattering 27.
July 4. — The corner stone of the Belknap Church, adjoining
the City Hall, was laid with appropriate ceremonies.
Aug. 4. — The City Council appointed a committee to confer
with the Manufacturing Co. respecting a lease to the city of
their land on Cochecho river, known as the "Grove," for a
public park ; tbe city to lay out walks and ornament it with
shrubbery, etc.
Wednesday, June 29, was the hottest day of the season, and
the warmest for three years, the thermometer rising to 98 in the
shade. Friday morning, July 1, the mercury was down to 45.
Frost was visible in many places. Frost again appeared in
August. Oct. 5. — The State Fair was held this year, for the second
time in Dover, on the Ricker field. The attendance was large
and the receipts $6000 — " a larger sum than ever before taken."
Nov. 23. — Mrs. J. Stone of Tuftonboro' killed at the depot
in attempting to get on the cars — she being on her way to Boston
to spend Thanksgiving with her son. The month of November
the mildest for 35 years.
Dec. 1. — John Lord committed suicide by drowning in the
river near Log Hill spring, while insane.
Dec. 2. — Thermometer rose to 66.
Dec. 4. — Five inches of snow.
Dec. 29. — Belknap Church dedicated ; cost of house $15000.
i860
March 2. — Abraham Lincoln of Illinois, since known to the
country as "the martyr President," addressed the Republicans
of Dover on the politics of the day.
March 13. — Vote for Governor, Ichabod Goodwin, Rep., 966 ;
Asa P. Cate, Dem., 615. In the State, Goodwin 38037; Cate
33544; scattering 21. Valuation of Dover this year $3867078.
Polls 1905. — Amount of taxes raised $39475.68. Rate of taxa
tion 84 cents on $100.

1860] HISTORY OF DOVER, N. H. 267-
June 7. — Nathaniel Tuttle of Dover, who went down the river
on a fishing excursion, was drowned by the upsetting of his
boat near Portsmouth Light.
July 9. — Died, Captain Moses Paul, aged 63. He was Agent
of the Cocheco Manufacturing Co. for nearly 30 years, and had
been connected with the manufacturing business from its first
introduction into the place. During this long period, the affairs
of the Company were conducted by him with an energy and
success which secured the approbation of its stockholders, while
the care and attention which he ever bestowed upon the many
thousands in its employ, won for him their respect and esteem.
Few manufacturing establishments in the country have been
managed with more success, and in none has, a better feeling
more uniformly prevailed between the employers and the em
ployed. Liberal and public spirited as a citizen — ever ready
with his counsel and his means to advance the welfare of the
community — the city of Dover owes much of its prosperity and
many of its public improvements to his open hand and generous
heart. Few men have enjoyed more deservedly a larger meas
ure of the respect of their fellow citizens, and the death of none
will be more deeply and generally regretted. {Enquirer)
Sept. 13. — A man named Alfred Varney, in attempting to
jump from the cars at the depot was fatally injured and died
five days after.
Sept. 19. — Fire on the Landing, destroyed the store house at
Young's tannery, and a large amount of merchandise, such as
flour, salt, lime, &c.
Oct. 17. — The shock of an earthquake was felt a few minutes
before 6 o'clock in the morning.
Oct. 19. — William H. Davis was found in the upper factory
road, about a mile and a half from the City Hall, badly injured
from wounds of which he soon after died. His death was sup
posed to have been caused by injuries inflicted by some person
unknown. Nov. 6. — Vote for President in Dover, Lincoln & Hamlin,
Rep., 983; Douglass & Johnson, Dem., 354; Breckinridge &
Lane, Dem., 137; Bell & Everett, Union, 15. In the State,
Lincoln 37519; Douglass 25881 ; Breckinridge 2 112; Bell 411.
Dec. 2. — Dedication of First Congregational Chapel on Cen
tral street, which was built this year.
Deaths during the year 138.

'268 NOTABLE EVENTS IN THE [1861
1861
March 12. — Vote for Governor, Nathaniel S. Berry, Rep.,
859; George Stark, Dem., 601. In the State, Berry 35467;
Stark 31452; scattering 42.
Intelligence of the surrender of Fort Sumter to the rebel guns
of South Carolina, was received in Dover on Sunday April 14,
and full details of the capitulation on Monday the 15th, with a
call from President Lincoln for 75000 troops to suppress the
insurrection, and maintain the honor, the integrity, and the
existence of our Union. On Monday evening the citizens of
Dover, without distinction of party, and almost without notice,
assembled at the City Hall, to take action in relation to the
condition of tbe country. Finding the large Hall occupied for
another purpose they filled to overflowing the Court Room
below, many being unable to obtain admission.
The meeting was organized by the choice of the following
Officers. President, Hon. Alphonso Bickford, Mayor.
Vice Presidents,
Hon. Joseph H. Smith Hon. Thomas E. Sawyer
Hon. Daniel M. Christie Hon. C. W. Woodman
Samuel M. Wheeler, Esq. Daniel Osborne, Esq.
Thomas L. Smith, Esq. Geo. D. Vittum, Esq.
Dr. Jeremiah Home Z. S. Wallingford, Esq.
Secretaries,
Andrew C. Chesley Hiram Rollins
Mayor Bickford on taking the chair stated briefly the object
of the meeting.
Hon. C. W. Woodman after a few pertinent remarks, offered
the following resolutions.
Whereas, the authority of the Federal Government of the United
States has been denied, the Flag of the Country fired upon, and the
Forts, Arsenals, and other public property seized, and a series of out
rages and wrongs perpetrated for months upon the Government, whose
forbearance has been received as proof of its pusillanimity, till open
and flagrant war has been wantonly and causelessly waged upon the
Government and People of these United States and the President has
been forced to appeal to the People to maintain by force the honor, dig
nity and continued existence of the Government they have established, —
therefore Resolved, in answer to such appeal of the President, that we, the citi
zens of Dover, feeling that our Country is above party, hereby pledge
ourselves to sustain the Administration of the General Government in

1861] HISTORY OF DOVER, N. H. 269
the manly and patriotic position assumed by the President in his recent
Proclamation and that we cheerfully and readily tender to the Governor
of this State, and through him to the President of the United States,
our full proportion of such volunteer force as may be required of this
State. Resolved, that a committee of three be appointed at this meeting to
obtain the names of at least One Hundred Men, who will hold them
selves ready at the shortest notice to march wherever the demands of
the Country and the orders of the Government shall require.
Resolved, that these proceedings be signed by the Chairman and
Secretary, and a certified copy thereof be sent to the Governor of this
State and the President of the United States.
Hon. John P. Hale being loudly called for, addressed the
meeting for about twenty minutes in support of the resolutions,
with his usual eloquence and power.
April 18. — At a special meeting of the City Council, the
following preamble and resolution were unanimously passed :
Whereas, Civil war has been inaugurated, our Glorious Union assailed,
and our institutions endangered, and whereas, our fellow citizens
promptly and cheerfully answer to the call of the Government, for aid
in this its hour of peril, therefore :
Resolved, by the City Council of the City of Dover, that the sum of
ten thousand dollars, or so much thereof as may be needed, be and
hereby is appropriated for the benefit and wants of the families of those
who have responded, or shall respond to the call of their country for
the support of its Constitution and Laws, and that the Mayor with such
as the Common Council may join, be a committee to properly distribute
the same. (The Common Council on their part joined Messrs. Burr,
Haynes and N. Twombly.)
The Mayor was authorized to purchase and present a revolver
to each citizen of Dover enlisting as a volunteer.
The City Treasurer was authorized to borrow $3000, to meet
extra expenses.
The City Hall was also set apart for the use of the soldiers en
listing, for a drill room, and the Mayor was authorized to cause
the National Flag to be displayed on the City Hall building and
from the flag staffs on Franklin Square, the expense thereof
to be paid from any money in the treasury not otherwise
appropriated. A recruiting office was opened April 17, by George W.
Colbath, by authority from the Governor. Before Saturday,
the 20th, he had enlisted a full company, when he received
orders to keep the enlistment open for another company. More
than the requisite number were obtained, upwards of 150 hav
ing applied for a place in the ranks.

270 NOTABLE EVENTS IN THE [1861
The Directors of the Strafford Bank voted to loan the State
the sum of $20000, to aid in tbe equipment of volunteers, and
the trustees of the Savings Bank for the County of Strafford,
and the Dover Five Cents Savings Bank also tendered a loan of
$15000, each.
The members of the Strafford Medical Association in Dover,
voted to tender their professional services gratuitously to the
families of volunteers for the war.
The women of Dover to the number of 100 and more, met at
the vestry of the First Church "armed and equipped" with
needles, sewing machines, &c. and made up 400 flannel shirts
for the volunteers. They also furnished handkerchiefs, socks,
and other necessary articles not supplied by the State.
April 29. — The two companies enlisted here having received
orders to rendezvous at Concord, in obedience thereto, left
the city, 145 men in all. The companies were mustered at
their respective quarters at 7 A.M., and at 10 o'clock were
formed on Central Square, where the Rev. Mr. Salter of the
Episcopal Church offered prayer. The Rev. Mr. Clapp of the
Calvin Baptist Church made appropriate remarks, and Mayor
Bickford closed the proceedings with a patriotic address.
May 2. — The quota of troops required of New Hampshire is
now ready for marching orders at Concord. They are encamped
on the Fair Ground, on the Dark Plains on the east side of the
river, opposite the State House. The following is the number
of recruits which have been enlisted in each town thus far.
Dover 220. Great Falls 78. Concord 190. Salem 62.
Portsmouth 85. Manchester 130. Newport 38. Lancaster 44.
New London 12. Eaconia 40. Claremont 60. Conway 2.
Hampton 45. Littleton 42. Plymouth 11. Lebanon 10.
Contocookville 11. Keene about 100. Nashua 150.
This does not include the Abbott Guards, Captain Knowlton;
78, and the Manchester Phalanx, Captain Pierce, 78.
On May 3d the President issued his call for volunteers for
three years, when many of the 3d company, who had previously
enlisted for three months, immediately volunteered and were
assigned to the 2d Regiment.
May 18. — The 3d company enlisted in Dover left for Ports
mouth to join the 2d Regiment. Previous to their departure
Col. Samuel Snell presented them with an ancient Bugle, a
relic of the old French and Revolutionary wars. The Colonel,

1861] HISTORY OF DOVER, N. H. 271
in presenting it, expressed the hope that its martial strains
would inspire their hearts as they went forth to battle, as it did
those of the patriots of '76. He was suitably replied to by E.
Q. Adams, one of the volunteers.
The officers and members of this company are as follows :
Hiram Rollins, Captain. Samuel P. Sayles, ist Lieut. Warren H.
Parmenter, 2d Lieut. Enoch G. Adams, Clerk. Jacob Hall, Orderly
Sergeant. Privates. — Joseph F. Ayers, John I. Burnham, Moses Chadbourne,
Ezra Cross, Thomas C. Coyle, Monroe Corson, James H. Currier, Warren
Drew, E. F. Demeritt, John H. Durgin, Calvin E. Downs, George W.
Dudley, James Davis, Stephen M. Deshore, David O. Davis, Albion Dyer,
Martin V. Drew, Henry H. Emerson, John S. Garland, Benjamin F.
Gerrish, Wilson Gray, Henry Hayward, John V. Hayes, Franklin W.
Heath, Alvah K. Head, Charles F. Hall, John Hanscom, Harrison Hous
ton, Henry O. Jenness, Christie L. Jones, Charles Jackson, Charles E.
Jones, Andrew Jackson, James F. Jenness, Peter Kane, Alphonso
Leathers, Johnson C. Logan, George F. Lord, John C. Locke, Oliver
Lord, George Lobby, John F. Lord, John McCabe, Erastus Mullen, Peter
Maloy, Andrew Morrison, Robert Miller, T. J. Mahoney, John H. Otis,
Charles H. Place, George P. Pendergast, Charles E. Perkins, Andrew J.
Pinkham, Stephen Richardson, Stephen H. Rogers, Daniel Sherburne,
Abraham C. Stevens, Moses S. F. Smith, George H. Staples, Charles
Sanders, George H. Stevens, George H. Scruton, Benjamin F. Stevens,
John H. Sanborn, James H. Tibbetts, William H. Tripp, Benjamin F.
Welch, Sylvester B. Wallace, Thomas H. Walker, Henry West, John F.
Waldron, Richard Walsh, James M. Venner, Tharon P. Varney, Nathaniel
Willey, Alexander S. Abbott, Luther W. Chadwick, Moses J. Colby,
George K. Otis, Charles Briggs, Moses Otis, Wingate Garland, Charles
W. Goodwin, Jesse W. Knox, Jeremiah Rothwell, John Staples, John S.
Varney, Charles P. Roberts, Edwin S. Tash, Jacob Hall, Ambrose Foss,
Horace Randall, Solomon W. Foss, John Malloy, Charles A. Graves,
Samuel Brown, William Goodwin.
The cost of fitting out each volunteer, according to the offi
cial report, was as follows :

Coat and pants

$7.00.

Overcoat

17-87-

Cap

i.IO.

Shoes

1.25.

Blouse

3.00.

2 pair socks

.62.

2 shirts

1.92.

1 pair drawers

.46.

Blanket

1.87.

Knapsack

2.25.

Haversack

•75-

Canteen

•75-

Gun sling

¦5°-

Cartridge box & belt,

scabbard & belt, and cap box Tc

5-50.

ital 34.84

272 NOTABLE EVENTS IN THE [1861
June 23. — The ladies of Dover met at the Court Room for the
purpose of forming an association to furnish the soldiers from
the State in actual service with clothing, hospital stores, &c.
necessary to health and comfort, when not supplied by the gov
ernment, and also to carefully watch and care for the general
well being of the New Hampshire soldiers in every possible
particular. The Association was organized by the choice of
Mrs. John P. Hale as President ; Mrs. N. Low, Mrs. A. G.
Fenner, Vice-Presidents; Mrs. D. H. Wendell, Treasurer;
Miss Charlotte Palmer, Cor. Secretary; Mrs. J. J. Duxbury,
Rec. Secretary ; with two ladies from each of the religious Socie
ties in the city as Managers. This Society continued its opera
tions through the war and sent large contributions to the Sani
tary Commission for the relief of the soldiers.
The 2d Regiment, under the command of Col. Gilman
Marston, left Portsmouth for Washington, June 30. In the
battle of Bull Run, July 21, the casualties of this Regiment
were, killed 9, wounded 36, missing 63.
Aug. 10. — After an absence of more than three months, com
panies A and B of the ist Regiment returned to Dover, having
reached Concord a few days previously. They were met at the
depot by the volunteers, under the command of Captain Little
field, numbering about 100 men, and the several Fire Companies
of the city, and escorted through the principal streets to the
grove near the High School House, where a collation was pro
vided for them, and where appropriate speeches were made by
the Mayor, Captain Bell, Lieut. Sawyer and others.
Aug. 21. — The Governor issued his proclamation for the
enlistment of two additional regiments, and Lieuts. George W.
Colbath and Charles W. Sawyer of the late ist Regiment, imme
diately opened a rendezvous at the City Hall for the enrollment
of volunteers.
On Thursday, Sept. 6, the day appointed by the President
for a National Fast, clergymen of the city preached appropriate
discourses and the citizens, without distinction of party, held a
meeting in the evening at the City Hall, which was largely
attended and eloquently and patriotically addressed by gentle
men present.
At this time ten recruiting offices were open in the city.

1862] HISTORY OF DOVER, N. H. 273
1862
Jan. 6. — The row of buildings known as Marston's Block,
(since Union), caught fire in the store of D. H. Wendell, and
before the fire was extinguished five or six stores and property
to the amount of $20000 was destroyed.
Feb. 1. — Up to this date the thermometer had not been below
zero during the winter.
Feb. 19. — A severe storm with much snow, followed by a
thunder storm and a furious gale, with the thermometer down
to zero.
March 11. — Vote for Governor, N. S. Berry 737 ; George
Stark 463; Paul J. Wheeler 19. In the State, Berry, Rep.,
32150, Stark, Dem., 28566, Wheeler, Dem. Union, 1709,
scattering 45.
April 17. — The ice went out of the Cochecho last week and
the Portsmouth Journal announces the first arrival of the season
from up river — " Lalla Rookh, Freeman, Dover." Now that
navigation is reopened the two cities will be 50 or 100 miles
nearer each other and doubtless better acquainted for a season.
{Enquirer)
April 20. — It is recorded as a matter worthy of remembrance
that the farmers at this time, were hauling wood on the top of
the snow "across lots" without regard to roads and fences.
In the same week (April 17 and 18) the thermometer rose to
77. Its greatest altitude in April for 15 years.
May 12. — A salute was fired and all the bells in the city rung,
by order of the Mayor, in honor of the glorious achievement of
our arms at New Orleans, Norfolk and elsewhere.
May 17. — The mercury rose to 92 and the heat for several
days was greater than is usually known in May. A man in
Madbury was sun struck.
June 16. — A heavy frost which destroyed corn in many
places. July 10. — Three additional Regiments being called for from
New Hampshire, a public meeting was held and measures taken
to furnish the quota from Dover. The city government held a
special meeting and passed the following resolution :

274 NOTABLE EVENTS IN THE [1862
Resolved, that the sum of $12000 be and hereby is appropriated for
the purpose of paying a bounty of $75 to each of those persons, residents
of Dover, prior to the passage of this resolution, who have already, or
may hereafter enlist in this city, under the last call of the President for
300000 more men — and to each of those persons residents of Dover, at
the time of their enlistment, who have enlisted, or shall hereafter enlist
in the 9th Regiment, provided said persons enlist on or before the 1st of
September next, and that said bounty shall be paid by the City Treasurer,
upon the order of the Mayor, after said persons shall have been mustered
into the service of the United States.
Aug. 7. — It was voted that an additional bounty of $50 be
paid to each volunteer enlisting in the city before Aug. 15, and
afterwards the bounty of $125 was extended to all enlisting
before Sept. 1 ; and $500 was appropriated for the purpose of
procuring voluntary enlistments under the act of the legislature.
An enrollment by the City authorities of those liable to be
called into the service at this time, presented the following :
Number between 18 and 45 subject to draft 856
' ' now in the service 488
enlisted but not mustered in 97  144 1

Sept. 4.— Died, Col. Andrew Peirce, aged 77. He was born
in Portsmouth Dec. 18, 1785, but nearly all his life was a resi
dent of Dover, having filled, during his active and eminently
useful life, almost every office in the gift of his fellow citizens.
He was Speaker of the Legislature in 1823 ; Senator of the 5th
District in 1825 and 1826; Counsellor in 1827 and 1828; and in
1850 was a member of the Convention which was called to
revise the Constitution of the State. When Dover was incor
porated as a city, Col. Peirce, as an honor especially due him,
was elected its first Mayor. For eighteen years he served as
Clerk of the Strafford Courts, and for a term of years was
Cashier and President of the Dover Bank. Of the First Con
gregational Church he was a Deacon for 24 years. In politics
Col. Peirce was originally a Republican, and with that ardent
love for his country which characterized his life and was
breathed in his latest prayers, he, as Captain, led his company
into the field on the occasion of Portsmouth being threatened in
the war of 181 2. As a christian he was earnest and sincere.
His Christianity has ever been the operative principle of his
public life, which has been characterized by not less ability than
purest patriotism and most ardent devotion to the public good.
No man can say that as a public officer, or as an agent in any

1863] HISTORY OF DOVER, N. H. 275
business, he has ever manifested less of interest than in the
administration of his own private affairs, or treated himself
better than he has treated any other individual. As a neighbor,
it is only necessary to say that his neighbors are all mourners,
and his name is spoken with affection by the widow and orphan.
To say, after all this, that he was the kindest of husbands and
fathers, would be to multiply words. Peace to his ashes.
When shall we see his like again ? {Enquirer. )
Oct. 16. — Died at the hospital Camp Kearney, near New
Orleans, of camp fever, Daniel L. Perkins, only son of Jeremy
Perkins of this city, aged 27. Early in the expedition of Gen.
Butler to Ship Island, Mr. Perkins enlisted in the 6th Mass.
Battery, and was a member thereof at the time of his death.
He was at the capture of New Orleans and the battle of Baton
Rouge, where he exhibited daring feats of bravery and was
commended by his officers for his noble bearing.
The amount of taxes paid by Dover under the United States
excise law for 3 months ending Nov. 30, was $10223.83.
Deaths during the year 145. 1863
Jan. 8. — Charles H. Flanders of Dover, a soldier in Co. K,
nth Regiment, who died of wounds received at the battle of
Fredericksburg, was buried with military honors by the
Strafford Guards.
Jan. 11. — Eli Bunce, of the 9th Regiment, who died of
disease contracted while on duty, was buried with military
honors. Jan. 29. — There are at this time eight N. H. Regiments with
the Army of the Potomac, viz. the 2d, 5th, 6th, 9th, ioth, nth,
12th, and 13th.
Feb. 4. — The Dover Ladies Aid Society gave a Tea Party for
the benefit of the Soldiers Aid Society, realizing the sum of
$358.24. March 5. — The 2d N. H. Regiment, after being engaged in
all the battles on the Potomac and the Peninsula, obtained leave
to return home at this time to recruit. They left Washington
on Feb. 28, and reached home on the 3d inst. numbering about
500 men, including new recruits, the original members not aver
aging 20 men to a company. Nearly all the original officers
have been killed or disabled, and most of the present line offi
cers promoted from the ranks.

