cheshire County, New Hampshire Towns from New Hampshire As It Is by Edwin A. Charlton (1855)

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Source:  New Hampshire As It Is by Edwin A. Charlton from Part II: A Gazetteer of New Hampshire
	  by George Ticknor, Tracy and Sanford Publishers, Claremont, N.H., 1855
	
	ALSTEAD, Cheshire county. Bounded north by Acworth, east by Marlow, south by Gilsum, and
west by Walpole. It is 12 miles south-east from Charlestown, and 56 west from Concord. It is well
watered by several small streams. Cold River passes through the north-west part, and some of the
branches of the Ashuelot take their rise here. Warren's Pond, a beautiful sheet of water, abounds
with pickerel, perch, and several other kinds of fish. The soil is strong and fertile. There are 
5 meeting houses and 1 academy in this town. A paper-mill establishment, with a capital of $7000,
does a flourishing business.
	There are several small manufacturing establishments of various kinds; all of which are
in prosperous operation, and give an air of business and enterprise to this pleasant village. 
Alstead was formerly called Newton, and was granted, August 6, 1763, to Samuel Chase and others.
In 1771 there were 25 families, besides 10 bachelors who cultivated their lands and prepared 
their own meals. The first Congregational church was organized in 1777. Rev. Jacob Mann, the 
first pastor, was settled in February, 1782; dismissed in 1789. Rev. Samuel Meade was settled in
1791; dismissed in 1797.
	General Amos Shepard, for many years a member of the General Court of New Hampshire, and
president of the Senate seven years, was a resident of this town, and was one of its most 
prominent citizens from 1777 to the time of his decease in 1812. Upright and just in all his 
dealings, he secured the respect and confidence of all who knew him. Industrious, persevering, 
and economical, he acquired a handsome fortune, which enabled him to pass his last days in ease 
and quiet.
	Population, 1425. Number of polls, 336. Amount of inventory, $529,420. Number of sheep, 
5731. Do. neat stock, 1384. Do. horses and mules, 348.

	CHESTERFIELD, Cheshire county. Bounded north by Westmoreland and Keene, east by Keene and
Swanzey, south by Winchester and Hinsdale, and west by Brattleborough and Dummerston, Vermont. 
Area, 29,437 acres. 62 miles south-west from Concord, and 11 south-west from Keene, with which 
it is connected by railroad. This town is mostly upland, well adapted for grazing and most of 
the cereal grains. Few towns on Connecticut River have so little interval. Although its western 
border is washed by this river for a distance of six miles, nearly all this space is occupied by
hills which rise up from the river side. Spafford's Lake, in the northern part of the town, is 
indeed a charming sheet of water. It is about 10 miles in circumference, covers a surface of 
about 600 acres, and is fed by springs in its bosom. Its waters are remarkably clear and pure, 
its bed consisting of a white sand. In this lake is an island containing about six acres, a 
favorite resort of the students of the Academy in this town as well as others. On its easterly 
side a stream issues forth, of sufficient size to carry the machinery of a cotton mill, employing
20 hands; two bit and auger factories, employing the same number; a peg manufactory, a large 
tannery, several saw mills, grist mills, and other works.
	West River Mountain (Wantastiquel) lies partly in this town and partly in Hinsdale. It 
bears strong marks of having once been subject to volcanic eruption. Near what is supposed to 
have been the crater, lava is now to be found in considerable quantities. It is said, by those 
who live near the mountain, that a trembling motion is often felt and a deep rumbling is heard 
in its bowels. During the early period of the settlement of the town, the inhabitants, having 
discovered the crater, and believing that it led to a silver mine, procured a lease of it. By 
the terms of the lease, the lessees were required to dig at least three days in each year. For a
long time this condition was faithfully observed; and in the progress of labor an excavation was
made, following the course of the crater downwards about 100 feet, principally through a solid 
rock.
	At the centre of the town is a pleasant village. Here is located the Academy, which was
opened in 1794, and for many years was the only academy in Cheshire county. Its advantages are 
good, and the course of instruction pursued has hitherto met with general approbation.
        Chesterfield was granted, February 11, 1752, to 12 persons of the name of Willard, and 
52 others. The first settlement was made, November 25, 1761, by Moses Smith and William Thomas, 
who, with their families, sailed up the Connecticut River in a canoe, and made their first 
"pitch" on the banks of the river. Their chief subsistence for some time consisted of shad and 
salmon, of which there was a great abundance in the river, and deer, which were numerous in the 
forest. The first religious society formed in town was Congregational, in 1771. Rev. Abraham 
Wood was ordained December 13, 1772. A Baptist society was incorporated here in 1819, and a 
Universalist society in 1818. Mrs. Hannah Bayley died in this town in November, 1822, aged 104 
years and 3 months. 
	Population, 1680. Number of polls, 429. Amount of inventory, $487,596. Value of lands, 
improved and unimproved, $379,400. Number of sheep, 683.  Do. neat stock, 1935. Do. horses, 255.
Amount of shares in corporations, money at interest, &c., $50,940.

DUBLIN,* Cheshire county. Bounded north by Nelson and Hancock, east by Peterborough, south by 
Jaffrey, and west by Marlborough and Roxbury. Area, 26,560 acres. Distance from Concord, 50 
miles, south-west; from Keene, 10, south-east. Dublin is situated on the height of land between
Merrimack and Connecticut Rivers. Its streams are small. There is a pond near the middle of the 
town, called Centre Pond, about one mile in length, and the same in width. A large portion of 
the Grand Monadnock lies in the north-west part of the town, and near the centre is Breed's 
Mountain. Monadnock was formerly covered with small trees and shrubbery; but numerous fires have
laid bare its surface, which presents an uneven mass of ragged rocks. The soil is hard and 
rocky--much better adapted to grazing than tillage. A handsome Congregational meeting house, 
erected in 1818, stands on such an elevation that the rain dropping from the west roof runs into
the Connecticut River, and that from the east roof into the Merrimack. There is a Baptist 
meeting house in the north-west part of the town. The common schools in this town are well 
conducted. Several years since a bequest of $8000 was made by Rev. Edward Sprague for the 
support of the public schools. He also left the town $5000, the interest of which is to be 
applied annually for the support of a Congregational minister. 
	This town, originally called Monadnock Number Three, was granted, November 3, 1749, to 
Matthew Thurston and others. It was incorporated March 29, 1771. The first settlements were made
in 1762 by John Alexander, Henry Strongman, and William Scott, natives of Ireland, from the 
capital of which country this town receded its name. 
	The Congregational church was formed June 10, 1772, and Rev. Joseph Farrer ordained at 
the same time. The Baptist church was organized November 5, 1785. Rev. Elijah Willard was 
ordained June 5, 1793. There is also a Methodist and Unitarian society in this town. 
	Population, 1088. Number of polls, 262. Inventory, $454,492. Value of lands, $244,947. 
Number of sheep, 2191. Do. neat stock, 1349. Do. horses and mules, 206.

* Harrisville lies partly in this town. For description, see NELSON.

From APPENDIX: ADDITIONS and CORRECTIONS for the GAZETTEER:

DUBLIN.--A large portion of the Grand Monadnock lies in the southwest part of the town.

