; UNIVERSITY LIBRARY

&3' ii'r',

w^
V .li.f.. "
?

"IgLve theft Bttoki
fpr the /avindcng of a. College cn, tXt^i^ti&fgp^

'Y^ILIE-¥]MlI¥EI^SIIir¥«'

Bought with the income
of the
Oliver Woleott Fund

5

OF THE

TOWN OF HILLSBOROUGH

Hillsboroilgh County, N. H.

Sia^js^cajsEi aa^ iE.i^^<X ^c^a<ka<©ssi<:^E£i<k

TO THE YEAR 1841.

By Charles James Smith.

1841.

C

ANNALS

OF THE

TOWN OF HILLSBOMOIIGH,

mni^^ov&UB^ mounts, N. ^.

From its first Settlement to the Y^ar 1841.

BY CHARLES JAMES SMITH.

PRINTED FOR THE PUBLISHER, BY J. C. WILSON.
1841.

ICP'The substance of the following historical sketch, was deliv
ered by appointment, before the Hillsborough Lyceum, March
10, 1841. At the request of many individuals it has been altered for
publication to a style more adapted to historical narration, and con
siderable addition has been made thereto. The Author regrets that
a pressure of other occupations, prevented his bestowing the time,and
attention upon the subject, which might have rendered it more worthy
of the acceptance, of those interested in the work. It is believed
however, that every thing herein stated, may be relied upon as authen
tic ; as it has been an object of the writer, to give it accuracy.

ANNALS OF HILLSBOROUGH.

Hillsborough is situated in the northwest corner of tho county
of Hillsborough in latitude 43o 9' north. It is bounded on the north
by Bradford, on the east by Henniker, on the south by Deering and
Antrim and on the west by Windsor and Washington. It is the most
northerly town in Hillsborough county, adjoining the counties of Mer
rimack and Sullivan, and is separated from the county of Cheshire
only by the small town of Windsor on the west. The centre of the
town is about equi-distant from the shire towns of Hillsborough, Mer
rimack, Sullivan, and Cheshire counties. Its shape is nearly that oi
a diamond, being six miles square, and containing by estimation 27,320
acres. The town is well watered and it isbelived, better irrigated than
any other in the county of Hillsborough. The south and pricipaj
branch of Contoocook river, having its original the base of tlie Grand
Monadnock mountain in the County of Cheshire, enters the town on
the south line, near the corners of Antrim and Deering, where it re
ceives the North Branch of the same. The North Branch of the
Contoocook, has its rise from Horse-shoe pond on the west side of
Lovell's mountain, in Washington ; thence running southerly into
Stoddard, forms Long Pond in that town after which it takes a north
easterly course and pursues its way through the north part of Antrim
into Hillsborough, and after running nearly four miles in tiie south
part of the town (in which distance it receives the waters of Hillsbo
rough river,) joins the main stream or south branch of the Contoocook
on the south line of the town near the corners of Antrim and Deei-

4 - ANNALS OP THE TOWii
ing. After their confluence the Contoocook meanders through the
south eastern part of the town into Henniker.
The Hillsborough river is composed of several branches, the lar
gest and principal of which rises in the eastern part of Washington,
enters Hillsborough on its northern border, after which it courses di
agonally seven miles through its whole extent and joins the northern
branch of the Contoocook on the southern limit of the town. A con
siderable branch from the west unites with the main stream in Symonds's
interval. This branch is formed by set'eral lesser branches one of
which issues from Black Pond in Windsor and passes through the
Upper village on the turnpike. Another has its source from a pond
in Stoddard. These unhe a htde east of the Upper village, and pass
into the main branch as before described. Another small tributary
originates near Willson's Mineral Spring in the west part of Bradford
and discharges itself into the main stream in the north part of the
town. A large number of small brooks and rivulets intersect in the
fown. The Contoocook and Hillsborough rivers, with theii' several
branches, in their progress through the town, afford many excellent
mill seats and water privileges which are improved to a considerable
degree, though by no means to the full extent of their capacity.
There are three natural ponds. The largest body of water is
Loon Pond which lies a little northwest of the centre of the town,
thus named from its being inhabited by Loons in the warm season.
It is one mile in length, and two thirds of a mile wide ; and has two
outlets one of which flows into Hillsborough river, the other into
Contention pond. It is a very picturesque sheet of water, and is
plentifully stocked with a variety of excellent fish. Its waters are
transparent and pure; and during the winter season are frozen — pre
senting a beautiful icy expansion. There are two other ponds oi con
siderable magnitude. Contention Pond and Campbell's Pond. Con
tention Pond is situated a short distance northwest of Loon Pond and is
so called from a contention among the early proprietors concerning the
boundaries. It has an outlet which falls into H illsborough river. Camp
bell's pond lies in the southeast part of the town. It derives its name
from the late Daniel Campbell, Esq. of Amherst, who first discov-

OP HILLSBOROUGH. 5
ered it. These ponds are much frequented by fishing parties, and
together make a surface of five hundred acres of water.
There is no very remarkable elevation of land in the town though
there are many fine eminences, from whose summits extensive views
of the surrounding country may be had. Stow's mountain, (the only
hill in town whose altitude will permit it to assume the name) in the
northwest part, is the highest point of land in Hillsborough. This
mountain derives its name from the late Dea. Joel Stow who occupi
ed a farm on its southeastern slope, nearly half a century. The high
est inhabited land is the site of the domicil of Mr. Justus Pike, on
the eastern declivity of the above mentioned mountain. The lowest,
is believed to be on the south side of the Contoocook, a few rods be
low Hillsborough Bridge. The surface of the town is uneven, being
greatly diversified by hills and dales. It has a rugged yet, in gener
al strong and productive soil. It is suitably divided into tillage and
pasturage, and is principally of a deep gravelly loam, favorable for
grass and all kinds of English grain. Every description of forest
tree common in New Hampshire is found here in greater or less
abundance. The most prevalent are the hemlock, beech, elm, spruce
and ash, and the different varieties of the oak, maple, pine, birch and
cherry. The lofty and noble white pine formerly abounded in great
luxuriance upon the low ground on the banks of the rivers, but has
principally been cut away for timber.
Considerable quantities of granite are sprinkled in detached blocks,
on the highlands which though not of the most beautiiul texture is
wrought into hearth and door stones and is used in underpinning
buildings, in the erection of bridges, and for various other architectu
ral purposes. The second New Hampshire turnpike road, comple
ted in 1801, leading from Claremont to Amherst, passes through the
west part of the to\vn in a northwesterly direction. It has a course
of about four miles in the town. There are four villages in Hillsbo
rough which are thus designated. Hillsborough Centre, Hillsborough
Bridge, the Upper village, and the Lower village. The centre
village stands ou u hill a little southeast of the exact centre of the
tjvvn. It is a small village containing but ten dwelling houses,

6 ANNALS OF THE TOWN
most of which are large and valuable. Here are two Meeting houses.
The old Meeting house as it is most commonly styled is the property
of the town and is now used almost exclusively as a town house. It
is a spacious structure without steeple or bell. The exterior of the
body of the house is painted white, the roof red. It is visible (from
its lofty site) at a great distance, and presents a goodly specimen of
the style of church architecture prevalent in New England half a
century since. Hallowed associations cluster around this venerable
time-worn edifice. We are reminded of the fathers of the hamlet so
many of them now slumbering in the dust, who have gone up there
through many successive years, to listen to the oracles of the most
High, as they have been expounded by those holy men, who from
time to time have ministered at its altar, — of those who have so often
mingled in the primary political assemblies, convoked, within its walls.
What recollections must be awakened, in the rainds of those who
have been intimately conversant with the history of the town for the
last fifty years, as they gaze upon it and call to remembrance so many
of their cotemporaries now at rest in the grave, who have figured
there. The new Congregational church erected in 1839 at an expense of
$2400, exclusive of the bell, stands close by the old sanctuary. It
is a neat and elegant house, constructed of wood, painted white, with
green Venetian window blinds, and is surmounted by a beautiful tower.
Tn this tower is suspended a powerful, and fine toned bell ; one of
the best in the state, which can be heard distinctly in any part oi the
town. Enoch Train, Esq. of Boston, ISIass., who was bred in the
town and has ever taken a lively interest in its prosperity, contributed
very liberally to the purchase of this bell.
At the north end of this village, within the shade of venerable
elms, and fronted by a green lawn, stands the stately dwelling ofthe
first minister of the town, now in the possession of his descendants.
This village has been the seat of a high school, which has been kept
in the autumn for several years past in the vestry, a little east of the
Meeting; houses. The coinmanding elevation on which this village is
situated, overlooks a wide expanse of country ; which presents a

op HILLSBOROUGH. 7
magnificent landscape of variegated scenery, peculiar to this region.
The beautiful and romantic village of Hillsborough Bridge is very
pleasantly located on both sides of the Contoocook river, which is
crossed here by an elegant and substantial arched granite bridge,
which gives the village its name. It is three miles southeast of the
centre village, and near the northern line of Deering, The Con
toocook by two falls of considerable extent, supplies this village with
a valuable water power. There are a number of excellent sites for
mills and factories, several of which are occupied. The main body
of the village is built upon tvvo bluffs, which rise on both sides of the
river, to the height of seventy or eighty feet above the bed of the
stream. At the lower fall by the bridge, the Contoocook is compres
sed within the distance of a single span, and the cascade of water
makes a sublime appearance as seen from below, through the arch of
the bridge. The mills, factories, and a number of dwellings are lo
cated in the river valley. This village is the seat of considerable
business, mercantile and manufacturing.
There are fifty-six dwelling houses, two churches, three stores,
two hotels, two cotton factories, two grist mills, two saw mills, two
shoe stores, one trip-hammer and axe manufactory, one lawyer, one
physician, a post office, &c. Many of the dwellings are handsome,
especially those, of recent construction and a number of them exhib
it, much neatness, and taste, in their architecture, yet the beauty of
the village is considerably diminished by the irregularity in the arrange
ment of its buildings, and the narrowness of its streets. Both Meet
ing houses are on the north side of the river, which is much the most
populous part of the village. That connected with the Congrega
tional church, is very handsomely situated, northwest of the compact
portion of the village. It was erected in 1836, at an expense of
$3300. It is an elegant and commodious structure, of the Tuscan
order of arehitecture with a good bell. The Methodist church is a
neat and convenient edifice, and stands at the northern extremity of
the village on the centre road Here are two cotton factories and
one woollen factory. The cotton factory on the north side of the
river was built in 1811, and contains 1800 spindles, and 40 looms.

ANNALS OF THE TOWN

The number of operatives employed here is about 60. Marcy s
Cotton Factory ou the south side of the Contoocook is occupied in
the manufacture of cotton yarn, wicking, &;c. It contains 512 spin
dies and employs about 16 operatives. This establishment was con
structed in 1828. This village is the centre of trade for a consid
erable extent of country around it ; and the great power for machine
ry, furnished by the falls of the Contoocook here, augurs well, for its
future growth and prosperity. It is one of the most flourishing villa
ges in this section of the state and has increased three fold within the
last twelve years, for which it is much indebted to the enterprise, and
perseverance, of Capt. Caleb Cook, agent of the north cotton fac
tory, and Mr. Joshua Marcy proprietor of the south factory.
The Lower village stands principally on a gentle swell of land,
two and a half miles northwest of the Bridge and the- same distance
southwest of the Centre village. It lies on both sides of the second
New Hampshire Turnpike road, and contains an academy building
of brick, two taverns, one store, sixteen dwelling houses, a lawyer's
office, a post office, &c. The elegant mansion of the late Governor
Pierce now the property of Gen. John McNeil, stands at the north"
ern extremity of this village.
To the north of the Lower village, on the turnpike road is a Meet
ing house, with a bell attached to it, built in 1828, for the use of the
Baptist society of the town. The Upper village on the turnpike, is
one mile and a half northwest of the Lower village, and three miles
west of the Centre village. It is a pleasant street embracing twenty
two dwellings, one tavern, two stores, a number of mechanics, &c.
A branch of the Hillsborough river passes through this village afford
ing it a good water power which is improved by several estabUshnienls
for the' manufacture of carriages, furniture, &tc.
There are three lines of stages, which pass through the town. The
line from Nashua to Claremont, N. H., Windsor and Buriington, Vt.,
passes through the town, on the turnpike daily. Also, the hne from
Nashua through Francestown to Hillsborough Upper village passes
daily through Hillsborough Bridge, and the Lower village to the Up
per village where it terminates. The line from Concord to Keene,

OF HILLSBOROUGH. 9
^•bence through Bratllcborough, Vt. to Troy,N. Y.,pas?es daily through
the Bridge village and the Lower village. All tiiese lines transport the
U.S. Mail. Hillsborough contains five churchcs,fivc hotels, six stores,
two cotton factories, one woollen factory ,two fulling mills, seven sawmills
three grist mills, five tanneries, one starch factory, thioe post offices,
seventeen school houses, two lawyers, three jihysicians, &c. Tho
total annual value of the manufactures of tho town,^ is about $40,000.
Amount of capital invested $55,000, The essential interest of the
town is agricultural, "and a majority of the inhabitants arc engaged iu
the pursuits of husbandry. Nashua, Lowell, and Boston, are tho
))rincipal marts for the exports of the town. Tlie population in Junc^
1S40, was 1808.
The first setdement in Hillsborough was Commenced in 1741. In that
year, a company of men having associated for the purpose, made theii
way from the vicinity of Bopton, through the dense and [laihless for
est, which then covered nearly the entire surliicc of thn present coun
ty of Hillsborough, and laid an encampment within the limits of this
town. The province of Massachusetts exercised jurisdiction over
this section of New Hampshire until the year 174-!, when the present
Jioundary line between the two provinces was sctilcH' by a roynl de
cision. This town had been fireviously gi-aiUcd.hy the g,overnrnent of
Massachusetts, to Col. John Hill, and  Ki.yes, both of liuston,
who had employed a surveyor, to parcel it itUo lots. It may bu
proper, before we proceed fiirther, to glance for a moment, at the stale
of this section of New Hainpshiie at that period. One huiuh'ed years
ago, the country for many miles around, was a dreary wilderness ;
the untutored savage roamed in undisturbed security, through tbe
thick forests, or glided in his light canoe over the lonely silent waters.
Every variety d forest tree indigenous to New England covered the
soil. The forests were alive with every species of wild game. The
waters abounded with salmon trout and pickerel, and other specimens
of the finny tiibes, delightful to the palate. The whole northern and
western part of the present county of Hillsborough, was then an un
broken solitude, untrodden by civilized man — wild and uncultivated
as when it came from its creator's ijand* Slight openiugs in the for-

10

ANNALS OP THE TOWN

est had been effected at New Boston, and at Peterborough. .The
setdements in these towns were nearly coeval with that of Hillsbo
rough. " A line drawn from Rochester and Barrington to Boscawen
and Concord, thence through Hopkinton, Hillsborough, and Peterbo
rough," to Keene, Swanzey, Winchester, and Hinsdale, then con-
sdtuted the frontier line. The whole region north of it, with the ex
ception of small openings at Westmoreland, and Charlestown, "occu
pied by a few families, was a gloomy forest, a fit lurking place for
savages." In 1744, a war broke out between England, and France,
known as the Cape Breton war, so called from the reduction of Lou-
isburg, on that island, in 1745, by the famous expedhion from the
New England colonies. The Indians from the northwestern fron
tiers who were in the interest of the French, embraced this opportu
nity to spread devastation, and death among tbe people who dwelt
upon the borders, regarding their encroachments, and increase, with
distrust and alarm. The residents of the frontier plantations were
accustomed in those days of peril, to fortify one private house in each
settlement, by inclosing it with a palisade, made by inserting sharpen
ed stakes of timber in the ground, to which all the inhabitants retired
for safety. The savage foe lurked in ambush in the deep recesses of
the forest, sallying forth to desolate their fields, destroy their cattle,
burn their dwellings, and butcher, or lead capuve the inhabitants.
" The husbandman cleared and tilled his land under the protection
of a guard, uncertain whether the seed he committed to the ground,
might be watered by his blood, or that of an enemy." The follow
ing extract from a ballad wrhten in commemoration of those days of
Indian incursion, will convey some idea of the dangers, which beset
the early borderers in 1746, which was two years after the commence
ment of hostilities, and the year in which the first settlers of Hillsbo
rough deserted their clearings.

" England and France a cruel war
Had with each other waged ;
Wo to the colonies ! for there
Its bloodiest contests raged.