276 NOTABLE EVENTS IN THE [1863
John T. Rand of the 7th Regiment, died at Tortugas, and
was brought to this city and buried. Daniel C. Hayes of the
4th Regt. died from wounds received at the battle of Beaufort,
S. C.
March 10. — Vote for Governor, Joseph A. Gilmore, Rep.,
755; Ira A. Eastman, Dem., 557; Walter Harriman, Dem.
Union, 44. In the State, Gilmore 29035 ; Eastman 32383 ;
Harriman 4372 ; scattering 363. There being no choice by the
people, the Legislature elected Gilmore.
The heaviest snow storm of the season commenced on Satur
day, the 7th, and continued until Monday morning. Nearly a
foot of snow fell, making excellent sleighing.
April 10. — Died on Dover Neck, Mr. Thomas Henderson,
aged 91 — the oldest man in town.
April 23. — The Cochecho Railroad sold to the Dover & Win
nipiseogee Railroad Company.
May 4. — William H. Hackett of the 35th Mass. Regt. killed
at the battle of Antietam, was buried in this city, where he
belonged. May 14. — Hon. D. M. Christie and others of Dover, publish
an invitation to the people to hold a Grand Union Mass Meeting
at Concord, June 17.
May 25. — The 2d Regiment returned to Washington, S. P.
Sayles, Major.
May 28. — Died, Dr. Noah Martin, aged 62. He was elected
Governor of the State in 1852 and '53, and held various other
offices. "As a physician he stood high in his profession, had
an extensive practice, and accumulated a large estate. As a
politician, he enjoyed the confidence of his party, adhered with
fidelity to its principles and usages, and received its highest
honors." He died suddenly of apoplexy, having been in his
usual health up to within an hour of his decease.
June 22. — Amaziah Goodwin of Lyman, Me. a revolutionary
soldier, aged 100 years and 4 months, arrived in town, on his
way to Boston, to be present at the celebration of the 88th anni
versary of the battle of Bunker Hill. Stopping at a relatives
to recruit, he was taken sick and died this day.
July 6. — The bells of the city were rung by order of the city
authorities, on the receipt this day of the news of the surrender
of Vicksburg to the Union Army under General Grant.

1863] HISTORY OF DOVER, N. H. 277
Captain George W. Roberts of the 2d N. H. Regiment, was
killed at the battle of Gettysburg, while gallantly leading his
company against the enemy. He enlisted in the Regiment at
the breaking out of the war, as a private, had fought in all the
bloody battles in which it had been engaged, and was promoted
to Captain when the Regiment returned to the front in May
last. July 16. — The drafting of soldiers for this Congressional
District commenced at Portsmouth on Tuesday the 14th inst.
The number to be drawn is 1968, which includes the excess of
two fifths required for exemptions — so that the real number
which the district is to furnish is a few less than 1200. The
forces enrolled are subject to draft . for two years from the first
day of July following the enrollment, and if drawn are liable to
serve during the rebellion, not exceeding three years, having
the same pay and bounty as the volunteers for three years.
They are divided into two classes — the first comprising all
between the ages of twenty and thirty-five, and all unmarried
men between thirty-five and forty-five, and the second comprising
all others.
The second class "shall not, in any district, be called into
the service of the United States until those of the first class
shall have been called." The classes are enrolled separately.
Persons drawn are to be notified within ten days and informed
of the place of rendezvous, where they are to be inspected, and
claims for exemption for disability are to be passed upon.
A person not exempt, drafted in the first class may show that
he should be enrolled in the second, and thus be released by the
Board or Court on Habeas Corpus. He may furnish within ten
days an acceptable substitute. He may pay $300, or he may
show physical or mental disability.
Not being entitled to release under either of these provisions,
the drafted man must report himself at the time notified to him
for military duty. Failing in this, he is to be deemed a deserter,
and may be arrested by the Provost Marshal and sent to the
nearest military post for trial by Court Martial.
The Legislature of this State, at jits recent session, passed a
law authorizing towns to pay drafted men a bounty of $300 ten
days after they have been mustered into the public service.

278 NOTABLE EVENTS IN THE [1863
July 17. — A meeting was held at the City Hall at which reso
lutions were passed requesting the City Government to pay a
bounty of $300 to every soldier drafted from Dover, before he
leaves the State, and $200 at the expiration of his term of ser
vice. Also that the city pay the $300 commutation for every
drafted man whose circumstances prevent him from going into
the army.
Aug. 14. — A draft of 152 men was made from Dover for filling
up the depleted ranks of the N. H. Regiments and the City
Council passed an ordinance for the payment of $300 to every
drafted man or his substitute, ten days after being mustered
into the service of the United States. The Dover conscripts,
when the draft became known, met in front of the City Hall
from whence with music and torches they marched through the
principal streets. Great enthusiasm and much good feeling
prevailed. Samuel Wyatt, for many years a well known landlord in
Dover, died in Georgetown, Mass. aged 87.
Sept. 7. — The Cocheco Manufacturing Co. after a years
suspension recommenced work.
Nov. 2. — The Boston and Maine Railroad hires the Dover and
Winnipiseogee Railroad on a lease of fifty years, paying annu
ally $29000, and buying all its rolling stock.
Nov. 4. — Governor Gilmore issued his proclamation for a
draft of 3768 men to fill the quota of New Hampshire for 300000
more soldiers, called for by President Lincoln, of which number
Dover was required to raise 72 men.
Nov. 7. — A Union meeting at the City Hall was largely
attended, and addressed by Hon. John P. Hale, who expressed
in a most eloquent manner his undoubting conviction of the
triumph of our National cause and the re-establishment of jus
tice and right on a firm and enduring basis.
The City Council made an appropriation of $34000 for the
payment of the General and State Government bounties to
volunteers, and the Mayor made a contract with a substitute
broker for the supply of the 72 men required from the city, at
$440 per man.

1864] HISTORY OF DOVER, N. H. 279
1864
March 8. — Vote for Governor, Joseph A. Gilmore, Rep.,
893; Edward W. Harrington, Dem., 509. In the State, Gil
more 37006, Harrington 31340, scattering, 79.
April 28. — Of the 13 Regiments in the field from New Hamp
shire at this time, all but two or three had joined, or been or
dered to join either Grant or Burnside for active operations.
The following was their disposition : The 2d has left Point
Lookout and gone to Yorktown ; the 3d and 4th have re-enlisted
and gone to Washington ; the 5th is at Point Lookout ; the 6th
is at Annapolis ; the re-enlisted men of the 7th are on furlough
and the remainder of the Regiment in Florida ; the 8th is
mounted at present, and is in the expedition which has recently
seen hard fighting on Red River ; the 9th is at Annapolis ; of
the ioth we have no recent report; the nth is at Annapolis;
the 1 2th is at Yorktown ; the 13th at Norfolk or vicinity; the
14th has just arrived at New Orleans.
May 2. — Michael Coffey killed at the Depot in attempting to
get upon the cars when they were moving.
May 5. — The Strafford Guards were ordered to Fort Consti
tution for 60 days — the two companies of Heavy Artillery
stationed there having been ordered south.
May 17. — A draft was made at this time to supply the defi
ciencies under the call of the President for 300000 soldiers, but
the quota of Dover being full, it did not apply to this city. The
Strafford Guards however volunteered for service and were
ordered as above.
June 3. — John B. Sargent, aged 64, died suddenly while
ploughing his garden.
July 21. — Another call of the President for 500000 men was
made at this time. The quota of the State was 6502, and of
Dover 149, the credits to which the city was entitled reducing
this number to about no. At a special meeting of the City
Council held July 23, it was voted to pay the largest bounties
for volunteers authorized by a recent act of the Legislature,
viz : $100 for 1 years men, $200 for 2 years men, and $300 for
3 years men ; and the Mayor was authorized to take immediate
measures for carrying the vote into effect, and raising the
necessary men.

280 NOTABLE EVENTS IN THE [1864
Aug. 4. — The Strafford Guards after being recruited up to
full numbers for the purpose of doing duty for a further term of
60 days,, were discharged, and an artillery company from the
interior of the State ordered to take their place.
Aug. 20. — The City Council voted to pay the highest bounty
authorized by law ($200), in addition to the State and United
States bounties, to such citizens as should enlist prior to the 5th
of September.
Aug. 22. — Five companies of Heavy Artillery having been
called for from New Hampshire, a rendezvous for enlisting one of
these companies for the term of one, two or three years, was
opened in Dover, and a full company enlisted within the week,
which was dispatched to Concord with a large number of super
numeraries to take the places of those who might fail to pass the
requisite examinations. George W. Colbath was commissioned
as Captain.
At the same time an office was opened for recruits for the 18th
Regiment by Lieut. John O. Wallingford, and the City Council
voted to increase the bounty to all who enlist from Dover, to
$500. The Artillery companies were sent to Washington immedi
ately, and stationed at the forts around the Capital.
Aug. 31. — Rev. Francis E. Abbot ordained as Pastor of the
Unitarian Society.
Sept. 3. — Died, Michael Read, Esq. aged 86. A native and
always a resident of Dover, and taking a lively interest in its
local affairs, he was probably more familiar with them than any
other person in town. In his boyhood he listened to the preach
ing of Dr. Belknap who left Dover in 1786; he witnessed the
execution of Elisha Thomas in 1788 ; and attended the sessions
of the General Court which sat here in the old Court House in
1793. He could remember when Dover Landing was a common,
covered in part with trees — when the "great house" of the
Waldrons occupied Franklin Square in solitary grandeur, and
their possessions monopolized all the territory in that part of the
town ; when the Coffins owned what the Waldrons did not about
Cochecho falls, and when the populous city, which he lived to
see grow up around them, contained not much more than a
score of houses. {Enquirer.)

1864] HISTORY OF DOVER, N. H. 281
Sept. 15. — The quota of Dover (149) was reported to be more
than full, the number furnished being 160 — 60 of whom had
enlisted in the Navy, 32 in the Heavy Artillery, 20 in the
1 8th Regiment and 48 furnished by enrolled men with the excess
from the last call.
Oct. 20. — Governor Gilmore issued a requisition for 600 men
to fill up the 1 8th Regiment, stating that although our quota
was full, it was desirable to anticipate the wants of the Govern
ment, even though no call was made, and no draft pending.
Same date. — died, John P. Robinson, aged 64, a distinguished
citizen of Lowell, Mass. and a native of Dover.
Nov. 8. — Vote for President in this exciting contest, Abraham
Lincoln 863; George B. McClellan 569. In the State, Lincoln
and Johnson, Rep., 36400; McClellan and Pendleton, Dem.,
33°34- Nov. 15. — Great Union demonstration in honor of the re
election of President Lincoln, and the glorious and overwhelm
ing victory of Law, Liberty and Union, over Secession,
Disunion and Treason.
The Union Citizens of Strafford County and vicinity, con
templated a grand Union mass meeting before election, but the
severe storm prevented, and it was postponed to Tuesday the
15th when the recent glorious and overwhelming victory of Law,
Liberty and Union over Secession, Disunion and Treason might
be appropriately observed. The day opened finely and every
thing betokened a rousing demonstration. Early in the morn
ing the streets of the city began to be thronged with people and
delegations arrived by the morning trains from Alton, Farming-
ton, Rochester, New Market, Madbury, Exeter, Concord,
Portsmouth, Great Falls and other places. At 12 o'clock the
procession moved through our principal streets, escorted by the
Strafford Guards, the whole under the direction of Hon. William
F. Estes, Chief Marshal.
A salute was fired at the starting of the procession ; flags
were displayed on the City Hall, Republican flag staff and
Engine Houses. In the procession was Governor Gilmore and
staff mounted and in full uniform; the 13th N. H. Band from
the front ; the Young Lincoln and the Young Washington
Guards ; a Cavalcade of 200 Horse, and Citizens of this and
all the neighboring towns in carriages to the number of 500.

282 NOTABLE EVENTS IN THE [1864
At i P.M. the people assembled at Central Square where a
Grand Mass Meeting was held — an immense gathering having
met together.
Z. S. Wallingford, Esq. Chairman of the Committee of
Arrangements, called the meeting to order and proposed a list
of officers which was adopted.
Hon. T. E. Sawyer was chosen President with 30 Vice Presi
dents from different towns in the vicinity. Mr. Sawyer thanked
the meeting for the honor conferred upon him and remarked
upon the glorious victory recently achieved in defence of the
Government, and counselled the opposition to lay aside party
prejudices and unite as one man to strengthen the arm of
National power and put down the rebellion.
Governor Gilmore was then introduced and was greeted with
enthusiastic cheers. He advised his friends not to deal harshly
with the defeated Democracy, yet he could not but rejoice that
we had given them such a glorious beating. "If we are true
to duty we shall surely conquer." He was for giving every
dollar and man, if need be, to put down this accursed rebellion.
Hon. D. M. Christie, Hon. J. P. Hale, Hon. E. H. Rollins,
Hon. J. D. Lyman, S. M. Wheeler, W. Hamlin, and J. H. Ela,
Esqs. were called upon and responded with eloquent speeches.
Music was furnished by the Dover Cornet Band, 13th N. H.
Regiment Band, and Newmarket Band.
In the evening, notwithstanding the severe snow storm which
had suddenly sprung up, the Torch Light Procession came off,
several hundred, plucky and undaunted in spite of the weather,
participating. The procession formed in Central Square at 7 o'clock,
under charge of Chief Marshal R. N. Ross and Assistant
Ira A. Moody. The whole city was liberally illuminated and
decorated. Fireworks were displayed all along the route preceding the
procession, also by the citizens generally. In the procession
were several very neat and appropriate transparencies and
mottoes, among them a transparency with an elegant'portrait of
Lincoln & Johnson with a list of the States giving Union
Majorities: on the other side the motto, "With these true
hearts through victory to Peace;" another, "Hail Columbia
Happy Land, 'Tis Freedom's Jubilee;" "We shall Con
quer, Never Fear; " another, "Freedom to all — Equal chances
for all — Glory Hallelujah;" "Union Triumphant! Secession

1865 ] HISTORY OF DOVER, N. H. 283
Defeated!" "Down with Traitors," (with Lincoln pitching
Traitors overboard.) The city was extensively and handsomely
decorated and illuminated with flags, lanterns, mottoes &c.
with many elaborate and elegant designs — there being some
200 in number.
The whole affair passed off finely and the citizens of Dover will
ever remember the occasion with much interest. (Enquirer.)
1865
Early in the year when it became apparent that the rebellion
was tottering to its downfall, and that it was only requisite that
the Union forces should be kept up to their full numbers to
insure a speedy end of the war, repeated calls were made by
the General Government for more soldiers; to all of which
Dover in common with the other towns and cities of the State,
made a prompt response. Drafts were necessary in some places,
but in most the municipal authorities by energetic work were
able to fill up their quotas without resorting to it. In Dover
the Mayor was successful in his efforts and the City Council,
on the 14th of February, manifested their appreciation of the
measures which he had adopted in the following terms :
Resolved by the City Council of the City of Dover, that the
thanks of the citizens of this city be tendered through the
Council to his Honor Mayor Estes, for the prompt and success
ful manner in which he has completed his plans for filling the
quota of our city under the several calls for troops by our
Government. Feb. 22. — The bells of the city were rung and a grand salute
fired in commemoration of the fall of Charleston, S. C. and the
rehoisting of the flag of the Union upon Fort Sumter.
March 4. — The bells were again rung and a National salute
fired in honor of the inauguration of President Lincoln for his
second term, and of the glorious victories of the armies of the
Union ' ' marching on ' ' through the Carolinas.
March 10. — The invitation extended to General Butler some
weeks since, to address the citizens of Dover, was fulfilled this
evening, the engagements of the General having prevented his
speaking at an earlier day. The City Hall was crowded and
hundreds were unable to obtain admission. Hon. D. M.
Christie presided and introduced General Butler in a few fitting
remarks, who then proceeded to address the audience, speaking
for an hour with great eloquence and effect.

284 NOTABLE EVENTS IN THE [1865
The meeting was closed with several patriotic songs by Mr.
Pope of Washington, and music by the Dover Cornet Band.
{Enquirer)
March 14. — Vote for governor, Frederic Smyth, Rep., 825;
Edward W. Harrington, Dem., 451. In the State, Smyth
34145, Harrington 28017, scattering 57.
April 10. — News of the surrender of Lee and the fall of the
Rebellion was received with unbounded demonstrations of Joy.
All the bells in the city were rung until noon and again for two
hours at night, accompanied with a grand salute and fireworks
in the evening. The fire Department turned out in a body, and
escorted by the Strafford Guards, with the Dover Cornet Band
and a Cavalcade of Citizens, marched through the principal
streets. A meeting of congratulation was held in the evening
at the City Hall, at which Hon. John P. Hale, Samuel M.
Wheeler and others made speeches.
The Enquirer of April 13, says :
The glorious news of General Lee's surrender was announced to our
citizens by a telegraphic dispatch at the American Line Office, Col.
Charles A. Tufts, agent, and it created the wildest enthusiasm and the
most intense rejoicing throughout the city. The news spread like wild
fire and the crowd in Central Square began to gather and increase till it
numbered several hundreds. The factory bell (Cocheco works) pealed
forth the joyous news and the other bells soon followed suit.
The stores were at once closed, the schools dismissed and
business suspended. Every one was jubilant — full of thanks
giving that peace was so near and our brave Army under the
heroic Grant had at last forced the General-in-Chief of the
Confederate Armies to succumb to the Nation's power.
The City Council was summoned together and passed the
following resolutions :
Resolved, That the City Council of Dover have this day heard with joy
of the surrender of General Lee and the army of Northern Virginia, and
we hail the return of peace as the harbinger of better days to our country,
as giving more stability to our institutions and liberty to the oppressed
of this and other lands.
Resolved, That the thanks of the Council are hereby extended to the
brave and gallant soldiers and sailors who have volunteered so nobly in
our country's defence ; that we shall ever hold in grateful remembrance
their distinguished services on the field of battle or when guarding the
nation's honor on the sea.
Resolved, That honor is due to Lieutenant General Grant — the second
saviour of our Country — who by his devotion to the cause of American
nationality and the enforcement of law as well as defence of the consti-

1865] HISTORY OF DOVER, N. H. 285
tutional rights of the people and by his skill on the field of battle and
the splendor of his success, merits the gratitude of every patriot heart.
Resolved, That our gratitude is no less due to the bold and daring
Sherman, to the expert and dashing Sheridan, to the cool and intrepid
Meade, and in fact, to all the able and noble Commanders, who both on
sea and land, have so nobly struggled to suppress this unholy rebellion.
The thanks of the American people will be due to them for all coming
time. Resolved, By the City Council of Dover, that the sum of Three Hun
dred Dollars be, and hereby is appropriated for the purpose of ringing
the bells, displaying of fireworks and firing a salute, in consequence of
the surrender of General Lee and his army, and the glorious news gen
erally which has reached us this day.
A telegraphic dispatch was received in the afternoon from
Governor Gilmore, ordering a salute on account of the State,
which was carried out.
The citizens held an impromptu meeting in Central Square,
and decided to have a demonstration at once, resulting in the
appointment of Colonel Thomas H. Cushing as Marshal. The
ladies soon appeared thronging the square, and making the
scene one of special interest and eclat. The "red white and
blue ' ' was displayed by them in small pennants from their hats
and dresses generally, and their hearty co-operation was indeed
manifested in every possible way.
At half-past eleven o'clock the procession moved from Central
Square in the following order.
Chief Marshal with Aids.
Dover Cornet Band, J. B. Pinkham, Leader.
Strafford Guards, Lieut. Thomas Currier, Commanding.
Cavalcade of Citizens in large numbers.
The old 19th Artillery Field Piece.
The Fire Department (in part) viz :
Hook and Ladder, No. 1. Captain Mark F. Nason.
Tiger, No. 2. Captain J. S. Hayes, 2d.
Fountain, No. 3. Captain D. Crockett.
Cocheco, No. 5. Captain T. L- Tebbetts.
Citizens on foot and in carriages.
All along the route the American Ensign was liberally dis
played and the streets crowded with the enthusiastic populace.
The bells continued ringing all the forenoon and during the
moving of the procession and Dover was beside itself " for one
day only." The Dover Band paraded the streets in the after
noon, serenading the citizens, engine companies and others.

286 NOTABLE EVENTS IN THE .[1865
At sunset the bells were again rung and a salute ordered by
Gov. Gilmore was fired by Captain Glines and assistants. In
the evening a brilliant display of fireworks was had notwith
standing the rain, for not even a deluge could have dampened
the enthusiasm of the day.
And also a public meeting was held in the evening at the
City Hall. Mayor Estes presided. Eloquent and stirring
speeches were made by Hon. John P. Hale, S. M. Wheeler,
Esq. Dr. L- G. Hill and others; the meeting closing with
three cheers for Grant, Sherman, Sheridan and the "Boys
in Blue."
By the exhibit and quotas and credits of the several towns in
this District, in the Army and Navy, it was found that the
quota of Dover was 339 men, and that she furnished 427 — an
excess of 88, from the opening of the Provost Marshal's office
to this time.
April 15. — Our citizens of all parties were deeply shocked by
the appalling intelligence from Washington of the assassination
of the President. The deed reported was so monstrous that at
first many refused to believe it, but incredulity was soon forced
to give way to the official report, confirming the sad news.
The flags were at once placed at half-mast, all the bells in the
city were tolled, business was suspended and many stores and
other places were draped in mourning.
April 16. — The death of the President was the theme of the
pulpit in all our Churches, some of them were draped in
mourning. April 18. — The City Council held a special meeting and
passed a series of appropriate resolutions in relation to the
exalted life and character of Abraham Lincoln and the great
loss the Nation sustained in his death, and appropriated a sum
of money towards observing the funeral obsequies on Wednes
day the 19th, conforming to the request of Acting Secretary of
State Hunter at Washington, and Governor Gilmore of this
State. A resolution was also passed appointing a committee to
invite some fit person to deliver an eulogy upon the late President
at an early day.

!865] HISTORY OF DOVER, N. H. 287
April 19. — Bells were tolled from 11 A.M. till 12 M. and from
i*4 P.M. till 3 P.M. Guns fired every 30 minutes from 10 A.M.
till 6 P.M. Flags draped in mourning were displayed through
out the city. Services were held at the Unitarian, Congrega
tional, Belknap, Episcopal and Calvin Baptist Churches.
At the Unitarian Church Hon. John P. Hale delivered an
eloquent and impressive address, being the last ever made by
him in Dover, as he left a few weeks after for Spain, to which
country he had been appointed Minister, and from which he did
not return until after five years with health too much impaired
to speak in public.

Mr. Hale's address was as follows :
My Friends and Fellow Citizens:
When I saw that the Authorities of the Nation and the State, with singu
lar propriety had invited the people at this hour appointed for the funeral
obsequies of our departed President, to turn aside from the ordinary
pursuits and avocations of daily life, and for a brief space of time to
give themselves up to the reflections and contemplations which the event
and the hour were so well calculated to excite, it occurred to me that it
would be a fitting and appropriate occasion to utter a very few words
which I wished to say to you and through you to the people.
Subsequent reflection has caused me to doubt the propriety of the
course here suggested, for it seemed to me that the event which we
deplore was so awful and appalling that itself taught its own lesson bet
ter than any commentary that could be made upon it, and that it would
be presumptuous in any one to undertake to elucidate or illustrate
the great lesson which God in His providence was teaching the Nation
and the world. I feared and felt that at this hour the sublime eloquence
of silence was more impressive than any babbling of man. Nevertheless
as I had agreed to undertake it and expectation had been excited by the
announcement that I would make the attempt and in consequence
thereof this immense assemblage has come together I proceed.
Perhaps it is known to most of you that I recently returned from
Washington. I was there at the time of the assassination ; I had an
interview with the deceased President on the day the deed was done and
about seven hours before the event took place. Three hours after his
death I had an interview with his successor, free, confidential and highly
satisfactory.

