Rockingham County Townships and Locations from Merrill's 1817 Gazetteer of New Hampshire Contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by T.C. Parziale Copyright. All rights reserved. ************************************************************************ Full copyright notice - http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm USGenWeb Archives - http://www.usgwarchives.net ************************************************************************ From The Gazetteer of the State of New Hampshire (in three parts), compiled from the best authorities, by Eliphalet Merrill and the Late Phinehas Merrill, Esq., Printed by C. Norris & Co., Exeter, NH, ©1817, Part Two of Gazetteer: ROCKINGHAM COUNTY - is bounded N.E. by Strafford county and Piscataqua river, E. about 14 miles by the sea, S.E. and S. by Massachusetts, and W. by Hillsborough county, comprising an area of 661, 646 acres of land and water. This county contains 46 townships, and according to the census of 1810, a population of 50,115 inhabitants, 8,404 of whom were legal voters. It has 80 meeting houses, 6 academies, 132 grain mills, 161 sawmills, 38 clothing mills, 5 cotton and 2 woolen factories, 26 carding machines, 5 paper mills, 4 oil mills, and 130 trading stores exclusive of those in Portsmouth. In 1812, the returns of cattle and horses in this county were as follows; 19 stud horses, 5,271 other horses, 205 of four years old, 34 of three years old, and 337 of two years old; 7,164 oxen, 3,335 of four years old, 16,913 cows, 8,433 of three years old cattle, and 9,019 of two years old. By the best estimates there were 61,340 sheep and 3,634 acres of orcharding. The principal towns in this county are Portsmouth, Concord, Exeter, and Londonderry. In Portsmouth, as well as in Exeter, there is a court house and a county gaol. The superior court is holden for this county at Portsmouth and Exeter alternately. The courts of common pleas are also holden in those towns alternately. Probate courts are holden in Portsmouth, Exeter and Londonderry. ATKINSON - a township in Rockingham county, incorporated 1767, containing 556 inhabitants and 6,839 acres. bounded N. by Hampstead, N.E. by Plaistow, S. by Haverhill, (Mass.) and W. by Salem. Atkinson was formerly a part of Haverhill, separated from it by the state line of demarcation. Its soil is prolific, and its situation highly pleasant. It is 30 miles from the maritime town of Portsmouth, and has an academy which was founded in 1789, by Hon. Nathaniel Peabody of Exeter who endowed it with 1,000 acres of land. John Vose, A.M. is the preceptor. Here are a handsome congregational meeting house, 1 grain mill, and 1 saw mill. "In this township is a large meadow wherein is an island of 6 or 7 acres, which was formerly loaded with valuable pine timber and other forest wood. When the meadow is overflowed, by means of an artificial dam, this island rises with the water, which is sometimes 6 feet. In a pond in the middle of the island, there have been fish, which when the meadow has been overflowed have appeared there, when the water has been drawn off, and the island settled to its usual place. The pond is now almost covered with verdure. In it a pole 60 feet long has disappeared without finding bottom." (Morse Gaz.) BRENTWOOD - a township in Rockingham county, incorporated 1742, contained, in 1810, 903 inhabitants. Bounded N. by Epping, e. by Exeter, S. by Kingston, and W. by Poplin, of a surface of 10,465 acres. Exeter river, on which are many good mill privileges, passes through this town. Here at what are called Pick-pocket falls, is a cotton factory with 800 spindles in operation. Through situate in the edge of Brentwood it is called the Exeter Factory. There are two religious societies in this place, Congregationalists and Baptists, beside a considerable number of friends. Each order has its respective house of public worship. Nathaniel Trask was ordained here 1752, and died 1780, aged 67. He was succeeded by Rev. E. Flint, who died 1812; their present minister is rev. C. Colton, who was settled 1815. Elder S. Shephard, recently deceased, had the care of the Baptist church with several others. Here are 3 corn mills 6 sawmills, 1 carding machine and a trading store. Vitriol is found here, combined in the same stone with sulphur. CANDIA - Rockingham county, was incorporated 1763. Its whole population was, in 1810, 1290 souls. Bounded N. by Deerfield, E. by Raymond, s. by Chester, and W. by the same; its area 17,734 acres. A branch of Lamprey river passes through the N. corner and the Chester turnpike through the S.W. part of the town. It has 2 houses of public worship, one of which was erected in 1814, and bears the name of liberty union meeting house. Here are 3 grain mills, 6 saw mills, a mill for dressing cloth, and a carding machine, Rev. David Jewett was ordained here 1771, and removed 1780. Their late minister, Rev. Jesse Remington, was ordained in 1790, and died March 1815. Elder Moses Bean has been ordained here several years over a free will Baptist society. CHESTER - a township in Rockingham county, bounded N. and E. by Raymond, Candia, and Allenstown. E. by Poplin and Sandown, S. by Londonderry, and W. by Manchester and Merrimack river. It contains 49,054 acres, of which 962 are water. Chester was incorporated in 1722 and contains 2,030 inhabitants. Massabesick pond, containing 1,512 acres is situated in the westerly part of this town, a portion of it however is in Manchester. This pond is almost equally divided by a narrow strait, over which the Londonderry turnpike passes. In Merrimack river, near the north-westerly part of this town, is situated the Isle of Hookset falls. Beaver brook has its rise in this town and falls into Merrimack river. So also does one branch of Exeter river which passes into Hawke. Another branch of Exeter