OP HILLSBOROUGH. H
The fierce Canadians (Frenchmen ihey)
Had set the Indians on ;
'Twas sad to see for many a day,
The mischief that was done.
Houses were burnt, and catde slain.
And smiling fields laid waste :
To seek the lurking foe vvas vain,
His steps might not be traced ;
Forthe dark trackless woods conceal'd
Him, issuing whence he seized
The unwary laborer in his field,
A captive, if he pleased ;
Or else more merciful, despatched
Him at a single blow.
Then his defenceless home attacked,
And laid his loved ones low ;
Or led into captivity
The children and the wife, '
In hardship, pain, and misery,
To drag a weary Jife.
.Such scenes as these, we understand
Were acted o'er and o'er.
Beginning first at Westmoreland,
Not far from Number Four.
In both those towns, in Keene likewise.
Were killed and taken some ;
And then, eight persons by surprise.
They took in Hopkinton.
Oh ! faces gathered paleness then.
Hearts trembled with dismay ; —
Of foes without, the fears within.
Disturbed them night and day."
The descent upon Hopkinton mentioned in the above extract oc-
curedon the morning of the twenty-second of April, 1746. A party
of Indians arrived with muskets, tomahawks, knives, &c., entered a
fortified house while the inmates were buried in slumber, the door

12 ANNALS OP THE TOWN
having been left open by one who had gone out early to bunt, and
captured eight irersons. Intelligence of this disaster soon reached
the few families planted in Hillsborough, filHng them with consterna
tion and alarm. They had no stronghold within the setdement to
which they could retreat for safety. Indians were seen prowling
about the falls of the Contoocook river, near where the great bridge
now stands, at the Bridge village^ This fact very qaturally induced
the supposition that a party of tbe enemy were concealed in the vi
cinity awaiting a favorable moment to attack them.
Hastily consulting together, they determined to abandon their set
tlement, and remove to a place of greater security. Alter burying their
heavier articles of furniture and implements of husbandry, they com-
nieoeed their flight,''taking with them their lighter utensils, and driv
ing their catde. before them. Philip Riley accompanied them. He
was the first settler and .then the only inhabitant of Antrim. Two
years before he had began a clearing on the lot now forming the home
stead of Hon. Jacob Whittemore.
The first settlement of Hillsborough, had been commenced under
the auspices of the proprietors, Messrs. Hill and Keyes, who had
erected a Meeting house of frame work, and a building, intended for
a parsonage near it. This church stood on the west side of the road
leading from the Centre village to that at the Bridge, and it is believ
ed upon the spot now occupied by the barn of Mr. Seth Clark. The
par.sonage stood on the site of Mr. Clark's dwelling house. An ex
cellent church bell designed for this forest girt sanctuary was purcha
sed by Col. Hill, but was never brought here as the settlement was
soon after abandoned, and the Meeting liouse burned. The chime of
this same bell has long echoed among other hills than these, and sum
moned another people than this, to worship the God of their fathers.
It is now upon one of the churches in Groton, Mass. A plat was al
loted for a burial ground contiguous to this Meeting house, and sev-
oral persons who died during the first setdement were interred in it.
No vestige of their last resting place now remains to remind us that
once they were.
The names of the first party that settled here were James .VcCol-

OF HILLSBOROUGH. ]J
ley, Samuel Gibson, Robert McClure, James Lyon, and others,
whose names have not descended to us. They were immediately
from the vicinity of Boston. McColley, and McClure however,and
perhaps others of the party, were natives of Ireland. The wife of
James McColley, was the only woman in the setdement for the first
year ; nor during this time was her vision greeted, by the sight of a
single female. McColley erected the first habitation which was rude
ly constructed of logs, and stood on the ground now occupied by
the residence of Mr. Cyrus Sargent, at the Bridge, and by the side
of a huge rock which was blasted in 1824, The first child horn in
town, vvas the late Lieut. John McColley, who first saw the light in
this log hut, January 18th, 1742. The second person born here was
Elizabeth, daughter of Samuel Gibson, who was born May 19th, of
the same year,Jn a log house, near the site of the dwelling of Mr,.
Benjamin Spaulding. These children went to Litchfield with their
parents at the breaking up of the first setdement, where they resided
until 1763. After the commencement of the second seulement of
Hillsborough, Col. Hill who frequently travelled through Litchfield,
on his way from Boston to Hillsborough, became acquainted with
these young people, and proposed to th,em that they should marry
each othpr, and as an inducement offered them one hundred acres of
land in Hillsborough, if they would accede to his proposition. They
complied, vvere married, and removed to Hillsborough, when they re
ceived the hundred acre tract, and hved in the enjoyment of domestic
felicity for more than sixty years.
At an eaily age Lieut. McColley entered the service of the King,
while New-Hampshire was a colony against the French and Indians,
and vvas present at some of their most desperate engagements. He
was afterwards in the war of the revoluUon among the New-Hamp
shire militia, that was called out to meet Burgoyne's army. By his
correct habits, his benevolence, and integrity of character', he secur
ed through a long life the esteem of his fellow citizens. He died
Dec. 22, 1834, at the advanced age of ninety-two. — At the time of
the dissolution ofthe first setdement, the number of famihes was not
less than eight or ten. They had located themselves at six different

14 ANNALS OP THE TOWN
places in the town ; the most northerly on the farm now constituting
the homestead of Mr. Benjamin Kimball ; the most westerly on Bi
ble hill. None of the first settlers ever returned to Hillsborough to
reside permanently. Robert McClure came here about the year
1775, and laid claim to his land. He remained however but a short
time. Several of the children of the first colonists afterwards estab
lished themselves in the town, and their descendants are among its
present inhabitants.
For more than fifteen years from the dispersion of the first settlers
in 1746, the town was destitute of inhabitants. The conquest of
Canada, and the terminaUon ol the second French war in 1760,
having removed the danger of savage incursions, the second settle
ment of the town was commenced under more favorable circumstan
ces than the first. During the interval which elapsed between these
two periods, Col. Hill had become sole proprietor of the town. He
derived his title from a grant of Massachusetts while she had authori
ty over this section of New-Hampshire, confirmed by a quitclaim
from the Masonian proprietors. In J 763, he employed the late
Daniel Campbell, Esq. of Amherst to survey the town into Jots which
he did, with an accuracy, unusual at that period. The second set
dement was commenced about the year 1762 by Daniel McMurphy,
who came from Cheshire, now Chester in this State, and fixed his
residence on Bible Hill. The traces of his cellar are yet visible in
the orchard of Deacon F. W. Symonds. On one occasion he was
absent at Cheshire more than two weeks, leaving his wife entirely
alone with no human habitadon nearer than Nevv Boston. How
desolate must have been her situation, in this dreary solitude ! She
afterwards related that on one occasion so overpowered was she by
a sense of her loneliness, and so desirous to hear the sound of a
human voice answering to her own, that at midnight, when no sound
vvas audible, save the distant howl of the famished wolf, and the dis
mal moan of the waving pine — she went forth from her hut and cried
aloud at the height of her voice, that she might hear the responsive
echo resounding through the dim aisles of the forest. Mr. McMur
phy a few years subsequent removed to the town of Hill in Grafton
Couniy. VViihin one or two years from the date of McMurphy's es-

OP HILLSBOROUGH. 15
tablishment in Hillsborough, he was followed by other setders. The
individuals whose names follow, vvere heads of families in 1767, five
years after Mc]\Iurphy located himself here : — John McColley, Capt.
Samuel Bradford, senior, Lieut. Samuel Bradford, Jonathan Durant,
Joshua Easty, Timothy Wilkins, John Gibson, Samuel Gibson,
William WilHams, Benjamin Lovejoy, William Pope, Jonathan Sar
gent, Moses Steel, Isaac Baldwin, William Taggart, Isaac Andrews.
Of these, McColley and the two Gibsons were from Litchfield,
sons of the first setders ofthe town. Capt. S. Bradford, sen., was
from Middleton, Ms. where he had kept a public house. He set
tled on Bible hill, was the first tavern-keeper — was captain of the
first company of mditia formed in the town, and built the first saw
and grist mill in the town. He died in August 1776, universally re
spected. Lieut. Samuel Bradford, "(no connexion of the last nam
ed) was from Amherst in this state, married Anna daughter of John
Washer of Amherst, who died in 1833 at an advanced age. Lieut.
Bradford died in Antrim Feb. 5th, 1813, aged 74, Jonathan Durant
was from Billerica Mass. Joshua Easty from Middleton, Mass. —
Timothy Wilkins was from Carhsle, Mass. setded on the farm now
occupied by Mr. Ebenezer Jones. He returned to Carlisle and died
there. William Williams was from Sudbury, Mass. and died here.
Benjamin Lovejoy was from Amherst,' removed from Hillsborough
to Westminster, Vt. Wihiam Pope and Isaac Baldwin were from
Sudbury, Mass. Jonathan Sargent was from Bradford, Mass.
Isaac Andrews from Cariisle, Mass. and Moses Steel from London
derry. Wilham Taggart was from Derryfield, now Manchester.
When the second setdement was commenced, a young growth of
wood had sprung up over tbe clearings of the former setders — one
house only (the parsonage) remained, every other dwelHng had been
burned by the Indians. The best authenticated account of the de
struction of the meeting-house, is that a man by the name of Keyes,
from Weare, who happened this way, having secured the glass, which
he buried, set the house on fire, for the mere gratification of seeing
it burn. Ample proof is furnished, that this town was much visited by the

10 ANNALS OF THE TOWN
Indians; doubdess of the Penacook tribe by the various relics such
as spoons or ladles, probably used in eating— pestles wilh which they
pulverised their corn ; tomahawks, hooks, Sic. all wrought of stone,
which have been frequently upturned by the plough of the husband
man, from the light soil on banks of the streams".
In 1772 the town vvas incorporated. There being at that time
twenty-two freeholders in the place. Isaac Andrews, Esq. vvas the
agent of the inhabitants in procuring the act. He employed the
Rev.- James Scales, the first minister in Hopkinton, to draft a peti
tion to the Governor and Council for a charter of incorporation. The
Charter bears date Nov. 14, 1772, and was issued in the name of
" George the Third, by the grace of God, of Great Britain, France
and Ireland, King, Defender ofthe Faith, he. by and with the advice
of our trusty and well-beloved John Wentworth, Esquire, Governor
and commander in chief, of our province of New- Hampshire." The
boundaries of the tpwn given in this instrument are as follows, viz.
Beginning at the southeast corner at a beach tree marked 7, from
thence south, 84 degrees and 30 minutes west, about 6 miles by the
society lands so called, to a beech tree marked 7, and 8, from thence
84 degrees and 30 minutes east, about 6 miles to a beech tree mark
ed 7, from thence, about 6 miles by the tovvn of Henniker to the
bounds first mentioned. AU the white pine trees there, being and
growing in the town were reserved in the charter for tbe use of the
Royal Navy. This reservation was not very favorably regarded by
the people. In the preceding month of April of that year, " Mr.
Sheriff Whiting, the first high Sheriff of the County of Hillsborough,
had proceeded to the neighboring tovvn of Weare, to arrest one
Mudgett, who had been charged with the heinous crime of trespass
ing on the king's timber, — or of cutting some goodly tree on his own
land, which might have made a very pretty mast for his Majesty's
Navy, Mudgett, being arrested late in the afternoon, requested tbe
sheriff to wait until the next morning, when 'he. would procure saus-
factory bail. Early the next morning, a mob collected and adminis
tered a portion ofthe Law Lynch, by beating the sherilT, (and after
they bad trimmed his steed's inane, tail, and ears— and seated him

OP HILLSBOROUGH. 17
in his saddle in a position, the reverse of that usual for Equestrians) —
escorted him out of tovvn."
Col. Hill, paid Gov. Wentworth what would in otir present New-
England currency, amount to more than fifty dollars, as a fee, for
signing the charter, upon condition that the town should take the
name of Hillborough in honor of himself. It accordingly received
this name in the charter. It soon however acquired - the name of
Hillsborough, by convendonal usage, and the s, has, ever since been
inserted. Perhaps, from the circumstance, that the county was call
ed Hillsborough, which name is supposed Jo be derived from Wills
Hills, the Earl of HiHsborbugh, who was one of the privy council
of George the Third, and whose residence was at Hillsborough in
the county of Down in Ireland. The town had originally borne the
name of Number Seven, of the frontier towns. The first meeting
under the charter was holden Nov. 24th, 1772, at the Inn of Capt.
Samuel Bradford, senior, on Bible hill. Capt. Isaac Baldwin, vvho
had been authorised to call the first meeting of the inhfibitants, pre
sided as moderator. 1st. It was voted to accept of the charter.
Isaac Andrews was elected town clerk, and Isaac Andrews, John
McColley, Daniel McNeil, Isaac Baldwin, and William Pope, were
chosen selectmen.
During the fifteen years that elapsed after the second settlement
vvas begun, before the erection of a house of worship, the inhabitants
were accustomed to assemble for religious services in a barn during
the warm season, and in the winter they met in a dwelling-house.
Col. Hill gave ten acres of land near the centre of the town for the
site of a meeung-house, burial ground, and common. He also re
served between two and three hundred acres of land, as a gift to the
first setUed minister in the town. His impaired fortunes prevented
further benefactions;
In the autumn of 1772, a proposal was made by the church and
town unitedly, to the Rev. Jonathan Barnes to setde with them in
the gospel ministry, to which he acceded and was ordained Nov. 25ih,
of that year in the barn of Lieut, Samuel Bradford, on Bible hill ;
the same that was burnt by Hghtning in July 1831. The ladies
r.

Jy ANNALS or THE TOWTT

were accc

ommodated with seats in the centre. This beautiful erni-
nence received the appellaUon of Bible hill, from the circumstance
that for a considerable period the only large Bibles in the town were
owned by Deacons Isaac Andr-ews, and Joseph Symonds who resid
ed upon this hill.
The vote for building the second Meeting-house in Hillsborough,
was passed May 4th, 1773, The town voted to build a Meeting- '
house on the land which Col. Hill gave for the purpose of the fol
lowing dimensions : 35 feet in length, 30 wide, and one story
high. It was not completed until 1779, so as to be used for meet-
mgs. Public worship was probably held in it while in an unfinished-
state, as we are told that the Rev. Mr. Barnes went home with his
boots filled with water, which bad fallen upon hira while preaching in
it during a violent shower. This edifice was occupied as a church
until the present tovvn-house was finished, in 1792. If stood a litde
nordi of that building, in the centre ofthe church yard. The Rev.
Mr. Barnes vvas buried on the precise spot where the pulpit had
stood. It was removed in 1794, to a site a few rods south of the
vestry, where it was fitted up for a school-house. David Dodge^
Esq., now of Chariestown, Mass., kept a select school in it for sev
eral years, which was in high repute.
In 1 789, it was voted in tovvn meeting to build a new house of
worsliip 62 feet long, 50 feet wide, and 2 stories high, with three
porches, and a committee of three were appointed to superintend its
erection. It was raised in September, 1789, but not completed for
two or three years. Deacon Ephraim Barker of Amherst, wlio died
ra the year 1800, was die master workman. The raising of a Meet
ing-house, vvas in those days an event of no ordinary interest. It
vvas considered the work of two days. A great note of preparation
was sounded ; and people came from distant towns to Vvitness the
spectacle ; a committee were appointed raisers, and ample provision
made to entertain strangers. This spacious temple was the third
Meeting-house erected in town. It is now used as a town-house.
At this period before people had become so delicate and luxurious
as novv, there was no fire in the church in winter. It was first intro-

DP HILLSBOROUGH. ] Ci
Sliced about the year 1820. For many years the meetings in the
winter were held in the Rev. Mr. Barnes's kitchen, a much more
comfortable place we may very readily suppose, than a large, cold
cheerless house.
In 1775, hostilities between this country and Great-Britain were
commenced. At this period the setdement contained but 40 families.
Their number was considerably augmented, by emigradon, before
the close of the war. The spirit of resistance to the oppressive
measures of the British government, extended even to this remote
settlement among the hills. The inliabitants of this tovvn entered
with patriotic ardor into the excitement of the contest. They con
tributed their full quota of men, and means to prosecute the war.
March 30th, 1775, it was voted, in town meeUng, to procure a town
stock of ammunition in anticipadon of the approaching conflict. June
14th, 1775, in aompliance with a recoramendauon of Congress, a
committee of inspection, or safety was clMsen, consisting of three
persons, viz : Capt. Samuel Bradford, sen., Timothy Wilkins, and
Samuel Bradford, Jun. In August of the same year, the -Rev. Mr.
Barnes in consideration of the extraordinary difficulties under which
they then labored, relinquished a portion of his salary for that year,
to die town, as a free gift. March 51st, 1777, it was voted to- carry-
on their proportion of the war by tlirns, which vote was annuled,
August '5th, 1779. Sept. 22, 1780, it was voted to assess nine
thousand seven hundred and two pounds, on the inhabitants of the
town, to purchase beef for the American arrfiy. It seems unneces
sary, to record further the proceedings of the town in relation to the
various events of the war. A majority of the able bodied men in the
town served in the army personally, many others by substitute. A
list of those who engaged in the service from Hillsborough is here
presented. Isaac Baldwin, Ammi Andrews, Isaac Andrews, jun'r.
Moses Steel, William Pope, Thomas Murdough, Samuel Murdough,
Solomon Andrews, John McNeil, Silas Cooledge, Samuel Bradford,
junr., John McColley, Samuel Symonds, William Booth, Asa Wil
kins, Nathan Taylor, William Taggart, James Taggart, Archibald
Tajgart, Joseph Taggart, John Taggart, Robert Taggart, Nathaniel

20 ANNALS OF THE TOWN
Johnson, Jacob Flint, James Gibson, William Jones, jun., Baxter
How This list is by no. means complete. Twenty-seven only are
here enumerated ; probably more than thirty from the town were
personally engaged in the service during the war. This will give us
a very favorable idea of the patriotism of our citizens, if we bear la
mind' that the number of rateable polls did not at any time during the
war, exceed forty-three. The brave Capt. Isaac Baldwin ofthe list,
given above, was born in Sudbury, Mass., in 1736. He married
Eunice Jennison of Natick, !\Iass., and removed to Hillsborough, in
17G6— being the fifth family that came into the town, after the sec
ond setdement. Capt. B. had been a fellow-soldier with the immor
tal Stark, in the renowned company of rangers, commanded by
Maj. Robert Rogers, during the old French and Indian war. It is
stated in Everett's life of Stark, that Baldwin had fought in twenty
battles, in former wars. While framing a barn in Deering, .the tid
ings of the battle of Lexington, were communicated to him. He
hastened to his home and collected a band of volunteers who imme
diately set out for the scene of action. On reaching Hollis they were
informed, that a British fleet had pommenced an attack upon Ports
mouth. On hearing this, they turned their course, and had proceed
ed to Thornton's Ferry, in Merrimack, vvhere they learned that the
rumor was false. On being assured of this, they again pursued their
course in the direction of Boston. They stopped over the sabbath,
in Billerica, Mass. where they attended church in a body, and lis
tened to a patriotic discourse from the Rev. Di-. Henry Cummings,
then minister of that town. Soon after their arrival at head quarters
of the American army, a large company was enrolled under the com
mand of Captain Baldwin, John Hale of Hopkinton vvas Lieutenant,
and Stephen Hoit, (father to General Hoit of Sandwich, Ensign.)
This company, which belonged to Col. Stark's regiment, was com
posed principally of volunteers from the towns of Hopkinton, Hills
borough, and Henniker. They quartered at Medford, June 17lh,
1775, the day of the battle of Bunker-hill. They were detached
with several other companies, from Medford to the battle ground, on
Bunker-hill. About 12 o'clock at noon, the valiant Maj. Andrew

OP HILLSBOROUGH. 21
McClary from Epsom had command of this detachment. Captain
Baldwin was mortally wounded about 1 o'clock, P. M., by a musket
ball which lodged in his breast. He was immediately borne from the
hill by two privates of his company, Lt. John M'Neil, and James
Gibson, and died about sunset. After his death, the fatal ball was
extracted by Lieut. Ammi Andrews, who sent it to his widow— ^a sad
memento of that dire event, which made her a widow, and her chil
dren fatherless. His remains were interred in the burial ground, in
Medford, Mass. He left a wife and four children, and a fifth vvas
born several weeks after his decease. The intelHgence of Captain
Baldwin's death filled the peaceful community where he resided with
grief, and mourning. Deeply did they sympathize with his heart-
stricken widow. He was emphatically the pride of his townsmen.
His kind heart, cheerful disposition, and amiable manners, had great
ly endeared him to his fellow-citizens. Truly may it be said of him,
None knew him but to love him, '^ none named him but to praise."
Lieut. Ammi Andrews, was another revolutionary worthy of our
town. He was born in Ipswich, Mass. but came to Hillsborough
when a young man and setded on the land, now occupied by the Up
per village. At one period of his life he was the proprietor of the
whole site of that village, and of the circumjacent land to a consider
able extent. Lieut. Andrews served through the whole of the revo-
lutioary war, with the rank of a heutenant. He shared with Col.
Arnold, the dangers and privations, of the memorable expediuon to
Quebec, 1775, where he was taken prisoner, by the Brhish, but soon
afterwards exchanged. He was wounded in several engagements
and exhibited signal valor, and untiring vigilance in fighting the battles
of his country. Many daring exploits, which he achieved in perilous
situations, during that contest are related of him. One incident of
this description is narrated as follows. While the American army
lay encamped in winter quarters, in the latter part of the winter of
1775, — 76, three miles from the city of Quebec, Col. Arnold wish
ed to ascertain the strength and position of the British garrison, that
he might be able to judge of the expediency of again attempting the
reduction of the city. The only possible methotl of gaining this in-