288 NOTABLE EVENTS IN THE [1865
These circumstances have furnished me with a few facts and reflec
tions which constitute the reasons why I stand before you at this time.
First in regard to the visit to Mr. Lincoln within a few hours of his
death. I am happy to be able to state that the result of it was all I could
have wished, and was so characteristic of his whole life, viz. an act of
clemency and kindness. At the conclusion of our interview when he
had decided to grant what was asked, and requested me to bring the
papers to him, I remarked that there was not time to do it that afternoon,
he pleasantly replied, "there will be time enough tomorrow,'' and I left
him to return tomorrow, to have the business completed. Tomorrow
came but at the ordinary time of admitting visitors, ten o'clock in the
morning, he had been for nearly three hours a corpse. Never before in
my life had I impressed upon me, as this event did, the import and the
wisdom of the injunction " boast not thyself of tomorrow." It will
ever be a source of pleasure amid all the sad remembrances of the hour
to recall the fact that the last interview I ever had with the departed
President was one in which he left such an impression of the kindness
of his heart as a man and the clemency of his rule as chief magistrate.
Now let me say a word as to the interview with his successor. I know
that at this time there is the most intense and anxious solicitude in the
public mind to know all that can be known of him on whom the mantle
of the President has fallen, and what may be hoped of him on whom
Providence has so unexpectedly and so suddenly devolved the task of
leading this Nation through the perils that still environ us.
What I can do to gratify this feeling shall cheerfully be done. I have
known Mr. Johnson well for nearly twenty two years, having commenced
my Congressional life with him at the commencement of the twenty
eighth Congress and known him well ever since, having served with him
in the Senate all the time he was a member of that body. Early on the
morning of the late President's death, I sought an interview with Presi
dent Johnson and was fortunate enough to succeed in obtaining it. I
had a full, free and confidential conversation with him, no one else being
present. What transpired in that confidential talk, I, of course, am not
at liberty to disclose here or elsewhere, but I am at perfect liberty to
state the impression it left on my mind. During my long acquaintance
with Mr. Johnson, the first time that I ever heard his name connected
with intoxicating drink was the fourth of March last, and I left him on
the fifteenth of April last, fully impressed and convinced that the Patriot
need have no apprehension that there is anything to fear on that subject
in the future. I remained with him till after Chief Justice Chase came
into the room and administered to him the oath of office as President of
the United States, and I think I express the universal sentiment of all
who were present on that occasion when I remark that his whole deport
ment and conduct was marked by the most perfect propriety, and entirely
in accord with what the very solemn and momentous circumstances
demanded. This is one of the statements I was desirous of making to
the public.

1865] HISTORY OF DOVER, N. H. 289
In regard to the death of the President the most obvious thought which
suggests itself is the suddenness of the transition from exultant and
exuberant joy to the depths of wailing and woe. Perhaps no City ever
presented a more brilliant and gorgeous exhibition of all the insignia
and external manifestations of public rejoicing and'gladnessthan did the
City of Washington the evening preceding this event. The next evening
as if by magic all was changed ; the sounds of gratulation and triumph
were turned to wailing and lamentation for the dead, and the gorgeous
decorations in which the National Capital had enveloped herself that she
might appropriately celebrate the crowning victories with which Provi
dence had so recently blessed the National cause, vanished as if by a
Magician's wand, and when the curtain again rose the mourner's weed
and the funeral pall were all that met the eye.
One fact worth mentioning in this connexion, and which goes far to
illustrate the estimation in which the deceased President was holden
among the humble, the lowly and the oppressed, is, that while the
stately mansions of the wealthy, and the public edifices of the Nation
gave evidence that no avarice or stinted economy restrained the profusion
with which all classes were eager to testify their grief for the Nation's
loss, the humblest inhabitants of the lowliest huts, the abodes of the
desolate, the oppressed and the down trodden colored people of the
City, all decorated their dwellings with some sign of woe, and although
in many instances, a black rag that poverty itself would hardly have
picked up from the street, was all that destitution and want could afford
to testify their grief, yet it was none the less sincere, and spoke most
eloquently of the regard in which the deceased President was held by
these humble ones whom politicians never look after, and whose good
opinions are of no esteem with the scheming and ambitious. I know
not how it may strike you, my friends, but I confess that to my mind it
was one of the most touching tributes to the memory of Mr. Lincoln
that his death has called forth, and which if his spirit is permitted to
take cognizance of what transpires here, would be most grateful to his
own feelings.
A few words as to the personal character of Mr. Lincoln. He was a
man of pure and blameless life ; no tale of oppression, injustice, fraud
or lust stains his record. He was genial in his temper, affable in his
manners and accessible almost to a fault. He was a Patriot, no sinister
or selfish motive mingled with the earnest simplicity with which he
devoted all his energies to the welfare of his Country. These two dis
tinguishing traits in his character explain and illustrate the great hold
he had on the popular heart. Perhaps you know, my fellow Citizens, as
well as anybody that I did not fully approve and endorse all the
measures of all the branches of Mr. Lincoln's Administration, and I
thank God that when I failed to approve I did not hesitate to avow it ;
but of Mr. Lincoln personally, of his strict integrity, his undoubted
patriotism, his exemplary purity and blameless life, I never entertained
the slightest doubt. I have avowed these sentiments frequently, pub
licly and privately in his life time, and now that the seal of death has
been placed upon the record of his life, I am happy in repeating it here.

290 NOTABLE EVENTS IN THE [1865
Though I do not claim the honor of a very intimate friendship with
the late President, yet I knew him well for a long time, commencing my
acquaintance with him long before he was thought of for the Presidency
when he was a member of the House of Representatives ; I have seen
him at his home in Springfield, and as you all know was a member of
the U. S. Senate during the whole of his first Presidential term. I
mention this that you may have an idea of my means of forming a
correct estimate of his character.
It is now a little more than four years since under more peculiar and
trying circumstances than any of his predecessors, Mr. Lincoln entered
upon the discharge of the duties of the office of President of the United
States. In the hour of entering on these perilous duties, with felicitous
thought and expression, in his inaugural address, he announced in no
ambiguous terms the political principles by which his conduct would be
governed. Read that inaugural to day and you will find it to be mainly
an enunciation of this great cardinal truth, viz. that the Union of the
States was perpetual, and as a consequence of that primal truth, the
duty devolved on him of enforcing the laws of the United States, so far
as he was able, in all the States of the Union.
With this simple annunciation he commenced his official career
confronted in a very few weeks with the most powerful and gigantic
rebellion that the world has ever known.
How he met the emergencies of the occasion the impartial pen of
history will tell.
What should we have said if we had been called upon to select for
the Nation a leader to conduct us through the great crisis before us?
We should probably have selected a skillful general, an educated
financier, a man whose commanding genius would have flashed intelli
gence on the public councils with the clearness and the force of
inspiration. Such however was not the wisdom of Providence, a man of peace
without military skill, education or experience was chosen to conduct to
a successful termination the mightiest war that history has recorded.
He had no peculiar education as a financier, yet under his administra
tion a revenue was created fully equal to the enormous and incredible
demands which the war so suddenly made, and which flowed into our
treasury with a copiousness and munificence far exceeding the most
extravagant tales of Eastern fiction.
Such was President Lincoln, and though we may mourn and the
whole Country deplore his untimely death, yet so far as he is concerned,
it can hardly be said to be untimely or premature. He had done his
work, the rebellion was crushed. The National life had been saved;
the rightful supremacy of the Constitution and the laws had been
vindicated, and the old flag had been made to float in triumph over the
strongholds from which it had been stricken down by traitorous hands,
and last of all, on fort Sumter the place where four years ago amid the
sulphurous fumes with which the insanity of Rebellion had filled the
air, it had been lowered, it had again been raised amid the shouts and
gratulations of thousands who had assembled from afar to witness so
grateful a ceremony.

1865] HISTORY OF DOVER, N. H. 291
The tempest of battle was over, the torrents of blood had been
stayed, the thanksgivings of a redeemed people were ascending in
mighty shouts to Heaven for the great deliverance which had been
wrought out for them and as if borne on this out-gushing and rapturous
expression of thanksgiving and praise, the spirit of Mr. Lincoln passed
from Earth to Heaven. And although we in our ignorance and blind
ness might not so have arranged the order of events, who now is so
impious or so skeptical as to question the wisdom or the goodness of God
in this providence so sudden, so unexpected, and so widely different
from what we would have ordered? His work was done and well done,
the measure of his fame was full and he has gone to his rest, we humbly
and confidently hope, to his reward. Let us remember, my friends, that
though the President is dead, God lives, sitting on the throne of Eternity
as of old, forever unchangeable.
And let us remember too that we still have a Country to serve. Let
us then to day with renewed energy of purpose, devote ourselves to the
faithful and patriotic discharge of all the duties which our Country in
this dark hour or the coming future may require of us. Let us with
earnest prayer and ardent faith commend our Country to the blessing of
God, with the more confidence when we remember all that she has done
and is still doing to purge herself of her great sin, and let us confi
dently hope that she is about entering, nay that she has already entered
on a new career of prosperity, honor and glory far exceeding anything
which has yet transpired in her history, when we shall be in truth and
in fact what we have hitherto been only in name, a free people.

292 NOTABLE EVENTS IN THE
Moderators of Town Meetings
1661 to 1749.
1661 Elder Wentworth.
1664 Peter Coffin.
1674 Richard Waldron.
1696 Job Clements.
1702 James Davis.
1703 Richard Waldron.
1704 John Gerrish.
1713 James Davis.
1714 John Gerrish.
1715 Richard Waldron. James Davis.
1720 James Davis.
1730 Thomas Millet. Stephen Jones.
1731 James Davis.
1732 Thomas Millet.
1733 Paul Wentworth.
1734 Thomas Millet.
1739 John Wingate. Thomas Wallingford.
1740 Thomas Millet.
1745 Thomas Wallingford.
1747 John Wood.
1748 Thomas Wallingford.
1749 Thomas Millet.

1761 to 1799.
1761 John Wingate.
1762-1769 Thomas Westbrook Waldron.
1770 John Wingate.
1771-1774 Thomas Westbrook Waldron.
T775 John Gage. Shadrach Hodgdon. Thomas W. Waldron.
1776 John Gage.
1777 John Wentworth. Col. Joshua Wingate. John Gage.
1778 Stephen Evans. Shadrach Hodgdon. Otis Baker.
1779 John Gage. Shadrach Hodgdon.
1780 John Wentworth.
1781 John Wentworth. Otis Baker. Stephen Evans.
1782 John Gage. John Wentworth.
1783-1786 John Wentworth.
1787 Stephen Evans. John Gage.
1788 John Waldron. Peter Hodgdon.
1789 John Waldron.
1790 John Waldron. Doctor Ezra Green.
1791-1796 John Waldron.
1797 John Waldron. William K. Atkinson.
1798 John Waldron.
1799 John Waldron. James Jewett.
(During the stirring times of the Revolution Town Meetings were fre
quent, which will account for the number of Moderators chosen in some
of the above years.

HISTORY OF DOVER, N. H.

293

1647-16851686-1719
1 720- 1 726
1727-17431 743-1 758
1 759-1 7 70
1771-17851785-17881 789-1 794
1 795-1 799
1800-18151816-18191820-18351836-18371838-18421843-1844 1845-18491850-185 1
1852
1853-1855

Town Clerks
1647-1855.
William Pomfrett.
John Tuttle.
Thomas Tebbetts.
Paul Gerrish.
Joseph Hanson.
Ephraim Hanson.
Thomas Westbrook Waldron. (Died April 1785.)
John Burnam Hanson.
Nathaniel Cooper.
Walter Cooper.
Dominicus Hanson.
Andrew Peirce.
James Richardson.
Charles Young.
George Piper.
Thomas Stackpole.
George T. Wentworth.
Charles E. Soule.
Charles A. Tufts. (Appointed by Selectmen in place of
Soule resigned.)
Amasa Roberts.

Representatives 1692-1855.
Samuel Allen was appointed Governor of New Hampshire March 1,
1692, and assumed office August 13, following. Assemblies were called,
and summoned by writ of the Royal Governor up to the time of the
Revolution. John Woodman, Job Clements, William Furber.
William Furber, John Woodman, Job Clements. (Clem
ents refused to take the oaths, and Lt. John Tuttle was
returned.) John Woodman, John Hall, William Furber.
John Hall, Thomas Chesley, Job Clements. (Clements
refused to take the oaths.)
Capt. John Gerrish; probably others but no names given.
Joshua Cromwell, James Davis, William Furber.
1698-1702. — Capt. John Tuttle, Lt. William Furber, Lt. James Davis.
At adjourned session August 1699, in place of Furber and
Davis appeared Capt. John Woodman and Nathaniel Hill.
In place of Capt. John Tuttle, James Davis appeared 1701.
William Furber, Nathaniel Hill, Capt. John Woodman.
Capt. John Woodman, Lt. William Furber, Lt. Nathaniel
Hill. (Capt. John Tuttle is on Dover records, said to be
chosen 1707; no mention on Provincial records.)
Nathaniel Hill, Stephen Jones, Ezekiel Wentworth.
(Mr. Wentworth died, and Capt. Timothy Gerrish was
sworn in 1712.)

1692-93.- 1693-94.-

1694-96. —
16961697
1697-98.

1703
1704-09. — ¦

1709-14. —

294 NOTABLE EVENTS IN THE
1715 Capt. Timothy Gerrish, John Downing, Stephen Jones.
1715-22. — ¦ James Davis, Samuel Tebbets.
1722-27. — James Davis, Capt. Timothy Gerrish, Capt. Samuel
Tebbets. (Mr. Gerrish removed from the Province.
Benjamin Wentworth was sworn in 1724; he died and
Paul Gerrish was sworn in 1727.)
1727-28. — Paul Gerrish, Capt. Samuel Tebbets, John Smith.
1728-30. — Paul Gerrish, Capt. Samuel Tebbets, Capt. Francis
Mathes.
1731-32. — Paul Gerrish, Capt. Francis Mathes, Capt. Thomas
Millet.
1732-33. — Paul Wentworth, Nicholas Hartford, William Damm.
1734-37. — Paul Gerrish, Paul Wentworth, Capt. Thomas Millet.
1 739-4°. — Paul G errish, Thomas Millet , Capt. Thomas Wallingford .
1740-41. — Lt. Thomas Davis, Capt. John Gage, Capt. Thomas
Wallingford.
1742-45. — Capt. John Canney (a Quaker who "affirmed"), Capt.
Thomas Wallingford.
1745 Capt. Thomas Wallingford, Thomas Millet, Capt. John
Winget.
1745-48. — John Gage, Col. Thomas Wallingford, Major Thomas
Davis.
1749-52. — Thomas Millet, Major Thomas Davis, John Wentworth.
1752-55. — Thomas Millet, Major Thomas Davis, John Wentworth,
3d. (apparently same as previous year.)
1755-58. — Capt. Thomas Westbrook Waldron, Thomas Millet.
1758-68. — Capt. Thomas W. Waldron, Capt. Howard Henderson.
1768-71.— Capt. Thomas W. Waldron, Otis Baker.
1771-74. — John Gage, Otis Baker.
1774 Capt. John Waldron, Capt. Caleb Hodgdon.
1775 Otis Baker, Capt. Caleb Hodgdon. The last Assembly
under the Crown.

In the period 1774-1783 ; first date of meeting of
Convention.
1774 Capt. John Waldron, Capt. Caleb Hodgdon, Capt.
Joshua Wingate, Capt. Stephen Evans, Nathaniel
Cooper.
1775 Major Caleb Hodgdon, John Waldron, 3d., Joshua Win
gate, Stephen Evans, Nathaniel Cooper, Capt. Shadrach
Hodgdon, Otis Baker.
1776 Col. Stephen Evans, John Wentworth, jr., (Col. Otis
Baker elected, but declined.)
1777-79. — John Wentworth, jr., Major Caleb Hodgdon.
1777-79. — Convention to form a government. Captain John
Gage, Major Caleb Hodgdon.
1780 Col. Joshua Wingate, John Kielle ; — also authorized to
act in Constitutional Convention.

HISTORY OF DOVER, N. H. 295
1781-82.— Col. John Waldron, Major Caleb Hodgdon.
x78i Constitutional Convention. Col. Otis Baker, Col.
Joshua Wingate.
1783 Col. John Waldron, Capt. James Calef.

Under the State Constitution.
1784 Capt. James Calef.
1785-86.— Col. John Waldron.
1787 Joshua Wingate.
1788 Convention on Constitution of the United States.
Dr. Ezra Green.
1788 Col. John Waldron. (Col. Waldron was afterwards
elected Senator, and Andrew Torr chosen to fill the
vacancy.)
1789 Andrew Torr.
1790-92. — John Kielle.
1791 John Waldron, delegate to Constitutional Convention.
I793~94- — c°l- John Waldron.
1795 Andrew Torr, Richard Tripe.
1796 Capt. Moses Wingate, Richard Tripe.
1797- Col. John Waldron, Capt. Moses Wingate.
1798- Col. John Waldron.
1799 Capt. Moses Wingate.
1800 Joseph Gage.
1801-02 Col. John Waldron.
1803 Col. John Waldron, Daniel Henderson.
1804-06 Daniel Henderson.
1807-10 Amos Cogswell.
181 1 Tobias Tuttle.
1812 Amos Coggswell, Moses Hodgdon.
1813 Moses Hodgdon, Tobias Tuttle.
1814 Tobias Tuttle, Amos Cogswell.
1815 Amos Cogswell, John Waldron.
1816 Daniel M. Durell, John Williams. (Mr. Durell resigned,
and John Waldron was chosen.)
1817 John Williams, Andrew Peirce.
1818 Andrew Peirce, William Flagg.
1819 Andrew Peirce, Nathaniel W. Ela.
1820 Andrew Peirce, Charles Woodman.
1821-22. — Charles Woodman, Speaker ; Nathaniel W. Ela.
1823 Andrew Peirce, Speaker ; William Hale, James Bartlett.
1824 Andrew Peirce, James Bartlett, Nathaniel W. Ela.
1825 James Bartlett, John Williams, Robert Rogers.
1826 James Bartlett, John Williams, Daniel M. Christie,
Samuel Kimball.
1827-28. — John Williams, Daniel M. Christie, Samuel Kimball,
Eri Perkins. (Mr. Christie resigned and John Wheeler
was chosen.)
1829 James Bartlett, John Wheeler, John Riley, Walter Sawyer.
1830 James Bartlett, Daniel M. Christie, Jacob Kittredge.

296 HISTORY OF DOVER, N. H.
1831 Daniel M. Christie, Jacob Kittredge, Samuel W. Carr,
Cyrus Goss.
1832 Samuel W. Carr, John P. Hale, Thomas E. Sawyer,
Elhanan W. Fenner.
1833 Thomas E. Sawyer, Nathaniel Young, William Hale, jr.,
John H. White.
1834 Nathaniel Young, John H. White, John B. H. Odiorne,
Thomas W. Kittredge.
1835 Thomas W. Kittredge, John B. H. Odiorne, Thomas E.
Sawyer.
1836 Thomas E. Sawyer, Thomas W. Kittredge, Andrew
Peirce, Benjamin Wiggin.
1837 Noah Martin, Joseph H. Smith, Charles Ham, Daniel
Hussey.
1838 Thomas E. Sawyer, George Wadleigh, William Pickering
Drew, Benjamin Wiggin.
1839 Daniel M. Christie, George Wadleigh, William Pickering
Drew, Oliver S. Home.
1840 Thomas E. Sawyer, Oliver S. Home, Jonas D. Townsend,
Samuel Drew.
1841 Thomas E. Sawyer, Andrew Peirce, Jonas D. Townsend,
Daniel M. Christie.
1842 Andrew Peirce, Thomas T. Edgerly, Daniel Hussey.
Nathaniel Jenness.
1843 Andrew Peirce, Nathaniel Jenness, Horace Clark.
1844 Charles Ham, James W. Cowan, Hanson Roberts, David
Wilson, Alfred H. Otis.
1845 Thomas E. Sawyer, Andrew Peirce, Elijah Wadleigh,
Wells Waldron.
1846 Thomas E. Sawyer, Elijah Wadleigh, Daniel M. Christie,
Nathaniel Low, Wells Waldron, John P. Hale, Speaker.
1847 Thomas E. Sawyer, Elijah Wadleigh. Nathaniel Low,
Darius T. Johnson, William F. Estes, Samuel Hanson, 2d.
1848 Samuel Hanson, 2d., Calvin Hale, George Wadleigh.
1849 Daniel M. Christie, George Wadleigh, Joseph T. Peaslee,
John H. Wiggins, James R. Moulton.
1850 Thomas E. Sawyer, Thomas W. Kittredge, Benjamin
Wiggin, Calvin Hale, James Austin, William F. Estes.
1850 To Constitutional Convention. Thomas E. Sawyer,
Andrew Peirce, Shubael Varney, Asa Freeman, William
Plaisted Drew, John H. Wiggins.
1851 Thomas W. Kittredge, Joseph Morrill, Benjamin Wiggin,
William B. Wiggin, James Austin, William F. Estes.
1852 Joseph Morrill, William B. Wiggin, George P. Folsom,
Silas Moody, John H. Wiggins, Joseph Hanson, 3d.
1853 None elected.
1854 James Bennett, George Mathewson, George P. Folsom,
Silas Moody, Daniel H. Wendell. William Hale.
1855 Daniel M. Christie, Nathaniel Wiggin, James Bennett,
William S. Stevens, Ivory Paul, Edmund J. Lane.

