Cheshire County Townships from Hayward's 1849 Gazetteer of New Hampshire

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Source:  A Gazetteer of New Hampshire Containing Descriptions of all the Counties, Towns and 
          Districts in the State by John Hayward, John P. Jewett (publisher), Boston, 1849

	Cheshire is one of the western counties in this State, and KEENE is its chief town. Its 
length is thirty-one miles; its greatest breadth twenty-six miles; and its least breadth fifteen.
It is bounded north by the county of Sullivan, east by Hillsborough County, south by the State of
Massachusetts, and west by Vermont. Throughout the whole extent on the west, it is watered by 
the Connecticut, the western bank of which forms the boundary line between New Hampshire and 
Vermont.  
	Ashuelot River is a considerable stream, and is tributary to Connecticut River. It has 
its source from a pond in Washington, and after receiving two branches in Keene and Swanzey, and 
several smaller streams in Winchester, empties into Connecticut River at Hinsdale. Spafford's 
Lake, a beautiful collection of water, of about eight miles in circumferenee, is situated in 
Chesterfield. There is a pleasant island in the lake, containing about eight acres.
	The Grand Monadnock, in Dublin and Jaffrey, is the highest mountain.--See Mountains.
Bellows' Fallls on Connecticut River, at Walpole, have been regarded as one of the greatest 
natural curiosities in this county.
	The earliest settlement in this county was made about the year 1732, at Hinsdale, then a
part of Northfield, and under the government of Massachusetts. The county probably received its 
name from Cheshire, one of the western counties in England.--See County Table.

COURTS IN CHESHIRE COUNTY. 
Superior Court, Third District. At Newport, on the first Tuesday of July and at Keene, on the 
first Tuesday of December.
Court of Common Pleas. At Keene, the third Tuesday of March,and second Tuesday of September. 
Probate Courts. At Keene, on the first Tuesday of every month, and on the third Tuesday of March,
April, May, September, October, and November.

ALSTEAD - CHESHIRE CO. This town is well watered by small streams. Cold River passes through the
north-west part; and some of the branches of the Ashuelot River have their sources in this town.
There are a number of ponds, the princpal of which is Warren's Pond;--length 250 rods, breadth 
150. Perch and pickerel are here caught in great abundance. The soil is strong and productive, 
and the farms generally well cultivated. Manufactures flourish in this town, and great attention
is paid to education. Alstead was originally called Newton.
	General Amos Shepard, who was for many years a member of the General Court of this State,
and President of the Senate from 1797 to 1804, resided in this town, and was one of its principal
inhabitants from 1777 to the time of of his death, Jan. 1, 1812. By his persevering industry, his
economy and correctness in business, and at the same time, by a rigid adherence to uprightness 
and integrity in his dealings with his fellow men, he acquired a handsome fortane, and was in 
many things, a pattern worthy of imitation. See N. 2.
       Boundaries. East by Marlow, south by Gilsum, west by Walpole and Langdon, and north by 
Acworth and Langdon.
       First Settlers. Samuel Chase with sixty-nine others settled here in 1763.
       First Ministers. Rev. Jacob Mann, ordained in 1782; dismissed in 1789. Rev. Samuel Mead,
ordained in 1791; dismissed in 1797. Rev. Levi Lankton, ordained in 1789; dismissed in 1828.
	Productions of the Soil. Indian corn, 5,460 bushels; potatoes, 58,843 bushels; hay, 
3,382 tons; wool, 11,440 lbs; maple sugar, 11,617 pounds.
	Distances. Twelve miles south-east from Charlestown, fourteen north from Keene, and 
fifty-six west by south from Concord. 

CHESTERFIELD - 	CHESHIRE CO. Few towns on Connecticut River have so little intervale land. For the whole
six miles that it lies upon the river, the hills approach near the river's side. There is much
good upland, well adapted for grazing and the production of Indian corn. The chief articles 
carried to market are beef, pork, butter, and cheese. Cat's Bane Brook is a stream of great 
importance, as it furnishes many mill sites.
	Spafford's Lake is a beautiful collection of water, situated about one mile north from 
the meeting-house. It contains a surface of 526 acres. It is fed by springs in its bosom. Its 
waters are remarkably clear and pure, its bed being a white sand. In this lake there is an island
of about six acres, which forms a delightful retreat. On its east side issues a stream called 
Partridge's Brook, sufficiently large for a number of mills.   
	West River Mountain lies in this town and Hinsdale. It is supposed to have been once 
subject to a volcanic eruption, and there is at present a considerable quantity of lava near its
crater. It is said, by those who live near the mountain, that it frequently trembles, and a 
rumbling noise is heard in its bowels.
	Chesterfield has three villages. The principal village, leading from Hartford to Hanover,
is situated near the centre of the town, three miles east from Connecticut River, and is very
pleasant. At the time the first settlers came here, the river afforded abundance of shad and
salmon, and the forests were well stocked with deer, bears, and other game; so that the 
inhabitants did not experience those privations so common in new settlements.
	Boundaries. South by Winchester and Hinsdale, west by Brattleboro and Dummerston, Vt.,
north by Westmoreland, and east by Keene and Swanzey.
	First Settlers. Moses Smith and William Thomas, with their families.
	First Minister. Rev. Abraham Wood, ordained in 1772; died in 1823.
	Productions of the Soil. Indian corn, 9,143 bushels; potatoes, 36,885 bushels; hay,
3,534 tons; wool, 7,044 lbs.; maple sugar, 11,993 pounds.
	Distances. Eleven miles south-west from Keene, and sixty-two south-west from Concord. 
A railroad passes through the town.