22 ANNALS OF THE TOWN ,
telliaience, was by the capture of a British sendnel. He intimated
his desire to his soldiers, and Lieut. Andrews volunteered his servi
ces for the undertaking. It was suggested by one that he oUght to
be provided with the best gun in the army. " Is it a living, or a dead
man, that yciu.wish .•"' inquired the lieutenant. " If you request one
alive, I do not wish to be encumbered with a gun," Scaling the walls
of the city inthe darkness of the night, he awaited a favorable mo
ment to seize the sentry, who was pacing his lonely round, armed
with a musket. Lieut. A. sprang upon him and grappled him by the
throat assuring him that his life depended upon his silence. Descend
ing the precipice very cautiously, he escorted his prisoner three miles
through the snow, to the American camp. Lieut. Andrews died
March 30, 1833, at the age of 97.
Capt. Samuel Bradford, Jr., son of Capt, Samuel Bradford, sen'r
was a nadve of Middleton, Mass., but removed when quite young. to
HUlsborough, with his parents. At the corhmencement of the revo
lutionary war, at the age of seventeen, he enlisted in Capt. Baldwin's
company as an orderly sergeant. After the battle of Bunker hill he
received an ensign's coraiiiission,^— performed adjutant's duty, for
more than two years in Stark's regiment, and before the close of the
war, was appointed a lieutenant. He served through most of that
struggle, and was in many of its severest engagements. The urbani
ty of his manners, the probity of his character, and those patriodc
services in the war that secured our hberties, won for him the esteem
and respect, of the the circle of acquaintance in which he moved.
He died in Aeworth, July 23, 1833, aged 80 years.
Lieut, John McNeil, vvas a native of Derryfield, now Manchester,
where he was born in 1756. He was the son of Daniel McNeil, vvho
removed from Manchester to Hillsborough, in 1771, and setded on
the farm novv occupied by Dea, Tristram Sawyer. He was acciden
tally drowned in 1790. Lieut. McNeil was a private in C^pt. Bald
win's, company in the hatde of Bunker hiU, and aissisted in convey
ing that lamented oflicer from the field, after he was mortally wound
ed. He served several years in the war, and was in the battle of
Bennington. Lieut. McNeil Hved to an advanced age, engaged in

OP HILLSBOROUGH. 23
the peaceful avocations of husbandry, sustaining the relations of a
father, and a citizen, with the respect of society, and the deep regard
of children, who will ever cherish his remembrance, with filial. grau-
tude. He died. Sept, 29, 1836, aged 79 years. He married Lucy;
eldest daughter of Isaac Andrews, Esq., who yet survives him.
Their children were Mary, who inarried James Wilson, Esq., born
July 6, J779. Gen. Solomon McNeil, born Jan. 15, 178S. Gen.
John McNeil, born March 25, 17S4. Lucy, born in April 1786,
and died in infancy.
Two of the soldiers from Hillsborough, Lt. Ammi Andrews, and
James Taggart, accompanied Gen. Arnold, (then Colonel) in his
dreary march to Quebec. In 1781, when a requisition was made,
by General Washington for more troops, the town, in order to en
courage men to volunteer, gave a bounty to a nuniber vvho enlisted.
This bounty was more than equivalent to what a laboring man would
have received, if he had remained at home to work on a farm. On
account of the great depreciation of the currency, it was deemed
more just to the soldiers, and for the town, to pay this bounty in
something not subject to siich diminution in value as the condnental
money. This bounty was entirely independent of the regular pay
they received. It was agreed that' each soldier should receive twen
ty head of catUe, to he as many months old, as he should serve months
in the army, the payriient to be made-at the termination of his period
of service. A bond "was given hy the town, for the payment of this
bounty, The paper currency, known as condnental money, continu
ed to depreciate till near the close of the war, when it had fallen so
low that a hundred dollars in paper, were worth but one in silver, so
much had it depreciated, that Mr. Daniel Killom paid $10,000, for a
farm worth, perhaps ^100, in spetie. He sold another farm, and re
ceived his pay in rye, at $75,00 a bushel. 'The price of a meal of
pork and potatoes was $50,00, aiid the salary of the Rev. Mr. Barnes,
was one year, only sufficient to purchase him a pig, although the town
indemnified him, to the full amount of his salary. As loans and sup
plies from Europe, introduced a metalic currency, the paper ceased

24 ANNALS OF THE TOWN
to circulate; but not till it had involved in absolute ruin, many indi
viduals. Col. John Hill, the original proprietor and eariy patron of the town,
died in 1776, at his residence in Boston. At one period of his hfe
he was a man of considerable afHuence, but sul)sequently embarked
in an enterprise, which promised to be of considerable advantage fo
the city of his abode. It did not, however, realize the expectations
of its prosecutors, and consequently, involved him in a pecuniary em
barrassment. He was a man of considerable "prominence in Boston,
of dignified deportment and urbane manners. He frequently visited
Hillsborough, and was received by the inhabitants with the most re
spectful deference. For many years his stated price for land was fif
ty cents an acre. Several extensive lots, in the north east part ofthe
town, were mortgaged by him, to secure individuals who had loaned
him money, which he was never able to pay and, consequently, . the
land w.ent into the possession of his creditors. In this manner, Gov.
James Bowdoin, of Massachusetts, acquired one thousand acres, in
the northeast secdon of the town ; and a Mr. Green of Boston, a
tract of eight hundred. The first settlement, made in this part of
the town, was commenced by John Hartvvell from Concord, Mass.
and Thaddeus Munroe, from Carlisle, who came here in 1780, ac
companied by their famihes.
The first bridge over the Contoocook river built in -Hillsborough,
was erected of wood in 1779, on the site ofthe present stone bridge,
and was reconstructed in 1796. Daniel McNeil was employed by the
town, as architect to rebuild the same in 1809. The town deeming
it advisable to have a bridge of more substantial material ;, constructed
in 1824 abridge of split stone, excepting forty feet in the middle
which was buih of wood. Mr. Squires F. Clement, supervised this
work. In 1839, this bridge was elevated five feet, 'with a new stone
railing, and the present elegant granite arch substituted in lieu of the
woodwork ofthe former bridge. Messrs. Reed and Thompson of
Keene were the contractors. January 21, 1788, Lieut. Robert B.
Wilkins was chosen as delegate from HiUsborough in cunjunction,
with Henniker, to attend the convention, which sat at Exeter, in Feb-

OP HILLSBOROUGH. 25
ruary of that year, for the purpose of deciding, so far as it respected
New-Hampshire, the momentous que.stion of adopting, or rejecting
the Federal Constitution. Lieut. Wilkins resided at the Bridge vil
lage several years. He was a native of Amherst and removed from
this town to Concord, and thence to Boston, about one year prior to
his death, which occurred in August 1832, at the age of seventy-
seven years. Lieut. W. was characterized by an inexhaustible fund
of humour, and great powers of anecdote, which rendered him an
agreeable companion in the social circle. He entered die service ol
his country at the commencement of the Revolutionary war, and serv
ed until its close, with a high reputation as a heroic officer. He was
wounded in the batde of Bunker hill. Through the year 1780, he
officiated as quarter-master, in the detachment commanded by Gen.
Lafayette, and during this time, became intimately acquainted
with that illustrious officer, and was presented by him with the entire
suit bf an officer for his daring exploit, in taking some catde from the
British at their fort at Poules Hook, opposite New York city. Lt.
W. was a great favorite with the officers of his regiment, who famil
iarly styled him " Bob Wilkes." When Gen. Lafayette visited Con
cord in 1825, Lieut. Wilkins was formally introduced to him as one
of his former companions in arms. The lapse of nearly half a century
had wrought such changes on his person, that the General did not at
first recognise him. An allusion by the lieutenant, to some incident
which occurred during their intercourse in the army, at once revived
his recollection, and he fell upon his neck and tenderly embraced him
exclaiming, " Oh, Bob Wilkes, Bob Wilkes." Both were visibly af
fected, and Lafayette wept audibly. The interview was witnessed
with intense interest by the bystanders.
In October 1 785, Joseph Symonds was chosen by the town to pre
sent their petitions to the General Assembly of the State ; and I
have been informed that he served as delegate to that body, from
Hillsborough two or more years, although there is no mention made
of it in the town records. Tn 1791, Benjamin Pierce was elected to
represent the town in the convention holden for the revision of the
constitution of New Hampshire.
D

26 ANNALS OF THE TOWN
It may be proper to glance for a moment, at the habits, mannei
and customs of the eariier inhabitants of Hillsborough. The majori
of them vvere of the Puritan stock ; and they inherited much of t
self denying spirit which distinguished that noble race of men. A
other Considerable portion of the early settlers, were of the Londg
derry stock, which emigrated from the north of Ireland, their ance
tors being originally from Scodand. In the seventeenth century cc
sidcrable numbers of the Scotch were induced, by large grants
land, from James the First, to settle in the north of Ireland, whe
their posterity remained, distinct from the inhabitants of that count]
They were Scotch Presbyterians, and with the hope of enjoyi
their religious liberty, they came to America about the year 171
They subsequently settled in Londonderry, whence some of the fi
inhabitants of Hillsborough emigrated. The McNeil's, the McCl
lock's, the McCIary's, the McColley's, the McClure's, the Cunnir
ham's, the McAlisters's, the Taggart's, the Steele's, the Wilsor
the Gibson's, the Houston's, and several other famihes were of t
origin. They were an active, cool headed, warm hearted, mirth Jc
ing people. Descended as most of them were from the Pilgrin
and Scoth covenanters, they had been trained to habits of industi
perseverance, and self denjal, which "peculiarly fitted them for pic
eers in the wilderness. When we take into view the difficulties thi
encountered, we almost wonder at the courage and hardihood d
played in surmounting them. Their lands were encumbered w
thick forests. They had no roads save paths marked by spotted tre
They endured hardships almost inconceivable in transporUng th
necessaries over diese rough ways. We are told that it required thi
men lo steady the vehicle which conveyed the furniture of the R(
Mr. Barnes, from Amherst to this tovvn. They had no bridges, i
were obliged lo ford the streams which were often swollen, so as
be impassible. They possessed but fevv implements of husbandi
Their dweHings were at first rude huts, built of logs and furnished w
none of the luxuries, and comparatively few, ofthe conveniences of li
" Through years of toil, through years of want,
They bravely struggled on ;
Ahd lo ! the forest melts away,
The sturdy pines are gono,"

OF HlLL.'iBOROUGH.

Their manner of hving was extremely simple. When Uiey had
milk, a considerable part of their food vvas bread and milk. In the
winter when they had no milk, they made great account of bean
porridge, samp broth, pork, and beans, &c. Tea, coffee, sugar and
molasses, were daindes which they seldom afforded ; and. equally re
moved from the extravagance of modern dmes, was their style of
dress. In those days, a man deemed a suit manufactured by his wife
or daughter, sufficiently good for him to wear on most occasions, and
our grandmothers made their afternoon visits in a short loose gown,
with a checked apron, and neck kerchief, which their own hands had
spun. For a number of years after the setdement of the tovvn, no
carriages were used, and all journies were performed on horse back.
The good man and his wife were accustomed to ride to church upon
the same horse ; she silting on a pillion behind him, and not unfre
quently carrying a child in her arms ; while another, was mounted on
the pommel of the saddle before its father. No person thought of
purchasing, or exchanging a horse without making the inquiry, " can
she carry double .'" as some, otherwise valuable animals were in the
habit of- elevaung their heels, to tesdfy their displeasure at being thus
double jaded. In winter when the snow was deep, a pair of oxen-
were attached to a sled, and the whole family rode to meeting upon
an oxsied. Sometimes too, an entire household, sealed upon an ox-
sled, would set out in the morning to spend the day with a ft-iend six
or seven miles distant. What would our railroad travellers in these
days say lo such a mode of conveyance .' But alas ! the day of in
vention had not then arrived. Steam had not then as now, been made
to expedite every kind of business, even to that of ridding the doc
tor of his patients. In former days, greater quandties of snow fell
in winter than novv, and snow shoes were much in vogue. About
forty years since sleighs took the place ot sleds. At, first double
sleighs were used of- sufficient size to accommodate six or eight per
sons. Single <;ullers were soon after' introduced. Waggons were
substituted for riding on horse back, about the year 1812. The first
chaise owned in town, belonged to Sir. John Shed, and the second,
10 Dea.- Joseph Symonds. These were introduced about the year

28 ANNALS OP THE TOWN
180ft. Inured to constant labor and exposure thefirst setdeishere
were a hardy race. They were not ashamed to bear the reputation
of working men. On the contrary, indolence was a lasting dis
grace. The females assisted in what they termed the lighter, out
door work, such as raking hay, pulling flax, &:c. It is authentically
stated that the wife of Thomas Murdough, the first settler on tbe farm
novv owned by the town, as the poor farm, was accustomed to travel
twice daily, nearly three miles through the woods to Maj. Andrews's
to milk her cows, when the weather would permit. What language
would this hardy grandmother and her cotemporaries, employ in ad
dressing a rebuke to some young ladies of this degenerate age, who
not only deem it quite ungenteel to milk at all, but who flee from the
presence of the harmless cows as from beasts of prey.
The marriage ceremony was most commonly performed at the
house of the clergyman, after which the newly married couple mount
ed upon one horse and rode lovingly to their habitation. Not unfre
quently as they passed along they were saluted from the various
dwellings on the way by the firing of muskets. This custom, how
ever, pertained only to the Scotch Irish portion of the people. They
were met by a party of their friendsj, who accompanied them to their
home, where the evening was passed in every species of joUty and
mirth. Among the amusements common at that period, may be
mentioned, quilting parties. The young women assembled in the
afternoon and plied their needles industriously till evening, when the
young men came in, and country dances filled up the remainder of
the evening. In Autumn, husking frolics, terminated by a dance,
furnished fine amusement,. Somewhat later the apple bee became
common. Dancing parties have always been customary, but are
much less so now than formerly. Balls, and sleigh rides, have ever
been favorite 'pastimes.
Notwithstanding the sagacity, and good sense possessed by the
earlier inhabitants, most of them refigiously believed in the'existence
of witches, and the appearance of ghosts. Many too, doubted not
that the evil one sometimes assumed a bodily form, and honored
those whose conduct met his approbation, with a personal interview^.

OP HILLSBOROUGH. 29
Mrs, Robinson, whose husband kept a tavern at the top of a high bill
in Deering, was among the noted witches of this vicinity. As our
townsmen were ascending this hill with loaded teams, their cattle
would suddenly halt ; nor could they be induced to move until the
teamster had gone to the tavern for a glass of toddy, when they
would go briskly forward. It was really supposed that Mrs. Robin
son compelled the beasts to stop until she had sold their driver a lit
de of " something to drink," when the spell was removed. It is ap
prehended that this is not the only tavern, where witches have re
sided. Another reputed witch, was a Mrs. Gilchrist of Irish extrac
tion, who dwelt.alone in a small house in the southwest part of the
town. She was in aspect, such a person as would be generally se
lected for a witch ; — -.being a small, lean, sallow, shrivelled, old wo
man, universally known as " Aunt Jenny." If any of her neighbors
had difficulty in bringing their butter it was ascribed to the evil in ¦
fluence of " Aunt Jenny," whereupon they would heat a horseshoe
red hot, and cast it into the churn. The moment this was done an
other person, who stood ready at the door, would run with all possi
ble speed and peep in at her window to see if she was not burned
by the horse shoe. One of her neighbors to whom she was no
friend, was suddenly prostrated to the floor, unable to move. One
person who was present remarked, that she did not beheve that any
power on earth could raise him from the floor. After summoning a
council of their relatives, it was concluded to send for the minister
to come and pray with hira. At the mention of prayer the charm
was dissolved, and he arose from the floor. On another occasion,
one of Aunt Jenny's neighbors was passing her cottage, with an ox
cart, containing three barrels of cider, when on a sudden, the pin
which fastened the cart to the yoke, although the head of it was
much larger th an the hole in whjch it was inserted, dropped through
and disengaged the oxen from the cart ; nor could he by any means get
started again, until he had presented Aunt Jenny, with one of his
barrels of cider. Another instance of Aiint Jenny's evil agency, is
gravely related as follows : some young ladies, who lived on the op
posite side of the way from the old woman, and who had in some

So ANNALS OF THE TOWN
way offended her, intended to ride out one summer's afternoon, ahd
for this purpose had the horse put into the barn. Aunt Jenny said
to them in her Irish brogue, "May be ye'll nae gie there ;" and sure
enough, they did not ; for on going to the barn to tackle the horse,
which was usually steady, and unaccustomed to such pranks, escap
ed at a small stable window, and after performing various anticks,
capered offal a furious pace, for more than three miles, and it em
ployed several men a number of hours in securing it. An individu
al in her vicinity becoming enraged at an old sheep in his flock,
which exhibited symptoms analogous to hydrophobia, struck it a vio^
lent blow which f\'actured one of its legs. Immediately Aunt Jen
ny fell to the floor of her cottage, ahd after hngering a few weeks in
great agony, expired. One ofthe neighbors who was employed to
watch at her bed-side during the night, was strictly charged by a
good woman of the neighborhood, believing that Aunt Jenny's end
drew nigh, not to leave her, as she had heard that witches never suf
fered any one to witness their death, and wtis anxious to test the
truth of this current belief. Once in the night he left her bedside
for a moment to get a paper from a table which stood near. His
attention was withdrawn but a few seconds, but when he again di
rected his glance to her, she was dead. These are a fevv of the
many samples given us of the wonderful power of whches. Horse
shoes, witch-hazel rods, and silver, were considered eiiectual pre-
venuves of their evil influence. I vvould by no means convey the
impression that the people of Hillsborough vvere particularly super-
sdtious. It is apprehended that the annahst of nearly every town in
New-England, of the same population, might relate quite as many,
if not more instances of the gross delusion of witch-craft which
prevailed so extensively a century since, and which appears to have
been so deeply iihbedded in the popular mind. The increasing in
fluence of popular education, is rapidly doing away these errors * and
superstitions The situation ofthe town with respect to educadon, is very difier-