	FITZWILLIAM, Cheshire county. Bounded north by Troy and Jaffrey, east by Rindge, south 
by Royalston and Winchendon, Massachusetts, and west by Richmond Area, 22,700 acres. Distance 
from Concord, 60 miles; south west; from Keene, 13, south-east. It originally contained 26,900 
acres, but by an act of the legislature, June 23, 1815, 4200 acres were taken from it, and now 
form a part of Troy. Camp and Priest Brooks are the principal streams. There are several small 
ponds. The surface is hilly; the soil is hard, but very good for grazing There is a considerable
quantity of meadow land, which is very productive. Near the centre of the town is a considerable
eminence, remarkable for the delightful prospect it affords. Gap Mountain lies partly in this 
town and partly in Troy. On its summit is found an excellent kind of whetstone. There is also a 
quarry of granite of superior quality, which is extensively wrought. The manufacture of wooden 
ware of various kinds is a large item in the industrial pursuits of the inhabitants. There are 
eleven different establishments in which this kind of labor is performed. There are also one 
carriage shop, one tannery, and a factory where enamelled leather is made. In these various 
departments 250 persons are employed. There are four stores, one hotel, twelve common schools, 
one Unitarian church, one Congregational, and one Baptist.
	This town was originally called Monadnock Number Four, and was granted, January 15, 1752,
to Roland Cotton and 41 others; but, the grantees having suffered forfeiture, it was regranted 
to Samson Stoddard and 22 others. The first settlement was made in 1760, by James Read, Johns 
Fassitt, Benjamin Bigelow and others. It was incorporated May 19, 1773, when it was named in 
honor of the Earl of Fitzwilliam.
	The Congregational church was formed March 27, 1771, when the Rev. Benjamin Brigham was 
ordained. In 1816 an elegant church was erected at an expense of $7000. On the night of January 
17, 1817, it was struck by lightning, and entirely consumed. The Cheshire Railroad passes 
through this town. 
	Population, 1482. Number of legal voters in 1854, 300. Inventory, $468,637. Value of 
lands, $283,675. Stock in trade, $19,530. Number of sheep, 297. Do. neat stock, 1093. Do. horses
and mules, 232. 

	GILSUM, Cheshire county. Bounded north by Alstead, east by Stoddard and Keene, south by 
Keene, and west by Surrey. Area, 9,456 acres. 46 miles south-west from Concord, and 9 north from 
Keene. The surface is generally uneven and stony. The soil is fertile; and in many parts good 
arable land, free from stone, is to be found. Ashuelot River runs through this town, and affords
several excellent water privileges. There is a small body of water in the north-east part of the
town called Cranberry Pond. Near the house of Mr. Samuel Bingham there is a huge block of loose 
granite resting upon the crushed edges of a strata of mica slate. This immense bowlder has 
received the name of Vessel Rock, and appears to have been stranded upon the mica slate ledge, 
whither it was driven and deposited by the powerful drift current which passed over the country 
in ancient times. A large piece of this rock was split off from the mass by some external force 
in the winter of 1817. The principal block measures 26 feet long by 24 in width and 26 in height.
	There are in this town two stores, one hotel, and two woollen factories. In one, owned 
and occupied by Ebenezer Jones, about 15,000 yards of choice broadcloth are manufactured 
annually. The number of hands employed is 20. Capital invested, $15,000. Ebenezer Jones 
proprietor. In the other are manufactured about 40,000 yards of flannel per annum. Number of 
hands employed, 12. Capital invested, $9000. There is also a factory for making bobbins, a chair
factory, and a large tannery. Gilsum was first granted, December 8, 1752, to Joseph Osgood, Jacob
Farmer, and others, and was called Boyle. It was regranted, July 13, 1763, to Messrs. Gilbert and
Sumner, and others. From the union of the first syllables of these two names is derived the name
Gilsum. First settlement in 1764, by Josiah Kilburn. The Congregational church was established 
in 1772; incorporated in 1816. There are now two meeting houses-one owned by the Congregational,
the other by the Methodist, society.
	Population, 666. Number of legal voters in 1854, 157. Inventory, $187,080. Value of 
lands, $76,531. Number of sheep, 1413. Do. neat stock, 531.  Do. horses and mules, 94. 

	HINSDALE, Cheshire county. Bounded north by Chesterfield, east by Winchester, south by 
Northfield, Massachusetts, and west by Vernon, Vermont. Area, 14,000 acres. Distance from 
Concord, 75 miles, south-west; from Keene, 15, south-west. It is well watered with numerous 
springs and streamlets. Connecticut River laves its western border for a distance of nine and a 
half miles. The Ashuelot River passes through the principal village, and discharges into the 
Connecticut a short distance below the great bend called Cooper's Point. There are numerous 
excellent water privileges on the Ashuelot. There are several islands in the Connecticut 
belonging to this town. On the north line of the town is West River Mountain, which extends 
from the bank of the Connecticut, in an easterly direction, across the entire width of the town.
The highest peak is called Mine Mountain, and is about 900 feet above low-water mark. In several 
localities about this mountain are found iron ore, beds of silicate of manganese, and other 
minerals. Several years since there were signs of a volcanic eruption in this mountain, attended
by a discharge of a molten substance resembling lava. The intervals here are extensive and 
fertile. Stebbin's Hill is a large swell of land, under high cultivation. Between the intervals 
and hills is a large tract of table land, well adapted to the growth of corn and rye. On the 
point of a hill not far from Connecticut River are still to be seen remains of an Indian 
fortification. Tradition, only, gives any account, and that uncertain, of this ancient structure.
This region was evidently a favorite resort of the sons of the forest. In its early period this
town was subjected to the dangers, privations, and depredations of Indian wars. The settlers were
protected by Fort Dummer, Hinsdale's Fort, Shattuck's Fort, and Bridgman's Fort; but, 
notwithstanding, they were ineffectually shielded from the hostile incursions of the savages. On
the 24th of June, 1746, a party of twenty Indians suddenly appeared before the last-mentioned 
fort, and attacked with great fury a number of men who were at work in a meadow. Three persons 
were killed, two were wounded, and two were taken prisoners. One of the captives, Daniel How, in
the struggle killed one of the Indians. In 1747 they destroyed Bridgman's Fort, killed several 
persons, and captured others. In October of the same year one Jonathan Sawtell was taken 
prisoner. On the 3d of July they made an attack upon a gristmill, whither Colonel Willard with a
guard of twenty men, had gone for the purpose of grinding corn. Soon after he had stationed his 
guards the enemy commenced firing. The colonel gave such loud and repeated orders to make 
preparations for an onset upon the Indians, besides placing several old hats upon sticks, and 
raising them, as if platforms being erected for firing within the yard, that they fed with great
precipitation leaving behind their packs and provisions. June 16, 1748 while crossing from 
Colonel Hinsdale's to Fort Dummer three persons-Nathan French, Joseph Richardson, and John 
Frost-were killed, and seven others were captured, one of whom soon afterwards died of his 
wounds. In 1755 they attacked a party at work in the woods, killed two persons, and took Jonathan
Colby prisoner. In July of the same year they killed in ambush Caleb Howe, Hilkiah Grout, and 
Benjamin Gaffield, as they were returning from labor in the field. The Congregational church was
organized here in 1763. The Baptist church was formed in 1808. There are at this time two 
churches, in addition to those already mentioned--namely, one Methodist and one Universalist. 
There are also two hotels, four stores, with an aggregate capital of $12,200; two woollen 
factories, both of which manufacture cashmeretts, one employing 45 hands, with a capital of 
$50,000, the other employing 17 hands, with a capital of $20,000; two machine shops, with an 
aggregate capital of $22,000; number of hands employed in both, 23; one paper mill, capital, 
$20,000, number of hands employed, 12; one foundery, capital, $4000, number of hands employed, 5;
one tannery, capital, $8000, number of hands, 5; one edge tool manufactory, capital, $10,000, 
number of hands, 15; one bobbin and spool factory, capital, $5000, number of hands, 9; one pail 
factory, capital, $6000, number of hands, 10; one door, sash, and blind factory, capital, $6000,
number of hands, 10. 
	Population, 1903. Number of legal voters in 1854, 292. Inventory, $432,202. Value of 
lands, $263,587. Stock in trade, $14,500. Number of sheep, 289. Do. neat stock, 671. Do. horses 
and mules, 155. 