DUBLIN - CHESHIRE CO. Dublin is situated on the height of land between Connecticut and Merrimac
Rivers. Its streams are small; those on the west side run into the Ashuelot, those on the east 
into Contoocook River. The rain which falls on the roof of the church is shared by those rivers.
There is a pond near the middle of the town called Centre Pond, one mile in length, and about 
the same breadth. A large portion of the Grand Monadnock lies in the northwest part of Dublin, 
and near the centre of the town is Breed's Mountain. Monadnock was formerly covered with a growth
of small timber and shrubbery, but fires having run over it at different times, it presents 
little more than ragged rocks. Between the rocks, however, there are low whortleberry bushes,
which produce great quantities of fruit of a very rich flavor. The season for ripening is the 
latter part of August, and to those who ascend the summit at this season they are peculiarly
grateful. This mountain is not difficult of access. The view from its summit is sublime. Its
height is 3,718 feet about the level of the sea. The land in this town in general is much better
for grazing than tillage.
	The late Rev. Edward Sprague bequeathed nearly 8,000 dollars for the support of public
schools, the annual interest of which is to be applied to this object. He also left the town 
$5,000, the interest of which, paid quarterly, is to be applied to the support of an ordained 
Congregational minister, who shall statedly preach in Dublin.   
	Boundaries. North by Nelson and Hancock, east by Peterborough, south by Jaffrey, and 
west by Marlborough and Roxbury.
	First Settlers. John Alexander, Henry Strongman, and Wm. Strong, in 1762. 
	First Ministers. Rev. Joseph Farrar, ordained in 1772; dismissed in 1776. Rev. Edward 
Sprague, ordained in 1777; died in 1817.
	Productions of the Soil. Indian corn, 3,680 bushels; potatoes, 34,028 bushels; hay, 
2,646 tons; wool, 6,294 lbs.; maple sugar, 17,779 pounds.
	Distances. Ten miles east by south from Keene, and fifty south-west from Concord. 

FITZWILLIAM - CHESHIRE CO. Camp and Priest Brooks, running in a southerly direction, are the principal
streams in this town. South Pond, 230 rods long and of various width; Sip's Pond, 200 rods long 
and 100 wide; Rockwood's Pond, and Collin's Pond, are the only natural collections of water.
	The surface of this town is hilly; the soil is rocky. There is a considerable quantity 
of very productive and highly valuable meadow land. The soil is suitable for grazing and tillage.
Beef, pork, butter, and cheese, are the staples. The farmers have of late turned their attention
to the raising of sheep.
	Near the eentre of the town is a large hill, remarkable for the beautifully romantic
prospect it affords. Gap Mountain, which at a distance appears to be a part of the Monadnock, 
and on which are found various kinds of stones, suitable for whetstones, lies partly in Troy and
partly in the northeast part of Fitzwilliam.
	Brigadier-General James Reed, a revolutionary patriot, whose merits, as an officer and a
man, will be long remembered, was a citizen of this town.
	Boundaries. South by Royalston and Winchendon in Mass., west by Richmond, north by Troy,
and east by Rindge.
	First Settlers. James Reed, John Fassett, Benjamin Bigelow, and others, in 1760.
	First Ministers. Rev. Benjamin Brigham, ordained in 1771; died in 1799. Rev. Stephen
Williams, settled in 1800; dismissed in 1802. 
	Productions of the Soil. Indian corn, 3,945 bushels; potatoes, 37,793 bushels; hay,
1,644 tons; wool, 1,631 lbs.; maple sugar, 1,497 pounds.
	Distances. Thirteen miles south-east from Keene, and sixty south-west from Concord. The
Cheshire Railroad passes through this town. 

GILSUM - CHESHIRE CO. This is a small township situated about ten miles east from the Connecticut.
The soil is, in many parts, fertile, and produces good crops of grass and grain. Ashuelot River
runs through this town and affords a good water power.
	Gilsum was granted to Messrs. Gilbert, Sumner, and others. From the combination of the
first syllables of the names of these men, it derives the name of Gil-som.
	Boundaries. East by Stoddard and Sullivan, south by Keene, west by Surry, and north by 
Alstead and Marlow.
	First Settlers. Josiah Kilburn, Pelatiah Pease, Obadiah Wilcox, Ebenezer Dewey, and
Jonathaaa Adams, in 1764.
	First Ministers. Rev. Elisha Fish, installed in 1794; died in 1807.
	Productions of Soil. Indian corn, 2,288 bushels; potatoes, 15,858 bushels; hay, 
1,237 tons; wool, 3,662 lbs.; maple sugar, 15,835 pounds.
	Distances. Fifty miles southwest by west from Concord, and about nine north from Keene.
 
HINSDALE - CHESHIRE CO. This town is well watered with springs and rivulets of the purest water. The
Connecticut washes its western border; and the Ashuelot runs through the centre, forming a 
junction with the Connecticut, a little below the great bend called Cooper's Point. Kilburn 
Brook rises in Pisgah Mountain, runs south, and falls into Ashuelot River. Ash-swamp Brook rises
in West River Mountain, runs a south-west course, and falls into the Connecticut, near the side 
of Hinsdale's Fort. There are several islands in the Connecticut in this town.
	On the north line of Hinsdale is West River Mountain, which extends from the banks of the
Connecticut east across the whole width of the town. Its greatest elevation is at the west end. 
In this mountain is found iron ore, and some other minerals and fossils. South of Ashuelot is 
Stebbins' Hill, a tract of excellent land, and principally in a high state of cultivation. The 
intervales here are extensive, and of an excellent quality.   
	On the point of a hill, not far from Connecticut River, there is to be seen the remains 
of an Indian fortification, constructed prior to the settlement of the town. There is a deep 
trench drawn across the hill, to separate it from the plain back, and is continued to the river.
	This town encountered all the difficulties of the Indian wars, and struggled with other 
hardships incident to frontier settlements, begun in the wilderness and remote from cultivated 
lands.
	Hinsdale was originally a part of Northfield, and received its name from Col. Ebenezer 
Hinsdale, one of the principal inhabitants, who was highly esteemed for his virtue and talents.   
	Boundaries. West by Vernon and Brattleborough, north by Chesterfield, east by Winchester,
and south by Northfield in Mass.
	First Minister. Rev. Bunker Gay, ordained in 1760; died in 1815.
	Productions of the Soil. Indian corn, 8,338 bushels; potatoes, 12,529 bushels; hay, 
1,586 tons; wool, 4,012 lbs.; maple sugar, 980 pounds.
	Distances. Seventy-five miles southwest by west from Concord, and about fifteen south-
west from Keene. A railroad passes through the town.