• To any who ra^iy believe Uiat witcheraft is not a supcrstitioua fallacy the Derusil of
a bookenutled, '¦ !,.ctuvo. on ti.o Salem " Witchcrart/ ' by the Rev. ChlhiTw Ztm
ol that city, 13 rcL., "J Ltluily commended. --jiariei, vv, upnara

op HILLSBOROUGH. 31
ent from its state fifty and sixty years ago. The first school kept in
HiUsborough, was taught by George Bemaine, about the year 1770,
in a log school-house which stood a few rods west of Mr. Daniel
Templeton's, on the north side of the road leading from the Lower
village to the Bridge. Bemaines wasa native of England.; but
came to this country in early life widi his parents, who belonged to
the British army. He deserted the army before he arrived at man
hood, came to Hillsborough and taught school in this town, and die
vicinity a number of years prior to the revolutionary war. . He en
tered the American army at the commencement of our struggle for
independence, and was killed in the batde at White Plains, New-
York, in September 1776. He was a school-mate of the famous
Dilworlh, the author of the spelling-book, received an excellent edu
cation, and is said to have excelled particularly in penmanship. The
first female who taught school in the town, was a Mrs. Muzzey, a
widow lady from Sudbury, IMass., who instructed here several years.
In the infancy of the town many young men were accustomed to
resort in the winter season tb the Rev. 3Ir. Barnes for instruction
in the rudiments of an English education. The first record respect
ing the town schools bears date, 1780. It was voted in that year to
raise one hundred pounds for the support of schools. In 1792, a vote
was passed to raise twenty-five pounds for common schools, exclu
sive of what the rate required., Dilworth's spelling book was then
the fountain of learniug. The Psalter and a simple tteatise on arith
metic were used in some of the schools. Choosing sides and spel
ling once a week was the food, dinner, and dessert of ambition, and
the school masters ferule the principal stimulant. Saturday noons,
the little square blue primmer, containing the catechism and command
ments, Watt's cradle hymns, furnished scholars with their quantum
of religious instruction^ and with these facilities and materials, the
young mind was to be advanced and furnished for the business of
the world. Time has wrought a gradual improvement in the charac
ter of our common schools. Yet it must be acknowledged that our
system of popular education is far from being as perfect as it ought to
be in a RepubHc, where the permanency of our civil institutions

32 ANNALS OP THE TOWN

mass

depends mainly upon the diffusion of intelligence among the
of the people. The present number of school districts in the town
is seventeen, at which between five and six hundred children and
youth, are annually instructed. The amount expended in the town
for a few years past, in the support of its common schools, has'been
about one thousand dollars yearly.
Hillsborough Academy, was incorporated by theLiCgislature in
June 1821, and the same year a building of brick was erected for its
accommodation at the Lower village. This institution has not been in
constant operation since its foundation, but has been opened occasion
ally for a part of the year, vvith considerable success. The names
of those who have been its instructers, from time to time, are as fol
lows. Dr. Simeon Ingersoll Bard, of Francestown ; Rev. William
Clark, novv of Cincinnati, Ohio, who graduated at Dartmouth Col
lege, in 1821, and at Andover Theological Seminary, in 1827 ; Rev.
Samuel Wallace Clark, brother of the preceding, of Greenland, N.
H., who graduated at Dartmouth College in 1823, and at Andover in
1827 ; Rev. Josiah Peabody, who graduated at Dartmouth College,
in 1825 j Robert Reed Heath, who graduated at Dartmouth College
in 1835 ; Solomon Heath, brother to Robert, who graduated at Dart
mouth College, in 1826; Benjamin F. Wallace, Esq., Rev.
Ephraim Taylor, Albert Baker, Esq., and Francis Brown Mussey,
of Amherst. High schools have frequently been taught for a sea
son at the Bridge and Centre villages. Besides the money raised
for town schools, public and private, large sums have been expend
ed by young men and women at schools, academies, and colleges,
abroad, where they have gone to seek further advantages of educa
tion. Subjoined are brief notices of the natives of the town, who
have received a liberal education. Abraham Andrews, son of Solo
mon and Sarah Andrews, was born Dec. 14th, 1786, prepared for
college under the direction of his uncle the Rev. Ephraim P. Brad
ford, graduated at Dartmouth College, in 1811, and has, for many
years, been an eminent instructer in Charlestofvn, and Boston, Mass.
He now resides in Charlestown.
Col. Benjamin Kendrick Pierce, eldest son ofthe laic Governor

op HILLSBOROUGH. 33
Benjamin Pierce, was born August 29th, 1790, receiv.ed his educa
tion preparatory for college at Phillips Academy, Exeter, entered
Dartmouth College in 1 807, and continued a member of that insti
tution three years, when he commenced the study of law in the of
fice of David Starratt, Esq.. He pursued his legal studies until the
commencement ofthe late war with Great Britain, when he entered
the army with the rank of Lieutenant in the third Regiment of Ar
tillery, intending to resume his legal pursuits when the war should
close. Circumstances however, caused him to remain in the ser
vice in which he has been advanced by regular gradations from the
rank of Lieutenant to that of Colonel by brevet, which post he now
holds in the 1st Regiment of Artillery. Col. P. vvas especially dis
tinguished as an able, and efficient officer, in the late Florida War.
He has,been thrice married and is now a widower.
Rev. Francis Danforth, son of Jonathan Danforlh, vvas born Feb.
28th, 1793, fitted for college at Phillips Academy, Andover, Mass.,
graduated at Dartmouth College in 1819, studied Theology at the
Theological Seminary at Andover, Mass., where he graduated in
1822, was ordained pastor of the first Congregational Church in
Greenfield, N,H., July 11, 18^3, dismissed in 1831 ; installed at
Wiucirester, N. H., August 18th, 1831, dismissed in 1839 ; installed
at Hadley, Mass., Dec llth, 1839, where he now resides.
Rev, Aaron Foster, son of Aaron Foster, was born March ]9ih,
1794, prepared for college at Union Academy, Plainfield, graduat
ed at Dartmouth College in 1822, and at the Andover Theological
Seminary in 1825. He was employed for several years as a domes
tic Missionary, and is now setded in the ministry at Fovt Covington,
N. Y. Rev. Jeremiah Slow, eldest son of Deacon Joel Stow, was
born February 15, 1-795, pursued' his studies preparatory for admis
sion to college, at the Union Academy Plainfield, graduated at Dart
mouth College, in 1822, at Andover Theological Seminary, in 1825,
In July, 1826, married Miss Austress, daughter of the late David
Stewart, Esq., of Amherst, was employed as a home missionary sev
eral years, and was afterwards settied in the ministry at Livonia, N.
Y., vvhere he died of consumption, Nov. 15, 1832, aged 37 years
E

34 ANNALS OF THE TOWN
and 9 months. Amasa Symonds, son of Eliphalet Symonds, was
born Sept. 9, 1799, prepared for college at North Andover, and at
PhilUps Academy South Andover, Mass., entered Dartmouth Col
lege in 1831, and died at his father's in Hillsborough, Nov. 8th
1822, while a member of the Sophomore class in that institution.--
Lieut. Amos B. Foster, son of Aaron Foster, was born July 15th,
1804, was educated as a cadet at the Military Academy, West-
Point, where he graduated in 1827, visited his friends for the last
time and was ordered to St. Louis, Mo. From thence, he proceed
ed to Fort Dearborn, at Chicago 111., and -in the spring of 1831, was
removed to Fort Howard, Green Bay, where he was murdered Feb.
7th, 1832, at the age of twenty-seven years and six months. The
circumstances ot his death were briefly these.: Lieut. Foster, had
reprimanded a private of his company by the name of Boyle, for dis
orderly conduct, who made use of such insolent, and unbecoming
language in reply, that the Heutenant was induced to take him by the
shoulder and shake him, at the same time ordering a corporal to
take him to the guard-house. Boyle immediately went out saying,
" Oh yes. Lieutenant, I'll go to the guard house." He ran across
the parade ground to the guard house, seized a musket, and return
ed lo Lieutenant F's quarters, eluding the vigilance ot the corporal,
he ran up to tbe Lieutenant's chamber in the second story, and shot
him through the heart. The ball passed through the right arm,
above the elbow, through the body, and the left elbow which was
horribly shattered. After receiving the wound, he walked into his
bed room which adjoined the chamber, wilh the hand of his unbroken
arm on the wound of his left side, turned quickly to go out and fell
as he passed through the door, and instantly expired. Lieut. Foster
vvas an active, vigilant and useful officer, mild aad amiable in his de
portment and disposition, beloved by his. relatives and friends and
esteemed by ah who knew him. Hon. Frankhn Pierce, the fourth
son of the late Gov. Benjamin Pierce, was born Nov. 23d^ 1804,
graduated at Bowdoin college, in 1824, commenced the study of law
under the direction of the late John Burnam, Esq, in his native vil
lage, and pursued his course subsequentiy, at the Law-school, at

OP HILL.SBOROUGH. 35
Northampton, Mass., at that time under the direction of the late la
mented Judge How, and in the offices of the Hon. Levi Woodbury,
at Portsmouth, and the Hon. Edmund Parker, at Amherst, was ad-
milted to the bar at Amherst, in September 1827. In October of
the same year, he opened an office in Hillsborough, and continued
here until 1838, when he removed to Concord, where he now re
sides. In 1831, he was appointed by the late Gov, Dinsmoor, one
of his aids whh the rank of Colonel. He represented Hillsborough
in the State Legislature, four years successively, from 1828. In
1831 and 1332, he was speaker of the House of Representatives.
In 1883, he was chosen a member of Congress, and continued to
represent this State in the popular branch of the National Legislature,
until the 4th of March, 1837, when he took his seat in the U. S.
Senate, having been elected to that station, which he still occupies
in the preceding -December. Col. Pierce was married in 1834, to
Miss Jane M., youngest daughter of the late Rev. Dr. Jesse Apple-
ton," President of Bowdoin College.
Rev. Henry Jones, son of Benjamin Jones, was born September
29th, 1804, pursued his studies preparatory for College at the Union
Academy Plainfield, graduated at Dartmouth College, in 1835, was
married in April 18,36, to Miss Betsey, daughter of Mr. Eliphalet
Symonds of this town, and is now Preceptor of an Academy at Chat
tanooga, in Tennessee. Rev. Willard Jones, a brother of Henry,
was born July 17th 1809, prepared for college at Union Academy,
Plainfield, graduated at Dartmouth College, in 1835, acquired his
Theological education at the Lane Seminary, Cincinnati Ohio, arid at
the Andover Theological Seminary, was ordained as a missionary, at
North Weymouth, Mass., July 4th 1839, and on the same day was
married to Miss Meriam Pratt of that town. He is now stationed at
Ooroomiah in Persia. Edward Bobbins Johnson, the youngest son
of the late Nathaniel Johnso'n, Esq. was born July 2Sth, 1810,
prepared for college at Phillips academy Andover and at Bos
cawen Academy, entered Dartmouth College, in 1830, remained
in coHege but two years — studied law and commenced practice
which he afterwards abandoned, and now enjoys a high reputation
as aa instiucter of music. He at present resides in Hartford, Conn.

36 ANNALS OF THE TOWN
John Appleton Bumham, Esq. son of the late John Burnam, Esq.
was born June 16th 1813, fitted for college at Pembroke Academy,
graduated at Amherst college in 1833, and is now agent of the Stark
Manufacturing company, at Manchester in this state. Joel Buchanan
Stow, son of Dea. Joel Stow, was born June SOth, 1813, graduated
at the Teachers Seminary, Andover,Mass. was for sometime a teacher
in the Teachers Seminary, at Plymouth, N. H,, antl is now engaged
as an instructer, in Cincinnati, Ohio, Rev, Levi Smith, son of Da
vid Smith, was born May 9th, 1812, pursued his academical and
Theological studies at New Hampton, in this slate, where he gradu
ated in ] 840, and is riow preaching al Danville, Vt, Clark Cooledge,,
son of Lemuel Cooledge, was born in June 1811, prepared for col
lege at Wilbraham, Mass. Academy, and died in July 1S40, while a
member of the Wesleyan University at Middleton, Conn.
Several other individuals belonging to tbe town, are now in a course
of academical and professional study. Four natives of Hillsborough
have been physicians, viz : Dr, Thomas Preston, Dr, Silas McClary,
son of John McClary,. was born July the 29lh, 1792, acquired his
medical education al New Haven, Conn, practiced some years in
Lower Canada, and afterwards removed to Ohio where it is believed
he now resides ; Dr. John Harbert Foster, second son of Aaron
Foster, was born March 8th, 1796, studied his profession principally
wilh Dr. Reuben D- Mussey, at Hanover, graduated at the medical
school connected wilh Dartmouth College, in 1821, commenced prac
tice at Nevv London, in this state, after residing there several year.=,
removed to Pittsburg, Pa.,, thence to Mobile, Alabama, and in 1832
to Michigan, where he now resides ; Dr. Samuel Sargent, son of
JonatTian Sargent, vvas born March 13th, 1790, and now practices
medicine in Chichester, N. H,
The Harmony Lodge, No, 38 of free and accepted, was constitti-
ted Sept, 17th 1821. by a grant from the Grand Lodge of New
Hampshire, incorporated by the Legislature, June 22, 1827, Orig
inal number of members, 14. Number admitted from 1S31, to 1833
78, making an aggregate of 92 individuals who have been admitted
to this Lodge. The Lodge is located at the hall of Thomas Wil
son, Esq. It is not so flourishing as formerly.

OF HILLSBOROUGH. 37
The Hillsborough Temperance society was formed July 5th, 1830,
Dea. George Dascomb vvas chosen its first president. The society
has had an annual increase since its formation. The whole number
who have joined, is 408. Of this number, 25 have died, 9 males
and 16 females.
The first tavern kept in Hillsborough was opened in 1766, by Capt.
Samuel Bradford, sen., on Bible hill. The first store was opened
at the Bridge about the year 1785 by the late Lieut. Wilham Tag
gart. The second was commenced by Enos Towne about 1790,
between the I^ower village and Bible HiH, Before this the inhabi
tants had obtained their mercantile suppHes principally from Amherst.
The first saw and grist mill, was built by Capt. Samuel Bradford, sen.
in 1766, a httie above the Bridge, between the Lower village and
Bible hill. This set of miHs was swept away by a freshet in the
spring of 1767, soon after they were put in operation. The second
set of mills was built two or three years after by Archibald Taggart,
at the Bridge. They stood on the site novv occupied by the north
factory, and were a great accommodation not only to the early inhab
itants of Hillsborough, but to those of other towns in the vicinity
who had previous to their erection, been obliged to go to New Bos
ton to get their grain ground. In ISll the first cotton f&ctory was
built. The frame was reared July 4ih of that year. The first weav
ing in it was done in 1828. The second factory was bmlt by Mr.
Joshua Marcy in 1828.
In the last war with Great Britain, a commendable spirit of patri
otism was evinced by the. citizens of Hillsborough. Several persons
(nearly twenty it is believed) from the town enlisted in the regular
army. Two natives of the town. Gen, John McNeil and Col, Ben
jamin K. Pierce before mentioned, were distinguished officers of that
war. Gen. John McNeil entered the service as Captain in the llth
regiment of infantry to which he was appointed March 12th, 1812,
was promoted to the rank of Major, August 15th 1813, breveted a
Lieut. Colonel July 5th, 1814, " for his intrepid behavior on the 5th
day of July in the battie of Chippewa," received a second brevet
that of Colonel, July 25lh 1813, " for his distinguished valor as

38 ANNALS OF THE TOWN

com
in

mander of the llth regiment of infantry on the 25th day of July
the battle of Niagara," was retained inthe Peace estabhshment as
Major of the 5th infantry to rank 15th of August 1813, promoted to
the rank of Lieut. Colonel, 1st regiment of infantry Feb. 24, 1818,
promoted to the rank of Colonel April 28th 1826, .breveted Brig.
General July 25th 1824, for ten years faithful service in the grade of
brevet Colonel, resigned and retired from the service in April 1830,
on being appointed surveyor for the port of Boston,.
General McNeil's distinguished military services commencing be
fore actual declaration of war fay Congress and contmuing through a
period of eighteen years, present a bright page in the history of that
contest, and have won for him a name that will be remembered along
with the Sullivans Starks and CiHeys of the granite state. It is a
fact worthy of notice that the gallant llth regiment in the battles of
Chippewa and Niagara or Lunday's lane should have been comman
ded by a young Major, and that he in the brief space of twenty days,
should have received two brevets, for his distinguished, and gallant
conduct upon the field of battle. In the dusk of the evening, dur
ing the last named engagement, while at the head of his regiment,
cheering them on to the conflict, he was wounded by a cannister
shot, which passed through the right knee. From the size of the
ball, the limb was dreadfully shattered and nearly carried away.
Still he remained long upon the ground and did not leave it until
fainting with the loss of blood, his situation was observed by soldiers
near him, through whose aid he was sustained in his saddle and tak
en from the field.
In 1814, when large detachments of the New-Hampshire milnia,
were summoned to defend Portsmouth, which was then menaced
with an attack, Hillsborough furnished a considerable number df meii.
One native of the town has been slain in the-late Florida war. Lieut.
John W. S. McNeil, eldest son of Gen. John McNeil was mortally
wounded, while leading an attack upon an Indian camp in Flopda,
on the morning of the 10th of September 1837-, and lingered until
the next night, when he expired at the age of twenty years, and six
months. Lieut. McNeil was a young officer of rich promise, pos-

OP HILLSBOROUGH. 39
sessed a heart susceptible of every noble and generous impression,
high-minded, brave and honorable.
There has been fourteen instances of death by accident, viz.
Two were kdled by falling trees, eight were drowned, two were
burned to death, one by a faU in a mill, and one by a fall from a
horse. Eleven dweHings have been destroyed by fire. In that of
Mr. Samuel Lacy burnt about the year 1822, the corpse of his moth
er was shockingly disfigured by the fire .Several barns and school-
houses, also a considerable number of blacksmith's shops have been
burned. In July 1831, a barn of much value belonging to Mr. James
Jones was struck by lightning and consumed, the uncommonly large
and valuable blacksmith shop and axe manufactory, at the Bridge
village, belonging to Messrs. Peaslee and Whittemore was burned in
October 1836. There is one accident in the history of the town
which stands out with peculiar prominence. About 12 o'clock, on
the night of October 27th 1838, the large well furnished house of
Mr. George Nelson was discovered to be on fire, and so rapid was
the progress of the devouring element, that his family consisting of
five adults, barely escaped wilh their lives. Mrs. Nelson first dis
covered the fire and alarmed her husband. He immediately arose
and called his son who slept in the chamber, then passing through
the kitchen opened a door leading to the back kitchen where a cur
rent of hot air and smoke prostrated him to the floor. He attempt
ed to find his way to the entry door, but being bewildered, went into
the parlor, and threw himself from a window into the front yard. He
there ascertained that his daughter was safe, and that his son was
dragging an old lady (then in the family) down stairs. The chil
dren inquired " where is mother .¦"' Mr. Nelson, till then supposing
she was securely out, endeavored to go through the kitchen to the
bed room where he had left her ; but in the midst of the darkness,
smoke and heat missed his way, and proceeded to the back kitchen
door, and there found his wife, lying upon the floor in a state of in
sensibility in the current of hot air, from which he had but just es-
^caped. He bore her across the street to the nearest neighbors.
While on the way she revived, but was so scaldedboth internally.