	JEFFREY, Cheshire county. Bounded north by Dublin, east by Peterborough and Sharon, south
by Rindge and Fitzwilliam, and west by Troy and Marlborough. Area 25,600 acres. Distance from 
Concord, 46 miles, south-west from Keene, 15, south-east. Monadnock Mountain lies mostly in this
town. Near the summit, which is about 300 feet above its base, only a few dwarfish shrubs grow 
in the crevices of the rocks. Its sides are covered with blueberry, which afford an abundance of
delicious fruit. There are several caves in various parts of this mountain, which seem to have 
been formed by large fissures made by extensive strata thrown from their primitive position. 
Several streams issue from its sides, the largest of which rises about 100 rods from its summit,
and forms the principal source of the Contoocook River. About one and a half miles from the 
mountain, in a south-easterly direction, is Monadnock Mineral Spring the waters are slightly 
impregnated with carbonate of iron and sulphuret of soda. Where it issues from the earth, yellow
ochre collects in considerable quantities. So even is the temperature of the water that it has 
never been seen frozen over. It is not affected by drought or heavy rains. 
	There are four meeting houses-two Congregational, one Baptist, and one Universalist; one
academy, with a small fund, the interest of which is applied to the purchase of apparatus; four
stores; one hotel; five saw and three gristmills; two cotton factories, capital $20,000, number 
of hands employed, 80; A. Bascom & Co. proprietors, one carding machine; two wooden ware shops, 
employing 10 hands; and two tanneries. The Monadnock Bank has a capital of $50,000. The 
proprietors of the Mason title granted this town, in 1749, to 40 persons. The first settlement 
was made, in 1758, by one Grout and John Davison. It was incorporated in 1773, and received its 
name from George Jaffrey, Esq., of Portsmouth. Its former name was Middle Monadnock, or Number 
Two. The Congregational church was formed in 1780. 
 	Population, 1497. Number of legal voters in 1854, 330. Do. common schools, 13. Inventory,
$574,542. Value of lands, $325,304. Stock in trade, $8094. Value of mills, factories, &c., 
$22,738. Number of sheep, 1349. Do. neat stock, 1514. Do. horses, 254. 

	KEENE, shire town of Cheshire county. Bounded north by Westmoreland, Surrey, and Gilsum,
east by Sullivan and Roxbury, south by Swanzey, and west by Chesterfield and Westmoreland. Area,
about 22,040 acres. Distance from Concord, 55 miles, south-west. The surface is generally level
or moderately swelling. The soil consists of three varieties-viz., interval, light, sandy plain,
and upland. The latter includes the outskirts of the town, bounding on the east; west, and north;
the flat, or valley, consisting of the first and second varieties. The valley is separated into 
two nearly equal portions by the Ashuelot River, and from the unusual extent of level surface 
which it presents, variegated by cultivation, affords a pleasing prospect to the traveller. The 
Ashuelot River has its source in a pond in Washington. 
	Keene is pronounced by Dr. Dwight, in his travels, one of the pleasantest inland towns 
he had ever visited. The principal village is situated on an extensive plain, about midway from 
the Ashuelot on the west, and the uplands on the east. The width and uniform level of its 
streets, the beautiful shade trees, behind which many splendid residences and beautiful gardens 
are seen, its large and well constructed hotels, its handsome stores, and general thrifty 
appearance render it both pleasant and attractive. The main street extends one mile in length in
a straight line, and is of uniform width, and almost a perfect level. Keene is a place of large 
business. Its facilities for trade, owing, in a great measure, to its location in relation to 
the adjacent towns, are numerous, and secure to its mercantile interests valuable advantages.
What can be said of but few country villages may with truth be said of this-viz., that its 
business has been directly benefited and permanently increased by the railroad enterprise.
	There are three large and commodious hotels. The Cheshire House is a noble structure, its
rooms airy and convenient, and the internal arrangements are in full keeping with the inviting 
appearance of its external form. The Emerald House and the Eagle are pleasant hotels, and each
affords a comfortable home for the traveller. The Town Hall is a large and handsome edifice of 
imposing structure. The office of the Ashuelot Mutual Fire Insurance Company is in this village.
	Manufactories.-A.. Davis & Co., iron foundery. Capital, $6000. Business per annum, 
$10,000. Employ 12 hands.
	J. M. Reed, manufacturer of patent jack screws and boot forms. The screw is used for 
raising buildings and other heavy burdens. One turn of this screw perform the same amount of 
labor that two will in others. Capital, $2000. Hands employed, 10.
	Falkner & Colony, manufacturers of flannels. Capital invested, $50,000. Employ 40 hands.
$100,000 worth are manufactured per annum; also $6000 worth of lumber.
	William S. Briggs (successor to Eliphalet Briggs, who carried on the business of cabinet
making for 40 years) manufactures all kinds of cabinet work.
	S. D. Osburn also manufactures cabinet work.
	The Cheshire Railroad Company have a large repair shop here, where about 25 hands are 
employed. 
	There is in operation a large sash and blind manufactory, driven by a 25 horse power 
engine.   
	Foster & Felt, manufacturers of organs, Æolian seraphines, Woodward & Brown's piano 
fortes, &c., employ from 8 to 12 hands. 
	H. Pond & Co., hat and cap manufacturers, employ 12 hands, have several branch stores in
this and adjoining states, and are doing an extensive business.
	There are two large establishments for the manufacture of clothing. 
	South Keene.-J. A. Fay & Co., manufacturers of planing, mortising, tenanting, sash, 
sticking, moulding, and various other machines; also an iron foundery connected. Amount of 
capital, $40,000. Amount of business, $50,000. Number of hands employed, 50. Building, 160 by 40
feet, wood, two stories high, with an ell, 55 by 30 feet, two stories high, separate from the 
same, and a forge shop and iron foundery building.
	There are two banks-the Ashuelot, with a capital of $100,000; and the Cheshire Bank, with
a capital of $100,000. Also one Savings Bank. 
	There are four meeting houses-one Congregational, one Unitarian, one Baptist, and one 
Methodist. The Congregational church was organized October 18, 1738. Since that time it has had 
only six different ministers. The present pastor, Rev. Zedekiah S. Barstow, D. D., was; ordained
July 1, 1818. The Baptist church was formed in 1816, with Rev. Ferris Moore as pastor. The 
Unitarian church was organized on the 18th of March, 1824. This town is divided into 14 school 
districts. Numbers 1, 2, 10, and the centre districts have united under the Somersworth Act, 
which provides for a graduated system, by which the pupil ascends from the simplest rudiments to
those higher branches usually taught in academies. For an historical account of the newspapers 
published in this town the reader is referred to another part of this volume, under the 
appropriate head. Keene was originally granted by Massachusetts. Its first settlement began 
about the year 1734, by Jeremiah Hall, Elisha Root, Nathaniel Rockwood, Seth Heaton, Josiah 
Fisher, Nathan Blake, and others. Its original name was Upper Ashuelot. It was incorporated under
its present name April 11, 1753. The name was given in honor of an English nobleman, Sir Benjamin
Keene. In 1736 a meeting house was erected, and two years later a minister was settled.
	Like all other frontier settlements, it received its full share of Indian depredations 
and cruelty. In 1745 the Indians killed Josiah Fisher, a deacon of the church; and in the year 
following they attacked the fort, the only safe retreat of the inhabitants. They were discovered
by Captain Ephraim Dorman just in time to prevent their taking it. He was attacked by two 
Indians, but boldly defended himself against them, and reached the fort in safety. A furious 
assault followed, in which John Bullard was killed. A woman named McKenny, being out of the fort,
was brutally stabbed, from the effects of which she soon died. Nathan Blake was captured and 
taken to Canada. He remained in confinement two years. The Indians burned all the buildings in 
the settlement, including the meeting house. The inhabitants continued in the fort until April, 
1747, when they abandoned the place. In 1753 they returned and recommenced their settlements. In
June, 1755, the Indians again attacked the fort in great numbers. The onset was furious, 
accompanied by screams and terrific yells. By the vigilance and bravery of Captain Syms, they 
were repulsed. After burning several buildings, killing a large number of cattle, and committing
other depredations, they departed. In July they returned and made another violent attack upon the
fort, but with as little success as before.
	Colonel Isaac Wyman, an influential man and a brave soldier, led the first detachment of
men from this town in the war of the revolution, and was present at the battle of Bunker 
(Breed's) Hill. This company consisted of 30 men. The list of the foot company in Keene at this 
time numbered 126 men, the alarm list 45. 
	This town is the residence of the Hon. Samuel Dinsmoor, who was governor of New Hampshire
during a term of three years ending June, 1852, and was deservedly one of the most popular men
among all parties who have ever filled that high office.
	Keene is connected by the Cheshire Railroad with Groton Junction and Boston, and by the
Ashuelot Railroad with Springfield, Massachusetts.
	Population, 3392. Number of legal voters in 1854, 767. Inventory, $1,562,228. Value of 
lands, $809,598. Stock in trade, $77,400. Value of mills and factories, $26,400. Money on 
deposit or at interest, $186,697. Value of shares in banks and other corporations, $224,100. 
Number of sheep, 1520. Do. neat stock, 1512. Do. horses, 370. 