ERRATA

Page 77, par. 4, line 1, for "Rev. John Elliot's" read Rev.
John Eliot's.
Page 77, par. 8, line 2, for "Robert Burnhams" read Robert
Burnham.
Page 108, par. 2, line 2, for" Rev. Dr. Elliott" read Rev. Dr.
Eliot.
Page 133, par. 8, line 2, for " William Shepard " read William
Sheperd.
Page 134, par. 1, line 1, for "Jeremiah Davies" read Jeremiah
Daveis.
Page 134, par. 1, line 6, for " Stephen Willie" read Stephen
Wille.
Page 134, par. 1, line 9, for "Joshua Davies" read Joshua
Daveis.
Page 135, par. 5, line 3, for " Gossport " read Gosport.
Page 149, par. 5, lines 2 and 3, for " Elliot" read Eliot.
Page 223, par. 3, line 5, for "J. B. H. Odione " read J. B. H.
Odiorne.
Page 257, par. 5, line 1, for " Rev. Henry S. Bond " read Rev.
Henry F. Bond.
Page 271, par. 1, lines 3 and 4, for " E. Q. Adams " read E.
G. Adams.
Page 271, par. 4, line 24, for "John Malloy " read John Molloy.
Page 271, par. 4. line 24, for "Charles A. Graves" read
Charles A. Grover.

INDEX

Abbot, Francis E-, Rev., 280
Joseph, 140
Abbott, Alexander S., 271
Abbott Guards, 270
Aboquecemoka, Sampson, 81
Academy, Exeter, 204
Franklin, 208
Academy Street, 251
Adams, Charles, 30, 33, 48, 52, 57,
60, 69, 74, 80, 84, 89
Enoch G., 271, 297
Hugh, Rev., 121, 126, 127,
129, 131
Isaac, 260
John, 56, 59, 68
John, President, 177, 183,
186, 188, 190, 224
John Quincy, President, 196,
214, 216, 219, 224, 226,
227, 228, 234
Samuel, 100
Adams' Garrison, 99
Addington, Secretary, 93
Africa, 211
Agamenticus, 15
Alarm List, 166
Albany, N. Y., 146, 147, 169, 173
Alcock, Robert, 193
Alden, Dr., 133
Aldrich, George, 193
Alewives, 26, 205
Allen, Edward, 79
Mr., 108
Samuel, 97, 293
Alt, John, 30, 33, 42, 48, 52, 57, 60,
69.79
Alton, 253, 281
Bay, 236, 257
Ambler, John, 117
Ambrose, Alice, 54
America, 4, 159, 160, 162, 215
American House, 253
Party, 262
Ames, Cyrus, 235
Amesbury, Mass., 104
Amherst, 10, 164

Ammunition, 24, 71, 76, 123
Amoskeag, 10
Anabaptism, 14, 32
Andover, Mass., 174, 235, 250
Andrews, Jedediah, 51, 55, 58, 67
Andros Government, 94, 95
Annapolis, Md., 279
Antietam, 276
Aqueduct, 193
Company, 213
Arms, 164, 204
Army, Continental, 167, 168, 169,
226
English, 156
Potomac, 275
Union, 276, 283
United States, 286
Artificers, 29
Artillery, Dover, 194, 206, 218, 222,
285
Heavy, 279, 280, 281
New Boston, 142
Portsmouth, 142
Arwin, Edward, 47
Ash, Thomas, 140
Assembly, General, 86, 87, 98, 104,
112, 114, 115, 116, 117,
Il8, II9, 120, 121, 122,
123, 124, 126, 128, 129,
13°, 131. !32, 133. !34.
137. 138, 139, 143. 144.
145, I46, I48, 149, 150,
151, 153. 156, 157, 158,
164, 165, 166,167, I7I,
293
Massachusetts, 23
Provincial, 127, 138, 293, 294
Assembly Men, 86, 87, 115, 117, 120,
138, 139. J53
Records, 109, 118, 123, 135
Assessments, 28, 106, 118, 129
Assistants, Court of, 32
Associates, Court, 27, 50, 53, 64,
65. 72
Associates, Piscataqua, 23, 58
Atkinson, Dr., 158

300

INDEX

Atkinson, George, 173, 210
Theodore, 131, 132, 210
William K., 180, 188, 192,
204, 206, 210, 292
Atwood, John, 257, 258
Ault, John, 13
Aurora Borealis, 122, 226
Austin, James, 296
Joseph, 30, 33, 35, 38, 42, 44,
51. 56. 150
Samuel, 150
Sarah, 58
Thomas, 79
Avery, James G., 229
Ayers, Joseph F., 271
Back Cove, 31, 40, 105
River, 24, 44, 45, 123, 185,
240, 258, 260
Bacon, George, 84
Badger, Joseph, 254
William, 234, 235
Badger's Building, 247, 254
Baker, Christina, 135, 136
John, 27, 30
Nathaniel B., 261, 262
Otis, 154, 157, 158, 159, 160,
161, 162, 164, 166, 191,
292, 294, 295
Thomas, 94
Bakers, 29
Ball, James, no
John, 215
Band, Dover, 282, 284, 285
Newmarket, 282
13th Regiment, 281, 282
Bank, Cochecho, 253, 258
. Commercial, 227
Dover, 213, 215, 227
Five Cents Savings, 264, 270
Langdon, 261
New Hampshire, 192
Strafford, 192, 213, 215, 242,
253. 270
Strafford Savings, 213, 214,
242, 270
United States, 230
Bank Bills, Uncurrent, 197
Directors, 215
Bank, The, 8, 9

Baptist, Franklin Street, 240
Freewill, 232
Washington Street, 247
Barber, John, 47, 52
Barfoot, Walter, 53, 54, 55, 58, 67,
80
Barker, David, 223
Barley, 55, 56, 61
Barnes, Benjamin, 219
Barnstead, 182
Barnum, James, 133
Barrington, 10, 122, 149, 150, 151,
182, 190, 228, 255 263
Barrows, Homer, Rev., 249, 259
Bartlett, General, 177
Ichabod, 216, 223, 231, 232
James, 215, 223, 234, 238, 295
Josiah, 166, 173, 174, 178, 179,
180, 181, 183, 206
Levi, 193
Bashervell, Canada, 136
Baton Rouge, La., 275
Batt, Christopher, 55, 59
Bay Government, 16, 21, 36, 37, 83
Beard, Joseph, 89
Thomas, 13, 30, 32, 33, 34, 44,
5°, 55. 58, 61, 65, 67, 73,
79.84
William, 30, 33, 47, 51, 57, 61,
69
 .78
Beard's Garrison, 99
Beasel, Thomas, 38
Beaufort, S. C, 276
Beaver Trade, 6, 43
Beck, Henry, 18, 20, 24, 30
Beck Slip, 120
Beef, 40, 55, 56, 61, 75, 87
Belcher, William, 134
Belknap, Jeremy, Rev., 1, 3, 15, 17,
18, 19, 35. 55. 82, 83, 89,
9°. 95. 96. 97. r°°. Jo8,
no, 135, 141, 142, 154,
155. 156, 157. 158, 159.
164, 166, 168, 171, 172,
174, 261, 280
Mrs., 158
Belknap Church, 266, 287
School House, 154, 261, 265
Steamboat, 233

INDEX

301

Bell, Captain, 272
Charles F., 232
James, 260, 261, 262
John, 227, 228, 267
Samuel, 209, 210, 211
Bell, Meeting House, 44, 62, 76,
177, 186
Town, 174, 177, 178, 186
Bellemy Printery, 252
Bellemy Bank, 32, 49, 55, 56, 60, 75,
151
Bank, Falls, 34
Bank, Mills, 75
Bank, River, 32, 115, 124, 151
Belley, Mr., 30
Bellingham, Richard, 26
Bellows, Benjamin, 177, 183, 186,
190
Benet, Eleazer, 134
Benjamin, Samuel, 52
Benmore, Philip, 79
Bennet, Abraham, 134
Bennett, Arthur, 69
James, 296
Bennick, Abraham, 125
Bently, William, 229
Bernom, Robert, 47
Berrey, Joseph, 140
Berry, Nathaniel S-, 250, 252, 254,
255, 256, 268, 273
Berwick, Me., 19, 132, 147, 170, 176,
198, 222, 246
Beverly, Mass., 172
Bickford, Alphonso, 268, 270
David, 235
John, 30, 33, 39, 40, 41, 45, 48,
52, 56, 57. 59. 6o> 64, 66,
67. 69, 77. 79. 84
Joseph, 80
Thomas, 87, 99
Bickford's Garrison, 99
Biddeford, Me., n
Bindery, 197
Bines, James, 33
Binns, Jonas, 30
Bird, Thomas, 49
Birney, James G., 248
Blackston, Abigail, 130
Blankets, 138, 171
Blind Will, 83

Blind Will's Neck, 83
Block, Cochecho Bank, 252
Cocheco, 233, 254, 256
Marston's, 254, 273
Nutter & Pierce, 240
Railroad, 248
Strafford Bank, 247
Tetherly's, 252
Union, 248, 273
Varney's, 239, 248
Bloody Point, 13, 24, 27, 40, 45, 49,
5°. 55, 56, 59- 66, 67, 76,
79, 80, 109, 112, 113,
H5. 155. 183
Bloody Point Petition, 24, 25
Board of Health, 232
Boardman, David, 180, 191
Boards, 25, 61, 87
Boat Co., Cochecho, 214
Bombazeer, no
Bond, Henry F., Rev., 257, 262, 297
Bookstore, 197
Booms, 107, 115
Boscawen, 236
Boston, 9, 17, 21, 22, 23, 24, 28, 32,
4o, 51. 54, 58, 62, 63, 64,
71, 74, 82, 88, 90, 93,
104, 126, 128, 142, 145,
155, 156, 161, 171, 191,
194, 197. 206, 231, 240,
241
Boston News Letter, 107, 108, 121,
133
Boston & Maine R.R., 236, 240, 241,
242, 244, 245, 246, 250,
254, 278
Boston & Worcester R.R., 241
Boundaries, 22, 23, 24, 25, 27, 35,
36,37. 38, 39. 41. 61, 71,
72, 77, 105, 130, 138, 149
Bounties, 114, 125, 126, 165, 166,
168, 170, 274, 277, 278,
279, 280
Bourne, Mr., 136
Bowden, William, 18
Bowell, Richard, 68
Bow Pond, 232
Boyse, Matthew, 37
Mr., 23
Bradford, William, 7

302

INDEX

Bradstreet, Governor, 93
Mr., 16, 27
Simon, 32, 36
Bragg, Samuel, 188, 197, 198, 199
Brane, Michael, 45, 56, 59, 67
Branson, George, 30, 33
Brattle Street Church, 234
Braye, Richard, 48
Breckenridge, John C, 267
Brentwood, 145
Brewer, Captain, 210
Brewers, 29
Brick Stores, 204, 240
Bridge, Mr., 221, 222
Bridge, Central Street, 227
Cqchecho, 51, 101, 122, 149,
151
Great, 150
Lamprey River, 121, 122, 124
Landing, 214
Lower, 157, 173, 254
Piscataqua, 185, 192, 229, 262
Portsmouth, 237
Railroad, 245, 260
Upper, 157, 214, 218, 236, 256
Bridges, 51, in, 115, 137, 151, 152,
157, 158, 166, 173, 183,
185, 214, 225, 227, 232,
245. 259
Bridger, John, 104
Briggs, Charles, 271
Bristol, England, 13
British America, 159
frigate, 203
Government, 159
Brook, Lord, 13
Broughton, Mr., 45
Brown, Abigail, 233
Daniel, 223
Henry, 47, 52, 60, 68
Samuel, 271
Brunswick, Me., 226
Bryant, Walter, 143
Buchanan, James, President, 264
Buckingham, Edgar, Rev., 236, 241
Buckner, Charles, 40, 45, 50, 55
Bugle, 270
Bull Run, 272
Bunce, Eli, 275
Bunker Hill, 141, 276

Bunker, Benjamin, 141
George, 258
James, 47, 51, 60, in
John, 111
Bunker's Garrison, 99, 100
Burdet, George, Rev., 14, 15
Burlington, Vt., 201
Burnham, Elliot G., 258
John I., 271
Joseph, 182
Pillow, 258
Robert, 49, 50, 89, 125, 297
Burnham's Garrison, 99, 100
Burns, Patrick H., 265
Burnside, General, 279
Burnum, Robert, 44, 47, 52, 57, 60,
61, 64, 69, 71, 72, 77, 80
Burr, Aaron, 190
William, 269
Burying Ground, Fifth St., 247
Neck, 115
Pine Hill, 115, 133, 187, 205,
251
Waldron's, 115
Buss, John, Rev., 99, 118, 121
Joseph, 141
Bussell, Jacob, 140
John, 122, 140
Butler, Benjamin F., 275, 283
Butter, 75
By Garrison, 88
By Guard, 88
Cage, 53
Calebunk, 136
Calef, James, 170, 295
Calhoun, John C, 216
Calves pasture, 36, 50
Calvin Baptist Church, 270, 287
Cambridge, Mass., 226
Camock.Abel, 19
Camond, Abel, 18, 19
Camp Kearney, 275
Campron River, 27
Canada, 1, 93, 97, 125, 136, 142, 143,
165
Canal, Winnipiseogee, 181, 214, 217,
223, 225
Canker worm, 157
Canne, Joseph, 79, 84, 130

INDEX

303

Canney, John, 294
Thomas, 13, 30, 31, 33, 35, 37,
44. 5i, 55. 58, 67, 73, 84
Canney's Creek, 27, 37, 71
Cannie, Thomas, 19, 79
Canning, Thomas, 18, 19, 25
Canton, 248
Cape Ann, 169
Cape Cod, 10
Cards, 167
Carr, Jonathan H., 230
Samuel W., 296
Carroll, Charles, 233
Carter, Mary, 87
Casley, John, 236
Cass, Lewis, 254
Castle William, 145
Cate, Asa P., 265, 266
Cater, Richard B., 259
Catter, Richard, 45, 56, 59, 64, 67
Cattle, 28, 29, 40, 62, 65, 144, 152,
161, 168, 171
Ceiam, William, 68
Celebrations, 176, 180, 183, 184, 189,
190, 194, 195, 206, 218,
224, 242, 246, 281, 282,
284, 285, 286
Celestial Phenomena, 144, 226
Census, 28, 55, 66, 155, 164, 224, 252
Central Square, 224, 253, 270, 282,
285
Street, 175, 208, 226, 239, 245,
248, 267
Street Bridge, 227
Centre Harbor, 257
Chadborn, Humphrey, 38
Chadboume, Moses, 271
Chadwick, Luther W., 271
Chamberlain, Levi, 255, 256
Champernoon, Francis, 18
Chandler, Philemon, 197, 198
Chapel, First Congregational, 267
Chapham, Charles, 179
Chapman, Robert, 61
Charles I., 18
Charles II., 95, 96
Charleston, S. C, 211, 283
Charlestown, Mass., 49
Chase, Chief Justice, 288
Chase's Diary, 185, 186

Chasley, Philip, 30
Cheese, 75
Chelmsford, Mass., 93
Chesley, Andrew C, 26S
Captain, 111
James, 111
Joseph, 134
Philip, 33, 34, 47, 51, 57, 60,
61, 63, 69, 79, 80, 89, m
Samuel, 106, in
Thomas, 69, 80, 89, 102, 134,
293
 , 78, 100
Chesley's Mills, 105
Chester, 10, 135
Chief Justice, 144
Chirch, John, 56, 59, 68
Cholera, 232, 255
Christie, Daniel M., 219, 268, 276,
282, 283, 295, 296
Church, John, 65, 71, 79, 84, io'i,
114
Church, Belknap, 266, 287
Calvin Baptist, 270, 287
Congregational, 177, 233, 249,
287
First, 15, 16, 17, 26, 29, 151,
• 174
First Congregational, 249,
259, 260, 270, 274
Methodist, 115, 217
of Christ, 194
of England, 12, 14, 16, 17
St. Thomas, 241, 243, 270 , 287,
Unitarian, 228, 242, 250, 257,
265, 287
Universalist, 239
Cilley, General, 177
City Charter, 256, 262, 263
Clerk, 264
Councils, 266, 269, 278, 279,
280, 283, 284, 285, 286
Hall, 268, 269, 272, 278, 281,
284, 286
Marshal, 264
Officers, 264
Civil War, 269
Clagett, Clifton, 202
Wiseman, 172
Clapboards, 23, 25, 42

304

INDEX

Clapham, Charles, 154
Clapp, Rev. Mr., 270
Claremont, 270
Clark, Abraham, no
Captain, 60
Eli, 134
Elisha, 130
George S., 264
Horace, 296
Josiah, 140
 , 100
Clary, Joseph W. Rev., 199, 208,
209
Clay, Henry, 233, 248
Clayton, Thomas, 33
Clements, Charles, 264
Job, 38, 44, 50, 55, 64, 67,
71, 80, 84, 85, 292, 293
Joseph, 189
Mr., 79
Ralph, 56, 59
Clinton, De Witt, 200
George, 193, 196
Clock, Steeple, 177, 236
Cloth, Cotton, 171, 229
Linen, 171
Woolen, 171
Cobbett, Thomas, 96
Cochecho, 45, 46, 49, 50, 55, 56, 59,
61, 66, 67, 70, 76, 79, 80,
81, 88, 90, 96, 97, 101,
103. io5. i°7. 108, 109,
no, 112, 115, 116, 117,
119, 120, 124, 128, 143,
150, 251, 252
Bank, 253, 258
Bank Block, 252
Boat Co., 214
Bridge, 51, 101, 122, 149, 151,
Destruction of, 90, 91, 92, 93,,
94
Falls, 5, 26, 29, 35, 115, 229,
280
Fire Insurance^Co., 241
Marsh, 29, 30
Pound, 178, 180
Railroad, 253, 255, 257, 258,
276
River, 5, 10, 25, 26, 29, 41, 51,
83, 101, 105, 115, 122,

Cochecho River [continued]
151, 156, 157. 181, 205,
214, 217, 225, 229, 230,
231. 234, 235, 237, 238,
242, 245, 247. 266, 273
Second Falls, 32, 33, 34, 37,
106
Cocheco Block, 233, 254, 256
Manufacturing Co., 91, 227,
229, 231, 234, 240, 241,
248, 254, 261, 266, 267,
278
Print Works, 175, 248
Coe, John, 223, 232
Coffey, Michael, 279
Coffin, Deborah, 239
Eliphalet, 121
Elisabeth, 260
James, 56, 59, 65, 68, 79
Lieutenant, 67, 70, 71, 73, 76
Peter, 33, 40, 41, 45, 53, 56,
59, 62, 64, 72, 74, 76, 86, 88, 121,
216, 224, 239, 245, 260,
265, 292
Robert, 112
Tristam, 121, 137, 216
Coffin, Peter, Garrison, 88, 91, 92,
245
Coffin, Tristam, Garrison, 91, 92,
265
Coffin place, 259
Coffins, 280
Cogswell, Amos, 179, 188, 204, 206,
207, 215, 223, 295
Colbath, George W., 269, 272, 280
Jeremiah, 233
Lewis, 248
Colby, Anthony, 246, 248, 249, 250,
252
Charles, 257
Moses J., 271
Colcord, Edward, 18, 20, 24, 30
Colcott, Edward, 13, 23, 25
Cold Friday, 197
Winters, 143, 151, 152, 247,
258, 263
Year, 205
Coleman, Ann, 54
Farrier, 156
Collector, 184, 202

INDEX

305

Collins, Abraham, 69
Collman, John, 52
Colman, Woodman, 201
Colmer, Abraham, 2
Combination, Dover, 18, 19, 20
Comet, 195
Commercial Bank, 227
Commissioners, 11, 24, 25, 28, 36,
37. 5°. 53. 94, 95, 96, 105
Court, 48, 58
for New England, n
Committee, Correspondence, 160,
161
of Defence, 204
of Safety, 163, 164, 165, 166,
168, 174, 191
Vigilance, 257
Commonage, 39, 41, 50, 65
Commons, 28, 44, 45, 62, 76, 77, 105,
114, 117, 125, 128, 143,
203
Concord, 72, 102, 176, 202, 207, 217,
218, 233, 242, 256, 270,
276, 280, 281
Congregational Church, 177, 233,
249, 252, 287
Society, 177, 241
Congress, Continental, 162, 174
General, 161
Provincial, 163, 164
United States, 188, 234, 237,
238, 261
Constables, 31, 34, 40, 41, 42, 43,
52, 53. 54, 61, 62, 63, 64,
69, 70, 72, 75, 76, 77. 87,
101, 115, 116, 117, 118,
"9. 131, !33. J49
Constitution, Federal, 175, 176, 177,
295
Fort, 279
State, 165, 169, 172, 181, 183,
239. 245, 256, 258, 295
Continental Army, 168, 169
Congress, 162, 174
Fast, 164
Service, 166, 169
Continentals, 167
Contocookville, 270
Convention, Federal, 175, 295
Provincial, 95, 163

Convention, State, 165, 168, 169,
172, 175, 176, 239, 256,
258, 294 295, 296
Whig, 235, 242, 243
Convers, Captain, 97
Conway, 270
Coocke, Richard, 75
Cook, Ebenezer, 140
Cooper, Nathaniel, 161, 164, 165, 166,
293. 294
Walter, 186, 204, 213, 293
Corner, The, 176, 178, 180, 218, 252
Coroners, 38, 90
Correspondence Committee, 160,
161
Corson, Monroe, 271
Cotton Cloth, 171, 229
Factory, 200, 202, 210, 213,
221, 222, 256
Council, Ecclesiastical, 126, 194
For New England, 1, 2, 7, 11
Plymouth, 7
Provincial, 78, 85, 86, 87, 88,
96, 97, 101, 102, 103, 105,
106, no, 112, 116, 117,
119, 121, 122, 124, 128,
130, 132, 143, 144, 156
Records, 102
Councillor, 164, 173
Counterfeits, 192
County Officers, 246
County, Rockingham, 158, 180
Strafford, 158, 164, 165, 167,
175, 178, 180, 199, 202,
204, 237, 239, 241, 243,
246, 265, 281
Court, Assistants, 32
Associates, 27, 50, 53, 64, 65, 72
Commissioners, 48, 58
County, 44, 58, 62, 64, 65, 66,
74, 76. 85, 87, 202, 246,
247
General, 9, 21, 22, 24, 25, 26,
27. 28, 32, 34, 36, 37, 38,
40, 41, 43, 46, 48, 51. 53,
54, 58, 62, 63, 64, 66, 70,
71, 74, 75, 77. 78, 80, 83,
84, 85, 95, 150, 167, 174,
181, 190, 192, 202, 205,
280