40 ANNALS OF THE TOWN
and externally, by the hot air that neither medical sklH, nor the kind
care and anxious solicitude of neighbors and friends could save her
life. She lingered in great distress until the morning of November
1st, when she was released from her sufferings at the age of fifty-
eight years. Mrs. Nelson* was an amiable and pious woman, and the
consolations of the religion which she professed, supported her in
ihe hour of death. She expressed her r,esign alion to the divine will,
uttering vvith her expiring breath, " Thy wiH be done," and the last
words she was heard to articulate, were "Peace be stiU."
The author has no data in his possession which will enable him
to exhibit the rates of mortaHty at different periods in the history of
the town. .The spotted fever prevailed to a considerable extent, in
the vvinterof 1811 — 1812. In 1826, the dysentary raged vvith
great violence, creating an unusual degree of mortaHty in the town.
In December 1832, the small-pox appeared in the family of Dr.
Reuben Hatch, but a house remote from others, being provided for
the reception of the infecte'd, and other precautions being taken its
extent was Hmited and was fatal in only oae instance. It again vis
ited the town in the winter of 1837-38. It prevailed only in the
family of Mr. Hammond Preston, one of whose children died of it.
The most remarkable instance of longevity in HiHsborough, vvas
Gridley Jackson, a soldier of the revolution who died October 10th,
1829, at the age of 101 years 9 months and 5 days, several other
persons hav'e died in the town, when nearly one hundred years old.
The population of the town in 1790 was 798, in 1800, 1311, in
1810, 1592, in 1820, 1982, in 1830, 1792, in 1840, 1808. The
reader wiH perceive by the foregoing account, that the tovvn contains

* Mrs. Nelson was born in Kittery, Maine, in 1780. Her maiden name was Nancy To
bey. She was married at Boston, in 1800, to Silas Dutton, Esq. of Hillsborough, who died
Jan. 28th, 1813, aged 33 years. She was again married Dec. 23d, 18X3, to Mr. George
Nelson. Her children by Mr. Dutton were, Samuel Chamberlain Dutton, born Sept. 27th
1801 ; now a merchant in Brattleborongh, Vt., Adeline C. born Feb. 15th, 1803, who was
married Nov. 3d, 1823, to Enoch Train, Esq. of Boston, and died in 1834. Sarah C. bcrn
January 15th, 1805, and was married May 29th, 1831, to Thomas H. Leverett, Esq. now of
Keene, and died August 13, 1832. Caroline N. born Feb. lEith 1810 and was married in
April 1830, to the Rev. Mr. Ira Mason Mead, now of Ypsilanti Michigan. By Mr. Nelson,
Harriet B. Nelson who was married April 7th 1831,, to Thomas H. Leverett, Esq. of Keene,
and died in July 1840, a son and a daughter who died in infancy. Mary Ann still uumar-
ried, and now resident in Ypsilanti Michigan. George R. who died May 31st, 1839, aged
19 years.

OF HILLSBOROUGH. 41
a less number of inhabitants than in 1820. Within the last forty
years the town has given much more than it has received by emigration.
Many of the emigrants are among the enterprising and useful citizens
of our larger towns and cities. Among the natives of the town,
where activity, enterprise and perseverance in the pursuits of com
merce has been crowned whh signal success, are Samuel Train, Esq.
of Medford, Mass., and Ebenezer Parker, and Enoch Train Esquires
of Boston, ornaments to the mercantile community, and the surveyors *
of the ports of Boston and New-York.
Within the last fifteen years, this town has contributed largely to
the tide of emigration which is peopling the vaUey of the Mississippi.
Deer, Moose, Bears, and wolves were common in the earlier stages
of the settlement. A moose was killed in Antrim, just beyond the
limits of the town in 1790. A deer was kiHed on Hedgehog bill in
the north west part of Deering within tweniy years. The last wolf
killed in town was shot by Maj. Isaac Andrews about the year 1790,
Wolves tracks vvere discovered in his sheep fold. He baited a fox
trap and set it in a convenient place, and the third morning alter, saw
that a wolf, one of three that had visited his premises the proceeding
night, had been caught and had escaped vvith the trap. Putting on
his snow-shoes and taking his gun he proceeded in quest of it. After
tracking it for a considerable distance he discovered it on the low
ground south of iMr. Isaac Baldwin's, ahd at the second fi-ie killed it.
This wolf in company with two others had crossed his track several
times while he was in pursuit. The other wolves had deserted their
wounded companion after having accompanied him for some time,
but were sujiposed to be near by when Maj. Andrews fired. A wolf
was started from his lair somewhat later than this in the north part of
the town and after being hunted several days was killed in Goshtn.
Bears were frequentiy seen in town long after the wolves had been ex
terminated, Mr. James Carr residing in the north part of the town
was a bear trapper. On going to his trap one morning he found it
goue. He armed himself wilh his rifle and after following the track

»GeneralJohn McNeil and William Taggart, Esq. are both natives of Hillsborough.
F

43 ANNALS OF THE TOWN
about a mile he espied a bear. He laid aside his gun and com
menced an attack with a club. The moment he struck at the bear,
it grappled him with its paw and seized his left arjn in its jaws. Carr
disliking so close an embrace, with considerable. effort drew frorn his
pocket a knife and compelled Bruin to relinquish his hold. The bear
having in the struggle freed himself from the trap, retreated to a ledge
of rocks near by. Thither Carr pursued him, though somewhat hurt
by the encounter and discharged his rifle at him several times before
he killed him. Wild turkies were shot in town as Jate as 1803, the
beaver and the otter were frequent. The meadow, south of Loon
Pond, is said to have been flowed by beaver dams. Their remains
were visible thirty years since. Forty years ago salmon were abun
dant in the Contoocook river. They went up the' smaH streams and
brooks at some seasons of the year. The multiplication of dams has
interposed a barrier to their ascent from the Merrimack.
At the annual town meeting in March 1831, a committee was cho
sen by the town to purchase a town farm for the support of its pau
pers. Accordingly the committee the same year bought a farm in
the north part of the town for |2510,-33, The average number of
paupers for several years past, has been about ten. They are sup
ported at the expense of $200, per annum, exclusive of the farm.
Seven individuals have been established here in the practice of
Law, namely, David Starret; John Burnam, David Steele, John Mc-
Farland, Timothy Darling, Franklin Pierce, and Albert Baker.
David Slarrel was born al Francestown, N. H., April21st, 1774,
graduated at Dartmouth college in 1798, studied his profession wilh
the Hon. Samuel Bell, then at Francestown, was admitted to the
Hillsborough county bar al Hopkinton in September 1802, and com
menced practice herein lire same year, and continued to reside here
until March 1812., One morning in that month he left home for the
ostensible purpose of visiting Boslon on a journey of business, taking
his usual affectionate leave of his family, who expected his return
in a few days. He proceeded directiy to Chariestown, Mass. and
took lodgings at Gordon's Inn,remaihed there several days, frequent
ly walking into Boslon for the transaction of business. One evening

OP HILLSBOROUGH. 43
»t nightfall he remarked to his landlord that he should go over to Bos
ton to attend to some business and return to Chariestown the same
night, and immediately went out taking a small trunk in his hand.
He did not return, his friends became alarmed, inquiry was made
and it was ascertained that his trunk had been found the next morn
ing after his disappearance on the bridge,leading from Chariestown to
Boston empty, and with marks of having been forced open with the
ferrule of a cane. Starret had left his horse and carriage at Gor
don's and was supposed to have a large sum of money in his posses
sion. Suspicions were awakened that he had been robbed and mur
dered by the innkeeper and the affair created intense excitement in
the public mind. Two or three years elapsed before any inteHigence
was obtained from Starret, When the first information was received
of him, he held the rank of Major in the republican army of Mexi
co. In a letter to his brother he stated that he left Hillsborough with
a fixed determination to abandon forever his home and country, that
he had himself left the trunk in the position in which it was found,
with the design of misleading the public, and that he had walked to
Providence, R, I., the same night that he left Gordon's tavern. He
subseqiiently left the Mexican army went to Arkansas and there en
gaged in trade under the assumed name of WilHam Fisher, sustain
ed a respectable character and acquired a small property there, and
in June 1819, terminated his own existence, by blowing out his brains
wilh a pistol at the house of Stephen R. WHson on the Saline Bayou,
about six miles from Red river and from the borders of Texas. Mr,
Starret while in the practice of law, vvas more distinguished for scru
pulous integrity, than brilliancy of talent ; a better counsellor, than an
advocate. He enjoyed the respect of his townsmen and the confi
dence of his clients. What could have induced this unfortunate man
possessing the high esteem of his townsmen, in the successlul practice
of an honorable and lucrative profession, surrounded by friends and
living in the bosom of an amiable and affectionate family, to forsake
all in the height of manhood, -to lead a hapless life and die an untime
ly deatk in a strange land is a profound mystery, reserved to be devel
oped only in the light of eternity, Mr. Starret inarried Abigail El-

44 ANNALS OF THE TOWN
lery Appleton, daughter of Rev. Joseph Appleton of North Brook
field, Mass., by whom he had three children, namely, Dea. Joseph
A. Starret of Mont Vernon in this state, born August 31st, 1804.
Emily CaroHne who married the Rev. David Stovvell of Townsend,
Mass., born January 20th, 1807, and Alfred Gardiner of Mont Ver
non, born October 21st, 1810.
John Burnam, Esq. was a native of Dunbarton, N. H. prepared
for college with Rev. Dr. Harris of Dunbarton, graduated at Dart
mouth college in 1807, commenced the study of law with the Hon.
Samuel Bell of Francestown and completed his preliminary course
wilh David Starret, Esq. at Hillsborough, was admitted to the bar at
Amherst in Feb. 1811, came to Hillsborough and succeeded to the
professional business of D. Starret, Esq. in April 1812, and con
tinued to reside here, until his death, April 8th, 1826, at the age of
forty six years. Mr. Burnam possessed a strong and discriminating
mind, expanded and refined by the treasures of ancient and modern
literature. He married Sarah W. daughter of the Rev. Joseph Ap
pleton of North Brookfield, Mass., by whom he had five children ;
four of whom are yet living. David Steele, Esq. son of the late
Dea. David Steele of Peterborough was born at Peterborougb, Sept.
30th, 1787, graduated at Williams CoHege, 1810, commenced his
legal studies in the office of James Walker, Esq., then at Frances-
town and finished them under the direction of the Hon. Charles H.
Atherton, at Amherst, was licensed'to practice law at Amherst in
September, 1813, and opened an oflice in HHIsborough, in October
of the same year, where he now resides.
John McFarland was a native of the adjoining town of Antrim
studied first with David Starret Esq., and afterwards with John Bur
nam, Esq., was admitted to the bar at Amherst, in February 1815
commenced practice at the Upper village in this town the same
year, and resided here until his death. He died of consumption in
July 1819, aged 31 years. Timothy Dariing the eldest son ofthe
Hon. Joshua Darling of Henniker, prepared for college at Pinker-
ton Academy, Derry, graduated at Harvard College in 1822, studi
ed law wilh Artemas Rogers, Esq., then at Henniker, commenced

OF HILLSBOROUGH. 45
the practice of law in Hillsborough in 1826, as successor to John
Burnam, Esq., and removed from this town in 1827. He has since
pursued a course of Theological study and is now settied as pastor
of a Presbyterian church in the western part of New-York. Hon.
Franklin Pierce has been noticed in a former part of these annals.
Albert Baker, Esq., was born at Bow in this stale, Feb. 10, 1810,
prepared for college at Pembroke Academy, under the direction of
the late Hon. John Vose, graduated at Dartmouth College in 1834,
and the same year commenced reading law in the office ofthe Hon.
Franklin Pierce at HiHsborough, and completed his preparatory
studies with the Hon. Richard Fletcher at Boslon, was admitted lo
tiie practice of law at the Suffolk bar, Boston in April 1837, and in
August ofthe same year, opened an office in Hillsborough, as suc
cessor to the Hon. Franklin Pierce.
Of the above mentioned lawyers, four have practised their pro
fession at the Lower viHage, one at the Upper village and one at the
Bridge village. Two of the uumber only, Messrs. Steele and Ba
ker, now reside in »he town. The number of Physicians who have
been settled in the practice of medicine at HiHsborough, is thirteen,
viz : William Litde, Joseph Munroe, Benjamin Stearns, Joshua
Crain, Luther Smith, Reuben Hatch, Mason Hatch, Thomas Pres
ton,. Simeon IngersoU Bard, Nahum Parker Foster, Elisha Hatch,
Abraham Hazen Robinson, and Abel Conant Burnam, Dr, Wil
liam Littie vvas a native of Shirley, Mass., removed to Peterborough,
N. H., in childhood wilh his parents, studied medicine with Dr.
Young of Peterborough, practiced a short time in Wa-shington, N.
H., and in Dracul, Mass., estabhshed. himself in Hillsborough, in
1782, where he resided until his death. He was accidentaHy drown
ed, Nov. 7th, 1807, aged 55 years. -Dr. Littie was twice married.
His first wife was a Miss Fletcher from Westford, Mass., to whom
he was united while resident in Dracut, she died before he removed
to HiHsborough, leaving him two children. He was again married
in May, 1787, to Ruth, daughter of Dea. Joseph Symonds of Hills
borough, who survived him, wilh a number of children. Dr. Joseph
Munroe vvas a native of Cariisle, Rlass., acquired his professional

46 ANNALS or THE TOWN
education with Dr. Francis Kittredge, of Tewksbury, Mass., com
menced the practice of physic, in Hillsborough, about the year
1784. He died Feb., 24th 1798, in the 4l3t year of his age. Dr.
M. was a good physician, of social disposition, and an amiable, and
upright citizen. He married Azubah Henry, of Carlisle, who is yet
living. By her, he had eight children, five of whom survived him.
Dr. Benjamin Stearns was a native of Walpole in this state, where
he vvas born about the year 1770, received his medical education,
under the direction of Dr. Johnson of Walpole, located himself in
HHIsborough, in the fall of 1797, left this tovvn about the year 1804,
and went to reside at Truro in Nova Scotia. He yet resides in that
province if Hving. Dr. Stearns vvas married in 1801, to Mehitable,
youngest daughter of Dea. Joseph Symonds. Dr. Joshua Crain,
vvas born at Alstead in this state, May 16th, 1776, studied medicine
with Dr. Jessaniah Kittredge of Walpole, commenced practice in
Hillsborough, in 1802. Died February 1st 1811, aged 34 years.
Dr, C. enjoyed the reputation of an able practitioner in his profes
sion, and a useful and worthy citizen. He married Sarah Giddings
of Walpole. She survived him with three children. Dr. Luther
Smith, son of James Smith, was born at Mont Vernon, N. H., De
cember 27th 1786, studied medicine with his eldest brotber, Dr,
Rogers Smith, then in the practice of medicine at Mont Vernon,
settied as a physician at the Bridge village in Hillsborough, in Nov
ember 1809, where he continued to reside until his lamented death,
August 5th 1824, at the age of 37 years, 7 months and nine days.
Dr. S. was married July 22d 1817, to Miss Mary Cariton, daughter
of the late John Carlton, Esq. of Mont Vernon, who yet survives
him, with two children. His widow has resided at Mont Vernon,
since 1837.
The subjoined sketch of the professional and private character of
Dr. Srniih, has been communicated to the author, by one who knew
him intimately. " Dr. Smith, vvas a man of superior mental endow
ments. Though he did not enjoy the advantages of a coHegiate
education ; yet his literary attainments were very considerable. He
dcivoted much of his lime lo reading, and in the selection, and ap-

OP HILLSBOROUGH. 47
preciation of authors, displayed a highly cuhivaied and correct taste.
His memory was uncommonly retentive, his penetration lively, and
acute, of solid understanding, and inflexible integrity. In his Judg
ment of character; he was especially keen, and discriminating and
in his principles firm, manly and independent. As a medical prac
titioner, he had acquired in a good degree, the confidence of the
community in his skill and judgment ; and was justiy reputed an
excellent physician. He was fair honorable and liberal, in his prac
tice, entirely free from all affectation, and pretention, disdaining all
that parade and artifice under which, the impostors ofthe profess
ion, endeavor to conceal their ignorance, and mislead the people,
and to which, physicians of otherwise fair reputations, are sOmetinies
in their desire to gain practice and popularity, too ready to yield.
Applying his strong mind, aided by reading, and observation to the
investigation of disease, he was seldom mistaken in his decisions.
In short, he was a kind, and affectionate husband, and father, an able
physician, an obHging neighbor, a public spirited citizen, an enlight
ened patriot and a friend of mankind.'-'
Dr. Reuben Hatch, son of Reuben Hatch, was born at Alstead,
about the year 1785. His medicalinstructers were Doctors Joshua
Crain of this town, and Elder Carpenter of Alstead, commenced the
practice of medicine at Newport, removed to HiHsborough in 181 1,
and practiced here until 1835, when he removed to Griggsville Illi
nois, where he now resides. Dr. H. was first married, to Lucy,
daughter of Maj. Isaac Andrews, a truly estimable lady, who died
Jan. 28, 1833, aged 46, leaving him nine children. He Tvas again
married, in September, 1833, to Miss Anna Shattoh of Charlestown,
Mass., Dr. Mason Hatch, son of Mason Hatch of Alstead, was
born in that town, March 3d, 1792, studied his profession, wilh Dr.
Thomas D. Brooks of Alstead, and with his kinsman, Doct. Reuben
Hatch, commenced practice in Hillsborough, in January 1817. He
continued to reside here until May 1837, when he removed to Brad
ford apd thence to Newport in October 1838, where he now resides.
Dr. Hatch was married in March 1818, to Miss Apphia, daughter of
Maj. Isaac Andrews.