	MARLBOROUGH, Cheshire county. Bounded north by Roxbury, east by Dublin and Jaffrey, 
south by Troy, and west by Swanzey and Keene. Area, about 13,000 acres. Distance from Concord, 
55 miles, south-west; from Keene, 6, south. There are several ponds, which are the sources of 
some of the branches of the Ashuelot, The surface is broken; the soil rocky, but excellent for 
grazing. Various branches of manufacturing are carried on to some extent here. There are four 
pail factories, in which 35 hands are employed; one box and measure factory, eight hands; one
machine shop, 16 hands; one box and tray factory, five hands; one chair factory, four hands; one
earthen ware shop, four hands; one faucet manufactory, four hands; and one yarn factory, five 
hands. There are also two stores, three meeting houses, and one hotel.
	Marlborough was granted, April 29, 1751, to Timothy Dwight and 61 others. By reason of 
the breaking out of the French and Indian war the conditions of the charter were not seasonably 
fulfilled; the first charter was forfeited, and a second granted September 21, 1754. First 
settlers, William Barker, Abel Woodward, Benjamin Tucker, Daniel Goodenough, and one McAlister. 
	A Congregational church was formed in 1778. At present there is also a Baptist and a 
Universalist society.
	Population, 887.  Number of legal voters in 1854, 225. Inventory, $321,156. Value of 
lands, $179,374. Stock in trade, $4441. Value of mills, factories, &c., $12,225. Money on hand, 
&c., $40,830. Number of sheep, 608. Do. neat stock, 804. Do. horses, 152. 

	MARLOW, Cheshire county. Bounded north by Acworth and Lempster, east by Washington and 
Stoddard, south by Gilsum, and west by Alstead. Area, 15,937 acres. Distance from Concord, 45
miles, south-west; from Keene, 15, north. Ashuelot River passes through nearly the whole length
of the town, in a south-westerly direction. The soil is moist, but productive. On the Ashuelot 
and other streams are large tracts of valuable interval. The surface is generally uneven. This 
town was granted, October 7, 1761, to William Noyes and 69 others. First settlers, Joseph Tubbs,
N. Royce, N. Miller, Nathan Huntley, Solomon Mack, Solomon Gee, Eben Lewis, Samuel and John 
Gustin, and others. The first town meeting was held in March, 1776. The first inhabitants were 
Baptists; they formed a church, and settled Rev. Caleb Blood, in January, 1778. There is at 
present only a Methodist society.
	Population, 708. Number of polls, 196. Inventory, $290,308. Value of lands, $151,497. 
Do. mills, factories, &c., $4675. Stock in trade, $9423. Money on hand, at interest, &c., 
$45,466. Number of sheep, 1839. Do. neat stock, 847. Do. horses, 179. 

	NELSON, Cheshire county. Bounded north by Stoddard, east by Antrim and Hancock, south by
Dublin and Roxbury, and west by Roxbury and Sullivan. Area, 22,875 acres. Distance from Concord,
40 miles, south-west; from Keene, 8, north-east. Situated on the height of land between 
Merrimack and Connecticut Rivers. The surface is hilly, but good for grazing. The soil is 
generally hard, but productive. There are seven ponds, covering a surface of 1800 acres. Long 
Pond, the largest body of water, is four miles in length; from this issues a branch of the 
Contoocook River. Several excellent mill privileges are furnished by streams flowing from these 
ponds. Plumbago is found in large quantities here. The mines yield on an average 220 tons 
annually. The inhabitants are principally farmers, of industrious habits. Within a few years 
considerable attention has been paid to manufactures, which have added much to the growth and 
prosperity of the town. The cotton factory owned by Alvan Munson has 640 spindles and 12 looms. 
The capital stock is valued at $12,000. Manufacture 10/4 cotton sheetings; number of yarn, 20; 
number of operatives, 20.
	Harrisville, a pleasant and thriving village, is situated partly in Nelson, and partly 
in Dublin. It is named from Bethuel Harris, an active and enterprising man, who, in 1820, 
commenced business here without funds save his energy and perseverance. The village now contains
a meeting house, school house, a store, public house, and a large wooden ware shop. It has a 
population of 350 inhabitants. The woollen factory of Messrs. Harris & Hutchinson, also that of 
Milan Harris, Colony, & Sons, are widely known for the fine doeskins, of a truly superior 
quality, manufactured here. The capital stock of Messrs. Harris & Hutchinson is valued at 
$20,000; number of spindles, 300; do. looms, 7; do. operatives, 18. 30,000 pounds of fine wool 
are consumed annually. Agent, Charles C. P. Harris. There is also a chair factory, in which 10 
hands are employed. Besides these already named, there are in Nelson two meeting houses, one 
store, three shoe manufactories, one tannery, and one blacksmith's shop.
	This town was formerly called Monadnock Number Six. It was granted by the Masonian 
proprietors February 22, 1774. The first settlers were Breed Batchelder and Dr. Nathaniel Breed,
who came here in 1767. The Congregational church was organized January 31, 1781. 
	Population, 751.  Number of legal voters in 1854, 180. Common schools, 8. Inventory, 
$252,100. Value of lands, $142,296.  Do. mills and factories, $6550. Stock in trade, $2730. 
Money at interest, &c., $23,595. Number of sheep,3832. Do. neat stock, 740. Do. horses, 117.