JAFFREY - CHESHIRE CO. The Grand Monadnock is situated in the north-west part of this town and in 
Dublin. Innumerable streams of water issue from the Mountain. Those which issue from the western
side discharge themselves into the Connecticut River; those from the eastern form the head waters
of Contoocook River. The largest stream rises about one hundred rods from the summit, and 
descends in a south-east direction. With this brook, the thirsty and fatigued visitors of the 
mountain associate the most pleasing recollections. The uneven soil of Jaffrey, affording 
numerous meadows, and rich pastures, is peculiarly adapted to raising cattle.  
	There are several ponds in Jaffrey. Out of three of which issue streams sufficient to 
carry mills erected near their outlets. In the largest, which is 400 rods long, and 140 wide, is
an island comprising about ten acres. 
	About one and a half miles southeast from the mountain is the "Monadnock mineral spring."
The spring is slightly impregnated with carbonate of iron and sulphate of soda. It preserves so 
uniform a temperature as never to have been known to freeze. Where the spring issues from the 
earth, yellow ochre is thrown out.
	Jaffrey received its name from George Jaffrey, Esq., of Portsmouth, one of the original 
proprietors. 
	Boundaries. North by Dublin, east by Peterborough and Sharon, south by Rindge and 
Fitzwilliam, and west by Troy and Marlborough.
	First Settlers. Mr. Grout and Jonh Davison, in 1758. 
	First Ministerss. Rev. Laban Ainsworth, settled 1778; dismissed in 1782. Rev. Giles 
Lyman, settled in 1832.
	Productions of the Soil. Indian corn, 5,037 bushels; potatoes, 47,184 bushels; hay, 
3,014 tons; wool, 6,168 lbs.; maple sugar, 7,492 pounds.
	Distances.   Forty-six miles southwest by south from Concord, and about fifteen miles 
south-east from Keene. 

KEENE - CHESHIRE CO. Keene is one of the most flourishing towns in New Hampshire. The soil is of
various kinds, and generally good. 
	Ashuelot River has its source in a pond in Washington, and discharges itself into the 
Connecticut at Hinsdale, twenty miles distant from Keene.- Keene has been called one of the 
"prettiest villages in New England;" and president Dwight, in his travels, pronounced it one of
the pleasantest inland towns he had seen.
	The principal village is situated on a flat, east of the Ashuelot, nearly equidistant 
from that and the upland. It is particularly entitled to notice for the extent, width, and 
uniform level of its streets. The main street extending one mile in a straight line, is almost a 
perfect level, and is well ornamented with trees. The buildings are good and well arranged; some
of them are elegant. 
	Keene has ever been an important site for inland trade; but since the construction of the
Cheshire Railroad, which passes through the centre of the town, great additions to its business 
must be the consequence. It is the county town.
	The usual scourge, which attended the frontier settlements, visited this town. In 1745 
the Indians killed Josiah Fisher, a deacon of the church: in 1746, they attacked the fort, the 
only protection of the inhabitants. They were, however, discovered by Capt. Ephraim Dorman in 
season to prevent their taking it. He was attacked by two Indians, but defended himself 
successfully against them, and reached the fort. An action ensued, in which John Bullard was 
killed; Mrs. M'Kenney who being out of the fort, was stabbed and died; and Nathan Blake taken 
prisoner, carried to Canada, where he remained two years. Mr. Blake afterwards returned to Keene,
where he lived till his death, in 1811, at the age of ninety-nine years and five months. When he 
was ninety-four he married a widow of sixty. The Indians burnt all the buildings in the 
settlement including the meeting-house. The inhabitants continued in the fort until April, 1747,
when the town was abandoned. In 1753 they returned, and recommenced their settlements. In 1755 
the Indians again attacked the fort. Their number was great, and the onset violent, but the 
vigilance and courage of Capt. Syms successfully defended it. After burning several buildings, 
killing cattle, &c., they withdrew. They again invaded the town, but with little success.-See 
Note 11.
	Col. ISAAC WYMAN, an active and influential man, marched the first detachment of men 
from this town, in the war of the revolution, and was present at the battle of Breed's Hill.
	Manufactures. This place has become quite a manufacturing town. Among the most important
manufactures, is that of window glass, of a superior quality, the most important materials for 
which are found in this town. 
	Boundaries. North by Surry and Gilsum, east by Sullivan and Roxbury, south by Swanzey, 
and west by Chesterfield and Westmoreland.
	First Settlers. Jeremiah Hall, Elisha Root, Nathaniel Rockwood, Josiah Fisher, and Nathan
Blake, in 1734. 
	First Ministers. Rev. Jacob Bacon, ordained in 1738; left in 1747. Rev. Ezra Carpenter 
settled in 1753; left in 1760. Rev. Clement Sumner, ordained  1761 ;left in 1772. Rev. Aaron 
Hall, settled in 1778; died in 1814.
	Productions of the Soil. Indian corn, 9,402 bushels; potatoes, 41,800 bushels; hay, 
3,568 tons; wool, 7,687 lbs.; maple sugar, 16,128 pounds.
	Distances. Fifty-five miles to Concord by stage, and about four hours' ride to Boston by
railroad.-See Hayward's Book of Reference.

MARLBOROUGH - CHESHIRE CO. There are several ponds in this town which are sources of some of the 
branches of Ashuelot River. The soil is rocky, but good for grazing.
	Col. Andrew Colburn, an officer killed in the revolutionary war, belong to this town.
	Boundaries. North by Roxbury, east by Dublin and Jaffrey, south by Troy, west by Swanzey
and a part of Keene.
	First Settlers. William Barker, Abel Woodward, Benjamin Tucker, and Daniel Goodenough.
	First Ministers. Rev. Joseph Cummings, ordained in 1778; dismissed in 1780. Rev. Holloway
Fish, ordained in 1793; died in 1824.
	Productions of the Soil. Indian corn, 2,305 bushels; potatoes, 24,190 bushels; hay, 
1,627 tons; wool, 2,105 lbs.; maple sugar, 6,667 pounds.
	Distances. Six miles south-east from Keene, and fifty-eight south-west from Concord. The
Cheshire Railroad passes through the town. 