48 ANNALS OP THE TOWN
Dr. Thomas Preston, son of Jedediah Preston vvas born in Hills
borough, June 23d, 1781, studied with Dr. Luther Smith, commen
ced practice in Deering) removed to HHIsborough in August 1824,
soon after the decease of Dr. Smith, and yet pursues his profession,
in this town. Dr. P- vvas married in April 1827, to Mrs. Mary
Hosley, who died August 20th, 1831, having borne him two children
one of whom yet survives her. Dr. Simeon I. Bard, vvas born at
Nelson, N. H., June 2d, 1797, fitted for college whh the Rev. Tru
man Baldwin of Charlotte Vermont, entered Middlebury coHege in
1812, and continued a member of that institution until 1815, was
employed for several years as an instructer, studied the medical pro
fession wilh Dr. Aaron Bard of Fitchburg, Mass. and with Dr. Pe
ter Tuttle of Hancock, N. H., atiended lectures at Hapover, com
menced practice at Weare, N. H. in 1824, removed to this town the
same year. In 1829 he left here and established himself in Fran
cestown. Dr. Nahum P. Foster, a native of Westmoreland, N.
H., studied, medicine with Dr. George F. Dunbar of that town, and
at the medical institution at Hanover, where he received' a degree in
1834, commenced practice in Hillsborough in the autnmn of 1834,
and removed from town in Apriri836. He novv resides in Unity,
N. H. Doct. Elisha Hatch, son of Azel Hatch, Esq. of Alstead^
was born in Alstead, July- 17th 1796, studied medicine with Doc
tors TwitcheH and Adams at Keene, aud attended medical lectures
at Hanover, where he graduated in 1824, practiced his profession in
his native town from 1824, lo 1835, when he reriioved to Hillsborough
and succeeded his uncle Dr. R. Hatch. Dr. A. H. Robinson from
Concord resided here from Nov. 1839 to March 1840^ when he re
moved to Salisbury. Dr. Abel C. Burnam, son of Thomas Burnam
was born at Milford, N. H. May 2d, 1812, pursued his medical stud
ies with Doctors Elisha Hatch of Hillsborough and Amos TwitcheH,
of Keene, attended lectures at the medical institutions at Woodstock,
Vl. and Hanover, N. H., at the latter of which he graduated in Nov.
1839. Tn 1840, he began to practice medicine in this town. Of
the above Hst of Physicians one has resided on Bible hill, four have
been located at the centre of the tovvn, five at the Bridge village, and

OF HILLSBOROUGH. 49
four of them at or near the Turnpike. Three only. Doctors E,
Hatch, Preston, and Burnam, now practice here.
Twenty one individuals, have held the commission of Justice of
the Peace in HHIsborough, namely, Isaac Andrews, John Dutton,
Benjamin Pierce, Calvin Stevens, David Starret, Nathaniel John
son, Elijah Beard, James Wilson, John Burnham, Timolhy Wyman,
David Steele, Andrew Sargent, Solomon McNeil, John Grimes,
Thomas Wilson, Franklin Pierce, Hiram Monroe, Albert Baker,
Amos Flint, Levi Goodale, Henry D. Pierce, Elijah Monroe. Nine
of these civil magistrates have deceased, of whom are presented the
following particulars, Isaac Andrews was born al Ipswich, Mass.
removed to Concord, Mass., and thence lo Hillsborough in 1767.
He died Dec, SOth, 1796, aged 68, He was one of the fathers of
the town, a man of strong sense, an upright and useful citizen. He
was one of the founders of the first church in this town in which he
held the office of deacon until_the infirmities of declining life com
pelled him to resign, Esq. A, married Lucy Perkins of Ipswich by
whom he had 11 cluldren, 8 of whom survived him. John Dutton
Esq. was born at Chelmsford, Mass, January 29th, 1 750, removed
here about the year 1777, w-as appointed a Justice of the Peace in
1791, died Sept. 17, 1813, in the 64th year of his age. He was
highly esteemed by his townsmen for his integrity and sound judge
ment. He married Elizabeth Spaulding, of Chemsford who survived
him and died Feb. 22, 1835, aged 84. He also left several daugh
ters. "The late Gov. Benjamin Pierce was born at Chelmsford,
Mass., December 25th, 1757. His father Benjamin Pierce, died when
he was but six years of age, leaving a family of ten children of whom
he was the seventh. After his father's death he was placed under
the care of an uncle Robert Pierce a yeoman of the same town, and
continued wilh him, engaged in agricultural pursuits for more than ten
years. He was ploughing in the field on the 19lh of April 1775, when
news arrived that Americans had been shot down by the British at
Lexington. Leaving the field immediately, he took his uncle's gun
and equipments and proceeded to Lexington, The British troops

G

30 ANNALS OF THE TOWN
having retreated lo the city, he pursued his March towards Boston
that night, and the next morning enlisted in Capt. John Ford's com
pany and was stationed for the lime, at Cambridge vvith this company
and was in the batde of Bunker hill. He was one of the few who
having entered at the commencement, continued in the service to the
close of the Revolutionary war, and participated in many of its hard
fought actions. His regiment was that of the late Col. John Brooks
of Medford, afterwards Governor of Massachusetts, whose persona}
friendship he long enjoyed. After the peace he vvas retained in the
regiment which went with Gen. Washington to lake possession ofthe
city of New York, and continued under arms until the last troops
were disbanded at West Point in 1 784, having gone through the sev
eral grades of common soldier, corporal, sergeant, ensign and leav
ing the army in command of a company, with the reputation of a
brave and meritorious officer. He returned to Chelmsford at the
termination of the war, but in consequence of the depreciation of
continental paper money, in which he had received pay for about nine
years service in the revolution he soon found himself nearly destitute
of funds. In 1783 he was employed as an agent to explore a tract
of land in New Hampshire, owned by Col, Stoddard, now known as
the town of Stoddard in Cheshire couniy. Having accomplished that
business, as he was passing homeward on horseback, down the north
westerly stem of the Contoocook river caHed the "Branch," he stop
ped at a log hut in the woods. Here he purchased a tract of land* of
about fifty acres of the owner and returned to Chelmsford, where he
passed the winter. In the spring of 1786 he returned lo the ground
he had lately purchased and there in his hut " solitary and alone"
commenced ihe clearing of his farm. Here he cooked for himself,
slept upon a blanket and lived as best he might, until his marriage to
his first wife which took place in 1787. In the autumn of 1786
upon the recommendation of Gen. SulHvan vvho had sought out the
soldier in the woods he was appointed Brigadier Major of the first

*This tract of land is now the farm of Mr. David Smith in the southwest part of the
town. The hut he budtm 1786 stood in the rear of Mr. Smith's dwelling house near an
elm tree which was then a slender sapling. Gov. P. located himself on the Turnpike
about the year 1802. - '^

OP HILLSBOROUGH. .51
brigade of miHtia organized in the couniy of Hillsborough. For many
years he commanded the 26th Regiment which lias furnished a Mil
ler, McNeil, and several other highly valued ofiicers and soldiers,
who have distinguished themselves in the pubhc service. In J 807,
after twenty one years service he retired from active duty in the mi-
htia in the capacity of General of the brigade which composed all the
regiments, of Hillsborough county. Every one who ever saw Gen.
Pierce upon parade, readily gave him the credit of being behind no
man in those graces that become a military officer. He was the beau
ideal, of an officer of the revolution, with the perfect manners of the
gentieman, and enough for true discipHne of that pride which distin
guishes the superior from the subaltern. In 1789, he vvas first elect
ed representative to the General Court of New Hampshire, for the
classed towns of Hillsborough and Henniker, and continued to repre
sent either these towns classed, or Hillsborough singly for thirteen
years in succession. He was ever one of the most prominent and
influential men in that body. In 1803 he succeeded the Hon. Rob
ert Wallace of Henniker, as councillor for Hillsborough couniy. His
opponent was the late Col, Robert Means, of Amherst. Gen. P.
continued in the councU from 1803 to 1809, the five, last years as the
counsellor of Governor Langdon, by whom he was appointed Sher
iff of Hillsborough county in 1809. In this office he remained until
1813, when on account of not aiding the newly organized Supreme
Judicial Court, he vvas removed. The next year he was again return
ed to the council by the people ol Hillsborough district, to which of
fice he was annually re-elected unlH 1818, when he was re-appointed
sheriff ofthe county. From this office he was transferred in 1827,
to that of Governor of this state, to which office he was again elect
ed in 1829. His last public office vvas elector of President in 1832,
At his death he was Vice President of the Society of Cincinnati in
Massachusetts. From 1775 lo 1830, he was almost constantly in
some public employment, A little more than two years jirior to his
decease he was stricken with partial paralysis upon his left side, and
encountered intense suffering for a portion ofthe lime until his death.
His mental faculties remained in almost uninterrupted vigor, until the

52 ANNALS OF THE TOWN
last three or four days of his mortal existence. He died April 1st,
1839, at the age of eighty one years and three months. Gov. Pierce
was probably preceded by no man in the state of equally extensive
personal popularity. He was a true patriot of the genuine revolution
ary stamp. An uncompromising champion of the rights of the peo
ple, ever faithful lo their interests. He was a man of exemplary lib
erality. There was no public charity in the town, or neighborhood
in which he did not participate. A single instance ol his noble
generosity, when sheriff" of the county, a poor man, a revolutionary
soldier, had lain in gaol at Amherst confined for debt,unable to be ex-
tiicaled by the law, because there vvas no one to pay the expenses of
commitment, and the cost of his subsistence for some eight or ten
years. Fruitless attempts were made to raise a few hundred dollars
by subscription, when Gen, P. first discharging the whole debt from
his own pocket, went to the prison, turned the key and told the poor
debtor, ' Go breathe the free air.' Gov, P. enjoyed a high reputa
tion for hpspitaHty, his frank and courteous manners made his guests
feel easy and at home because they knew and felt that they were wel
come," Honored be his memory. Gov. Pierce was married to EHz
abeth, daughter of Isaac Andrews, Esq., May 24th, 1787, she died
Aug. 13, 1788, in the 21st year of her age, leaving one daughter,
Elizabeth A. who married Gen. John McNeil. In 1789 he was again
married to Anna, daughter of the late Benjamin Kendrick, of Amherst.
She died in December 1838, aged 70, having borne him eight chil
dren, namely, Benjamin Kendrick, now a Colonel in the U, S, Army.
Nancy M., who married Gen, Solomon McNeil, and died April 27,
1837, aged 44 years, and 5 months. John Sullivan, who died in
Michigan in 1825, Harriet B,, who married Hugh Jameson, Esq,
and died Nov. 24th, 1837, aged 37. Charies Grandison, who died
at Utica, N.Y. June 5th, 1828, aged 25. Frankhn, now a Senator in
Congress from this stale. Charlotte, who died in infancy. Henry
Dearborn, who resides in this town.
<¦¦. Calvin Stevens, Esq. was a native of Rutiand, Mass., — but re
moved to Carlisle while in infancy where he was bred. He remov
ed to Hillsborough in 1776. He fought in the revolution, and was

OP HILLSBOROUGH. 53
in the battle of Bunker hHl. His mind was naturally inquisitive,
abounded in anecdotes, and was much improved by reading. He
WPS for many years a town officer and civil magistrate, and in these
relations was distinguished for his correctness and integrity. He
was a kind husband, a tender father, an humble and consistent
christian. He removed from Hillsborough to Mont Vernon, in
Aprfl 1821, where he died of Apoplexy, February 9lh 1834, aged
80, He married Esther Wilkins of Cariisle, Mass., by whom he
had 13 children, 10 of whom survived him. David Starret, and John
Burnam, have been already noticed, under another head. Elijah
Beard, Esquire, vvas a native of Wilmington, Mass., settled here in
1785. For many years he served his townsmen, in the capacities
of town clerk, selectman, and representative in the Stale Legisla
ture, He died Dec, 5th, 1814, aged 49 years. He married Miss
Phebe Jones of Wilmington, who survives him whh several chfldren,
Nathaniel Johnson, Esq., was a nalive of Andover, Mass. At an
early age he was placed by his father Zebediah Johnson, underthe
care of a Mr. Buss, who kept a tavern in MHton, N. H., wilh whom
he remained tiH he was fourteen years of age, when he came to
HiHsborough ; his father having in the mean time removed here.
Soon after, young Johnson enlisted in the army of the revolution for
three years. After serving out his term in the war, he resided at
Andover, Mass., and at Boston with Hon. William PhiHips some
years, who aided him in estabHshing himself in mercantfle business .
Having amassed considerable property he purchased a farm in this
town, on which he erected a splendid mansion, the most expensive
dweHing ever built in the town and located here in 1803. He
resided in HHIsborough until 1826, when he removed to Northwood,
where he died at the residence of his son-in-law, J. Clarke, Esq.
Jan. 19th, 1828, at the age of 61 years. Esq. Johnson married
Catharine Clarke of MUton, Mass., who died at Hillsborough July
llth, 1827, aged 61. Their chHdren were Maria, who married
Rev. Otis Rockwood, now of Woodstock, Conn. Charlotte, who
married Jonathan Clarke, Esq. of Northwood, N. H. Nathaniel,
who died at the city of Washington, in March, 1818, aged about 21.

54 ANNALS OF THE TOWN
George Clarke, vvho died at Exeter, May 22, 1316, aged 15, while
a member of Phillips Academy in that place. He was an uncom
monly amiable, interesting and promising youth. Catherine C. who
married  Phillips of Lynn, Mass. Sarah M., who married Hon.
Edward Kent, of Bangor,^lhe present Governor of Maine. Lydia
EHzabeth Parker, who married Samuel Thatcher, Esq. of Bangor,
Me. Edward R. of Hartford, Conn. James Wdson, Esq., -a native
of New Boston, removed here in 1795, possessed the confidence of
his townsmen in an eminent degree. For many years he filled the
office of first selectman and town clerk, and represented the town in
the state Legislature ten years in succession, from 1812 to 1822.
His death occurred Feb. 20, 1836, at the age of 66. He married
Margaret McClure of 'Deering in Dec. 3 793, vvho died Feb. 14,
1832, aged 60, having borne him seven children, three only of whom
survived him. Ecclesiastical History-
The early inhabitants of this town, brought with them that rever
ence for God and religious institutions which so eminently distin
guished the pilgrim fathers of New England. Being principally emi
grants from tbe counties of Essex and Middlesex in Massachusetts,
they were educated in the faith of the Puritans, and -preferred the
ancient Congregational mode of church government and discipline.
The public worship of God, was early established in this infant colo
ny. From the beginning of the settlement, the people vvere in the
habit of assembling for religious purposes long before they were
supplied with regular preaching. The Rev. Messrs. Wihiam Hous
ton of Bedford, and Samuel Cotton of Litchfield, visited them oc
casionally and administered the sacrament. They assisted in the or
ganization of the first church which was gathered Oct. 12lh 1769,
being the lOlh church formed within the present limits of HHIsbo
rough couniy. John Mead, and Tristram Cheney, vvere elected
deacons the same day. In the autumn of 1772, about ten years
after the second settlement of Ihe tovvn was commenced, the church
and town united in extending a call to the Rev. Jonathan Barnes to
become tbeir pastor, which invitation vvas accepted and he was in-

OF HILLSBOROUGH. 55
ducted into the sacerdotal office, and invested with the pastoral charge
of the church and congregation in Hillsborough, Nov, 25th, 1772.
Rev. Josiah Bridge of East Sudbury, now called Mayland, Mass.,
preached his ordination serrron. At a town meeting held the day
previous to bis ordination, the following provision was made lor his
support : " Voted unanimously to fix the Rev. Mr. Barnes's salary,
that we will give him 30 pounds by way of settiement, 35 pounds a
year for the first four years, then 40 pounds a year, until there shall
be seventy families in town, and when there shall be seventy families,
he is to be entitled to 50 pounds, whether sooner or later until there
be 90 families. When there is 90 families, he shall receive 60
pounds, until there is 110 families, when 110 families, he shall re
ceive 66 pounds, 8 shiHings and 4 pence a year, which last sum, he
shall continue to receive so long as he remain our minister." Until
1779, pubhc worship was usually held in a private house, especial
ly in the winter, and frequently in a barn during the warm season.
The Rev. Mr. Barnes, was ordained in a barn. The first Meeting
house was completed in 1779, and the second in 1792.
In 1803, Mr. Barnes having become incapaciated for the regular
performance of parochial duties, resigned his office and was dismiss
ed Oct. 19th of that year, having sustained the pastoral relation near
ly thirty one years. Tbe Rev. Mr. Barnes was from Marlborough
in Massachusetts, where he was born Dec. 26th, 1749, He receiv
ed his education at Harvard coHege, where he was graduated in
1770. In the summer of 1803, while riding on horseback a stroke
of Hghtning prostrated him to the ground, stunned hira for the time,
and so paralyzed his energies, as utierly to disqualify him for the
discharge of his pastoral duties. He accordingly relinquished them,
and sought in retirement that ease and tranquiHty, which his en
feebled health required. He survived but two years, and died Au
gust 3d, 1805 in the fifty sixth year of his age. He was a man of
very respectable talents, possessed a vigorous and discriminating
mind, and a lively and well cultivated imagination. He had a strong
sonorous voice, and an emphatic delivery. His manners were emi
nently dignified, poHshed and agreeable, a model of clerical urbanity.