	RICHMOND, Cheshire county. Bounded north by Swanzey, east by Troy and Fitzwilliam, south
by Warwick and Royalston, Massachusetts, and west by Winchester. Area, 23,725 acres. Distance 
from Concord, 70 miles, south-west; from Keene, 12, south. It is watered by branches of Ashuelot
and Miller's Rivers, which fall into the Connecticut. The surface is generally level; the soil 
is favorable for the grains and grasses. Soapstone of a good quality is found here in 
considerable quantities. In the quarry from which the soapstone is taken are found quartz, 
felspar, phosphate of lime, pinite, rutile, iron pyrites, garnets, calcareous spar, and 
hornblende crystals. In the hornblende rock occur very perfect crystals of black tourmaline. 
Iolite of great beauty is found in the quartz. This is a rare mineral, and is highly valued. 
	Richmond contains three meeting houses, three stores, one hotel, twelve sawmills, two 
gristmills, four pail manufactories, one wooden ware manufactory, and in the village at the 
"Four Corners" is a large steam mill, or shop, which is used for various purposes.
     	This town was granted, February 28, 1752, to Joseph Blanchard and others. The first 
Baptist church was formed in 1768; the second in 1776. There are also societies of Quakers, 
Universalists, and Unitarians. 
	Population, 1128. Number of legal voters in 1854, 300. Inventory, $308,662. Value of 
lands, $185,376. Do. mills, $7750.  Stock in trade, $5716.  Money at interest, $13,589.  Number 
of sheep, 403.  Do. neat stock, 1048. Do. horses, 190. 

	RINDGE, Cheshire county. Bounded north by Jaffrey and Sharon, east by New Ipswich, south
by Winchendon, Massachusetts, and west by Fitzwilliam. Area, 23,838 acres. Distance from Concord,
50 miles, south-west; from Keene, 20, south-east. The surface is very rocky, but the soil is in 
most parts deep and rich. There are 13 ponds, the largest of which are called Manomonack, 
Emerson, Perley, Long, Grassy, and Bullet. The three first discharge their waters by Miller's 
River; the three last are drained into the Contoocook River. These ponds abound with fish, and 
are a favorite resort of anglers. There is a small ridge of land here, from which the waters 
issuing from one side flow into the Merrimack, and those on the other side into the Connecticut.
Rindge was originally granted by Massachusetts, and was called Rowley, Canada, or Monadnock 
Number One. It received its present name from one of its proprietors at the time of its 
incorporation, August 11, 1768.  It was settled, in 1752, by Jonathan Stanley, George Hewitt, 
and Abel Platts. Rev. Seth Dean was ordained over the Congregational church in 1765.
	Population, 1274. Number of polls, 300. Inventory, $515,413. Value of lands, $322,542. 
Stock in trade, $15,124. Money at interest, $49,650. Number of sheep, 415.  Do. neat stock, 1164.
Do. horses, 194.

	ROXBURY Cheshire county. Bounded north by Sullivan and Nelson, east by Nelson and Dublin,
south by Marlborough, and west by Keene. Area, about 6000 acres. Distance from Concord, 50 miles,
south-west; from Keene, 5, east. This is a small but fertile township, the surface of which is 
rough and uneven, rising into considerable swells, and affording excellent pasturage, besides 
the various productions common to the climate. The north branch of the Ashuelot, which forms the
boundary between this town and Keene, is the principal stream. Roaring Brook, on which are 
several valuable meadows, waters the south part, and affords a few moderate water privileges. 
The inhabitants are chiefly devoted to agriculture, although the mechanic arts, in the several 
branches, are pursued to some extent. It formerly constituted a part of Keene, Marlborough, and 
Nelson; from which towns it was disannexed, and incorporated December 9, 1812. A Congregational 
church was formed August 15, 1816. 
	Population, 260. Number of polls, 58. Inventory, $95,873. Value of lands, $61,599.  Do. 
mills, $600. Money at interest, $8565. Number of sheep, 1311. Do. neat stock, 334. Do. horses, 
58.

	STODDARD, Cheshire county. Bounded north by Washington, east by Windsor and Antrim, south
by Nelson and Sullivan, and west by Gilsum and Marlow. Area, 35,925 acres, 1100 of which are 
covered with water. Distance from Concord, 42 miles, south-west; from Keene, 14, north-east. It 
is situated on the height of land between the Connecticut and Merrimack Rivers. Such is the 
location of some of the houses, that the rain falling upon one side of the roof runs into the 
former river, while that falling upon the other side runs into the latter. The soil is deep, 
underlaid with clay. It is well adapted to grazing. The south branch of Ashuelot River has its 
source near the centre of the town. Long Pond, lying partly in this town and partly in 
Washington, is a pleasant sheet of water, abounding with various kinds of fish. Island Pond 
includes about 300 acres, and is studded with small islands. Branch River affords many valuable 
mill privileges. 
	There are in this town two hotels, three stores, five sawmills, one gristmill, five 
shingle and clapboard mills, and one pail factory, furnishing employment for 20 men. There are 
two glass factories, each of which contains eight pot furnaces, which are kept constantly heated
during six months in the year. The value of products amounts annually to about $10,000, and 
consists of window glass and glass ware of various kinds. The whole number of hands employed in 
the glass works, including both sexes, is 200. There are also three rake manufactories, two 
extensive tanneries, and three blacksmiths' shops. Granite of a very fine grain is abundant, and
is used largely for building and other purposes.
	There are two religious societies-one Congregational and one Universalist-about equal in
numbers and wealth. The former was organized September 4, 1787. The late Isaac Robinson D. D., 
was ordained January 5, 1803, and continued his labors here until July 9, 1854, the time of his
death. He was a man of remarkable mental powers, of untiring energy and perseverance. Although 
he enjoyed but very slight advantages for education, yet by close and unremitted application he 
became a sound and learned divine, as well as a scholar of unusual attainments in the various 
departments of science and literature. He was universally beloved, and his death was deeply 
regretted.
	This town was formerly called Limerick. It was incorporated November 4, 1774, when it 
received the name of Stoddard from Colonel Samson Stoddard, to whom, with others, it was granted.
It was settled in June, 1769, by John Taggard and others. The hardships of the first settlers 
were very great.
	Population, 1105. Number of legal voters in 1854, 250. Inventory, $399,408. Value of 
lands, $242,936. Stock in trade, $13,006. Value of mills, $3200. Money at interest, $36,348. 
Number of sheep, 4107. Do. neat stock, 1056. Do. horses, 200. 