MARLOW - CHESHIRE CO. Ashuelot River passes through almost the whole length of this town. There 
are no ponds of note, nor any mountains. The soil is rather wet, but considerably productive. 
There are large tracts of meadow land on Ashuelot River and other streams, of an excellent 
quality. The land is generally uneven, but not very rocky. It produces the various kinds of 
grain.
	Boundaries. North by Acworth and Lempster, east by Washington and Stoddard, south by 
Gilsum, and west by Alstead.
	First Settlers. Joseph Tubbs, Samuel and John Gustin, N. Royce, N. Miller, Nathan 
Huntley, and others.
	First Minister. Rev. Caleb Blood, settled in 1778; dismissed in 1779.  Rev. Eleazar 
Beckwith succeeded, and preached till his death in 1809.
	Productions of the Soil. Indian corn, 1,287 bushels; potatoes, 32,450 bushels; hay, 
1,609 tons; wool, 4,393 lbs.; maple sugar, 9,870 pounds.
	Distances. Fifteen miles north from Keene, and fifty west by south from by Concord. 

NELSON - CHESHIRE CO. This town is situated on the height of land between Connecticut and 
Merrimac Rivers. The surface is hilly, but good for grazing. In the south part, a branch of the
Ashuelot River rises; and from Long Pond, in this town, and Hancock, issues a branch of 
Contoocook River. The best mill privileges are furnished by streams issuing from ponds in this 
town, of which there are four, containing a surface of 1,800 acres. The inhabitants are 
principally farmers, of industrious habits.    
	Boundaries. Stoddard is on the north, Antrim on the east, Dublin on the south, Roxbury
and Sullivan on the west.    
	First Settlers. Breed Batchelder and Dr. Nathaniel Breed, in 1767.    
	First Ministers. Rev. Jacob Foster, installed in 1781; dismissed in 1791. 
	Productions of the Soil. Indian corn, 1,550 bushels; potatoes, 31,741 bushels; hay, 
2,207 tons; wool, 12,258 lbs.; maple sugar, 5,227 pounds. 
	Distances. Forty miles south-west from Concord, and eight north-east from Keene. 

RICHMOND - CHESHIRE CO. Richmond is watered by branches of Ashuelot and Miller's Rivers, which fall
into the Connecticut. The ponds are three in number, one of which is one of the sources of 
Miller's River. The soil here is favorable for yielding rye, wheat, Indian corn, and most of the
productions found in this section of New England. The land is generally level. There are no 
remarkable elevations.   
	Boundaries. North by Swanzey, east by Fitzwilliam, south by Royalston, and Warwick, 
Mass., and west by Winchester. 
	First Settlers. People from Massachusetts and Rhode Island, about 1758.  
	First Ministers. Rev. Maturin Ballou, ordained in 1770; died in 1804. Rev. Isaac Kenny,
settled in 1792.   
	Productions of the Soil. Indian corn, 5,018 bushels; potatoes, 22,786 bushels; hay, 
2,054 tons; wool, 3,385 lbs.; maple sugar, 13,302 pounds.   
	Distances. Twelve miles south from Keene, and seventy south-west from Concord. The 
Cheshire Railroad passes through the town. 

RINDGE - CHESHIRE CO. This town is very rocky, but productive of butter and cheese of an exceeding
good quality. Its other productions are numerous and valuable.
	There are thirteen ponds in this town, the largest of which are called Manomonack, 
Emerson, Perley, Long, Grassy, and Bullet. The three first discharge their waters into Miller's
River in Massachasetts, thence communicating with the Connecticut; the three last discharge 
themselves into Contoocook River, and from thence into the Merrimac. These ponds abound with 
fish, and in ancient times were much frequented by the Indians for procuring fish and furs. 
Rindge is a favorite resort for anglers at the present day.
	There is a small elevation of land in Rindge, from which the waters that issue on one
side descend into the Merrimac, and those on the other side, into the Connecticut.
	Rev. Seth Payson, D. D. long resided in this town, and died in 1820, aged sixty-two. Dr.
Payson was the father of Rev. Edward Payson, D. D., who died at Portland, Me., Oct. 22, 1827, 
aged fifty-six. Both the father and son were eminently distinguished for their virtues and 
ministerial labors.
	Boundaries. North by Jaffrey and Sharon, east by New Ipswich, south by Massachusetts,
and west by Fitzwilliam. 
	First Settlers. Jonathan Stanley, George Hewitt, and Abel Platts, 1752. 
	First Ministers. Rev. Seth Deane, ordained in 1765; left in 1780. Rev. Seth Payson, D.D.,
ordained in 1782; died in 1820.
	Productions of the Soil. Indian corn, 2,812 bushels; potatoes, 30,894 bushels; hay, 
1,307 tons; wool, 2,474 lbs.; maple sugar, 1,307 pounds.
	Distances. Twenty miles south-east from Keene, and fifty south-west from Concord.

ROXBURY - CHESHIRE CO. The north branch of Ashuelot River forms the boundary between this town and
Keene. Roaring Brook, on which are several small meadows, waters the south part, and empties 
into the Ashuelot at the south-west corner. On the east side of the township is a pond, called 
Roaring Brook Pond, at the outlet of which are  mills.
	Roxbury presents a rough and uneven surface, rising into considerable swells, affording
excellent grazing land.
	This town was formed of a part of Nelson, Marlborough, and Keene, and is the native 
place of Joseph Ames, Esq., a  celebrated artist and portrait painter to the pope of Rome.
	Boundaries. North by Sullivan, east by Nelson and Dublin, south by Marlborough, and west
by Keene.
	First Minister. Rev. Christopher Page, installed in 1816; dismissed in 1819.
	Productions of the Soil. Indian corn, 1,095 bushels; potatoes, 12,797 bushels; hay, 849
tons; wool, 3,237 lbs; maple sugar, 3,105 pounds.
	Distances. Five miles east from Keene, and fifty south-west from Concord.