56 ANNALS OP THE TOWN
He was a charitable man wilh the sons and daughters of need, he
vvas familiarly acquainted, making it an object to seek out the chil
dren of sorrow, and administer 10 their necessities, and by such he
was regarded with the warmest affection. As a citizen, he exerted
a commanding influence, in maintaining social order, preserving una
nimity of feeling, and otherwise advancing the prosperity of the town.
In his religious belief he is supposed to have been, what was at
that time styled an Arminian, He was not a rigid sectarian, but
cherished a truly catholic and liberal spirit towards those who dif
fered from him in sentiment. Mr, Barnes was an active and labori
ous man. For many years after his settiement, his salary was inade
quate to the support of his household, and he cheerfully assisted in
subduing the wilderness besides administering to the spiritual wants
of his charge. He became possessed of the land allotted by Col.
HiU, to the first settied minister of the town containing between three
and four hundred acres. He toiled assiduously in clearing and pre
paring for cultivation, these and other lands, which he acquired by
purchase, besides laboring much in the newly setded towns in the
vicinity which were destitute of a minister. Mr. Barnes was marri
ed in 1774, to Miss Abigail Curtis of East Sudbury, Mass, who
survived him, and died Dec. 8th, 1838, at the age of 83 years. She
was a woman of great exceUence of character, and was universally
beloved and esteemed.
Their chUdren tvere,WiUiam, born Dec. 25th, 1775, now supposed
to reside in Lower Canada. Jonathan, born March 25th, 1778.
Joseph Curtis born April 24th, 1780, married and settied here
in mercantile business, and died March 13th, 1817. Capt. Samuel,
born June 9lh, 1782, also a merchant in this town, and died Oct.
21, 1822, leaving a wife and six children. Capt. Barnes was a
worthy, industrious and enterprising citizen. Luther born Aug, 1st,
1784, John born Dec. 30th, 1786, died at sea August 21st, 1811,
Cyrus born Jan. 14th, 1789, and died at Porto Rico August 9,
1819, Abigail, who married Rev. John Lawton, born May 1st
1791. A daughter, who died in infancy, born Jan. 9, 1793. Hen
ry born June 28th 1794, died May 1st, 1795. Henry, now living in

OP HILLSBOROUGH. 57
this town born June 19th, 1796. During Mr. Barnes's ministry the
plan ofthe "halfway covenant," was practiced by which, the chil
dren of persons not members of the church, were admitted lo the
rite of baptism. The practice of admitting persons to the church
with no particular confession of faith, was also adopted. In this way
the discipline of the church was relaxed and at one period, it was on
the verge of Unitarianism. But through the strenuous and perse
vering exertions of some of its influential members who were tena
cious Calvinists and the firm and decided orthodox ground, maintain
ed by its second pastor it was in the course of a few years reclaimed
to trinitarian congreationaHsm. In the two years subsequent to the
Rev. Mr. Barnes's dismission, several different clergymen preached
here as a stated supply. The Rev. Josiah Moulton preached here
a few months in 1804, and an effort was made by the church to set
tle him which faded through the opposilioH of a large minority in the
town, the vote standing 57 in favor and 54 against his settiement. In
June 1805, the town concurred with the church in extending an in
vitation to Mr. Stephen Chapin, to seltie over them in the gospel
ministry. Mr. Chapin compHed with their invitation, and was ordain
ed June 18th, 1805, with a stipulated salary of $400,00, per. an
num, with four sabbaths to himself each year. On this occasion the
exercises were as follows. Introductory prayer by Rev. Ethan Smith
of Hopkinton ; sermon by Rev. Nathaniel Emmons, D. D. of Frank
lin, Mass. ; consecrating prayer by the Rev, David Sanford of Med-
way, Mass. ; charge by Rev. John Bruce of Mont Vernon ; feHow-
ship of the churches by Rev. Moses Bradford of Francestown ; con
cluding prayer by Rev. David Long of MUford, Mass. Through
Mr. Chapin's agency the church underwent an important change as
to doctrine and practice. The plan of the halfway covenant was
discontinued. An experimental acquaintance with religion was re
quired as a qualification for church membership and an orthodox con
fession of faith, and covenant were adopted. The inflexible and un
compromising course -pursued by Mr. Chapin, excited the virulent
opposition of many whose sentiments vvere not in unison with his,

H

58 ANNALS or THE TOVVN
and after a protracted controversy resulted in his dismission May lOtb,
ISOS. He however did not lake his final leave of the church and con
gregation here, until July SOth, 1809, when he deHvered his fareweU
sermon which was published. An extract from the doings of the
council which dissolved Mr. C's pastoral relation to the church and
tovvn of Hillsborough, will give us a clue at the cause of his dismis
sion. Mr. Chapin's reasons for asking a dismission are the follow
ing, viz : The town of Hillsborough chose a committee to state their
disaffection to him, to propose to him to ask a dismission and to as
sure him that if he dechned, a town meeting would be immediately
caHed to vote his dismission. Mr. Chapin believed the causes of
their disaffection to be, 1st, The conduct of his ordaining council
in refusing to sit in council al his ordination with Rev. WiHiam Sleighs
of Deering. 2. Mr. Chapin's conduct in refusing to baptize chil
dren on the half-way covenant, so called, and declining to exchange
with ministers who baptize on that ground, in order to accommodate
those who wish to have their children so baptized. And above aH,
3. The doctrines which he, from time to time preaches, and under
stands to be the blessed doctrines of the gospel. The committee of
the town present before the councU, consented that these were in
their opinion the reasons which induced the town to determine on
Mr. Chapin's disinission. The principal reason assigned by the
committee of the church why it consented to Mr, C's. dismission,
was, his want of health, which rendered it doubtful whether he would
be able lo perform the duties of a pastor over them. The councU
which dismissed Mr. C. of which the Rev. Walter Harris, D. D. of
Dunbarton was moderator, and the Rev. Ethan Smith of Hopkinton
scribe ; approved his conduct, and unanimously recommended him
to the churches as an able and faithful minister of Christ, and as a
man of irreproachable moral character. The church also, concurred
with the council by a recommendation of similar import. The num
ber added to the church during Mr. Chapin's ministry was thirty-eight,
though not large, il was an important acquisition. The Rev. Ste
phen Chapin, D. D., was born in Milford, Mass., November, 4,
1778, graduated at Harvard College in 1804, studied Divinity with

OP HILLSBOROUGH. 59
Rev. Nathaniel Emmons, D. D., at Franklin, Mass., was licensed to
preach Oct. 10th, 1804; ordained at Hillsborough, June 18lh, 1805,
dismissed May 10th, 1808. Nov. 15th, 1809, was installed over the
church in Mont Vernon, N. H., December 21, 1809, was married
to Miss Sarah Mosher of Hollis, N. H. Nov. 1818, was dismissed
from the church in Mont Vernon, on account of a change in his
views respecting the mode and subjects of baptism ; September 8,
1819, was ordained pastor of the. Baptist church in North Yarmouth,
Maine. In October 1822 was dismissed, by reason of a call to the
professorship of Theology in WatervUle College, Maine ; vvas inaugu
rated in that office August 1823 ; resigned in August 1828, being
appointed to the Presidency of the Columbian College, Washington,
D. C; was inaugurated in that office, March 11, 1829, vvhere he
presides with distinguished ability. After being destitute of a settied
pastor for more than three years the church in connection wilh the
town presented an invitation to the Rev. Seth Chapin, lo become
their pastor. Mr. Chapin gave them an affirmative answer, and was
ordained Jan. 1, 1812. On this occasion the introductory prayer,
was made by Rev. Moses Sawyer of Henniker ; Rev. Ephraim P-
Bradford of New-Boston, preached the sermon ; Rev. Reed Paige
of Hancock, offered the ordaining prayer, and gave the charge ;
Rev. J. M. Whiton of Antrim, gave the Right Hand of Fellowship ;
Rev. Lemuel Bliss of Bradford, offered the concluding prayer. Dur
ing Mr. Chapin's ministry nothing occurred of special importance.
He became embarrassed in his pecuniary affairs, and vvas dismissed
June 26lh,18l6, Mr. Chapin was born al Mention 3iass., in 1763;
graduated at Brown University in fSOS, and was married about the
same vear to Miss Mary, daughter of Hon. Judge Bicknell of Bar
rington, Rhode Island; acquired his Theological Education iit Ando
ver Theological Seminary, where he graduated iu 1811 ; Jan. 1, 1812,
was ordained pastor of the church in Hillsborough; dismissed June
26th, 1816; was installed al Hanover, Mass., April 21, 1819; dis
missed AprU 24th, 1824 ; resided at Hunter, N. Y. most of the time
from 1824 to 1832 ; was installed in West GranviHe Slass., in 1533
and dismissed in 1835. His present residence is unknown to the

60 ANNALS OP THE TOWN
author. During the interval of more than three years which elapsed
after Mr. Chapin's removal, before the fourth pastor of the church
commenced his ministerial labors here, several clergymen preached
here a few weeks or months, as the case might be. Rev. Jonathan
Magee afterwards settied at Brattieborough, Vt., and now at Nashua,
N. H., labored here a few months in 1818. About the time of Rev.
Seth Chapin's dismission the town as a town, declined uniting with
the church any longer in the support of a minister. Thus the church
vvas thrown upon its own resources. The preaching of the gospel
has since been maintained by voluntary subscription.- In January
1820, Rev. John Lawton, who had previoiisly spent a few sabbaths
here, moved his family into town, and commenced preaching here
constantly. In June 1821 he received a caU from the church and
society connected with it to settle over them in the ministry, which
was accepted, and his installation took place Nov, 9, 1821. Rev.
J. M. Whiton of Antrim offered the introductory prayer ; Rev. Joel
Davis then of Barnard Vt., preached the sermon; Rev. Jonathan
Nye of Claremont, offered the Installing prayer ; Rev. Broughton
White of Washington gave the Right Hand of FeHowship ; conclud-'
ing prayer by Rev. Joel Davis.
Mr. Lawton continued in the pastoral relation here until April 22,
] 834, when he was dismissed at his own request. His labors here
were very successful. Several extensive revivals o^cured during his
ministry, particularly in 1827, when about seventy were added to the
church as the fruits of it. Rev. Ira M. Mead, now of Ypsilanti,
Michigan passed a few months in town, while this revival was in pro
gress and greatiy assisted the pastor in his labors. Mr. Mead was a
native of Hinesburg, Vermont, graduated at the Vermont University,
in 1826, and at the Andover Theological Seminary, in 1829. The
whole number of accessions lo the church while Mr. Lawton vvas its
pastor, was 152, averaging about ten a year. Rev. John Lawton was
born in Hardwick, Mass. August 14lh, 1780, graduated at Middle
bury college in 1805, pursued his preparatory theological studies
with Rev. John B. Preston at Newport, Vermont, received his li
cence to preach in June 1808, was ordained in Windham, Vt. in Oct.

OP HILLSBOROUGH. 61
1809, dismissed in Oct. 1819, and immediately began to preach in
Hillsborough, was installed here Nov. 7, 1821, dismissed|April 22,
1834. Since his dismission here, Mr. Lawton has been engaged
principally as a home missionary, but is now itinerating in New Eng
land as an agent for an educational institution in Illinois. His family
yet continues to reside in this town. He was married at Cambridge,
N. Y. Sept. 14, 1806, to Miss Sarah W. Davis, then of Sharon, Vt.
who died January 22, 1824, aged 36. He vvas again married Feb.
9, 1826, to Miss Abigail, only daughter of the late Rev. Jonathan
Barnes. Mr. Lawton's successor in the ministry. Rev. Milton Ward, com
menced preaching here, in April 1834, and was consecrated to the
pastoral office, 23d July of that year hy an ecclesiastical councU con
sisting of pastors, and delegates from ten churches. The services
ofthe ordination were as follows ; Invocation and reading the scrip
tures by Rev. Orlando G. Thatcher of Bradford ; Introductory pray
er by Rev. Jacob Scales of Henniker ; sermon by Rev. Calvin Cut
ler of Windham, N. H. ; consecrating prayer by Rev. Joseph Mer-
ril of Aeworth ; charge by Rev. John M. Whiton of Antrim ; right
hand of feUowship by Rev. Austin Richards of Francestown ; Ad
dress to the people by Rev. Silas Aiken of Amherst; concluding
prayer by Rev. David Stowell of Goffstown. A change in his views
respecting the nature and constitution of the christian church, led to
bis dismission by a mutual council, Nov. 10th, 1835. Mr. Ward
is a nalive of Plymouth, N. H., graduated at Dartmouth CoHege in
1825, studied medicine at Hanover, and graduated at the Medical
Institution there in 1829, was a practitioner of Medicine several
years at Windham, N. H ; but afterwards abandoned that profession,
and studied Theology with Rev. Calvin Cutler at Windham, and
settied in HiHsborough soon after he was licensed to preach. A
few weeks subsequent to his dismission here, he was ordained by
Bishop Griswold, as a minister of the Episcopal Church, in which
capacity he has since officiated at Lynn, Mass., Blandford, Mass.,
a-nd at Portsmouth, R. L, where he now resides. The church be
ing again destitute of a minister, procured Rev. Seth Farnsworth to

62 ANNALS OF THE TOWN
labor with them one year, at the expiration of which, he accepted a
call to settle over the Church and society here, and was installed
Nov. 23, 1836, when the following order of exercises took place :
Rev. Jubilee Wellman of Warner offered the introductory prayer,
Rev. John M. Whiton of Antrim, preached the sermon from Phil-
lippians 4, 5; Rev. Jacob Scales of Henniker, offered the installing
prayer ; Rev. Archibald Burgess of Hancock, delivered the charge ;
Rev. O. G. Thatcher of Bradford, expressed the fellowship of the
churches; Rev, Moses Kimball of Hopkinton, addressed the church
and society, and offered the concluding prayer. In 1836, a new
meeting house was erected at the Bridge village, for the use of the
first Congregalional Church and Society. It was opened for public
worship Nov. 23d, in connection wilh Mr. Farnsworth's InstaUation.
Rev. Mr. Farnsworth preached the sermon on this occasion, and
Rev. A. Burgess of Hancock offered the dedicatory prayer. This
house stands a little west of the centre of business at the bridge : is
exceedingly commodious, elegantly finished, and is an ornament to
the flourishing village where it is located. When Mr. F. was set
tled it was the understanding that he should preach one, alternately.
Sabbath at the bridge, and the next at the centre, 6ic. His labors
here were abundant and salutary, but in the full tide of his useful
ness, when the affections of the church and society were fixed on
him with no common degree of ardor, he was suddenly removed by
death, March 26th 1837. While Mr. F. was pastor ofthe church,
five persons were added. In July 1837, this bereaved people, ob
tained the ministerial services of Rev. Samuel G. Tenney. He
pleached his first sermon to this people July 16. After laboring
here nearly one year he vvas installed pastor of the church and so
ciety, July 4, J 838, order of services as foUows: Invocation and
reading the scriptures, by Rev. Stephen Rogers of Bradford ; Intro
ductory prayer by Rev. Joel Davis, then of Washington ; Sermon
by Rev. Nathaniel Bouton of Concord, from 2 Timothy 4, 2 ; In-
slaUing Prayer by Rev. Peter Holt of Deering ; charge by Rev.
.John Lawton former pastor; fellowship of the churches by Rev.
John M. Whiton of Antrim; address to the church and people by

OF HILLSBOROUGH. 63
Rev. Jacob Scales of Henniker, and concluding prayer by Rev.
Nathaniel T. Folsom of Francestown. This church has novv be
come tvvo bands. Ever since the dedication of the Meeting house
at the bridge, it has been in contemplation lo establish constant
preaching in the congregational church there, when a favorable peri
od should arrive ; the death of Mr. Farnsworth probably retarded
this event. In the spring of 1839, a competent salary was raised
and a church organized May 29, 1839, by the name of the " Hills
borough Bridge congregational church," It consisted at its forma
tion of 26 members, dismissed by letter from thefirst church. The
present number of communicants is 70. Rev. S. G. Tenney was
retained as pastor of this church. In October 1839, Tristram Saw
yer, Davison RusseU, Samuel Morrison, and Frederick M. Sy
monds, were elected deacons of this church. Rev, Samuel Oilman
Tenney its pastor was born at Rowley, Mass., AprU 12, 1793, fit
ted for college at Union Academy, Plainfield ; graduated at Dart
mouth College in 1823; studied his profession with Rev. Walter
Chapin, D. D., at Woodstock, Vt. ; was ordained pastor of the Con
gregational church at Lyndon Vermont in July 1825; was dismissed
in Jan. 1831 : from May 1831, to Nov. 1834, was slated supply at
Bakersfield, Vt., without installation ; vvas installed at Waitsfield, Vt.
in July 1835; and dismissed in July 1837, and came to HiHsborough,
the same month. After the formation of the Bridge church the old
church assumed the name of " HiHsborough Centre Church." The
present number of Us members is 106. Charies Baldwin, Stephen
Richardson, and Othri Crosby, were elected deacons of this church,
June 20, 1839. A new house of worship was erected in 1839, for
the use of this church and society, and dedicated Dec. 4ih, of that
year. The dedication sermon was preached by Rev. Stephen
Rogers of Bradford. Rev. Edward Cleaveland, who had been set
tled in Rochester, N. H., labored with the church and society sev
eral months in 1839. Rev. John B. M. Bailey, now of Attlebo
rough, Mass., and Rev. Henry White, also preached for thera some
time, while they were destitute of a settied minister. In Feb. 1840,
Rev. George W. Adams, began his clerical labors and preached

64 ANNALS OP THE TOWN
first to this people, Feb. 23. In March following he received and
accepted an invitation to settle over them as their pastor and was in
stalled October 21, 1840. Rev. Samuel Gilman Tenney of the
Bridge Church, invoked the Divine blessing, and read select por
tions of scripture ; Rev. David P. Smith offered the introductory
prayer ; Rev. B. B. Beckwith of Castine Maine, preached the ser
mon from 1 Cor. 1 : 23, 24 ; Rev. Peter Holt of Deering offered the
Installing prayer ; Rev. John M. Whiton of Castine, delivered the
charge ; Rev. S. G. Tenney gave the Right Hand of Fellowship ;
Rev. D. P. Smith addressed the church and society; Rev. Stephen
Rogers of Bradford offered the concluding prayer. The whole num
ber that were added to the church from the settlement of Rev. Ste
phen Chapin to 1839, a period of 34 years amounts to 223. Rev.
George W. Adams, the present pastor of the Centre Church, vvas
born in Limerick, Me., May 16, 1808, prepared for college at
the Limerick Academy, graduated at Bowdoin College in 1835 ;
and at the Theological Seminary at Bangor Maine, in 1837, was
ordained pastor of the Congregational church in Brooksville, Maine,
Oct. 25, 1837, dismissed February 4, 1840, and came to Hillsbo
rough the same month.
Rev. Seth Farnsworth the sixth pastor of the Congregational
church in HiUsborough was born in Charlestown, N. H., June 14lh
1795. He became the subject of serious religious impressions in
1816, during a revival of religion in the adjoining town of Claremont.
Having been educated by his father to believe the doctrine of the
universal salvation ; the conflict between his convictions of duty and
his incHnalions and preconceived opinions was protracted and severe.
But grace finally triumphed, and he gave up all for Christ. Being
ardently desirous of more extensive usefulness in the service of his
Redeemer, he commenced a course of study preparatory for the
Christian ministry, at Union Academy, Plainfield, in the spring of
1817. He entered Dartmouth CoHege in August 1818, and receiv
ed the honors of that Institution in 1822. In the various 'depart
ments of study, he maintained a very respectable standing. Though
his excessive diffidence, in some measure concealed his intellectual