	SULLIVAN, Cheshire county. Bounded north by Gilsum and Stoddard, east by Stoddard and 
Nelson, south by Roxbury and Keene, and west by Keene and Gilsum. Area, 12,212 acres. Distance
from Concord, 42 miles, southwest; from Keene, 6, east. The south-east part of the town is 
watered by Ashuelot River. There are two small ponds, the one called Bolster, the other Chapman's
Pond. The surface is generally even. The soil is very productive, and well cultivated. The 
inhabitants are chiefly farmers, and are intelligent, industrious, and, for the most part; 
independent. In 1854 there was not a person assessed for his poll who was not taxed, besides, 
for property of more or less value-a circumstance, at least, of rare occurrence. There is one 
religious society-the Congregational. Sullivan was incorporated September 27, 1787, and received
its name from President Sullivan, the chief magistrate of New Hampshire at that time.
	Population, 468. Number of legal voters in 1854, 107. Inventory, $213,718. Value of 
lands, $135,776. Stock in trade, $1605. Value of mills, $2500. Money at interest, $23,704. 
Number of sheep, 2784. Do. neat stock, 714. Do. horses, 101. 

	SURREY, Cheshire county. Bounded north by Walpole and Alstead, east by Gilsum, south by 
Keene, and west by Westmoreland and Walpole. Area, 12,212 acres. Distance from Concord, 52 miles,
southwest; from Keene, 6, north-west. This town is watered by Ashuelot River, along which there 
is a valuable tract of interval extending nearly the whole length of the town from north to 
south. On the east side of the river is a steep mountain of considerable height, upon the top of
which is a pond of water, three acres in extent and about 25 feet deep. Surrey was originally a 
part of Gilsum and Westmoreland. It was incorporated March 9, 1769. The first settlement was made
in 1764, by Peter Heyward. He began clearing land and cultivating it in the summer preceding, 
making his home at the fort in Keene. He was accustomed to go to his farm in the morning, and 
return to the fort at night, guarded only by his dog and gun, though the savages were at that 
time lurking in the woods. A Congregational church was organized June 12, 1769. There are two 
meeting houses in this town, but there is no regular preaching in either. There are four common 
schools, two sawmills, one gristmill, two hotels, and one store.   
	Population, 556. Number of legal voters in 1854, 117. Inventory, $179,201. Value of 
lands, $93,633. Do. mills, $900. Stock in trade, $950. Money at interest, $15,200. Number of 
sheep, 2130.  Do. neat stock, 493. Do. horses, 95.

	SWANZEY Cheshire county. Bounded north by Keene, east by Marlborough and Troy, south by 
Richmond and Winchester, and west by Winchester and Chesterfield. Area, 28,057  acres.  Distance
from Concord, 60 miles, south-west; from Keene, 6, south. The principal streams are the Ashuelot
and the South Branch Rivers, on both of which are valuable water privileges. The surface of the
town is diversified with hills, valleys, and swells of upland. Nearly one third part is level, 
and consists of nearly equal proportions of plain and interval. The soil consists of the 
interval, plain, and upland. The first yields grass abundantly. The plains produce excellent 
crops of corn, rye, &c. The soil of the upland is strong and deep, and affords good pasturing, 
orcharding, and woodland. Great Pond and Lock's Pond, lying in West Swanzey, are each about a 
mile long, and 270 rods in width. Hyponeco Brook abounds with trout. There are three meeting 
houses,--a Baptist and a Universalist in West Swanzey, and a Congregational in Swanzey Centre,
--three hotels, five stores, and four sash, door, and blind manufactories, with an aggregate 
capital of $10,000, where 25 hands are employed; four bucket and pail manufactories, employing
80 hands, with a capital of $40,000; one box manufactory, employing 7 men; one steam mill, 
employing 6 men; six blacksmith shops, besides several other shops, for the manufacture of 
various articles of merchandise. There are four villages,-one called Factory Village, another 
Swanzey Centre, another West Swanzey, and another West Port,-all of which are thriving and 
prosperous. The Ashuelot Railroad passes through the two latter villages. The inhabitants are 
industrious and enterprising. 
	Swanzey was first granted by Massachusetts, in 1733, to 64 persons. After the settlement
of the divisional line, it was granted by New Hampshire, July 2, 1753. Until the latter date it 
had been called Lower Ashuelot, from the Indian name, Ashaelock. From 1741 to 1747, the 
inhabitants suffered greatly from Indian depredations. Several there killed, and many were taken
prisoners. Massachusetts, under whose jurisdiction the town of Swanzey remained for 13 years, at
this trying period withdrew her protection, and left the settlers defenceless and exposed to the
fury of the savages. They abandoned the settlement, and having collected together their 
furniture and household goods, concealed them in the ground, covering them with leaves, bushes,
trees, &c. Scarce had they turned their backs upon the desolate dwellings before the Indians set
fire to them. Every house except one was consumed. About three years afterwards the former 
settlers returned. The first Congregational church was organized in 1741.   
	Population, 2106. Number of legal voters in 1854, 477. Inventory, $579,921. Value of 
lands, $354,840. Stock in trade, $16,175.  Value of mills, $22,341. Money at interest, $30,197.
Number of sheep, 1065. Do. neat stock, 1416. Do. horses, 311. 

	TROY, Cheshire county. Bounded north by Marlborough, east by Jaffrey, south by 
Fitzwilliam, and west by Richmond and Swanzey. Distance from Concord, 54 miles, south-west; from
Keene, 12, south-east. This is a small township, possessing a variety of surface and soil. The 
inhabitants are industrious, and chiefly engaged in agricultural pursuits. There is a small 
woollen factory, four pail manufactories, five clothes pins do., and one rake do. The aggregate 
number of hands employed in these various enterprises is 42. There are six common schools, one 
academy, one hotel, and three meeting houses, belonging respectively to Congregational, Baptist,
and Unitarian societies. This town was severed from Marlborough and Fitzwilliam, and incorporated
January 23, 1815. 
	Population, 759. Number of legal voters in 1854, 190. Inventory, $236,910. Value of 
lands, $126,452. Stock in trade, $7580. Value of mills, $15,200. Money at interest, $14,258. 
Number of sheep, 163.  Do. neat stock, 642. Do. horses, 95. 