STODDARD - CHESHIRE CO. This town is situated on the height of land between Merrimac and Connecticut
Rivers. It is mountainous and very rocky. The soil is better adapted to grazing than tillage. 
The south branch of Ashuelot River has its source near the centre of the town. The streams in 
the east section, fall into the Merrimac; those on the west, into the Connecticut. There are 
fourteen ponds in the town, some of which are of considerable magnitude. 
	The first family was that of John Taggard, whose privations and hardships were very 
great. Their grain was procured at Peterborough, at the distance of twenty miles, which was 
conveyed by him on his back through the pathless wilderness. At one time, they had nothing, for
six days, on which to subsist, but the flesh of the moose.
	This town was formerly called Limerick. It was incorporated in 1774, when it received 
the name of Stoddard, from Colonel Samson Stoddard of Chelmsford, to whom, with several others,
it was granted.   
	Boundaries. North by Washington, east by Windsor and Antrim, south by Nelson and 
Sullivan, and west by Gilsum and Marlow.
	First Settlers. John Taggard, Reuben Walton, Alexander Scott, James Mitchell, and others,
in 1769.
	First Ministers. Rev. Abishai Colton, settled in 1793; dismissed in 1795. Rev. Isaac 
Robinson, settled in 1803.
	Productions of the Soil. Indian corn, l,555 bushels; potatoes, 52,680 bushels; hay, 
2,973 tons; wool, 11,037 lbs.; maple sugar, 10,105 pounds.
	Distances. Fourteen miles north north-east from Keene, and forty-five west south-west 
from Concord. 

SULLIVAN - CHESHIRE CO. The south-east part of this town is watered by Ashuelot River. Sullivan 
received its name from President Sullivan, the former governor of the State.
	The soil produces grain and good pasturage. There are no considerable ponds, no 
elevations worthy of particular notice.
	Boundaries. North by Gilsum and Stoddard, east by Stoddard and Nelson, south by Roxbury
and Keene, and west by Keene and Gilsum.   
	First Minister. Rev. William Muzzy, ordained in 1798; dismissed in 1827.   
	Productions of the Soil. Indian corn, 1,414 bushels; potatoes, 24,938 bushels; hay, 
1,793 tons; wool, 5,104 lbs.; maple sugar, 5,295 pounds. 
	Distances. Six miles north from Keene, and forty-eight west south-west from Concord. 

SURRY - CHESHIRE CO. Surry is watered by Ashuelot River, on which there is a tract of valuable
meadow land, extending almost the whole length of the town. On the east side of Ashuelot River 
is a steep and high mountain, on the summit of which is a pond of about three acres in extent,
and about twenty-five feet depth of water. Viewing its elevated height and situation above the 
river, it may be esteemed as a natural curiosity. 
	Surry was originally a part of Gilsum and Westmoreland, and derived its name from Surry,
in England. The Hon. L. Holmes resided in this town.   
	Boundaries. North by Alstead, east by Gilsum, south by Keene, and west by Westmoreland
and Walpole.   
	First Settler. Settled in 1764, by Peter Hayward.  
	First Ministers. Rev. David Darling, ordained in 1779; dismissed in 1783. Rev. Perley
Howe, ordained in 1795.   
	Productions of the Soil. Indian corn, 2,346 bushels; potatoes, 15,840 bushels; hay, 
1,295 tons; wool, 3,774 lbs.; maple sugar, 5,350 pounds.
	Distances. Fifty-two miles southwest from Concord, and six north-west from Keene. 

SWANZEY - CHESHIRE CO.  The principal streams in this town are the Ashuelot and the South Branch 
Rivers. The former passes through Swanzey in a south-west direction, and empties into the 
Connecticut at Hinsdale. This is a stream of much importance, and is made navigable for boats as
far up as Keene, excepting a carrying place about the rapids at Winchester. The South Branch 
unites with the Ashuelot about one mile north from the centre of the town. 
	The surface here is somewhat diversified with hills, valleys, and swells of upland. There
is one pond in the south-west part of the town, the source of the South Branch. There is a 
mineral spring, the water of which is impregnated with sulphate of iron.
	From 1741 to 1747, this town suffered much from Indian depredations. Several of the 
inhabitants were killed and many were made prisoners. After Massachusetts withdrew her 
protection, the settlers collected together their household furniture, such as chests, tables,
iron and brass ware, and concealed it in the ground, covering the place of concealment with 
leaves, trees, &c., and left their plantation to the disposition of the Indians, who were not 
tardy in setting fire to their forts, which, with every house except one, they reduced to ashes.
Most of the people went to their former places of residence in Massachusetts. They returned 
about three years afterwards, and nothing about their former habitation was to be seen, but ruin
and desolation.   
	Boundaries. North by Keene, east by Marlborough and Troy, south by Richmond, and west by
Winchester and Chesterfield.
	First Ministers. Rev. Timothy Harrington, settled in 1741; left in 1747. Rev. Ezra 
Carpenter, settled in 1753: dismissed in 1769. Rev. Edward Goddard, settled in 1769; dismissed
in 1798. Rev. Clarke Browne, settled in 1810; dismissed in 1815. 
	Productions of the Soil. Indian corn 8,785 bushels; potatoes, 34,520 bushels; hay, 3,269
tons: wool, 6,374 lbs.; maple sugar, 12,200 pounds.
	Distances. Six miles south from Keene, and sixty south-west from Concord. 

TROY - CHESHIRE CO. The inhabitants of Troy are principally agriculturists. The soil and 
productions of this town are similar to those of Fitzwilliam. Possessing but few water 
privileges, its advantages for mills and factories are limited. This town was taken from 
Marlborough and Fitzwilliam.
	Boundaries. North by Marlborough, east by Jaffrey, south by Fitzwilliam, and west by 
Richmond and Swanzey.
	First Minister. Rev. Ezekiel Rich, installed in 1815; dismissed in 1818.
	Productions of the Soil. Indian corn, 2,418 bushels; potatoes, 21,530 bushels; hay, 
1,336 tons; wool, 1,351 lbs.; maple sugar, 3,335 pounds.
	Distances. Fifty-four miles southwest from Concord, and twelve southeast from Keene. 