OT HILLSBOROUGH. 65
strength, and prevented his talents from being fully appreciated. Dur
ing the tvvo years succeeding his graduation, he pursued the study of
Theology under the direction of President Tyler. Having received
license to preach, he labored two years in the service of the Ver
mont Missionary Society wilh great acceptance in several of the des
titute towns in that slate. In the autumn of 1824 he received a call
from the church and society in Raymond and was ordained Nov. 3,
of that year and dismissed AprU 17, 1834. During the ten years of
his mini'stry at Raymond, his labors were crowned with four seasons
of refreshing from the presence of the Lord, when large accessions
were made to his church. In 1834 he received a call from the
church in Essex and another from the diurch in Morristown Ver
mont He preferred not to settle for the present in either place
but engaged to supply the church in Essex for one year. Having
received a call to seltie in HiUsborough, he was installed Nov. 23,
1836. After a fevv months of earnest labor, he sickened suddenly
of a lung fever, and after a few months of earnest profession, and the
assiduities of an affectionate people, he died 26th March 1837. As he
drew near his end, every christian grace seemed to be caUed in
to lively exercise, faith, hope, love and joy fiUed his soul. A fevv
ofthe many expressions of holy joy which escaped his lips as he
reared the heavenly world, are here recorded, and they vvill con
vey some idea of his peaceful and triumphant departure. Re
peatedly in the extacy of joy would he exclaim, " Glory, glory lo
God, Hallelujah — Salvation, the Lord reignelh. Praise him. Oh praise
him." After a short interval of repose, he clasped his hands and said,
*' Oh my God, how sweet, how sweet are the employments of Heav
en. Blessing and glory,and wisdom, and thanksgiving, and honor, and
power, and might, be unto our God, forever and ever. Amen." Long
ing to depart and be with Christ he said, " Oh my soul when will
you be at rest — come blessed Saviour, O come, come. Oh, that I
had wings I would fly, yes blessed Jesus, I would fly lo tiiine arms.
Again raising his hands and eyes upward, he exclaimed, " Oh my Sa
viour, my love, my dove, my undefiled, what sweet words, O my
God, how sweet. On Sabbath morning, (the day he died,) after a
few moments of repose, he opened his eyes and beholding Mrs. F.
I

66 ANNALS OP THE TOWN
with their youngest chUd in her arms, standing by his bed he raised
his hands and said, " that dear chUd I love. My dear, 1 have fahh
to believe that the Covenant promise will be fulfilled in that chUd, I
do believe, yes, I do believe that that child will become a chUd of
grace." At another time he lay for some minutes as though listening
to the sound of distant music. He seemed to try to catch the sound
and to tune his voice to join in an anthem of praise. On opening
his eyes he said, " O my friends, I thought I was in glory, I have just
come from the world of bliss, what happiness what unspeakable hap
piness to sing with angels, O, could I mount up with angels, I would
sing with them an anthem of praise." After he had taken his leave
of his family and friends, he lay some time in a gentle repose. Mrs.
F. asked him if he would take some drink. He opened his eyes and
with a smile of joy on his countenance, he said, "Oh my dear, I have
had such views of glory as I never had before. I have been swim
ming, swimming, yea I have been swimming in an ocean of bliss." On
Sabbath morning a neighboring minister and relative who preached
for him that day, inquired of hira just before going to the house of
God, if he had any message which he wished him to bear to his peo
ple. Message said he, yes I have a message for my dear people,
*' Tell my beloved people that my message to them, is that they re
ceive with meekness the engrafted word which is able to save their
souls, and that they be doers of the word, and not hearers only," he
would have added more, but his strength failed him. He continued
in the same happy frame of mind till half past 3 o'clock, when his
immortal spirit was released from hs clay tenement. As a minister Mr,
Farnsworth was earnest, laborious, and faithful. " The great truths
which he beHeved and taught, dwelt richly in his own heart. Though
his talents were more useful than brUHant,yet he was always interest
ing and frequently very eloquent in the pulpit. As a christian, a minis
ter, a husband, a father and a friend, he was uniformly guided by the
principles of Christian love. The kindness and meekness of his
heart, his amiable deportment, and his humble walk with God, won
the esteem and attachment of all classes in the community. " Bles
sed are the dead who die in the Lord."

OP HILLSBOROUGH. 67
Rev. Ozias Sllsby son of Henry Silsby, was born in Windham,
Conn., in June 1761, removed to Aeworth, N. H., with his parents
in early hfe, graduated at Dartmouth CoUege in 1785, studied Di
vinity wilh the Rev. George Leslie of Washington, was licensed to
preach the Gospel, and labor, for some time in Henniker, N. H., and
at WeUs, Maine, but was never settied in the ministry ; his feeble
health unfitting him for pastoral duly. He subsequently resided in
various places, was carrier of the U. S. Mail fourteeen years from
Chester to Exeter. In 1314 he removed from Warner to this town,
and continued to reside here until his death, Feb, 28lh, 1 833 aged
72 years. He was twice married, first to Miss Mary Dearborn of
Chester, and after her death, to Miss Frances Congdon Jones of
Concord, a native of Claremont. Ten children survived him.
The Deacons of the Congregational church from its organization
in 1769, to its division in 1839, were as follows : John Mead, Tris
tram Cheney, Isaac Andrus, Joseph Symonds, Paul Cooledge, Isaac
Andrews, Jun. Jacob Spaulding, Joel Stow, George Dascomb, sev
en of whom have deceased, John Mead came to HiUsborough from
Reading Mass. in 1766, and died here in August 1811, aged about
81. He endured all the privations of a pioneer in the wUderness,
was a pious and exemplary man and adorned his profession. Tris
tram Cheney is believed to have been from Sudbury Mass. He re
sided in Antrim just beyond the limits of HiHsborough, whence he
removed to Marlow, where he died. For Isaac Andrews, Sen., see
" Justices of the Peace." Dea. Joseph Symonds was born and bred
in Middleton, Mass., removed to Hillsborough in 1774, and died
here March SO, 1809, aged 77. Dea. Symonds was a prominent
man in the early history of the town. He possessed a strong mind,
and solid judgment; was a highly intelHgent and useful citizen, and
deservedly esteemed by his townsmen. Dea. S. was one of the
fathers ofthe church, and maintained a highly exemplary christian
character. He married Lucy Kimball, of Boxford, Mass.. vvho died
Aug. 21, 1803, aged 69, having borne him ihirleen children, ten of
whom survived him. Dea. Paul Cooledge son of Nathaniel Cool-
ed'^e, seu. was born in Weston, Mass., removed here witii his ptirenls

68 ANNALS OP THE TOWN
in 1775, and died Aug. 20,1835, aged 84. He married Miss
Martha Jones, who died July 21, 1835, aged 78. Deacon Jacob-
Spaulding was a nalive of Chelmsford, Mass., removed here in 1790
and died May 14, 1838, aged 70. He left a wife and seven chil
dren. Dea. Joel Stow was born at Marlborough Mass. Nov. 19,
1766. He removed to Hillsborough when about 21 years of age,.
and resided here until his death, Oct. 17th 1838, aged 72. Deacon
Stow was an energetic and useful citizen. For several years he
served the town as one of their selectmen ; and represented them in
the State Legislature four years from 1803, He loved the institu
tions of tiie Gospel, and did much towards sustaining them. He was
ever active in supporting an Evangelical ministry, and staying up the
hands of his pastor. He contributed hberally to the benevolent ob
jects of ihe day ; in his will bequeathing them $500 out of an estate
of three thousand dollars, which made the amount of his benefac
tions at different periods equal to $1000. The memory of the just
is blessed, Dea. Stow married Miss Rebecca Howe of HHIsbo
rough, April 10th 1794, vvho died March 19th 1805. He was agaia
married Feb. 14, 1806, to Miss Elizabeth Barnes of Marlborough,
Mass, Two of five children survive him.
Dea, Isaac Andrews, Jun., son of Dea, Isaac Andrews was born
at Ipswich, Mass, Nov, llth, 1755, removed here from Carlisle,
Mass. in 1767. He is yet living in a vigorous and healthful old age ;
his mental faculties unimpaired. He fought in the battie of Bunker
hill, and preserves a minute and vivid recoHection of the events of
that memorable day, which he relates in a very interesting manner.
Maj. Andrews has an intimate knowledge of the scenes which have
transpired in HiHsborough, state of N. H., and of its inhabitants, dur
ing the seventy-four years he has been a resident here. Dea. Geo.
Dascomb was born in Lunenburgh, Mass. Oct. 16th 1764 ; emigrat
ed to Milton, N. H., with his parents when he was two years old ; re
moved lo HiUsborough, in 1791.
In May 1813, a Baptist society vvas organized by a number of in-
dividuals,"'cherishing the pecuHar views of that denomination. For
seven years from this time, tiiey were supplied with preaching but

OF HILLSBOROUGH. G9
one sabbath to each month ; during this period they employed the
labors of different ministers. The Rev. Messrs. Willard of Dublin,
Higbee of Alstead, Elliott of Mason, Ambrose of Sullon, and Cum
mings of Sullivan, all ministered here occasionally. In the year
1819, they commenced holding meetings on the sabbath, when des
titute of the preaching of the gospel, which were conducted by them
selves as meetings for mutual prayer and conference. Aug. 31, 1828,
the first Baptist church was gathered. Rev. Elijah Willard of Dub
lin preached the sermon. This church at its organization consisted
of sixteen members, seven males and nine females, James Ayer,
and Fisher Gay were appointed deacons. From 1820 to 1828,
most of their preaching was by Rev. Charles Cummings. In 1828,
he moved his family into the town, and commenced preaching con
stantly for this people. Until 1828, their meetings were held euher
in school houses or private dwellings. In November of that year, a
house of worship sixty feet by forty-five wbich had been erected for
their use was dedicated. Rev. Joseph Elliot, then of Mason, now
of Ahon, Illinois, preached the dedication sermon. In 1831, Rev.
Mr. Cummings returned with his family to SuUivan. He is now
paslor ofthe Baptist church in Swanzey. In 1831, the church be
came connected with the Milford association of churches. After the
dismission ofthe Rev. Mr. Cummings, the church had no permanent
sup}9ly for several years. In 1834, the Rev. John Peacock labored
wilh the church five months, during which time there was an interest
ing revival and about forty were added to the church. In 1635^
Rev. Moses Cheney by invitation of the church and society moved
his family here, and became their staled minister. After remaining
in the place about fourteen months, he left in March 1836. The
same year Rev. John Atwood formerly of New Boslon was invited
by the church and society lo become their paslor. He accepted
and commenced his labors statedly, on the first of Feb. 1837, but
never received the pastoral care ofthe church. For certain reasons
resting principaUy with the leading members, the church has never
admitted any person lo assume a pastoral connexion wilh them. Af
ter continuing his labors wilh the church and society three years,
Mr. Atwood was dismissed by the church in Feb. 1840, but con
tinued to preach for the society. The first church remained desti
tute until the first of Feb. 1841, when the Rev. Philip Chamberlain,
from Campion, N. H. moved here and yet ministers to this church.
On the 5th of November 1840, the Independent Baptist Church
was embodied by the advice and assistance of an Ecclesiastical coun
cil, convened for the purpose. The sermon on the occasion vvas
delivered by the Rev. J. P Appleton of Wilton, and the Fellow
ship of tbe Council was presented by Rev. Phinehas Richardson of
HoHIs. The Rev. John Atwood holds the relation of pastor lo this
church, which consisted when constituted ot tweniy members. And

70 ANNALS OF THE TOWN
thirteen have since been added. The whole number of persons bap
tized in connection with the Baptist interest in Hillsborough, since
the formation ofthe first church in 1820 is 105. The number add
ed by letter is 56; dismissed to other churches 43, expunged from
tbe records 34, excluded 13, died 13. The present number of Bap
tist professors in town is about 100.
Rev. John Atwood, A. M., the pastor, ofthe " Independent Baptist
Church, in HiHsborough," was born in Hudson, N. H. October 3d
1795, prepared for college with Rev. Daniel Merrill of Hudson,
was a member of Waterville CoHege, Maine, from 1820 to 1824;
was ordained pastor of the 1st Baptist Church in New Boston in May
1825, dismissed in Feb. 1835 and from that time labored in Frances-
town until his removal to Hillsborough in Feb. 1837. A melhodist
church was organized in 1833, and a neat and commodious edifice
of pubhc worship erected for their accommodation in 1839. This
house was dedicated Oct. 2d, of that year. Dedication sermon by
Rev. Jared Perkins, then of Nashua.

Asa matter not altogether uninteresting to the inhabitants of Hills
borough, it is thought proper to append a Hst of the representatives
of the town in the stale legislature ; town clerks, moderators of the
annual IovSju meetings and selectmen from the first tovvn meeting to
the present time. The year at the left hand of the name denotes the
time of election ; the figures at the right, the period of continuance
in office by elections in immediate succession.

Representatives.
UntU 1792, HiHsborough was classed with Henniker ; neither
town of itself being sufficientiy populous to entitle it to a representa-
tative till that year. John Dutton, WiHiam Wallace of Henniker,
and Benjamin Pierce, represented the towns, whUe thus classed to
gether. Hillsborough has been represented by the following indi
viduals since 1792,
1792, Benjamin Pierce, 11.
1803, Joel Stow, 4,
1807, Elijah Beard. 5.
1812, James WUson, 10.
1822, Andrew Sargent, 4.
1826, Thomas Wilson, 3.

1829, Franklin Pierce, 4.
1833, Hiram Monroe, 6.
1839, ^l.^r^^'^"'"' ] 2.
' Elijah Monroe, 5
.„.. Albert Baker, >
1 C5t 1 , TT  T-\ -!-»¦ J /

Henry D, Pierce,
In 1839, il was ascertained that die town was entitied to two rep
resentatives.

OP HILLSBOROUGH.

71

Town Clerks.

1772, Isaac Andrews, 3.
1775, Joseph Symonds, 1.
1776, Samuel Bradford,*
1777, William Pope, 1.
1778, Timo. Bradford, 1.
1779, Samuel Bradford, Jr., I.
1780, WiUiam Pope, 1.
1781, Isaac Andrews, 5.
1786, John Dutton, 7.
1793, Enos Towne,* 1.
* Capt. B. died in August 1776, and WiHiam Pope was elected
his successor, as first selectman and town clerk, for the remainder of
the year. Enos Towne died in 1795 and John McCoUy succeeded
him for the residue of that year.

1794, Calvin Stevens,
1805, Elijah Beard,
1808 Andrew Sargent,
1816, James Wilson,
1823, Andrew Sargent,
1830, Thomas Wilson,
1832, Jonathan Beard,
1835, Amos Flint,
1841, Jotham Moore,

11. 3. 8. 7.7.
2. 3. 6.

Moderators of the Annual Town Meetings.

1774,

Timothy Wilkins,

1.

1811, Benjamin Pierce,

3.

1775,

Joseph Symonds,

1.

1814, Nehemiah Jones,

1.

1776,

Daniel McNeU,

1.

1815, John Burnam,

8.

11777,

Andrew Bixby,

1.

J823, Luther Smith,

1.

1778,

Joseph Symonds,

4.

1824, John Burnam,

1.

1782,

James McCoUey,

1.

1825, Reuben Hatch,

3.

1783,

Joseph Symonds,

9.

1828, Franklin Pierce,

6.

1792,

Benjamin Pierce,

9.

1834, Amos Flint,

1

1801,

Otis Howe,

1.

1835, Thomas Wilson,

1

1802,

Benjamin Pierce,

1.

1836, Nahum Parker Foster

1

1803,

John Dutton,

2.

1837, Hiram Monroe,

4

1805,

Benjamin Pierce,

5.

1841, Albert Baker,

1810,

David Starret,

1.

1

Selectmen.
1772, Isaac Andrews, 3.
John McCoUey, 3.
Daniel McNeU, 3.
Isaac Baldwin, 3.
WiUiam Pope, 3.
1775, Joseph Symonds, 1-
Samuel Bradfordjs'r.* 1.
James Eaton,
1795, Samuel Bradford,
1797, George Dascomb,
1799, Elijah Beard,
1800,- Jacob Spaulding,
1805, Andrew Sargent,
1806, Silas Dutton,
6.
2. 2.9. 6.
11. 2.
72

ANNALS OP THE TOWN

John McClintock, 1.
177G, Asa Dresser, 1.
Archibald Taggart, 1.
William Pope, 2,
1777, John McCoUey, 1.
Moses Steel, 1.
1778, Timothy Bradford, 1,
Sam'l Bradford, Jr. 2.
Daniel McNeil, 1.
1779, Ammi Andrews, 1.
James McCoUey, 1.
1780, William Pope, 1,
Calvin Stevens, 2,
Jacob Flint, 1.
1781, Isaac Andrews, 7.
John Dutton, 12.
Archibald Taggart, 2.
John McClary, 1.
1782, The three first ofthe
5 elected in 1782 con
stituted the board in
1782.
1783, Isaac Andrews, Jr. 1.
1784, James McCoUey, 1.
1785, WUHam Taggart, 1.
1786, John Bradford, 1.
William Symonds, 1.
1787, William Taggart, 1.
1788, Isaac Andrews, .Ir, 1.
Paul Cooledge, 1.
1789, John McCoHey, 2.
1790, John McClary, 2.
1791, Isaac Andrews, 2.
1792, John McCoUey, 3,
1793, EnosTowne.t 1.
Solomon Andrews, 1,
1794, Calvin Stevens, 11.

1808, David Starret, 1-
Joseph Curtis Barnes, 2.
1809, Timothy Wyman, 2,
1810, James Wilson, 13,
1811, Joel Stow, 1.
1812, Samuel Barnes, 1,
1813, Luther Smith,J 1,
1814, Samuel Gibson, 2,
1816, Joel Stow, 5,
Jonathan Tilton, 2.
1818, George Little, 2,
1820, WiHiam McCHntock, 1.
1821, Alexander McCoy, 1,
Peter Codman, ' 2.
1822, Joel Slow, 1,
1823, Andrew Sargent, 7,
Reuben Hatch, 1,
Solomon McNeil, 1,
1824, Joel Stow, 2,
Thomas Wilson, 8,
1826, Benjamin Tuttle, 2,
1828, Hiram Monroe, 1,
1830, Peter Codman, 1.
Isaac Jones Cooledge, 1.
1831, Jonathan Beard, 4,
1832, Levi Goodale, 2.
Samuel C. Dutton, 1.
1833, Joseph Phipps, 3.
1834, Amos FHnt, 7.
1835, Levi Goodale, 4.
1836, Ransom Bixby, 2.
1838, James Currier, 1.
1839, Daniel Brown, 1,
Jotham Moore,
1840, Hiram Monroe,
1841, Sandy Smith.

* Capt. Samuel Bradford died in Aug. 1776, and William Pope was his successor, for tlie
rest of the year. + Enos Town died in tlie year 1793, and John iVlcCoIley was chosen to
serve in the offices of town clerk, and first selectman, for the rest of the year. | Dr. Luther
Smith resigned the office of selectman, on account of its interfering with liis professional
business and Samuel Gibson was elected in his stead for the remainder of the year.

™

^^

L

Xijjl^l^s

^'i-

¦ ¦','^^,,,'t'l

' ''¦it--

" ^ Bi^^'**'

J^ ¦'j?' "¦""-¦

¦¦¦)"«¦ V I

J

.I- ii,mi,ii!>i