306

INDEX

Court of Elections, 28, 34
of Pleas, 88, 191, 242, 244
of Sessions, 162, 178
Special, 58, 88
Superior, 210, 217
Supreme, 192
United States, 245
Court House, 128, 172, 178, 179, 181,
195, 196, 200, 204, 208,
210, 236, 247, 250, 280
Cowan, James W., 259, 296
William H., 259
Co was, Captain, 138
Cow path, 65
Cows, 28, 129
Coyle, Thomas C, 271
Cranfield, Edward, 18
Governor, 18, 19, 89, 95
Crawford, William H., 214
Crawford & Busby, 259
Crawlie, Thomas, 42
Crockett, D., 285
Cromell, Philip, 80
Cromet, Philip, 60, 69, 76
Crommet, Jeremiah, 114
Cromwell, David, 57
Joshua, 293
Philip, 45, 49, 51, 56, 57, 59,
67, 75, 77
Crosby, Oliver, 204
Cross, Ezra, 271
Crosse, John, 18, 24
Crown, 12
Crown Point, 146, 147, 148
Crows, 194, 199
Crumell, Philip, 79
Crumit, Joshua, 133
Cuba Expedition, 137
Currency, Paper, 131, 134, 143, 174
Currier, Daniel L., 201
Jacob M., 215
James H., 271
Thomas, 285
Currier's Mills, 201
Curtes, John, 45
Curtis, James F., 241
Cushing, Caleb, 235
Jonathan, Rev., 120, 128, 132,
148, 149, 154
Thomas H., 285

Cushing Tomb, 115
Cushman, Holmes, 237
Cutler, Mr., 172
Cutt, John, 65, 80, 85, 86, 95
Richard, 64
Cutter, Dr., 177
Dayton, Mr., 16
Dam, Deacon, 79
John, 13, 18, 20, 24, 32, 33,
44, 5°, 51. 55. 56, 58, 59,
67,84
Dame, Colonel, 177
Theophilus, 165, 166, 185,
189
Damm, George, 141
Theophilus, 141
William, 140, 294
Damme, John, 30
Danell, David, 52, 60, 69, 80, 140
Tage, 69
Daniel, .Eliphalet, 134
Joseph, 122
Thomas, 81
Dark Day, 168, 169
Dark Plains, Concord, 270
Dartmoor Prison, 245
Dartmouth College, 243
Dauill, John, 48
Daveis, Benjamin, 134
Ebenezer, 134
Jeremiah, 134, 297
Joseph, 134
Joshua, 134, 297
Samuel, 134
Davies, Jabez, 134
John, 134
Solomon, 134
Davis, David, 102
David O., 271
Ensign, 73, 79
James, 105, 249, 250, 271, 292,
293, 294
John, 47, 50, 51, 52, 57, 64,
65, 66, 68, 7^ 77, 80, 84,
89, 99, 100
Joseph, 118
Major, 139, 143
Thomas, 139, 141, 294
William H., 267

INDEX

307

Davis,  , 61
Davis' Garrison, 99, 100
Dayton, William L., 264
Dean, John, 98, 99, 100
Deane, Benjamin, 183
Charles, 2, 3
Deaths, 135, 156, 157, 158, 161, 165,
168, 173, 174, 213, 216,
223, 226, 230, 231, 233,
234, 236, 237, 240, 241,
243. 244. 246, 247, 248,
250, 252, 253, 259, 260,
261, 263, 264, 265, 267,
275
Declaration of Independence, 166,
233
of Rights, 168
Dedham, Mass., 54
Deep Cut, 244, 246
Deer, 148
Defence, Committee of, 204
Demeritt, E. F., 271
Henry, 228
Democrats, 231, 235, 239, 244, 249,
250, 252, 257, 264, 282
Denboe, Salathiel, 69, 80
Denmark, Patrick, 61, 68
Denmore, Richard, 134
Salathiel, 134
Dennie, Joseph, 189
Deputies, 21, 25, 27, 34, 37, 40, 41,
43, 48, 53, 54, 58, 62, 64,
66, 7°, 75. 76
Dereie, John, 79
Dergin, William, 60, 69
Deshore, Stephen M., 271
Destruction of Cochecho, 90, 91, 92,
93. 94
Deues, John, 79
Dickinson, Thomas, 72
Dinsmoor, Samuel, 213, 231, 232,
233. 255. 256, 257
Division of County, 180, 237, 239,
241, 243
Division of Town, 258
Di  ell, John, 52
Docking Intail, 137
Doe, Joseph, 215
Nicholas, 72
Doenn, Hew, 51

Dolack, Christin, 59
Donn, Hew, 57, 60
Dony, 81
Doo, Benjamin, 134
Daniel, 134
John, 134
Joseph, 134
Door, Jonathan, 142
Douglass, Stephen A., 267
Dover, Aqueduct Co., 213
Artillery, 218, 222
Band, 282, 284, 285
Bank, 213, 215, 227
City Charter, 256, 262, 263
Enquirer, 227, 230, 247, 254,
261, 262, 263, 265, 267,
273, 275, 280, 283, 284
Cotton Factory, 200, 202, 210,
213
Five Cents Savings Bank,
264, 270
Hotel, 207, 218, 236, 253,
261
Ladies' Aid Society, 275'
Library, 201, 241
Lyceum, 232, 233, 234
Manufacturing Co., 213, 222,
227, 246
Massacre, 90, 91, 92, 93, 94
Neck, 17, 24, 25, 34, 35, 36,
40, 41, 42, 44, 45,49, 50,
55. 62,63, 64, 66, 67, 70,
72, 73, 74, 75, 76,79, 88,
94, 106, 109, no, 111,
112, 115, 116, 119, 120,
124, 128, 148, 189, 237,
247, 249, 251, 252, 258,
261, 276
Neck Burying Ground, 115
Neck Pound, 112
Packets, 229, 231
Parish, 115, 118, 128
Dover Point, 5, 6, 9, 124, 151, 214,
228, 245, 258, 262, 263
Relief Society, 230
Dover, ship, 229
Dover, steamer, 257
Sun, 187, 188, 189, 190, 191,
193, 199, 200, 203
Dover, Temperance Society, 228

308

INDEX

Dover, Vote, 94, 96, 117, 172, 173, 174,
175. 177, 178, 179. 180,
181, 183, 185, 186, 187,
189, 190, 191, 192, 193,
194, 195. 196, 197. 199.
200, 201, 202, 204, 205,
206, 208, 209, 210, 211,
213, 214, 216, 217, 224,
226, 228, 230, 231, 232,
233. 234, 235, 237, 238,
239. 241, 242, 243, 244,
246, 248, 249, 250, 252,
254, 255, 256, 257, 258,
259, 260, 261, 262, 263,
264, 265, 266, 267, 268,
273, 276, 279, 281, 284
Dover, England, 251
Dover & Portsmouth, R. R., 236,
254, 259
Dover & Winnipiseogee R. R., 276,
278
Dow, Henry, 96
Jabez, 241
John, 80
Nicholas, 80
Samuel W., 238
Downes, Thomas, 44, 50, 56,
59. 68, 79, 84, 98, 114
Downing, John, in, 117, 294
Downs, Calvin E., 271
Gershom, 142
Mary, 102
Dowty, Thomas, 47, 52, 60
Drafts, 274, 277, 278, 279, 283
Drew, Benjamin, 100
Francis, 80, 100, 134, 240
John, no, 134, 141
Martin V., 271
Samuel, 296
Sergeant, 123
Thomas, 100, 134
Warren, 171
William, 30, 33, 48, 52, 57,
60, 69
William Pickering, 296
William Plaisted, 256, 296
Drew's Garrison, 99
Droughts, 88, 142, 143, 144, 148, 151,
152, 157, 182, 209, 229,
240, 244, 255, 260, 261

Drown, Peter, 175
Drue, Zebulon, 140
Dry Hill, 200
House, 229
Dudley, George W., 271
Governor, 115
Judge, 177
Samuel, 23
Dunbar, David, 135
Dunlap, Colonel, 219, 221
Dunn, Captain, 218
John, 234
Dunstar, Thomas, 18, 19
Durell, Daniel M., 189, 203, 204, 206,
215, 218, 223, 224, 230,
240, 243. 295
George Clinton, 240
Nicholas St. John, 224
Durgin, Benjamin, 134
James, 134
John, 134
John H., 271
Jonathan, 134
Joseph, 134
William, 60, 69, 80
Durgin's, 101
Durham, n, 127, 134, 135, 138, 141, 146,
150, 154, 155, 170, 180,
182, 185, 194, 218, 258
Durstin, Thomas, 19, 20
Duties, 156, 160
Duxbury, John J., Mrs., 272
Dwellings, 9, 10
D wight, Dr., 186, 199, 201
Dye House, 231
Dyer, Albion, 271
Early Settlers, 9, 13
Earthquakes, 88, 98, 103, 129, 146,
147. 192, 195, 239, 251,
259, 261, 262, 267
East India Co., 160
Eastman, Ira A., 276
Eastwick, Pheasant, 90
Ecclesiastical Council, 126, 194
Eclipse, 88
Edgerly, Joseph, 100
Thomas, 65, 69, 73, 79, 84, 89,
94, 96, 99, 100
Thomas T., 296

INDEX

309

Zachariah, ioo
Edgerly's Garrison, 99
Eirwing, Edward, 52
Ela, Charles, 240
Jacob H., 282
Nathaniel W., 194, 240, 246,
295
Ela's Tavern, 194, 217
Elders, 23, 27, 50
Elections, 96, no, 117, 139, 172, 173,
174, 175. 177. 178, 179.
180, 181, 183, 185, 186,
187, 189, 190, 191, 192,
193, 194, 195. 196. 197.
199, 200, 201, 202, 204,
205, 206, 208, 209, 210,
211, 213, 214, 216, 217,
224, 226, 228, 230, 231,
232, 233, 234, 235, 237,
238, 239, 241, 242, 243,
244, 246, 248, 249, 250,
252, 254, 255, 256, 257,
258, 259, 260, 261, 262,
263, 264, 265, 266, 267,
268, 273, 276, 279, 281,
284
Eliot, John, Rev., 77, 297
Rev. Dr., 108, 297
Eliot, Me., 149, 251, 297
Elis, John, 79, 80
Elliot, Robert, 96
Ellison, William, 245
Ellsworth, Oliver, 186
Embargo, 196
Emerson, Henry H., 271
Emerson, Mrs., 100
Samuel, 115, 116, 117, 120,
121, 128, 260
Emerson's Diary, 209
Emery, Anthony, 18, 26, 27, 29, 30,
31.33
Colonel, 219, 221
Philip, 230
Engine, 188, 190
Companies, 198
House, 195, 281
England, 2, 4, 5, 6, 7, 9, 10, 12, 13,
14, 17, 18, 21, 22, 42, 86,
88, 201, 229,245, 251
England, Church of, 12, 14, 16, 17

English Fleet, 156
English Settlers, 11
Enquirer, Dover, 227, 230, 247, 254,
261, 262, 263, 265, 267,
273, 275, 280, 283, 284
Episcopal Church, 270, 287
Minister, 17
Erwin, Edward, 57
Estates, 28, 31) 43, 46, 77, 129,
158, 167, 171
Estes, Elijah, 154
Samuel, 183
William F., 281, 283, 286, 296
Estrays, 123
Euines, Edward, 122
Europe, 186
Evans, Catherine, 255
John, 84, 90, 225
Richard, 202
Robert, 56, 59, 65, 68, 74, 79
Solomon, 255
Stephen, 140, 147, 148, 160,
161, 162, 163, 164, 170,
292, 294
Everett, Edward, 267
Executions, 77, 175, 251
Exeter, 10, 12, 13, 21, 28, 36, 37, 38,
39, 41, 61, 72, 86, 87,
94, 95, 96, 112, ;n8, 121,
124, 129, 135, !37, 138,
155, 161, 163, 164, 165,
167, 168, 204, 240, 242,
281
Exeter Academy, 204
Factory, Cotton, 200, 202, 210, 213,
221, 222, 256
Nail, 201, 210
Upper, 106, 200, 232, 235, 255
Failures, 227, 238, 265
Falls, Bellemy Bank, 34
Cochecho, 5, 26, 29, 35, 115,
229, 280
Hayes, 105
Ileland, 73
Lampereel, 37, 61, 73, 105,
no
Lower, 29, 115, 157, 200, 210
Oyster River, 32, 98, no
Quamphegan, 36

310

INDEX

Falls, Second, 32, 33, 34, 37, 106
Squamscot, 7, 10, 11
Tollend, 105, 106
Upper, 102, 210
Waldron's, 173, 179, 201, 227
Whittier's, 209
Faneuil Hall, 147
Fanny, schooner, 190
Farmington, 211, 233, 247, 255, 257,
281
Farrer, Timothy, 186, 190, 194
Fast Day, 142, 164, 201, 255, 272
Fayer, John, 25
Federal Constitution, 175, 176
Federals, 173, 178, 194, 195, 199, 205,
209, 214
Feild, Goodie, 33
Feloes, Thomas, 69
Fences, 77, 87, 117, 203
Fenner, Elhanan W., 296
A. G., Mrs., 272
Fernald, Alfred, 217
Amos, 217
Renald, 38
^Ferries, 76, 101, 109, 120, 123, 128,
154, 183, 214, 262
Ffost, William, 119, 120
Ffrost, Nicholas, 38
Ffursen, Thomas, 25
Field, Darby, 30
William, 238
Field's Garrison, in
Fifth Street, 247, 259
Street Burying Ground, 247
Filld, Joseph, 48, 51, 57, 60, 69, 80,
89
Zackery, 69, 79, 89, in
Fillmore, Millard, President, 264
Fines, 23, 26, 27, 29, 34, 42, 47, 53,
65, 66, 71, 72, 89, 115,
138
Findlay, Lieutenant, 225
Fire Companies, 272, 284, 285
Insurance Co., 241
Works, 282, 286
Fires, 136, 151, 152, 169, 180, 183,
197, 201, 202, 209, 230,
231, 240, 242, 247, 249,
251, 252, 253, 254, 256,
257> 259. 261, 267, 273

First Congregational Chapel, 267,
¦Congregational Church, 249,
259, 260, 270, 274
Church, 15, 16, 17, 26, 29, 151,
174
Parish, 150, 151, 174, 229
Fish, 87
Fishing, 3, 5, 10, 36
Fishing and Trading Post, 5 , 6, 8, n
Laws, 26, 205
Stages, 1, 4, 5
Fishmongers, 1, 4
Fisher, Colonel, 189
Dr., 172
Fitch, Jabez, 127
Five Cents Savings Bank, 264, 270
Flagg, Lieutenant, 97
William, 247, 295
Flanders, Charles H., 275
Flankarts, 17
Fleet, English, 156
French, 142
Fletcher, George, 242
Rev. Mr., 40, 41, 42, 46
Florida, 279
Flour, 171
Floyd, Captain, 97
Follett, Abraham, 59
John, 18, 20
Nicholas, 80, 94, 96, 107
William, 33, 34, 45, 47, 51,
55. 56, 57, 60, 61, 68, 71,
72, 80
Folsom, George P., 296
Nathaniel, 161
Footman, Francis, 134
Thomas, 30, 33, 34, 40, 42, 48,
52, 57, 60, 69, 188
Ford, B. A., 247
Jacob, 237
Mr., 209
Fore River, 75, 128
Form of Government, 18, 94, 95,
96, 168, 172
Forse, John, 140
Fort, Dover Neck, 35, 70, 88, 251
Fort Constitution, 279
Sullivan, 204
Sumter, 268, 283
William and Mary, no

INDEX

311

Forton Prison, 183
Foss, Ambrose, 271
Ham, 228
Humphrey, 114
John, 264
Solomon W., 271
Fost, John, 65, 68, 73
Foster, Abiel, 189
Fourth of July, 180, 184, 189, 190,
194, 195, 210, 224, 242
Fowler, Asa, 262
Morrice, 140
Fowling, 10
France, 18
Franklin Academy, 208
Square, 218, 243, 245, 248,
253, 269, 280
Street, Baptist Society, 240
Fray, William, 25
Fredericksburg, 275
Freeholders, 105, 118, 128, 130, 153
Freeman, Asa, 215, 223, 256, 296
Captain, 273
Jonathan, 183, 189
Freemen, 18, 64
Freesoil party, 243, 244, 246, 248,
250, 259
Freewill, Baptist, 232, 247
Baptist Printing Office, 247
Fremont, John C, 264
French, 96, 98, 106, 125
French Fleet, 142
Nation, 183
privateer, 190
Republic, 188
War, 148, 270
Fresh Creek, 35, 66, 130, 155
Freshet, The, 105
Freshets, 103, 137, 158, 173, 214,
225, 229, 232, 259
Friend's Meetings, 145
Meeting House, 159, 251, 252,
Society, 177, 178, 179, 186,
225, 251, 252, 255
Frier, Nathaniel, 60
Frost, Captain, 82
Fryer, Nathaniel, 96
Furber, William, 13, 18, 20, 26, 30,
33, 35, 37, 38, 39. 4i, 45,
5°, 51, 56, 57, 59, 67,

Furber, William (continued)
77. 79. 84, 89, 101, 105,
13°, 133. 293
Furness, Edward, 258
Fursen, Thomas, 30, 35
Gage, Captain, 166
Dover, 211
James, 231
John, 138, 139, 141, 149, 157,
162, 169, 231, 292, 294
Joseph, 190, 191, 295
Samuel, 231
Thomas, 231
Gage's Hill, 247
Garland, Jacob, 113
John S., 271
Peter, 18
Stephen, 258
Wingate, 271
Garrison Hill, 102, 173, 231. 264
Garrison, Adams', 99
Beard's, 99
Bickford's, 99
Bunker's, 99, 100
Burnham's, 99, 100
Coffin's, 91, 92
Davis', 99, 100
Drew's, 99
Edgerly's, 99
Field's, in
Gerrish's, 97
Heard's, 91, 92, 101, 102, 114
Jones', 99, 100
Main, 88
Meader's, 99
Otis', 88, 91, 92, 102
Peter Coffin's, 88, 91, 92,
265
Smith's, 99, 100
Waldron's, 91, 92, 102, 107
Woodman's, 99, 100, 112
Gas Company, 260
Lights, 260, 261
Gateway, 133
Gazette, New Hampshire, 151, 152,
175, 176
Geer, Benjamin, 158
Geese, 114
Gellison,  , 100

312

INDEX

General Assembly, 86, 87, 98, 104,
112, 114, 115, 116, 117,
118, 119, 120, 121, 122,
123, 124, 126, 128, 129,
13°, I31, !32, 133. !34,
137, 138, 139. 143. J44.
145, 146, 148, 149. 150.
151. 153. 156, 157, 158,
164, 165, 166, 167, 171,
293
General Congress, 161
General Court, 9, 21, 22, 24, 25, 26,
27. 28, 32, 34, 36, 37, 38,
40, 41.43. 46, 48, 51, 53.
54. 58, 62, 63, 64, 66, 70,
7i, 74, 75, 77, 78, 80, 83,
84, 85, 95, 150, 167, 174,
181, 190, 191, 192, 202,
205, 280
General Government, 238, 240, 268,
283
Genkens, John, 134
Stephen, 134
George I., 122
George III., 160
Georgetown, Mass., 278
Germantown, U. S. Ship, 260
Gerrish, Benjamin F., 271
Captain, 97, 105, 107, in
John, 73, 74, 77, 79,84, 90, 94,
96, 105, in, 113, 292,
293
Paul, 121, 122, 125, 128, 131,
135, 136, 146, 152, 293,
294
Samuel, 147
Sarah, 93
Timothy, 117, 119, 120, 293,
294
William, 140
Gerrish's Garrison, 97
Gerry, Elbridge, 200
Gettysburg, 277
Gibbons, Ambrose, 9, 11, 27, 30, 31,
33. 35
Giles, Elisabeth, 26, 42
John, 108, 140
Mark, 79, 108
Mathew, 26, 33, 48, 52, 57, 60,
69

Gilford, 217
Gilles, Clark, 68
Gilman, Colonel, 133
John, 41
John Phillips, 204
John Taylor, 183, 185, 186, 187,
189, 190, 191, 192, 193,
194, 199, 201, 202, 203,
204, 205
Gilmanton, 182, 199, 200
Gilmore, Joseph A., 276, 278, 279,
281, 282, 285, 286
Glanfilld, Peter, 58
Glidden, William, 140
Glines, Captain, 286
Goats, 29
Goddard, John, 13, 25,30,41, 47, 48,
51, 52, 57. 60, 61, 69, 80,
193
Goe, George, 80
Goffe, Captain, 143
Goffstown, 205
Goldwier, George, 45
Goodwin, Amaziah, 276
Charles W., 271
Ichabod, 263, 266
John, 163
William, 271
Gooe, Gorg, 62
Gordon, Ebenezer, 263
William, 189
Gore, the, 182
Gorges, Ferdinando, 1, 3, 7, 16
Gosport, 135, 297
Goss Cyrus, 296
Gove, Edward, 87, 88, 96
Richard, 201
Gove's Rebellion, 87, 88
Government, Plan of, 18,94, 95, 96,
168, 172
Governor, Provincial, 87, 88, 109,
in, 121, 122, 130, 134,
136, 138, 142, 143, 144,
153. 156, 158, 293
Governor, State, 172, 181, 183, 185,
186, 187, 189, 190, 191,
!92, 193, 194, 195, 197.
199, 201, 202, 203, 204,
205, 206, 208, 209, 210,
211, 213, 214, 217, 224,

INDEX

313

Governor, State (continued)
226, 227, 229, 230, 231,
232, 233, 234, 235, 237,
238, 239, 241, 242, 243,
244, 246, 248, 249, 250,
252, 254, 255, 256, 257,
258, 260, 261, 262, 263,
265, 266, 268, 269, 272,
273. 276, 278, 279, 281,
282, 285, 286
Gowell, John, 140
Gowing, Elexander, 52
Gra, John, 134
Grace, Nicholas, 140
Grammar School, 123, 149, 261
Grand Jury, 29, 64, 71, 127
Grant, General, 276, 279, 284
James, 45
Gravel pit, 180
Graves, Charles A., 271, 297
William, 47
Gray, George, 134
Reuben, 140
Robert, Rev., 174, 180, 189, 212
Wilson, 271
Great Bay, 25, 30, 37
Great Bridge, 150
Great Britain, 159, 165
Great Falls, 227, 230, 251, 270, 281
Great Falls Rifle Co., 235
Great Frost, 185
Great House, 8, 280
Great Island, 88
Greeley, Horace, 254
Green, Ezra, 154, 174, 175, 179, 186,
187, 191, 195, 201, 242,
250, 253,292, 295
Henry, 96
Thomas, 48
Greenland, 11, 135
Griffin, William H., 201
Grove, the, 266, 272
Grover, Charles A., 271, 297 (See
Graves.)
Gulf, the, 239
Gun House, 195, 197
Gundalos, 101, 120, 189, 195
Guppy, John, 257
Gutt, the, 120
Gyles, Mathew, 30