WALPOLE - CHESHIRE CO. The face of this town is beautifully diversified by hills and vales. The
soil is similar to that of other towns on Connecticut River. The intervales afford excellent
tillage; the uplands are inferior to none in the State. Cold River passes through the north part,
and forms a junction with the Connecticut. There is a lofty hill, called Fall Mountain, a part
of the range of Mount Toby; the highest parts of which are about 750 feet above the level of the
river. The village of Walpole is situated at the foot of the hill, on a plain; the margin of the
intervales. The principle street runs north and south, and is bordered on both sides with
dwelling houses, stores, and shops.
	Drewsville, in this town, is a pleasant village, romatically situated near the falls; it
is a place of some trade, and considerable manufacture.
	Bellows' Falls, on Connecticut River, separates it from Rockingham, Vt. At the bridge,
which crosses the river at this place, built in 1785, and 365 feet in length, the traveller is
presented with a most interesting and sublime view. The river here is compressed into a narrow
strait, between steep rocks, and, for nearly a quarter of a mile, is hurried on with great 
rapidity and loud roaring. In no place is the fall perpendicular, to any considerable extent;
but, in the distance of half a mile, the waters descend forty-two feet. A canal, with nine locks,
passes round these falls, on the west side.
	Col. Benjamin Bellows was one of the first settlers of this town, in 1749. He was a man
of great enterprise and bravery. His descendants are numerous, and highly respectable.
	Bellows' Falls Village is in Rockingham, Vt., opposite to Drewsville.
	Boundaries. North by Charlestown and Langdon, east by Alstead and Surry, and south by
Westmoreland and Westminster, Vt.
	First Settler. Col. Benjamin Bellows, settled in 1749.
	First Ministers. Rev. Jonathan Leavitt, settled in 1761; dismissed in 1763. Rev. Thomas
Fessenden, settled in 1767; died in 1813.
	Productions of the Soil. Indian corn, 18,512 bushels; potatoes, 48,279 bushels; hay,
5,073 tons; wool, 38,150 lbs.; maple sugar, 4,715 pounds.
	Distances. Sixty miles south-west by west from Concord, and thirteen north-west from
Keene. A railroad passes through this town.

WESTMORELAND - CHESHIRE CO. This town is watered by several small streams which empty into the 
Connecticut. The one issuing from Spafford's Lake in Chesterfield is the largest, and affords
some of the best water privileges in town.
	The early settlers were several times attacked by the Indians. In one of their 
excursions, they killed William Phips, the first husband of Jemima How; and in another, carried
Nehemiah How, the father of her second husband, a captive to Canada, where he died.
	This town lies on the east side of Connecticut River, and the surface is less varied by
mountains, vales, rivers and ponds, than the neighboring towns.
	Boundaries. North by Walpole, east by Surry and Keene, south by Chesterfield, and west
by Dummerston and Putney, Vt.
	First Settlers. Four families settled in 1741. 
	First Ministers. Rev. William Goddard, ordained in 1764; dismissed in 1775. Rev. Allen
Pratt, settled in 1790; dismissed in 1827.   
	Productions of the Soil. Indian corn 11,979 bushels; potatoes, 33,547 bushels; hay, 
3,629 tons; wool, 11,279 lbs.; maple sugar, 15,304 pounds.   
	Distances. Sixty-five miles southwest from Concord, and about ten miles west of Keene. A
railroad passes through this town. 

WINCHESTER - CHESHIRE CO. The face of this town is diversified with hills and valleys. The soil is of
an excellent quality, furnishing in abundance all the agricultural products natural to this 
section of the country. Ashuelot River passes through the centre of this town, affording a great
hydraulic power; it is bordered on each bank by extensive intervales, of a fertility rarely 
excelled. 
	There are other small streams running in various directions, through the town, affording
facilities for water power.
	The centre village is on the southeast bank of the Ashuelot, and the principal street, 
running parallel with its border, has a number of dwelling houses, meeting-houses, an elegant 
district school house, and various manufactures. At the lower end of the village, the street is
adorned with a beautiful row of native ever-green trees, which extend nearly half a mile. This 
village is very handsome.
	Two miles west is another manufacturing village, containing one large woollen factory, 
one cotton factory, one satinet factory, &c.
	In the south-east part of the town is another manufacturing village. There are other 
manufacturing villages in the town.
	This town was sacked by the Indians, and the inhabitants taken prisoners, or driven off,
in 1745 or 1746, and did not return under about five years, to resume the settlement of the 
place.
	Boundaries. North by Chesterfield and Swanzey, east by Richmond, south by Warwick and
Northfield, in Mass., and west by Hinsdale.
	First Settlers. Josiah Willard and others, settled about the year 1732.
	First Ministers. Rev. Joseph Ashley, ordained in 1736; removed in 1747. Rev. Micah 
Lawrence, ordained in 1764; dismissed in 1777. Rev. Ezra Conant, settled in 1788; dismissed in 
1806.
	Productions of the Soil. Indian corn, 9,899 bushels; potatoes, 28,618 bushels; hay, 
3,440 tons; wool, 9,175 lbs.; maple sugar, 10,615 pounds.
	Distances. Thirteen miles south-west from Keene, sixty-five south-west from Concord. 
This town will soon be accommodated with a railroad. 