	WALPOLE, Cheshire county. Bounded north by Charlestown and Langdon, east by Alstead and 
Surrey, south by Surrey and Westmoreland, and west by Westminster and Rockingham, Vermont. Area,
24,301 acres. Distance from Concord, 60 miles, south-west; from Keene, 22, north-west, with which
it is connected by the Cheshire Railroad. This town is beautifully diversified with hills and 
vales. The intervals, especially those on Connecticut River, are extensive, and afford excellent
tillage. The uplands are inferior to none in the state. Walpole stands among the highest in New
Hampshire as an agricultural town. Cold River passes through the north part of the town, and 
unites with the Connecticut about one mile south of Bellows Falls. Near these falls is a lofty 
hill 800 feet above the surface of the river. The rock composing this mountain is plumbaginous 
mica slate passing into argillaceous slate on one side, and hard mica slate containing fibriolite
on the other. The principal village is situated on a large plain, about four miles south from 
Bellows Falls. The main street runs north and south, and is bordered on either side with houses,
stores, and shops. Its common, handsomely laid out and ornamented with trees; its broad streets,
adorned with majestic elms and maples; its many elegant and costly residences, with their 
spacious and beautiful yards and gardens, and the neatness and order which generally prevail, 
together with the picturesque beauty of the surrounding country, render it one of the most 
delightful villages in New Hampshire. This town is distinguished for its excellent schools, and 
its valuable efforts to promote the interests of education. It has within a few years adopted 
the Somersworth Act, and has erected a large, convenient, and handsome building for a high 
school. The school fund is $1577.50. In the village are seven stores, one hotel, three meeting 
houses,--one Unitarian, one Congregational, and one Methodist--and about a mile south-east from
the village is a meeting house owned by the Universalist society. There are two shoe 
manufactories, with a capital of $1700, furnishing employment for 15 hands; one shirt 
manufactory, where about 250 hands are engaged; one carriage factory, employing 12 hands, besides
some 12 or 15 other shops for various purposes. At the bridge which crosses the river near this 
place, first erected in 1785, is a most sublime and interesting view. The river is confined in a 
narrow channel between steep rocks, and for nearly a quarter of a mile is forced onward with 
great impetuosity, and loud, deep roaring. The fall is in no place perpendicular, the waters 
falling 42 feet in the distance of 160 rods. On the west side of the falls is a canal, with nine
locks. Around the falls is an interesting locality of minerals. The almost incredible effects of
the current of the river at this place afford striking and beautiful illustrations of the 
science of geology. A channel has been worn into a solid rock, or bed of granite, to a depth of
10 or 15 feet; and this was in all probability effected while the crater was pouring over the 
precipitous hillsides south of the present bed, and before the rocks which form the present 
cataract had ever been sprinkled by the foam of the dashing waves. Here the effects of the 
current upon the rocks are still more wonderful. Numerous holes are bored perpendicularly into 
them with all the symmetry and smoothness of the inner surface of a porcelain jar, some of which
are capable of holding several barrels of water; and one is 18 feet deep. All these pot holes 
lie high and dry above the ordinary height of water, and are only reached by high floods or 
freshets. Indian relics of various kinds are found in the vicinity of the falls, and upon the 
rocks are chiselled portraits of savages, variously ornamented. Near this place are the Abenâqui
Springs, whose waters possess remarkable medicinal properties. They are highly tonic, and 
efficacious in scrofulous and nearly all cutaneous affections. These springs were formerly 
visited by the various tribes of Indians who dwelt in this region, and are named after the 
Abenâqui, or St. Francis Indians. From a chemical analysis, one gallon of this water was found 
to contain 13.34 grains of salts, which were decomposed into crenate of iron 7.10, crenate of 
lime 4.11, chloride of sodium, sulphates of soda, and lime, and silica 2.13. 
	At the base of Fall Mountain, and near the springs, is the Fall Mountain Hotel, located 
in a beautifully romantic and retired spot, for the accommodation of travellers, invalids, and 
persons of leisure. From the hotel a path leads directly to Table Rock, on the summit of the 
mountain, which commands an extensive and delightful view of the valley of the Connecticut. About
two miles south of Bellows Falls is a cemetery, beautifully situated in a rural and quiet spot. 
Within these grounds a large marble monument has been erected to the memory of Colonel Benjamin 
Bellows-who was one of the first settlers of Walpole- by his numerous descendants.
	Drewsville, a very pleasant village, is situated on Cold River, and contains an Episcopal
church, several handsome residences, two stores, and several manufacturing establishments. 
	During the first years of its settlement, Walpole was the scene of many skirmishes with 
the Canadians and Indians. In the spring of 1755, an Indian, named Philip by the whites, who had
acquired the English language sufficiently for conversation, came into the town of Walpole, and
visited the house of one Mr. Kilburn, pretending that he was on a hunting excursion, and in want
of provisions. He was kindly received, and furnished with every necessary, such as flints, flour,
&c. Soon after he left, however, it was ascertained that he had visited nearly all the 
settlements on Connecticut River about the same time, and with the same plausible errand. Kilburn
had already learned something of Indian finesse and strategy, and at once suspected, as it 
afterwards proved, that Philip was a wolf in sheep's clothing. Not long after this intelligence
was sent by General Shirley, through a friendly Indian, to all the forts, that four or five 
hundred Indians were collected in Canada, whose designs were to destroy all the white population
on Connecticut River. The reception of such news threw a gloom over the weak and defenseless 
settlements. What could they do? To desert their homes, their cattle, and crops would be to give
up all to the destruction of the Canadian savages. Accustomed to all the hardships and dangers of
the frontier life, they boldly resolved to defend themselves and their property, or die on their
own thresholds. Kilburn and his men now strengthened their position with such fortifications as 
their rude implements and pressing circumstances would allow, hastily surrounding their dwellings
with a palisade of stakes driven into the ground. Colonel Benjamin Bellows had at this time about
30 men under his command at the fort, which was about half a mile south from Kilburn's house, but
this could be no protection to him while attending to his cattle, crops, &c. The enemy were now 
daily expected, and the little band awaited their appearance with fearful anxiety. 
	On the 17th of August, 1755, as Kilburn and his son John, a youth 18 years of age, were 
returning home from work, in company with a man named Peak and his son they discovered the "red 
legs of the Indians among the alders as thick as grasshoppers." They instantly hastened home, 
fastened the door, and made preparations for a desperate resistance. Besides the four men, there 
were in the house Kilburn's wife and daughter Hitty, who greatly assisted and encouraged the men
in their efforts to watch the movements of the enemy, and to provide means of defence. In a few
minutes the Indians were seen crawling up the bank east of the house, and as they crossed a
footpath one by one, 197 were counted. About the same number remained in ambush near the mouth of
Cold River. The Indians learning that Colonel Bellows, with his men, was at work at his mill 
about a mile distant, decided that it would be best to waylay and destroy them before attacking 
Kilburn. Colonel Bellows and his party, about 30 in number, were returning homewards, each with a
bag of meal on his back, when, on a sudden, their dogs began to growl and show signs of 
uneasiness. Bellows well understood the language of the dogs, and immediately took measures to 
thwart the plans of the Indians. He ordered his men to lay aside the meal, advance to the brow of
the hill, crawl carefully up the bank, spring upon their feet, give a single whoop, and then 
instantly drop into the fern. This manœuvre had the desired effect; for, as soon as the whoop was
given, the savages arose from their ambush in a semicircle around the path Bellows was pursuing.
This gave his men "a fine chance for a shot," which they at once improved. The first fire was so 
well directed that the Indians, panic-struck, darted into the bushes without discharging a gun. 
Bellows, seeing that their numbers were too great to risk an engagement, ordered his men to file
off to the south, and make for the fort. The Indians now returned to Kilburn's house, where the 
same Philip, to whom we have before alluded, came forward, and sheltering himself behind a tree,
called out to the inmates to surrender. "Old John, young John," said he, "come out here, we give
you good quarter." "Quarter!" vociferated Kilburn, in a voice of thunder, which sent a chill of 
terror through every Indian's breast, and reverberated among the hills and valleys; "you black 
rascals, begone, or we'll quarter you!" Philip returned to his companions; and, after a short 
consultation, the war whoop commenced. Kilburn got the first fire before the smoke of the 
Indian's guns obstructed his aim, and was confident he saw an Indian fall, who, from his 
extraordinary size and other appearances, must have been Philip. The Indians then rushed forward,
bent on the utter destruction of the house and its inmates; and probably not less than 400 
bullets were lodged in its roof and sides at the first fire. "The roof was a perfect riddle 
sieve." Some of them fell to butchering the cattle, others were busily employed in destroying the
hay, grain, &c., while a shower of bullets was incessantly falling upon the house. Meanwhile 
Kilburn and his men were by no means idle. They had poured their powder into hats for convenience
in loading their guns quickly, and every thing was in readiness for active defence. There were 
several guns in the house, and these were kept hot by incessant firing; and as they had no 
ammunition to spare, each one took special care that every bullet should tell with fatal effect
upon the foe. The women assisted in loading the guns; and when their stock of lead was exhausted,
they had the forethought to suspend blankets in the roof of the house to catch the bullets of the
enemy; and these were immediately run into new bullets, and sent back to the original owners.
Several attempts were made to burst open the doors, but the deadly fire from within compelled the
savages to desist from this undertaking. The Indians, notwithstanding their numbers, sheltered 
themselves most of the time behind trees and stumps, thus showing their dread of Kilburn's 
musketry. During the whole afternoon a continual firing was kept up. About sunset the Indians 
began to disappear, and as the sun sank behind the western hills, the sound of the guns and the 
cry of the war whoop died away in the distance.
	The result of this conflict proved an effectual check to the expedition of the Indians. 
They immediately returned to Canada; and it is within the bounds of reason to conclude that the 
heroic defense of Kilburn was the means of saving the other settlements from the horrors of an 
Indian devastation.
	Walpole was granted by the government of New Hampshire, February 16, 1752, to Colonel 
Benjamin Bellows and 61 others. It was first settled in 1749 by John Kilburn and his family. 
Colonel Bellows settled here in 1751. The Congregational church was organized in 1761.   
	Population, 2034. Number of legal voters in 1854, 435. Inventory, $986,836. Value of 
lands, $609,278. Stock in trade, $17,430. Value of mills and factories, $16,500. Money at 
interest, $129,347. Shares in corporations, $28,900. Number of sheep, 12,771. Do. neat stock, 
1538.  Do. horses, 370.