Hackett, William, H., 276
Hagkins, 91
Haile, William, 265
Haines, Samuel, 18, 20, 24, 30
Thomas, 79
Haket, William, 45
Hale, Calvin, 296
John P., 230, 232, 246, 249,
25°, 259, 260, 262, 264,
265, 269, 272, 278, 282,
284, 286, 287, 296
Samuel, 67, 139, 140, 141
William, 140, 187, 191, 207,
208, 209, 215, 217, 218,
221, 226, 230, 254, 295,
296
Haley, Mr., 203
Hall, Charles F., 271
Deacon, 45, 55, 79
Jacob, 271
John, 13, 18, 20, 24, 29, 30, 33,
36, 38, 40, 44, 45, 50, 58,
59. 61,62,67, 76, 77, 79,
84, 89, 293
Joseph, 30, 90
Lieutenant, 39, 44, 53, 55, 58, 61
Nathaniel, 113
Ralph, 33, 50, 51
Sargant, 56, 79
Halleran, Dennis, 244
Ham, Charles, 296
Clement, 140
John, 68, 79, 84, 105, 119, 120
Moses, 197
Moses W., 247
Ham Field, 259
Ham's Mills, 214
Hamacke, Thomas, 68
Hamett, Thomas, 79
Hamlin, Hannibal, 267
Hamlin, W., 282
Hammons, Joseph, 233, 235
Hamock, Thomas, 84
Hampton, 12, 16, 20, 28, 54, 86, 87,
88, 95, 96, 102, 112, 118,
135. 136, 156, 270
Hampton Falls, 135
Hance, John, 45, 48, 52, 57, 72
Hand Cards, Manufacture of, 256
Hanscom, John, 271

314

INDEX

Hanson, Anthony, 180
Benjamin, 141
Captain, 141
Dominicus, 293
Ephraim, 293
George, 148
Jedediah, 212
John, 115, 125
John B., 166, 167, 178, 293
John T., 203
Jonathan, 137
Joseph, 116, 148, 293, 296
Manuel, 137
Mary, 47
Mrs., 125
Nicholas, 77
Phebe, 247, 248, 249, 251
Samuel, 296
Stephen, 215, 252
Thomas, 45, 50, 56, 59, 68, 73,
79. 137
Tobey, 56, 59
Tobias, 68, 98, 117
Widow, 68, 79
Harfutt, Nick las, 124
Harper, Joseph M., 230
Harper's Store, 247
Harriman, Walter, 276
Harrington, Edward W., 279, 284
Harris, Nicholas, 68, 80
Richard, 140
Harrison, William H., President,
237, 242, 243, 244
Hartford, Nicholas, 120, 128, 294
Harvard College, 66, 75, 146
Harvey, Mathew, 229, 230
Hasard, privateer, 190
Hathorne, William, 81
Hats, 171
Haverhill, Mass., 171, 236
Hawkers, 162
Hay Market, 175
Hayden, Lucian, 240
Hayes, Daniel, 237
Daniel C, 276
Elihu, 140
Ichabod, 230
J. S., 285
John, 116, 166
John V., 271

Hayes, John W. ,208
Plumer, 250
William B., 239
Hayes Falls, 105
Haynes, Mr., 269
Hayward, Henry, 271
Head, Alvah K., 271
Benjamin, 79
Healey, Joseph, 235, 237, 238
Heard, Benjamin, 68, 73
Elizabeth, 92
Ensign, 115
Experience, 102, 103
James, 115
John, 18, 39, 45, 56, 59, 64, 68,
79.89
Joseph, 119, 120, 142
Lieutenant, 114
Mr., 172
Samuel, 140, 148, 166
Tristram, 108, 119, 120
Heard's Garrison, 91, 92, 101, 102,
114
Heath, Franklin W., 271
Heavy Artillery, 279, 280, 281
Henderson, Captain, 194
Daniel, 295
Howard, 130, 148, 149, 151,
153, 294
Thomas, 276
William, 87, 104
Herlbut, Martin L., Rev. 194
Hertel, Sieur, 97
Hethersey, Robert, 30
Hewland, John, 109
High School, 234, 256
Street, 251
High Treason, 87, 88
Highways, 61, 77, 90, 105, 106, no,
122, 124, 133, 217
Hill, Ichabod, 140
Isaac, 237, 238, 239
John, 33, 48, 52, 64, 79, 84, 91
L. G., 286
Mr., 46, 47, 51, 61
Mrs., 70, 71
Nathaniel, 89, 121, 293
Samuel, 89
Valentine, 32, 33, 36, 39, 40,
4i, 50, 51, 63, 71

INDEX

315

Hill, William, 80
Hilton, Edward, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 9,
11, 13, 14, 20, 41, 50 ¦
John, 30, 45, 48, 52, 57, 60, 69
William, i, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 9,
13. 23, 24, 4i, 44, 96
Hilton's Point, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, n, 36,
46, 109, no, 124, 133,
154
Hinchman, Major, 93
Historical Collection, N. H., 128
Society, Mass., 2, 95, 172
Hix, Joseph, 129
Mary, 129
Hoar frost, 171
Hobbs, Morris, 96
Hobes, Henry, 45, 56, 59, 68
Hodgdon, Benjamin, 243
Caleb, 160, 161, 162, 165, 167,
203, 294, 295
Jeremy, 68
Jonathan, 143
Joseph, 154
Moses, 196, 200, 215, 225, 242,
295
Mrs., 202
Peter, 292
Shadrach, 154, 162, 163, 292,
294
Hogreeves, 187, 188
Hogshead Staves, 31, 40, 61
Hogsty Cove, 27, 37, 71
Hoit, Daniel, 243, 244, 246, 248, 249
Hollawaye, Henry, 52, 57
Hollet, Philip, 77
Holt, Charles, 141
Hong Kong, 248
Hook & Ladder Co., 285
Hoophood, 97
Hopkinton, 189
Horn, John, 114
Widow, in
Home, Jeremiah, 268
Oliver S., 296
William, 56, 59, 68, 79, 89
Horses, 29, 129
Horse Mackerel, 262
Horton, William, Rev., 241
Hose, 171
Hospital, 187

Hossom, Jacob, 140
Hotel, American, 253
Dover, 207, 218, 236, 253, 261
Ela's, 217
New Hampshire, 207, 239, 261
United States, 253
Houses, 9, 10, 28, 129
Houston, Harrison, 271
Sam, 254
Howard, Andrew, 247, 248, 249, 250,
251
Samuel, 214, 240
Howell, Rice, 33, 48, 52
Hoyt's Notes, 12
Hubbard, Henry, 244, 246
John, 140
William, 1, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 13, 15,
18, 78
Huckins, James, 79, 89, 100
Robert, 20, 30
Huckleberry Hill, 46, 133
Hud, John, 84
Huggins, James, 69
Robert, 18, 24
Hull, Benjamin, 48, 52, 57, 60
Naomi, 71, 72
Hull's Diary, 83
Humphreys, Thomas, 50, 60
Hunking, Mark, 117
Hunt, Bartholmew, 18, 20
Samuel, 141
Hunter, Secretary of State, 286
Huntress, Samuel, 141
Hurd, John, 30
William, 192
Hurricanes, 177, 209
Huske, Ellis, 144
Hussey, Daniel, 296
John, 140
Robert, 48
Hyuck, Ffrances, 80
Ileland Falls, 73
Immigration, 62
Incendiary Fires, 202, 251, 254, 257,
259
Indenture, 2, 3, 5, 6
Independence Day, 180, i84, 189,
190, 194, 195, 210, 224,
242

316

INDEX

Indian Corn, 10, 29, 31, 40, 75, 87,
142, 143, 144, 152, 157
Deed, 11
Path, 41
Servants, 129
Slaves, 129
Treaty, 80, 81
Troubles, 22, 70, 72, 77, 78, 83,
90, 91, 92, 93, 94, 96, 97.
98, 99, 100, 101, 102, 103,
106, 107, 108, no, 111,
112, 114, 123, 125, 126,
142, 143
Ingersol, Jared, 200
Insane Asylum, 237
Institute, Teachers, 252
Insurance Co., Cochecho, 241
Intrenchments, 17, 35
Ipswich, Mass., 22, 54, 156, 172
Ireland, 18
Relief, 252
Iron Works, 122
Ising-glass River, 83
Isles of Shoals, 34, 77, 85, 106,
262
Jackson, Andrew, 271
Charles, 271
General, 214, 224, 226, 227,
228, 230, 233, 237
James, 47, 51
Walter, 47, 51, 57, 60, 65, 68,
80
William, 102
 , 100
Jaffrey, James, 131
Jail, 158, 164, 166, 176, 185, 190, 216,
225, 228
Jail Hill, 176
James I., 8
Jefferson, Thomas, President, 186,
190, 193. 224, 242, 253
Jeffersonians, 191
Jeffrey, Cyprian, 138, 139
Jemeson, Patrick, 47, 52, 57, 60, 61,
69
Jenkins, Elizabeth, 90
Experience, 103
John, 134
Joseph, 116

Jenkins, Stephen, 90
Jenness, Henry O., 271
' James F., 271
J. S., 4, 8
Nathaniel, 296
Jewett, James, 292
Johnson, Andrew, President, 281,
288
Darius, T., 296
H. V., 267
James, 25
Thomas, 13, 30, 33, 34, 36, 47,
51. 57, 60, 71
 , 164
Johnson's Creek, 36, 46, 102
Jonathan, ship, 2, 3, 4, 5
Jones, Captain, 100, 122
Charles E., 271
Christie L., 271
Esther, 114
Jenkin, 68, 79, 84, 89
John, 192
Joseph, 121, 122
Mary, 102
Paul, 253
Robert, 45, 56
Stephen, 52, 57, 60, 68, 70,
80,84, 117, 121, 124, 134,
292, 293, 294
William, 18, 20, 25, 26, 48, 52,
57
 . m
Jones' Garrison, 99, 100
Judiciary, 202, 244
Junkes, Robert, 47
Jury, Coroners, 38
Grand, 29, 64, 71, 127
of Trials, 64
Kane, Peter, 271
Kant, Robert, 133
Keais, Samuel, 114
Kearney, Camp, La., 275
Keatler, Richard, 33
Keene, 270
Kelly's Diary, 146
Kembell, Thomas, 41, 50, 55
Kennebunk, Me., 136
Kenney, John, 236
Love, 140

INDEX

317

Kent, Oliver, 30, 33, 48, 52, 57
Kerk, Henry, 66, 67
Keyd, James, 56
Kidder, Steven, 19
Kielle, Benjamin, 225
John, 162, 166, 169, 294, 295
Kimball, Jonathon, 202
Mary, 227
Samuel, 295
Thomas, 50
William, 227
Kincaid, David, 112
King, George, 210
Rufus, 196
William, 210
King of England, 1, 11, 82, 84, 88, 159
King's Own, 135
Thoroughfare, 122
Woods, 135
Kings Town, 105, 112
Kingston, 129, 135, 136, 181
Kiniston, John, 59
Kinket, David, 140
Kirke, Goodman, 70
Kittery, Me., 36, 37, 82, 116, 120, 128,
136, 251
Neck, 109
Kittredge, George W., 237
Jacob, 187, 195, 215, 231, 295,
296
Thomas W., 296
Knight, John, 106, 109, 113
Knollys, Hanserd, Rev., 14, 15, 16,
17, 18
Knowlton, Captain, 270
Knpw Nothing Party, 262
Knox, Jesse W., 271
Laconia, 270
Company, 1, 3, 7, 8, 12
Ladd, Eliphalet, 180, 184
Lefavour, Captain, 218
Lafayette, General, 215, 216, 218,
219, 220, 221, 222, 235
G. W., 220
Laham, Richard, 18
Lahorn, Henry, 18
Laiton, Thomas, 38
Lalla Rookh, vessel, 273
Lampereel Falls, 37, 61, 73, 105, no

Lampereel River, 36, 37, 39, 41, 49,
51, 63, 72, 73, 74, 76, 77,
105, 107, 115, 121, 124
Lamprey River, 36, 122
River Bridge, 121, 122, 124
Lancaster, 270
Land Claims, 22, 82, 83, 86, 87, 88,
89.97
Landgrants, 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 10, 11,
13, 17. 24, 25, 27, 29, 30,
32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 39,
4i, 53,65, 71,72, 73, 74,
76, 113, 120, 13T, 132,
133, 175
Landing, 173, 174, 177, 179, 185, 186,
189, 190, 191, 201, 204,
213, 218, 232, 235, 236,
240, 242, 246, 267, 280
Landing Bridge, 214
Landings, 105, 123, 156
Lane, Edmund J., 296
Joseph, 267
Lane's Diary, 145, 152
Langdon, John, 173, 174, 175, 183,
191, 192, 193, 194, 195,
196, 197, 199
Langdon Bank, 261
Langley, John, 134
Thomas, 134
Langstaff, Henry, 13, 25, 30, 33, 89
Langtof, Henry, 84
Lankster, Henry, 35, 45, 56, 59, 65,
67, 79, 87, 109
Larkham, Thomas, Rev., 15, 16, 17,
18, 20, 24
Larkin, David, 79
Laski, John, 134
Latin School, 112
Laud, Archbishop, 14
Laues, John, 33
Lavasseur, Mr., 221
Laws, Fishing, 26, 205
Liquor, 29, 46, 245, 262
Layton, Thomas, 13, 18, 20, 24, 27,
30, 3i, 32. 33, 44. 55, 58,
61, 67
William, 59, 62, 68
Leathers, Alphonso, 271
Edward, 69, 80, 100
Leavitt, Samuel, 96

318

INDEX

Lebanon, 270
Lebby, Benjamin, 140
Daniel, 140
Lechford, Thomas, 16
Lee, Abraham, 92
General, 284, 285
Lee, 97, 154, 155, 180, 182, 185, 213
Leeson, Nicholas, 74
Legislature, 143, 153, 177, 181, 189,
190, 192, 199, 202, 211,
212, 213, 214, 217, 218,
232, 233, 236, 237, 238,
239, 243, 250, 257, 258,
262, 276, 279
Leighton, Abigail, 261
Thomas, 50, 79
Tobias, 165
Leppincutt, Bartholomew, 45, 55
Lessen, Joseph, 52
Leudecoes, David, 45
Leveridge, William, Rev., 13, 14,
16, 17, 35
Lewis, Philip, 25, 33, 34, 36, 49, 90
Libbey, Ira, 248
Libby's Mills, 185, 214
Library, 201, 241
Lieut. Governor, 97, 103, 104, 105,
124, 126, 135
Light Horse, 176
Lightning, 183, 225, 228, 257, 263,
265
Lincoln, Abraham, President, 266,
267, 268, 278, 281, 283,
286, 288, 289, 290, 291
Line, Edward, 45
Linen Cloth, 171
Liquor Laws, 29, 46, 245, 262
Little, Rev., Mr., 172
Little Bay, no
Harbor, 1, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 12
John's Creek, 35, 36, 75
Littlefield, Aaron, 136
Captain, 272
Francis, 30
Jonathan, 260
Littleton, 270
Livermore, Arthur, 190, 233
Samuel, 174, 188
Liverpool, 229
Lobby, George, 271

Locke, John C, 271
Locust Street, 226, 248, 251
Logan, Johnson C, 271
Log Hill Spring, 266
London, 1, 4, 18, 83
Londonderry, 129, 181
Long Island Sound, 168
Longstar, Henry, 109
Lord Protector, 86
Lord, George F., 271
John, 266
John F., 271
Oliver, 271
Lothrop, Samuel K., Rev,, 228, 234,
250
Lotteries, 150, 166, 192
Loue, William, 45
Louisburg, 139, 141, 142, 173
Louring, John, 45, 56, 59, 64, 68
Lovewell, Captain, 126
Low, Nathaniel, 272, 296
Lowden, Anthony, 102
Lowell, Mass., 281
Railroad, 235
Lower Bridge, 157, 173, 254
Falls, 29, 35, 115, 157, 200, 210
Lubberland, 102, 123
Lummack, Nathaniel, 80
Lyceum, 232, 233, 234
Lyman, Captain, 206
John D., 282
Lyman, Maine, 276
Lynn, Mass., 54, 197
Mackdaniel, Elexander, 60
Mackdonell, Elexander, 52, 60
Madbury, 138, 146, I49,;i52, 153, 156,
163, 180, 223, 233, 238,
255, 273, 281
Madison, James, President, 196, 199,
200, 201
Magoune, Henry, 45
Mahoney, T. J., 271
Main Garrison, 88
Street, 204, 240
Maine, 3, 13, 15, 185, 201, 219, 221
Maiden, Mass., 253
Malloy, John, 271, 297
Maloy, Peter, 271
Malt, 56, 61, 87

INDEX

319

Man, Peter, 188
Manchester, 270
Phalanx, 270
Manufacturing Co., Cocheco, 91,
227, 229, 231, 234, 240,
241, 248, 254, 261, 266,
267, 278
Co., Dover, 213, 222, 227, 246
Map of Town, 234, 236, 246
Market House, 234
Marriage, 38, 53, 180
Marsh, Hezekiah, 134
Marshall, Mrs., 198
Marshes, 25, 29, 30, 37, 41, 44, 125
Marston, Gilman, 272
Marston's Block, 254, 273
Martin, John, 31, 33, 48, 51, 57, 60,
61, 64, 69
Noah, 258, 260, 276, 296
Martinique, 190
Martyn, Richard, 87
Mason, Jeremiah, 206, 208, 223
John, 1, 3, 7, 8, 63, 82, 86, 97
Peter, 133
Robert, 88
Mason Hall, 1, 8
Land Claims, 22, 82, 83, 86,
87, 88, 89, 97
Mass Meetings, 199, 200, 243, 276,
281, 282
Massachusetts, 2, 6, 10, 12, 13, 14,
16, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24,
63, 81, 83, 84, 85, 94, 96,
97, 101, 127, 130, 141, 155
Assembly, 23
Bay, 2, 12
Bay Government, 13, 19, 21,
24, 36, 37, 83, 84, 130
Hist. Society, 2, 95, 172
Records, 25, 26, 27, 28, 41, 53
Massacre, Dover, 90, 91, 92, 93, 94
Oyster River, 98, 99, 100
Salmon Falls, 96, 97
Mast Path, 105
Masts, 35, 36, 44
Mathes, Captain, 133
Francis, 294
Mrs., 33
Mathews, Benjamin, 48, 52, 74, 80
Mrs., 57

Mathew's Neck, 101
Mathewson, George, 296
Matthews, Francis, 13
Mrs., 31
Maud, Daniel, Rev., 23, 34
Mary, 23
Mayors, 263, 264, 268, 269, 270, 272,
283, 286
McCabe, John, 271
McClellan, George B., 281
M'Cluskey, Richard, 258
McKearney, Patrick, 257
McMarster, James, 164, 165, 167
Meade, General, 285
Meader, John, 47, 51, 60, 64, 68, 79,
89
Meader, Nathaniel, 107, 134
Meader's Garrison, 99
Meadows, 25, 37
Measles, 90
Measures, 71
Medellman, James, 47
Meder, Joseph, 117
Medford, Mass., 163
Medical Association, Strafford, 270
Medlton, James, 52
Meeting House, Barrington, 122
Berwick, 147
Cochecho, 115, 117, 119, 120,
124, 128, 147, 148, 149,
15°
Dover Neck, 29, 34, 35, 40,
41, 44, 62, 63, 64, 70,
76, 88, 94, 106, in, 115,
116, 117, 120, 251
Exeter, 121
First, 17, 29, 35, 189
First Parish, 229, 236
Freewill Baptist, 232, 247
Friends, 159, 251, 252
Kittery, 116
Madbury, 146
Methodist, 115, 217
Oyster River, 39, 40, 42, 44,
74, 109, 118, 121
Pine Hill, 115, 117, 147,148,
149, 15°
Quaker, 150
Second, 17, 35, 189
Somersworth, 132, 254

320

INDEX

Meeting House Hill, 189
Mellen, Elisa, 184
Henry, 184, 188, 196
John W., 217, 220, 224
Merrimack River, 1, 3, 10, 83
Merrow, Samuel, 140
Merry Meeting River, 182
Merry Mount, 6, 7
Mesandowit, 91
Mesarvey, Thamsin, 107, 108
Meserve, Nathaniel, 147, 148
Metcalf, Ralph, 262, 263
Meteors, 184, 234, 261
Methodist Meeting House, 115, 217
Mexican War, 254
Middletown, 182
Migel, John, 80
Military, 14, 48, 74, 81, 97, 106, 114,
133, !34, 139, !4°, 141,
146, 147, 158, 163, 165,
166, 170, 176, 200, 206,
210, 211, 216, 217, 218,
222, 235
Militia, 78, 83, 97, 103, 114, 203, 204,
223
Miller, Robert, 271
Millet, Captain, 124, 133
Thomas, 133, 137, 139, 148,
292, 294
Mills, Bellemy Bank, 75
Chesley's, 105
Cocheco, 231
Currier's, 201
Gerrish's, 152
Ham's, 214
Hill's, 39, 46
Libby's, 185, 214
Quamphegan, 56, 60, 68, 104
Sawyer's, 214
Waldron's, 87, 157
Whittier's, 209
Milton, 206, 230, 261
Mines, 9
Ministers, 14, 15, 16, 17, 23, 24,
34,39, 42, 43, 46,49, 7i.
73. 74. 75. 76, 83, 84, 86,
90, 102, 113, 114, 115,
116, 118, 119, 120, 121,
126, 127, 129, 131, 132,
148, 149, J54, 164, 172,