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NOTE 2. ALSTEAD.-"Andrew Beckwith," says Rev. Mr. Arnold, "came from Lyme, Conn., to 
this town (Alstead) in 1767. A remarkable providence interposed for the preservation of his son 
Richard. When an infant, his mother went to the woods to gather a few berries. She placed her 
little child on the ground; and while she wandered some distance, and was about returning, she 
saw a huge bear come up to the tender babe. And, O! it is hardly possible to conceive the 
throbbing of a fond mother's heart, while she beheld the voracious animal smelling and passing 
around her darling child. What could be a done? But while she stood in awful suspense, petrified
with fear and doubt, to her exceeding joy the bear retired, and left the boy unhurt and 
unconscious of his danger. 
	"One of the great evils was the multitude of wild beasts, especially bears and wolves,
which were so numerous as to devour their swine and sheep, and sometimes to assail their larger
cattle. At one time, when Mr. John Burroughs was called to Walpole, for medical assistance for 
his family, he saw, but a few rods distant, a large panther, which he drove from him by a stern
look and a sudden yell. At another time he returned from Walpole in a terrible thunder storm and
a powerful rain, which his physician would not encounter in the night. In an unexpected manner 
he found himself enclosed in the bushy top of a large tree, that had fallen in his way. By 
reason of the extreme darkness, neither he nor his horse could keep the path, which was, however,
none of the best. After many attempts to extricate himself and his horse, and groping along in 
the dark, he was compelled to lodge there for the night. 'And,' said he, with the smile of 
second childhood, 'I laid my hand over my ear to keep out the rain, and slept sweetly till 
morning.' " 

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NOTE 11. KEENE.-- "In the early part of the year 1746, the general court of 
Massachusetts sent a party of men to Canada, for what purpose is not now recollected, and, 
perhaps, was not generally known. On their return they passed through Upper Ashuelot, now Keene.
On arriving in sight of the settlement, they fired their guns. This, of course, alarmed the 
inhabitants, and all who were out, and several were in the woods making sugar, hastened home. 
From some cause or other, suspicions were entertained that a party of Indians had followed the 
returning whites; and for several days the settlers were more vigilant and more circumspect in 
their movements seldom leaving the fort except to look after the cattle, which were in the barns,
and at this stacks in the vicinity. 
	"Early in the morning of the 23d of April, Ephraim Dormer left the fort to search for his
cow. He went northwardly, along the borders of what wan then a hideous and almost impervious 
swamp, lying east of the fort, until he arrived near to the place where the turnpike now is. 
Looking into the swamp, he perceived several Indians lurking in the bushes. He immediately gave 
the alarm, by crying 'Indians! Indians!' and ran towards the fort. Two, who were concealed in 
the bushes between him and the fort, sprang forward, aimed their pieces at him, and fired, but 
neither hit him. They then, throwing away their arms, advanced towards him; one he knocked down 
by a blow, which deprived him of his senses. The other he seized; and, being a strong man and an
able wrestler, tried his strength and skill in his favorite mode of ' trip and twitch.' He tore 
his antagonist's blanket from his body, leaving him nearly naked. He then seized him by the alms
and body; but, as he wry painted and greased, he slipped from his grasp. After a short struggle,
Dormer quitted him, ran towards the fort, and reached it in safety.
	"When the alarm was given, the greater part of the inhabitants were in the Fort, but some
had just gone out to tend their cattle. Captain Simons, the commander, as was the custom every
morning before prayers, was reading a chapter in the Bible. He immediately exclaimed, 'Rush out,
and assist those who are to get in.' Most of the men immediately rushed out, and each ran where 
his interest or affections led him; the remainder chose positions in the fort, from which they 
could fire on the enemy.
	"Those who were out, and within hearing, instantly started for the fort, and the Indians
from every direction rushed into the street, filling the air with their horrid yells. Mrs. 
M'Kenney had gone to a barn, near where Miss Fiske's house now stands, to milk her cow. She was
aged and corpulent, and could only walk slowly. When she was within a few rods of the fort, a 
naked Indian, probably the one with whom Dormer had been wrestling, darted from the bushes on the
east side of the street, ran up to her, stabbed her in the back, and crossed to the other side. 
She continued walking in the same steady pace as before, until she had nearly reached the gate 
of the fort, when the blood gushed from her mouth, and she fell and expired. John Bullard was at
his barn, below Dr. Adams'; he ran towards the fort, but the instant he arrived at the gate he 
received a shot in the back. He fell, and was carried in, and expired in a few hours. Mrs. Clark
was at a barn, near the Todd house, about fifty rods distant. Leaving it, she espied an Indian 
near her, who threw away his gun, and advanced to make her prisoner. She gathered her clothes 
around her waist, and started for the fort. The Indian pursued; the woman, animated by the cheers
of her friends, outran her pursuer, who skulked back for his gun. Nathan Blake was at his barn, 
near where his son's house now stands. Hearing the cry of Indians, and presuming his barn would 
be burnt, he determined that his cattle should not be burnt with it. Throwing open his stable
door, he let them out, and, presuming that his retreat to the fort was cut off, went out at a 
back door, intending to place himself in ambush at the only place where the river could be 
crossed. He had gone but a few steps when he was hailed by a party of Indians, concealed in a 
shop between him and the street. Looking back, he perceived several guns pointed at him, and, at
this instant, several Indians started up from their places of concealment near him; upon which, 
feeling himself in their power, he gave himself up. They shook hands with him; and to the remark
he made that he had not yet breakfasted, they smiling replied, 'that it must be a poor Englishman
who could not go to Canada without his breakfast.' Passing a cord around his arms above the 
elbows, and fastening close to his body, they gave him to the care of one of the party, who 
conducted him to the woods.
	"The number of Indians belonging to the party was supposed to be about one hundred. They
came near the fort on every side, and fired whenever they supposed their shot would be effectual.
They, however, neither killed nor wounded any one. The whites fired whenever an Indian presented
himself, and several of them were seen to fall. Before noon the savages ceased firing, but they
remained several days in the vicinity.
	"In the early part of May, the same, or another party of Indians, hovered about the 
settlement, watching for an opportunity to make prisoners, and to plunder. For several successive
nights, the watch imagined that they heard some person walking around the fort. When it came to 
the turn of young McKenney, whose mother had been killed, to watch, he declared he should fire 
on hearing the least noise without the fort. In the dead of night, he thought he heard some 
person at the picket gate, endeavoring to ascertain its strength. Having loaded his gun, as was 
usual among the first settlers of the country, with two balls and several buckshot, he fired 
through the gate, which was made of thin boards. In the morning, blood was discovered on the 
spot, and also a number of beads, supposed to have been cut by the shot from the wampum of the 
Indian." 