	WESTMORELAND, Cheshire county. Bounded north by Walpole, east by Surrey and Keene, south
by Chesterfield, and west by Putney, Vermont. Area, 22,426 acres. Distance from Concord, 65 
miles, south-west; from Keene, 10, west, with which it is connected by the Cheshire Railroad. 
This is a very excellent farming town. It is watered by numerous small streams, which are 
discharged into the Connecticut. That flowing from Spafford's Lake, in Chesterfield, is the 
largest, and affords the principal rater power. The surface is less varied by hills, valleys, and
mountains than the neighboring towns. There is considerable fine interval, and the uplands are 
generally fertile and easily cultivated. Fluor spar, crystals of quartz, sulphuret of molybdena,
deposits of nodular bog manganese; felspar, and milk quarts are found in various localities. The
rock is gneiss, granite, and mica slate. 
	There are in this town three stores, one hotel, one large carriage factory, where an 
extensive business is carried on, thirteen common schools, and four meeting houses, viz., two 
Congregational, one Methodist, and one Christian.
	Westmoreland was first granted by Massachusetts under the name of Number Two. It was 
afterwards called Great Meadow. It was incorporated by the government of New Hampshire, February
11, 1752, under its present name. The first settlement was made in 1741. The early settlers were
frequently annoyed by incursions of the Indians, but no great injury, save in one or two 
instances, was committed. In one of their plundering expeditions they killed William Phips, and 
in another carried Nehemiah How captive to Canada, where he died.  
	Population, 1677. Number of legal voters in 1854, 300. Inventory, $570,458. Value of 
lands, $329,806. Stock in trade, $7954. Value of mills, $1850. Money at interest, $86,154. Number
of sheep, 1940. Do. neat Stock, 1788. Do. horses, 301.

	WINCHESTER, Cheshire county. Bounded north by Chesterfield and Swanzey, east by Swanzey
and Richmond, south by Warwick, Massachusetts, and west by Hinsdale.  Area, 33,534 acres. 
Distance from Concord, 65 miles, south-west; from Keene, 13, south-west. Ashuelot River is the 
principal stream, and affords extensive water power. It receives the waters of Muddy and Broad 
Brooks, besides those of smaller streams. Humphrey's Pond, in the north-east part, is 300 rods 
long and 80 wide; it is the largest collection of water in the town. The surface is various. In 
the southerly part of the town it is level; the other portions are more or less uneven. The soil
is generally good. On either side of the Ashuelot are broad tracts of interval of rare fertility.
There are two pleasant and thriving villages in this town, both of which are situated on the 
Ashuelot River, and are connected with Keene and the Connecticut River by the Ashuelot Railroad.
There are extensive tracts of wood and timber land in this and adjacent towns, which have been 
rendered easy of access since the opening of the Ashuelot Railroad.
 	There are in this town two woollen factories, in one of which are employed 40 hands, in 
the other 15, two pail manufactories, employing 10 hands each, a friction match factory, eight 
stores, two druggists' shops, two hotels, two sawmills, and one linseed oil manufactory. 
	Considerable expense has recently been made in constructing a canal from Ashuelot River,
to be applied to manufacturing purposes on a large scale.
	The capital of the Winchester Bank is $100,000.
	Within the last few years the village in the centre of the town, as well as that in the 
western part, called Ashuelot, has grown rapidly. The vast amount of water power in both 
villages, and the readiness and comparatively slight expense with which it may be applied to 
practical purposes, render it highly probable that at no distant period they will be 
manufacturing places of considerable importance.
        Winchester was first granted by Massachusetts, and was named Arlington. It was granted 
by New Hampshire, July 2, 1753, to Josiah Willard and others, who settled here in 1732. During
the wars with the Indians which followed, the meeting house and all the private buildings of the
settlement were burned by the enemy. In the summer of 1756 Josiah Foster and his family were 
taken captives by the Indians. Some efforts were made to locate Dartmouth College in this town, 
but, owing to the opposition of Josiah Willard, the principal landholder, they proved unavailing. 
	The Congregational church was organized November 12, 1786. There are also Methodist and 
Universalist societies.
        Population, 3296. Number of legal voters in 1854, 600. Common schools, 21. Inventory, 
$716,536. Value of lands, $411,362. Stock in trade, $20,125. Value of mills and factories, 
$25,950. Money at interest, $13,423. Shares in banks, &c., $70,500. Number of sheep, 1037. Do. 
neat stock, 1583. Do. horses, 305.