Ministers (continued) 174, 194, 208, 228, 229,
233, 236, 240, 241, 242,
249, 257, 260, 265, 270,
280
Ministry, 36, 38, 40, 43, 49, 50, 73,
74. 77. "3. J54
Minots Rock Light House, 257
Missouri Compromise, 261
Mitchell, Peter, 164, 165
S., 221
Moderators, 163, 226, 292
Mohawks, 83, 125
Molloy, John, 271, 297 (See Malloy.)
Money, Counterfeit, 192
Monroe, James, President, 205, 206,
207, 210
Moody, Ira A., 282
Joshua, 86
Sarah, 86
Silas, 296
Moor, John, 134
Moore, Samuel, 141
Morril, David L., 214, 217, 224, 226
Morrill, Benjamin, 236
Joseph, 296
Morris, Thomas, 60, 69, 80
Morrison, Andrew, 271
Rev. Mr., 181
Morton of Merry Mount, 6, 7
Mosely, J., 202
Moses, Hunking, 151
Moulton, James R., 296
S. S., 255
Mount Pleasant, 240
Royal, Canada, 136
Mowing Machines, 261
Mullen, Erastus, 271
Nail Factory, 201, 210
Nambrous, 144
Nanney, Robert, 18, 19
Naomi, 71
Nash, Isaac, 33, 44
Nashua, 270
Nason, Mark F., 285
Richard, 27, 38
Navy, United States, 247, 281, 286
Neale, Walter, 8, 13
Negroes, 129, 164, 166, 167

INDEX

321

Nelson, Joseph, 141
Nelson Street, 265
New Boston Artillery, 142
Newbury, Mass., 54, 132, 136
Ferry, 93
Newbury port, Mass., 235
Newcastle, 112, 118, 135
New Durham, 175, 182, 185
New England, 1, 2, 3, 9, 15, 18, 21,
84,94. 95. Hi. !46, 159
Council, 1, 2, 7, 11
Packet, 229
Rum, 171
Newett, James, 38
Newgrow, John, 30
New Hampshire, 1, 4, 13, 17, 18, 20,
21, 22, 55, 85, 87, 95,
97, 114, 126, 135, 141,
146, 158, 161, 163, 176
Bank, 192
Gazette, 151, 152, 175, 176
Historical Coll., 128
Hotel, 207, 239, 261
Patriot, 237
Republican, 222, 223, 224,
225
Troops, 74, in, 112, 133, 134,
137. 139, J4°, 141. U2,
146, 147, 158, 163, 164,
165, 166, 270
Newichwannock, 9, 37
River, 25, 32, 37, 77
Newington, 11, 115. "7. Il8> r35,
141, 155. 183, 185, 214,
247, 262, 263
New London, 270
Newmarket, 135, 281
New Orleans, 273, 275, 279
Newport, 270
Newport, R. I., 166
New Style, 145
New York, 164, 165, 166, 240
News Letter, Boston, 107, 108, 121,
133
Newspaper, 180, 182
Newtt, Abraham, 67, 79
James, 55. 58> 67. 69
Night watch, 257
Niles, Daniel, 176
Nock, Thomas, 45. 5L 55. 58, 63, 64

Nock's Marsh, 125
Norfolk, Va., 273, 279
Norfolk County, Mass., 22, 74
Norridgewog, 98
North Hill, 156
Northam, 1, 17, 19, 23, 28
Northwood, 182
Norway-plain, 182
Nottingham, 10
Numphow, Samll, 81
Nute, James, 13, 18, 30, 31, 33, 35,
47, 5i, 58, 77
Paul, 140
Nutt, James, 45, 48
Nutter, Anthony, 33, 38, 45, 56, 59,
64, 66, 67, 72, 73, 77,
79, 84, 86, 89
Elder, 27, 33, 35, 44, 5°, 51.
53, 55, 58, 64, 67
Hatevil, 13, 24, 27, 31, 65, 73
Mr., 30, 79
Nutter & Pierce Block, 240
OaTES, Richard, 47
Oath of Allegiance, 86
of Fidelity, 45, 48, 50, 73
Odiorn, Mr., 132
Odiorne, John B. H., 215, 223, 232,
245, 296, 297
Oer, James, 47, 52
Officers, City, 264
County, 246
State, 172
Town, 23. 45, 48, 5°, 53, 77,
no, 117, 246
Old Style, 3, 17, 145
Opera, 181
Oracle, Portsmouth, 184, 194, 195,
198
Orchard Street, 245
Ordinaries, 29, 34, 46, 58, 61, 66, 70
Ordway, James, 13
Orinoco, ship, 241
Osborne, Daniel, 268
Marble, 225
Mercy, 225
Otis, Alfred H., 296
Christina, 94, 136
George K., 271
John H., 271

322

INDEX

Otis, Moses, 271
Nicholas, 102
Richard, 45, 50, 56,59, 68, 72,
79, 80, 88, 93, 102, 135
Otis' Garrison, 88, 91, 92, 102
Oxen, 28, 129
Ox pasture, 36, 50
Oyster River, 34, 36, 38, 39, 40, 42,
44, 46, 47,49. 5°, 5i, 55,
57, 60, 61, 63, 66, 68, 71,
73, 74. 75, 76, 77, 78, 79,
80, 90, 97, 98, 99, 100,
101, 102, 105, 106, 107,
109, no, 112, 114, 115,
117, 118, 121, 122, 125,
126, 127, 129, 133, 134,
136, 155, 251
Oyster River Falls, 32, 98, 105, no
Massacre, 98, 99, 100
Meeting House, 34, 39, 40,
42, 44, 74, i°9, 121
Parish, 118, 119, 121, 129, 134
Point, 46
Packets, 229, 231
Page, Antoney, 59, 68
John, 241, 242, 243
 , 231
Paine, Josiah, 183
Thomas, 79, 89
William, 23
Painters, 201
Palfrey, John G., 9, 17, 21
Palmer, Barnabas H., 215, 229
Charlotte, 272
William, 202
Paper Currency, 131, 134, 143, 174,
Hanging Manufactory, 259
Parell, John, 123
Parish, Dover, 115, 118, 128
First, 150, 151, 174, 229
Newington, 115
Oyster River, 118, 119, 121,
129. 134
Portsmouth, 115
Somersworth, 130, 131, 132,
146
Parker, John, 177
Parkman, John, Rev., 242, 255
Parliament, 159, 160

Parmele, Horace, 198
Parmenter, Warren H., 271
Parmly, L. S., 202
Parnill, John, 69
Parris, Governor, 219
Parsons, Benjamin F., Rev., 260
Pascataquack, 6, 18
Pascatoway, 77
Passaconoway, Sagamore, 10
Patrick, Christopher, 106
Patterson, Edward, 45, 47, 52, 57,
60
Paul, Ebenezer, 128
Ivory, 296
Moses, 218, 267
Payne, Thomas, 56, 59, 68
William, 37
Payne Street, 248, 257
Peabody, Oliver, 186, 190, 194
Peace proclamation, 128
Peas, 31, 40, 56, 61
Peaslee, Joseph T., 296
Nicholas, no
Peddlers, 162
Peirce, Andrew, 203, 208, 210, 215,
223, 235, 256, 263, 264,
274, 293, 295, 296
Penacook, 72, 91
Penacooks, 9, 80, 81, 82
Pender, Jeremiah, 134
Pendergast, George P., 271
Pendleton, Bryan, 41, 48, 53, 64
George H., 281
Penhallow, Samuel, 108
Penobscot, 98, 102, 144
Pepperell, William, 142, 173
Pere, Mr., 136
Perkins, Abraham, 165
Charles E., 271
Daniel L., 275
Eri, 215, 295
Jacob, 201
Jared, 261
Jeremy, 275
Moses P., 235
Nathaniel, 140
Thomas, 74, 76, 79, 140
William, 57, 60, 69, 74, 80
Permett, Lasares, 55, 59, 68
Perry, Freeman, 184

INDEX

323

Peters, Hugh, 16
Petition, Bloody Point, 24
Dover, 21, 39, 40, 82, 83, 84,
94, 122, 131, 134
Petman, John,. 134
Pettman, William, 57, 60
Petty Chapmen, 162
Pew rents, 119
Philadelphia, 161, 162, 188
Philip's War, 70, 81
Phillips, John, 18, 204
Phipps, William, 93
Phcenix, The, 180, 181, 182, 183
Picked Rock, 124
Pickering, John, 95, 96, 108, 177,
178, 179, 183
Pidgin, William, 241
Pierce, Benjamin, 224, 226, 227, 228
Captain, 270
Franklin, President, 259
Pike, Captain, 53, 65
James, Rev., 131, 132
John, Rev., 84, 86, 87, 88, 90,
97, 98, 101, 102, 103, 104,
105, 106, 107, 108, 109,
no, in, 112, 113, 114
Robert, 65
Pilgrim Fathers, 1
Pinckhame, Richard, 18, 79, 80
Pinckney, Charles C, 190, 196
Pine Hill, 115, 133, 147, 148, 149,
150, 180, 187, 205, 218,
251, 264
Pine Hill Burying Ground, 115, 133,
187, 205, 251
Pinkcom, Richard, 20
Pinkham, Andrew J., 271
Jellian, 47
John, 67, 79
J. B., 285
Richard, 13, 24, 29, 51
Thomas, 67, 137
Pipe Staves, 23, 25, 31, 40, 42, 61,
77.87
Piper, George, 293
Piscataqua Associates, 23
Bridge, 185, 192, 229, 262
Ferry Co., 214, 262
River, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 9, 10,
n, 12,13, 14, 16, 18, 77,

Piscataqua River, (continued)
80, 83, 84, 87, 88, 104,
107, 109, 217, 230, 263
Towns, 23
Pitman, Joseph, 108
William, 47, 52, 69, 80
 . 99
Place, Charles H., 271
Plaisted, Ichabod, 105
John, 117
Plan of Government, 18, 94, 95, 96,
168, 169, 172
of Town, 192, 234
Pleas, Court of, 88, 191
Pleasant Street, 218, 228
Plumer, H. S. & Co., 256
William, 199, 201, 202, 204,
205, 206, 208, 209
Plymouth, 270
England, 2, 3
Mass., 4, 5, 9
Plymouth Colony, 7
Council of, 7
Rock, 1
Point Lookout, Md., 279
Polk, James K., President, 248, 252
Polls, 86, 129, 158, 171, 266
Pomfret, Lieutenant, 38, 72, 79
William, 13, 18, 20, 24, 25, 27,
28, 29, 31, 32, 33, 34, 44,
50, 55, 58, 64,65, 66, 67,
75, 293
Pomroy, Leonard, 2
Pope, Mr., 284
Population, 12, 55, 66, 155, 164, 224,
252
Pork, 40, 56, 61, 75, 87
Port Bill, 161
Portland, Me., 191, 194, 206, 233,
240, 252
Porto Rico, 190
Portsmouth, 2, 8, 9, 12, 16, 20, 24,
44, 46, 48, 5r, 53, 58,64,
65, 7°, 71, 74, 77, 78, 83,
86, 87, 88, 92, 94, 95,96,
102, 107, 108, 112, 115,
118, 129, 135, 138, 141,
156, 158, 161, 164, 168,
171, 176, 181, 182, 184,
185, 190, 203, 204, 206,

324

INDEX

Portsmouth, (continued)
210, 211, 212, 215, 216,
217, 218, 227, 231, 232,
236, 237, 240, 267, 270,
272, 281
Portsmouth Artillery, 142
Deputies, 27
Journal, 273
Oracle, 184, 194, 195, 198
Railroad, 236
Postmaster, 191, 228, 229, 233, 235,
242, 243, 249, 253, 255,
265
General, 191
Post Office, 182, 184, 227, 254
Pound, Cochecho, 178, 180
Dover Neck, 71, 112
Powder, 24, 71, 76, 164, 213
Powers, Michael, 246
Nicholas, 149
Prentice, John, 190
President, Province, 85, 86, 96
State, 165, 172, 173, 174, 175,
178, 179, 180, 181
United States, 177, 183, 186,
188, 190, 193, 196, 200,
201, 205, 206, 207, 210,
216, 226, 233, 237, 243,
248, 252, 254, 259, 264,
267; 268, 269, 278, 279,
281, 283, 286, 287, 288,
289, 290, 291
Presidential Electors, 177, 183, 186,
190, 193, 196, 200, 205
Prince, Thomas, 1, 2
Print Works, Cocheco, 175, 248
Printery, Bellemy, 252
Printing Office, 180, 182, 183, 197, 198
Prison, 128, 183, 235, 237
Prisoners, 165, 166
Privateer, French, 190
Proclamation of Peace, 128
Property Qualifications, 258
Protest, Revolutionary, 159
Providence, ship, 3, 5
Province of Maine, 3
of New Hampshire, 86, 94
Provincial Assembly, 127, 128, 129,
130
Provincial Convention, 163, 164

Provincial Congress, 163, 164
Council, (See Council)
Governor, (See Governor)
Records, 87, 97, 103, 105, 122,
293
Prudential Men, 49
Public Houses, 118, 135, 167
Lands, 25, 205
Park, 266
Record Office, London, 18
Puritans, 14, 16, 17
Purser, 154
Puscassicke River, 41
Quakers, 47. 53, 54, 120, 125, 131,
133, 15°, 177
Quamphegan, 32, 106
Falls, 36
Mills, 56, 60, 68, 104
Quebec, 93, 136
Quicksilver, 193
Quint, George, 236
Quochecho, 41, 83
Quotas, 167, 169, 270, 272, 273, 274,
277, 278, 279, 280, 281,
283, 286
Radeord, Abraham, 33
Rafe, Clement, 59
Ragg, Jeffrey, 31
Railroad Accidents, 258, 259
Block, 248
Bridge, 245, 260
Railroad, Boston & Maine, 236, 240,
241, 278
Boston & Worcester, 241
Cochecho, 253, 255, 257, 258,
276
Dover & Portsmouth, 236,
254, 259
Dover & Winnipiseogee, 276,
278
Lowell, 235
Rallins, James, 45, 56, 59, 67
Thomas, 56, 59
Rand, John H., 231
John T., 276
Randal, John, 134
William, 134
Randall, Horace, 271

INDEX

325

Randall, Mr., 175
Paul, 257
Ranger, Frigate, 253
Rann, John, 84
Raphf, Clemant, 56
Rates, 28,30, 31, 33, 34, 38, 41, 42,
43, 44, 46, 47, 48, 50, 5L
52, 55. 5,657, 58, 59, 60,
61, 67,68, 69, 70, 73, 75,
76, 77, 78, 79,8o, 83,85,
87,90, 104,129, 131, 133,
138, 149, !54, 157, 264,
266
Rawlins, Ichabod, in
James, 18, 31
Rawson, Edward, 28, 41
Rayner, Frances, Mrs., 84
John, Rev., 42, 43, 44, 45, 46,
49, 55, 58, 66, 67, 69, 74,
75, 76, 83, 84, 85
Read, Michael, 194, 280
Rebellion, 268, 269, 270, 271, 272,
273, 274, 275, 276, 277,
278, 279, 280, 281, 282,
283, 284, 285, 286
Recorder of Deeds, 239
Records, Assembly, 109, 118, 123,
135
Council, 102
Massachusetts, 25, 26, 27, 28,
4i, 53
Provincial, 87, 97, 103, 105
122, 293
Town, 18, 23, 30, 33, 44, 45, 47,
48, 51, 55, 56, 63, 64, 79,
80, 159, 160, 188, 264,
293
Recruiting Office, 269, 272, 280
Red River, La., 279
Reede, Solomon, 141
Regiment, New Hampshire, 143,
148, 150, 158, 170, 189,
273, 278
ist., 270, 272
2nd., 158, 200, 211, 270, 271,
272, 275, 276, 277, 279
3d., 279
4th., 276, 279
5th., 275, 279
6th., 275, 279

Regiment, 7th., 276, 279
8th., 279
9th., 274, 275, 279
ioth., 275, 279
nth., 275, 279
12th., 275, 279
13th., 275, 279
14th., 279
18th., 280, 281
39th., 211
Register of Deeds, 204
of Probate, 210
Register, Strafford, 180, 208, 210,
211, 213
Relief Society, 230
Religious test, 258
troubles, 14, 15, 16, 17, 24
Remich, John, 188
Rendezvous, 272, 280
Rents, 37, 38, 39, 43, 44, 49, 50, 66,
73, 76, in
Representatives, 71, 108, 115, 121,
123, 134, 137, 148, 151,
154, 157, 161, 164, 169,
173. 174. 175, 189, 19°.
205, 212, 238. 243, 254,
260, 293
Republicans, 178, 179, 188, 191, 193,
197, 199, 205, 213, 229,
232, 264, 266
Retailers, 162, 202
Revenue, Surplus, 238, 240, 244
Revolution, 159, 165, 170, 172, 174,
253. 27°. 293
Reynolds, Joseph, 235
William, 235
Rhode Island, 166, 167, 168
Riall, Teage, 52, 57, 61, 69, 80
Rich, Richard, 79
Richards, John, 116, 142
Joseph, 142
Richardson, James, 293
Stephen, 271
Richardson's Tavern, 194
Ricker, Ebenezer, 163
George, 79, no
John, 116
Judith, 102
Maturin, no
Ricker field, 166

326

INDEX

Riding post, 182
Rifle Co., Great Falls, 235
Riley, John, 190, 208, 245, 295
Rindge, Daniel, 177
Ring, Eliphalet, 141
Risley, Robert, 52
William, 48, 66
River & Harbor Bill, 230
Roads, 186, 189, 203
Roberts, Aaron, 261
Amasa, 293
Charles P., 271
Dorothy, 90
George W., 277
Hanson, 296
John, 33, 38, 45, 5i, 55, 58,
61, 63, 64, 65, 67, 76, 77,
79, 80, 84, 85,89, 90, 94,
96
Joseph, 119, 120
Mr., 31, 44, 194
Nathaniel, 115
Samuel, 140
Stephen, 137
Thomas, 5, 13, 18, 20, 24, 33,
38, 45. 47. 5°, 51. 55,58,
67. 79, 84, 9°, H7. "9,
120, 140
William, 31, 33, 34, 47, 50, 52,
57, 60, 68. 72, 78
Robinson, Jonn P., 281
Stephen, 52, 60, 65, 69
Roby, Henry, 74
Rochester, 10, 140, 142, 143, 150,
151, 182, 190, 206, 211,
232, 247, 258, 281
Rockingham County, 158, 180
Guards, 218, 235
Rocky Point, 50
Roe, Richard, 84
Rogers, Captain, 241
Rev. Mr., 132
Richard, 24
Robert, 204, 239, 295
Stephen H., 271
Rogers & Patten, 204
Rollins, Edward H., 282
Hiram, 268, 271
James, 30, 33, 39
Rollinsford, 255

Rooe, Richard, 56, 59, 67
Root, David, Rev., 233, 241
Ros, Richard, 53
Ross, Richard N., 282
Rosse, John, 27
Rothwell, Jeremiah, 271
Row, Richard, 74
Rowley, Mass., 54
Roxbury, Mass., 54, 77
Rum, New England, 171
West India, 171
Runls, John, 134
Russell, Richard, 49
Russian Stoves, 202
Rye, 4. 135, 203
Sabbath School, 208
Saco, Me., 11
Safety, Committee of, 163, 164, 165,
166, 168, 174, 191
Sagadehock River, 1, 3
Sagamores, 80, 81
St. John Indians, 98
St. Petersburg, 241
St. Thomas Church, 241, 243
Salem, 270
Salem, Mass., 14, 16, 22, 177, 179,
197
Salisbury, Mass., 54, 105
Salmon, 26
Salmon Falls, 96, 105, 106, no
Salmon Falls River, 10, 105
Salt Works, 1
Salter, Rev. Mr., 270
Richard, 141
Saltonstall, Richard, 26
Salutes, 176, 184, 194, 195, 206, 218,
273, 281, 283, 284, 285,
286
Sam, Indian, 141
Samll Numphow, 81
Sampson Aboquecemoka, 81
Sanborn, John H., 271
Sanbornton, 197
Sand Bank, 264
Sanders, Charles, 271
Joseph, 56, 59, 68
Sandy Point, 40, 53
Sanitary Commission, 272
Sargent, John B., 235, 279

INDEX

327

Savage, James, ^
Savil, John, 253
Savings Bank, Strafford, 213, 214,
242, 270
Saw Mills, 8, 27, 29, 32, 33, 34, 35,
36, 38, 39,44, 49,51, 63,
73, 98, 200
Sawyer, Alfred I., 214, 255
Charles W., 272
Jacob, 231
Stephen, 179, 193
Thomas E., 256, 257, 258, 268,
282, 296
Walter, 295
Sawyer Woolen Mills, 214, 255
Say, Lord, 13
Sayles, Samuel P., 271, 276
Seamen, Richard, 59
Scammell, Alexander, 170
School, Belknap, 261, 265
Grammar, 123, 149, 265
High, 234, 256
Latin 112
School Districts, 153, 186, 191, 192
Houses, 150, 154, 186, 189, 192,
256, 261, 265, 272
Schoolmasters, 40, 43, 98, 112, 118,
123, 124
Schools, 112, 123, 149, 153, 163, 173,
234, 256, 265
Schooner, 173
Scott, Winfield, 259
Scouting, 78,83, 97, 105, 108, 112, 123
Scruien, John, 56, 59, 68
Scruton, George H., 271
Thomas, 49
Seabrook, 87
Second Falls, Cochecho, 32, 33, 34,
37, Io6
Second Meeting House, 17, 35
Secretary of State, 102, 286
of War, 225
Seeley, Mr., 31
Selectmen, 28, 39, 43, 44, 45,46, 49,
53, 62, 63, 64, 65, 66, 70,
71. 72, 75, 76, 90, i01,
106, 107, 117, 118, 121,
122, 123, 124, 139, 150,
:54, !63, 165, 166, 168,
169, 173, 177, J79, l84,