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NOTE 20. WALPOLE.--"In the spring of 1755, an Indian by the name of Philip, who had acquired just
English enough to be understood, came into the town of Walpole, and visited the house of Mr.
Kilburn, pretending to be on a hunting excursion in want of provisions. He was treated with 
kindness and furnished with everything he wanted, such as flints, flour, &c. Soon after he was 
gone, it was ascertained that the same Indian had visited all the settlements on Connecticut 
River, about the same time and with the same plausible pretensions of hunting. Kilburn had 
already learned a little of the Indian finesse, and suspected, as it proved, that this Philip 
was a wolf in sheep's clothing. Not long after the following intelligence was communicated to 
all the forts by a friendlv Indian, sent by General Shirley from Albany. He stated that four or
five hundred Indians were collected in Canada, whose object it was to butcher the whole white 
population on Connecticut River. Judge, then, of the feelings of a few white settlers, when they
learned the impending danger! To desert their soil, cattle, and crops of grain, would be leaving
their all, and to contend with the countless savages of the Canadian regions was a hopeless 
resort. But accustomed to all the hardships and dangers of life, they boldly resolved to defend 
themselves, or die in the cause. Kilburn and his men now strengthened their defence with such 
fortifications as their rude implements would allow, which consisted in surrounding their 
habitations with a palisado of stakes, stuck into the ground.
	"Col. Benjamin Bellows had at this time about thirty men under his command, at the fort,
about a mile south of Kilburn's house; but this could afford Kilburn no protection while 
attending to his cattle and crops. 
	"They were now daily expecting the appearance of the Indians, but the time of their 
attack no one could foresee or prevent. As Kilburn and his son John, in his eighteenth year, a 
man by the name of Peak, and his son, were returning home from work about noon, August 17, 1755,
one of them discovered the red legs of the Indians among the alders, 'as thick as grasshoppers.'
They instantly made for the house, fastened the door, and began to make preparations for an 
obstinate defence. Besides these four men, there were in the house Kilburn's wife, and his 
daughter Hitty, who contributed not a little to encourage and assist their companions, as well 
as to keep a watch upon the movements of the enemy. In about fifteen minutes the Indians were 
seen crawling up the bank east of the house; and as they crossed a foot-path one by one, one 
hundred and ninety-seven were counted; about the same number remained in ambush near the mouth 
of Cold River.   
	"The Indians had learned that Colonel Benjamin Bellows with his men were at work at his 
mill, about a mile east, and that it would be best to waylay and secure them, before disturbing 
those who had taken refuge in the loghouse. Bellows and his men, about thirty, were returning 
home, with each a bag of meal on his back, when their dogs began to growl, and betray symptoms 
of an enemy's approach. He well knew the language of his dogs, and the native intrigue of the 
Indians. Nor was he at a loss in forming his opinion of their intention to ambush his path, and 
conducted himself accordingly. He ordered all his men to throw off the meal, advance to the rise,
carefully crawl up the bank, spring upon their feet, give one whoop, and instantly drop into the
sweet fern. This manoeuvre had the desired effect; for as soon as the whoop was given, the 
Indians all arose from their ambush in a semi-circle around the path Bellows was to follow.  
	"This gave his men a fine chance for a shot, which they improved instantly. The first 
shot so disconcerted the plans and expectations of the Indians, that they darted away into the
bushes without firing a gun. Bellows finding their number too numerous for him, ordered his men
to file off to the south, and make for the fort. The Indians next made their appearance on the 
eminence east of Kilburn's house, where the same Philip, who had visited him the sammer before, 
came forward, and sheltering himself behind a tree, called out to those in the house to 
surrender. 'Old John, young John,' says he, 'I know you; come out here--we give ye good quarter.'
'Quarter!' vociferated old Kilburn, with a voice of thunder that rung through every Indian 
heart, and every hill and valley, 'you black rascals, begone, or we'll quarter you!' 
	"Philip then returned to his companions, and, after a few minutes' consultation; the
war-whoop commenced. Kilburn got the first fire, before the smoke of the enemy's guns obstructed
his aim, and was confident he saw an Indian fall, which, from his extraordinary size and other 
appearances, must have been Philip. The Indians rushed forward to the work of destruction, and 
probably not less than four hundred bullets were lodged in Kilburn's house at the first fire. 
The roof was a perfect 'riddle sieve.' Some of them fell to butchering the cattle, others were 
busily employed in wantonly destroying the hay and grain, while a shower of bullets kept up a 
continual pelting against the house. Meanwhile Kilburn and his men were by no means idle. Their
powder was already poured into hats, for the convenience of loading in a hurry, and every thing
prepared for a spirited defence or glorious death. They had several guns in the house, which were
kept hot by incessant firing through the port holes, and as they had no ammunition to spare, each
one took special aim to have every bullet tell. The women assisted in loading the guns, and when
their stock of lead grew short, they had the forethought to suspend blankets in the roof of the
house, to catch the enemy's balls, which were immediately run into bullets by them, and sent
back to the savages with equal velocity. Several attempts were made to burst open the doors, but
the bullets within scattered death with such profusion, that they were soon compelled to desist
from the rash undertaking. Most of the time the Indians endeavored to keep behind stumps, logs,
and trees, which evidently evinced that they were not insensible to the unceremonious visits of 
Kilburn's bullets.   
	"All the afternoon, one incessant firing was kept up, till nearly sundown, when the 
Indians began to disappear, and as the sun sunk behind the western hills, the sound of the guns 
and the cry of the war-whoop died away in silence. This day's rencounter proved an effectual 
check to the expedition of the Indians, and induced them immediately to return to Canada; and it
is within the bounds of reason to conclude, that this matchless defense was instrumental in
rescuing hundreds of our fellow-citizens from the horrors of an Indian massacre."