Selectmen, (continued) 186, 234, 238, 241, 252,
257, 264, 293
Senate, State, 173, 174, 178, 179, 254,
274
United States, 237, 250, 262
Senators, 188, 295
Serogumba, 81
Settlement, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10,
11, 12
Sever, Nicholas, Rev., 113, 114, 116,
120
Sewall, Mr., 54
Seward, Samuel, 67
Shackford, Captain, 143
Sham Fight, 81, 82
Shannon, Captain, 183
Shapleigh, Major, 70
Nicholas, 38, 81
Sharpe, John, 59
Sheafe, James, 189, 205, 206
Sheep, 29, 129, 161, 168
Sheperd, William, 133, 297
Sherburne, Daniel, 271
Henry, 65
John S., 181
Mr., 132
Samuel, 96
Sheridan, General, 285
Sheriff, 89, 102, 139, 165, 175, 176,
185, 190
Sherman, General, 285
Sherwill, Nicholas, 2
Shiffilld, Ickeabod, 45
William, 45
Ship Island, La., 275
Ship Yard, 239
Shipping, 28, 229, 231, 241, 244
Shoes, 171
Shuckford, William, 56, 59, 74, 84
Shurtleff, William, 127
Shu  , Will, 52
Silver Street, 154, 225, 230, 251, 252,
261
Simonds, Michael, 69
Simpson, Bartholmew, 112
Sise, Edward, 200, 206
Slaughter House, 191
Slaves, 129, 155, 164, 166, 167, 211,
236, 259

328

INDEX

Sleeper, Henry, 141
Sloper, Richard, 45
Small, Edward, 105
Francis, 31
Small Pox, 187, 237
Smart, Robert, 41
Smey, Barthey, 24
Smith, Archibald, 140
Bartholmew, 18, 20
Benjamin, 133
Edward, 32
George, 29, 31, 32
James, 47, 57, 61, 69, 73, 80,
134
Jeremiah, 194, 196, 197, 199,
245
John, 57, 69, 123, 124, 133, 140,
294
John H., 259
Joseph, 52, 57, 69, 79, 191, 204,
223, 227, 265
Joseph H., 268, 296
Moses S. F., 271
Mr., 27
Samuel, 133
Samuel D., 265
Thomas L., 268
William B., 235, 243
¦  , 61, 100
Smith's Garrison, 99, 100
Smyth, Frederic, 284
Snell, Samuel, 102, 270
Society of Friends, 177, 178, 179,
186, 225, 251, 252, 255
Soldiers, 74, 78, 81, 83, 97, 101, 102,
104, ic6, in, 112, 114,
122, 133, 134, 137, 139,
140, 141, 143, 144, 146,
147, 148, 15°, 158, 163,
164, 165, 166, 167, 168,
169, 170, 172, 203, 270,
271, 272, 273, 274, 275,
276, 277, 278, 279, 280,
281, 283, 284, 285, 286
Soldiers Aid Society, 272
Somersworth, 130, 131, 132, 138, 143,
146, 150, 155, 168, 180,
211, 230, 255
Meeting House, 132, 245
Parish, 130, 131, 132, 146

Soul of Soldiery, 210
Soule, Charles E., 293
South Berwick, Me., 193, 242
Carolina, 268
Dover, 258
Pine Street, 257
Spalding, George B., Rev., 16
Speaker, 21, 108, 144, 145, 165, 181,
212, 250, 274, 295, 296
Special Court, 58, 88
Specie Payment, Suspension of,
238, 265
Sperling, Ensign, 217
Sprague, Peleg, 189
Squamscot Falls, 7, 10, n
Squando, Sagamore, 81
Stackpole, Thomas, 249, 255, 293
Stacpole, Mrs., 183
Stages, 191, 194, 212, 233
Stagpole, Samuel, 165
Stamp Act, 153
Stanton, Benjamin, 140
Staples, George H., 271
John, 271
Starbord, John, 165
Starbuck, Edward, 19, 20, 24, 26, 31,
32, 33, 38, 45
Elder, 26, 27, 29, 37
Nathaniel, 45
Stark, George, 268, 273
Starr, Edward, 18, 19
State Constitution, 165, 167, 172,
181, 239, 245
Convention, 165, 168, 169, 172,
175, 176
Fair, 265, 266
Governor, (See Governor)
House, 270
Officers, 172
Papers, 133; 137
Presidents, 165, 172, 173, 174,
!75. !78, 179, 180, 181
Steamboats, 231, 232, 237, 257
Steam Mills, 237, 249, 250
Steele, John H., 248, 249
Jonathan, 193
Steeple Clock, 177, 236
House, 177
Stephenson, Thomas, 31
Steuenson, Thomas, 33, 48, 52, 60

INDEX

329

Stevens, Abraham C, 271
Benjamin F., 271
Enos, 242, 243, 244
George H., 271
Nathaniel, 79
William S., 296
Stevenson, Joseph, 69, 89
Thomas, 89
Steward, Town, 37, 58
Stickney, Jeremiah, 256
Stillman, Elias, 65
Stimson, Joseph, 80
 ,80
Stocks, 47, 71, 72
Stokes, Isaac, 46, 55, 58, 67, 79, 80
Stone, J., Mrs., 266
Stones, Nathaniel, 84
Stoodley, Jonathan, 141
Storer, William, 18, 20
Storey, William, 24, 31, 33, 38, 44
Strafford, 232
Strafford Bank, 192, 213, 215, 242,
253, 270
Bank Block, 247
Strafford County, 158, 164, 165, 167,
175, 178, 180, 199, 202,
204, 237, 239, 241, 243,
246, 265, 281
Guards, 213, 216, 217, 218, 235,
275, 279, 280, 281, 284,
285
Medical Association, 270
Register, 180, 208, 210, 211,213
Savings Bank, 213, 214, 242,
270
Stratham, 11, 135
Strawberry Bank, 8, 9, 13, 15, 23,
24, 25, 27, 28, 47
Stuens, Nathaniel, 67
Suchforth, William, 67
Suffolk County, Mass., 8
Suhawannick River, 104
Suicides, 90, 178, 216, 230, 231, 234,
241, 261, 266
Sullivan, Fort, 204
Sullivan, General, 163, 167, 170,
172, 174
George, 237, 238
Humphrey, 123, 124
John, 161, 173, 174, 175,177, 178

Sumter, Fort, 268, 283
Sun, Dover, 187, 188, 189, 190, 191,
I93, !99, 200, 203
Superior Court, 210, 217
Supreme Court, 192
Surplus Revenue, 238, 240, 244
Surrender of Lee, 284
Surveyor, 77, 104, no, 135
General, 24
Suspension of Specie payment, 238,
265
Swadden, Philip, 19, 20
Swaddow, Philip, 18, 19
Swain's Hill, 263
Swamps, 32, 36, 65, 76, 78, 105
Swasey, John B., 223
Swine, 29, 129, 192
Syll, Joseph, 81
Symonds, Mr., 27
Tan Yards, 205
Tar, 104
Tariff, 234
Tarlton, William, 193
Tarr, Benedictus, 116
Tash, Edwin S., 271
Thomas, 185
Tasker, Samuel, 108
Taskett, William, 79, 89
Taverners, 162
Taverns, 46, 70, 118, 135, 148, 183,
194, 202, 217, 265
Taxes, 28, 29, 30, 31, 33, 34, 39, 40,
44, 45, 47, 48,50, 5', 52,
55, 56, 57, 58, 59, 6°, 61,
67, 68, 69, 73, 75, 87,
101, 118, 129, 134, 138,
144, 149, 150, 153, 157,
158, 171, 202, 244, 264,
266, 275
Tax Payers, 30, 31, 33, 34, 44, 45, 47,
48,51, 52, 55, 56,57, 58,
59, 60, 61, 66, 67, 68, 69,
79, 80, 107
Taylor, Edward, 107
Zackery, President, 254, 255
Tea, Duty on, 160
Teachers Institute, 252
Teare, Thomas, 79
Tebbetts, Captain, 115, 117, 119

330

INDEX

Tebbetts, Henry, 13, 24, 33, 45, 51,
55, 67
Israel, 223
Jeremiah, 45, 51, 55, 58, 67, 76,
John, 202
Lydia, 190, 195, 196, 200, 210
Samuel, 119, 120, 121, 294
Thomas, 113, 119, 120, 293
T. L., 285
Teddar, Steven, 18, 19
Telegraph, 252
Temperance Societies, 228, 246
Tenements, 247, 250, 261
Tetherly's Block, 252
Texas, 240, 249, 250, 254
Thanksgiving, 102, 165, 209
Thayer, Andrew G., 209
Mr., 156
Theatre, 181
Thing, Jonathan, 96
Samuel, 117
Third Street, 239
Thomas, Edwaid, 184
Elisha, 175, 176, 280
Joseph, 133
Thomas Johnson's Creek, 36, 46,
102
Thompson, Ebenezer, 177, 183, 185,
186, 190
John, 119
William, 140
Thomson, David, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7,
8, n, 12
Thomson's Point House, 31
Thornton, Matthew, 163
Throat Distemper, 127, 135, 138, 141
Thunder Storms, 141, 167, 168, 182,
225, 238, 249, 263, 265,
273
Tibbetts, Henry, 31, 79
James H., 271
Jeremy, 38, 79, 113
John, 113
Samual, 140
Tides, 88, 106
Timber, 24, 25, 32, 35, 36, 37, 41, 42,
49, 61, 63, 73, 75, 89,
135, 155
Titcomb, Benjamin, 169
John, 140, 147

Tobacco, 53
Toll-end, 58, 60, 101, 2C9, 224
Falls, 105, 106
Tompkins, Daniel D., 205
Mary, 54
Tomson, Robert, in
William, 45
Tom Thumb, steamer, 247
Toppan, Colonel, 177
Torchlight Procession, 282
Tories, 164, 165, 167
Tornadoes, 203, 211
Torr, Andrew, 169, 295
Tortugas, 276
Town Accounts, 154
Bell, 174, 177, 178, 186
Books, 45, 66, 120, 123, 131,
132, 133
Clerk, 28, 35, 38, 45, 90, 131,
163, 178, 187, 239, 293
Debts, 43
Farm, 205
Hall, 219, 246, 248
House, 154, 157, 244
Lots, 173, 174, 177, 185, 186,
190, 205, 244
Marks, 28
Meetings, 23, 29, 30, 32, 33,
34, 46. 53, 63, 64, 65, 71,
72, 9°, 94, 96, in, 115.
116, 120, 147, 148, 149,
150, 161, 162, 163, 170,
174, 181
Officers, 23, 45, 48, 50, 53, 77,
no, 116, 246
Plan of, 192, 234
Records, 18, 23, 30, 33, 44,
45, 47, 48, 5 1. 55,56, 63,
64, 79, 80, 159, 160, 188,
264, 293
Steward, 37, 58
Townsmen, 23, 25, 32, 40, 46, 61, 71
Townsend, Jonas D., 296
Trackie, Isaac, 84
Trading with Indians, 5, 6, 14, 27
Train Band List, 166
Training Men, 137
Place, 46
Transparencies, 282, 283
Treason, 87, 88

INDEX

331

Treasurer, 27, 38, 58, 65, 70, 76, 96,
97, 101, 104, in, 112,
122, 123, 150, 178, 245,
264, 269, 274
Trickett, Thomas, 31
Trickey, Ephraim, 87
Thomas, 20, 25, 33, 45, 56, 59,
67
Trickey's Farm, 109
Trimiugs, Oliver, 25
Tripe, Richard, 173, 179, 295
Tripp, William H., 271
Trois Rivieres, 97
Troopers, 137
Troops, Continental, 167
New Hampshire, 74, in, 112,
!33, 134, 137, 139, !4°,
r4i, 146, 147, 148, 158,
163, 164, 165, 170, 189,
200, 211
United States, 201
Trucking Cloth, 10
House, 72
Tucker, John, 102
Tuftonborough, 171, 266
Tufts, Asa A., 228, 230, 236, 243, 249
Charles A., 284, 293
Henry, 185
Rev. Mr., 132
Ture, John, 31
Turner, Thomas, 44, 66
Turnpike, 193, 217, 242
Tuttell, John, 38, 44, 55, 67, 102
Thomas, 38
Widow, 58
Tuttle, Charles W., 95
Ensign, 114
John, 13, 20, 24, 31, 33, 50, 94,
95,96,101, 102, 103, 104,
105, 106, 108, in, 113,
117, 120, 124, 293
Jo., 79
Nathaniel, 267
Stephen, 245
Thomas, 150
Tobias, 295
Twenty Acre Lots, 24
Twamly, Ralph, 45, 56, 59, 64, 68,
79
Twombley, Joseph, 141

Twombley, Nathaniel, 269
Samuel T., 258
William, 141
Ugroue, John, 24
Umfirie, Thomas, 47, 55
Uncurrent Bank Bills, 197
Underhill, John, 14,15,16, 18, 19,
20
Union Army, 276, 283
Block, 248, 273
Hall, 194
Mass Meeting, 276, 281, 282
Street, 249
Union with Massachusetts, 19, 20,
21, 22, 24, 63, 85, 9 \, 96
Unitarian Church, 228, 242, 250,
257, 260, 262, 265, 287
Society, 228, 234, 236, 241,
255, 280
United Colonies, 94
United States Army, 286
Bank, 230
Congress, 188, 200, 216, 231,
234, 237, 238, 261
Consul, 248
Engineers, 225
Hotel, 253
Navy, 247, 281, 286
President, (See President)
Troops, 201
Universalist Church, 239, 240
Upgroufe, John, 18
Upham, Timothy, 223, 229, 230
Upper Bridge, 157, 214, 236, 256
Factory, 106, 200, 232, 235, 255
Falls, 102, 210
Usher, John, 97
Valuation, 28, 29, 129, 158, 264,
266
Van Buren, Martin, President, 237,
238, 242, 243, 254
Varney, Alfred, 267
Eunice, 255
Humphrey, 45, 47, 5*. 55. 58,
68, 79
Jesse, 197, 198, 215
John S., 271
Robert, 19, 20

332

INDEX

Varney, Shubael, 256, 296
Tharon F., 271
Varney 's Block, 239, 248
Vaughan, Major, 109
William, 96, 102, 104
Venner, James M., 271
Vessels, 229, 231, 240
Vice President, 85, 86, 177, 183, 186,
190, 193, 196, 200, 205,
216, 267, 281
Vicksburg, Miss., 276
Vigilance Committee, 257
Villieu, 98
Vines, Richard, 11
Virginia, 9
Vittum, George D., 268
Volunteers, 106, 114, 141
Three Months, 268, 269, 270
271, 272
Three Years, 270, 273, 274,
278, 279, 280, 281, 286
Vote of Dover, (See Dover Vote)
Voters, 86, 117,158, 266
Vutter, Nicholas, 55, 58
Wadleigh, Elijah, 296
George, 296
Robert, 72, 73, 74, 96, 155
Wakefield, 126, 182
Waldron, Abigail, 180
Candace, 259
Captain, 45, 53, 56, 58, 59, 62,
64, 66, 67, 70, 71, 72, 76,
79, 80, 155, 156, 157
Colonel, 87, 122, 123, 128
Daniel, 193, 208, 248
Elexander, 67
George, 56, 59, 68, 79
Hannah, 201
John, 114, 161, 162, 163, 173,
174, 175, 201, 204, 215,
226, 292, 294, 295
John F., 271
Major, 21, 35, 78, 80, 81, 82,
83,86,88,89,91,92,93, 105, 107, 135, 173, 239
Paul, 72
Plato, 236
Richard, 13, 18, 20, 21, 26, 27,
29. 3°. 3r, 33, 36, 37, 38,

Waldron, Richard, (continued)
41, 43, 49, 5o, 53, 54, 64,
65, 7i, 72, 75, 76, 81, 84,
85, 86, 88, 96, 102, 105,
107, 108, 113, 119, 120,
13°, 132, 144, 179. 205,
292
R. Kenny, 140
Thomas W., 147, 148, 151, 153,
154, 156, 248, 259, 292,
294
Thomas Westbrook, 139, 147,
148, 164, 173, 180, 236,
292, 293, 294
Wells, 296
William, 18, 20, 23, 28, 30
Waldron Burying Ground, 115
Falls, 173, 179, 201, 227
Garrison, 91, 92, 102, 107
Mills, 87, 157, 179
Street, 251
Waldrons, 280
Walker, Major, 218
Mark, 191
Sergeant, 97
Thomas H., 271
Timothy, 183, 186, 190, 191,
193
Wallace, Sylvester B., 271
Wallingford, Captain, 138, 139
Colonel, 138
John O., 280
Thomas, 138, 139, 141, 292,294
Z. S., 268, 282
Walsh, Richard, 271
Walton, George, 29, 30, 31, 34
Mr., 151
Wanolucet, Sagamore, 81
War with England, 199, 200, 201,
202, 203
Ward, Henry, 166
Ward Officers, 263
Warockomec, 81
Washington, George, President,
177, !83, 189, 219, 253
Martha, Association, 246
City, 233, 272, 275, 276, 279,
280, 284, 286, 287, 289
Street, 224, 239, 240, 244, 246,
247

INDEX

333

Wason Tan Yard, 205
Wastill, John, 18
Watch House, 71, 88
Watch & Ward, 103, 109
Watering Place, 76, 120
Watson, Dudley, 147, 149
Jonathan, 79
Mr., 195
Robert, 68, 80, 100
Samuel, 140
Wayes, 46, 77
Waymouth, Edward, 55, 58
Weare, Meshech, 139, 145, 165, 172
Mr., 93
Nathaniel, 96, 131, 132
Peter, 117
Wearesmen, 26
Webb, George, 18, 24, 25, 31, 33
Webster, Daniel, 200
Wecanacohunt, 11
Weights, 71
Welch, Benjamin F., 271
Ralph, 79
Welchman's Cove, 101
Wellmet, James, 130
Wells, Me., 172
Wells, John S., 263, 265
Wencoll, Mr., 65
Wendell, Daniel H, 272, 273, 296
Isaac, 227
Wenham, Mass., 54
Wentworth, Benjamin, 124, 125,
128, 294
Captain, 123
Elder, 39, 45, 56, 59, 66, 68,
73, 80, 92, 292
Ephraim, 108
Ezekiel, 79, in, 113, 293
George T., 255, 293
Gershom, 79, 84
Governor, 142, 153, 156, 158,
167
Job, 162
John, 73, 122, 142, 158, 160,
163, 164, 166, 171, 174,
292, 294
Joshua, 178, 179
Paul, 119, 120, 292, 294
Samuel, 56,59, 68, 73, 184, 188
William, 33, 35, 5°, 64, 84

West, Henry, 271
West India Rum, 171
West Indies, 191
West Point, 224
We9tell, John, 24
Westinman, the, 48
Wharves, 28, 229, 237
Wheat, 31, 40, 56, 61, 87
Wheeler, John, no, 191, 193, 200,
215, 242, 295
Paul J., 273
Samuel M., 268, 282, 284, 286
Wheelock, Edwin M., Rev., 265
Wheelwright, John, 10, 21, 54
Wheelwright Deed, 10, n
Wheelwright's Pond, 97
Whidden, Michael, 230
Whig Convention, 242, 243
Whigs, 235, 239, 242, 244, 248, 250,
257, 259, 262
Whipping Post, 71
White, Amos, 204, 208
John H., 228, 229, 244, 246,
248, 260, 296
Timothy, 165
White Mountains, 172, 231, 234
Whitehall, 112
Whitehouse, George L., 236
Thomas, 58, 62, 65, 67, 72, 79
Whiting, William, 13
Whittier, Moses, 251
Whittier's Falls, 209, 251
Mills, 209
Wiers, 259
Wiggin, Benjamin, 296
Captain, 13, 14, 17, 27, 28, 37,
45, 60
Nathaniel, 296
Thomas, 8, 11, 32, 33, 34, 36,
56, 58, 64
William B., 296
Wiggins, John H., 256, 296
Willand's Pond, 265
Wille, Stephen, 134, 297
Theoder, 134
Willey, Ivory H., 232
Nathaniel, 271
Thomas, 31, 33, 48, 52, 57, 60,
69, 74, 79, 122
William, Sagamore, 81

334

INDEX

William & Mary, 95
William and Mary, Fort, no
Williams, Jared 2., 250, 252, 254
John, 200, 204, 215, 221, 222,
223, 227, 246, 295
Mathew, 48, 52, 57, 61, 69
Mr., 15, 27
R. O., Rev., 240
William, 47, 48, 50, 51, 52, 57,
60, 68, 69, 72, 79, 80
Willie, Samuel, 80
Stephen, 80
Willys, George, 13
Wilmington, Mass., 235
Wilson, David, 296
Henry, 233
James, 239, 241
John, 67
Windict, John, 89
Wine Taverns, 46
Winford, Ezekiel, 84
Wingate, Andrew, 166
John, 46, 77, 137, 139, 223, 249,
292
Joshua, 160, 161, 162, 165, 166,
167, 169, 292, 294, 295
Moses, 140, 141, 144, 215, 295
Paine, 177
William P., 249
Wingate Apple Tree, 249
Winget, John, 68, 84, 104, 294
Daniel, 140
Winnepessocay Pond, 134
Winnichahannet, 1
Winnipiseogee Canal, 181, 214, 217,
223, 225
Lake, 214, 217, 232, 233, 262
Pond, 143, 181
Winnipishoky pond, 123
Winslow, Mr., 9, 23, 229
Samuel, 37
Winthrop, Governor, 2
John, 146
Robert C, 2
Wise, Rev. Mr., 132
Wiswall, Captain, 97

Wi-

-, Wm., 141
Woddin, John, 59
Wolf rates, 41, 53, 62, 71, 72
Wolfborough, 167, 174, 182, 212, 257
Wonolancet, 80, 81, 82, 91
Wood, John, 57, 292
Woodbury, John, 249
Levi, 213, 214, 231
Woodman, Captain, 100, 101, 105
Charles, 212, 295
Charles W., 268
John, 47, 51, 57, 61, 64, 69, 77,
80, 89, 94, 96, 101, 106,
293
Joseph, 134
William, 208, 238
Woodman's Garrison, 99, 100, 112
Woolen cloth, 171
Woolen Mills, Sawyer, 214, 255
Workhouse, 186
Workingmen, 232
Wormwood, Jacob, 134
Joseph, 134
Worth, Lieutenant, 225
Wyatt, Samuel, 219, 278
Wyatt's Inn, 206, 207
York, Benjamin, 80
John, 74, 80
York, Me., 15, 136
York County, 128
Yorke, Richard, 31, 33, 48, 51, 57,
60, 69
Yorkshire, 78
Yorktown, Va., 170, 279
Young, Charles, 258, 293
Eleazer, 140
Ezra, 188
Jeremiah S. Rev., 241
Jeremy, 254
Joseph, 189
Nathaniel, 215, 296
Thomas, 166, 169, 170
Young Lincoln Guards, 281
Young Washington Guards, 281
Young's Tannery, 242, 267
Wharf, 237