river passes the northeasterly corner of this town. Chester contains 23 mills of various kinds. It has a congregational meeting house, an academy, 60 dwelling houses 6 retailing shops, and one edifice for Presbyterian worship. The Rev. Messars. Hale, Flagg, and Wilson were formerly settled here. The Rev. N. Bradstreet is the present minister. Rattle-snake hill in this town is a great curiosity. Its diameter is half a mile, its form is circular, and its height 400 feet. On the south side 10 yards from its base is a cave called the Devil’s den, in which is a narrow apartment, 15 or 20 feet square, the flooring and ceiling of which are formed by a irregular rock. Form the wall of this apartment there are depending numerous excrescence’s, bearing the form and size of pears, which upon the approach of a torch throw out a sparkling lustre of innumerable hues. On the 2nd of July, 1764, Mr. James Shirley of this town, while walking by the side of his horse, which was led by another person, was instantly killed by lightning. The flash was observed by persons at The distance of a number of rods to fall upon his head. It tore his hat into fragments, singed his hair, and entered his head just over his right temple. It is remarkable, that the money in his pocket was melted, and his buckles, which were of steel were broken. his horse was killed although the person who led him, escaped with slight injury. In the course of the year 1724, a party of 5 Indians entered Chester and Seized upon 2 persons by the names of Thomas Smith and John Carr. when they had brought them off about 30 miles, they bound them and laid themselves down to sleep. the prisoners seized this opportunity to escape, and in three days arrived safely at a garrison in Londonderry. DEERFIELD - a township in Rockingham county, incorporated in 1766. In 1810 it contained 1851 inhabitants. It is bounded n. by Northwood, S. by Candia, E. by Nottingham, and W. by Allenstown and Epsom, and contains 23,254 acres. Pleasant pond is situated in the northerly part of this town and is about a mile in length and half a mile in width. There are here several other smaller ponds, one of which is the source of the western branch of Lamprey river, the northern branch of which passes from Northwood and unites with the western near the centre of Deerfield. The soil of this town is for the most part fertile, producing the various kinds of grain and grass in abundance. Eliphalet smith was the first ordained minister in this town and removed soon after the revolutionary war. His successor was the Rev. timothy Upham, who died in the year 1811, and was succeeded by the Rev. Nathaniel Wells. there is also a Baptist church increasing in numbers under the pastoral care of Elder Peter Young. Each of these societies has its house of public worship. At the part of this town called the parade there is a pleasant village of 15 or 20 houses, a small academy, several stores, mechanics’ shops, etc. Deerfield contains 4 grainmills, 4 sawmills, 2 mills for dressing cloth, 1 carding machine, 1 oil mill and 13 schoolhouses. The average yearly number of deaths in this town since 1802, has been about 20. the present year an epidemic fever prevailed of which about 20 persons died. Formerly, moose were plenty in and about this town. In 1767, Mr. Josiah Prescott killed four within a short time near the same spot. EAST KINGSTON - a township in Rockingham county, situated in the southerly part of that county. It was incorporated in 1733, and contains 442 inhabitants. It is bounded N. by Exeter, E. by Kingston, S. by Southhampton, and W. and N.W. by Kingston, and contains 6,200 acres of excellent land. Powow river crosses the S.W. extremity of this town. The Rev. Peter Coffin was settled here in 1772, and has long since removed. There is here but one meeting house. This town contains 3 corn mills and 2 sawmills. From the year 1740 to 1771, the deaths in this town were 283, making an annual average of about nine. The greatest number in any one year was 21, and the smallest number 2. Since 1771, the proportion has remained nearly the same. EPPING - a town in Rockingham county, (formerly a part of Exeter,) incorporated in 1639, and now containing a population of 1,182. It is bounded N. by Nottingham and Lee, E. by Newmarket and Brentwood, S. by Brentwood and Poplin, and W. by Nottinham and Raymond, and contains 12,760 acres. Lamprey river passes through Epping entering its southwest corner. In this town Patuckaway and north rivers fall into Lamprey river, the former in its western and the latter at its south east part. On these streams are 4 grain mills 6 sawmills, and 1 clothing mill. The soil of Epping is excellently adapted to almost all sorts of grain, grass, flax, etc. In the orchard of Capt. Towle of this town there is an apple tree which in one year produced between 50 and 60 bushels. The first minister of Epping was the Rev. Mr. Cutler who was ordained in 1747. Rev. Josiah Stearns, his successor, was ordained in 1758, and died in 1790. Rev. Peter Holt, the present minister, was ordained in 1793. In Epping there are 4 meeting houses and 8 school houses and 8 school houses. In the revolutionary war there were ten died among those who went from this town. The annual average number of deaths is about 13. EXETER - called Swamscot by the aborigines, an ancient post town in Rockingham county, pleasantly situated at the head of tide waters and navigation on the southwest branch of Piscataqua river, and equi-distant from the metropolis and Newburyport in Essex county, Massachusetts. Exeter was incorporated in the year 1639, and contained according to the last census, 1,759 inhabitants. The township is of an irregular figure, of an area of 11,800 acres, and has for it’s boundaries Newmarket N. by E.; Stratham E. and N.E.; Hampton and Hampton-falls S.E.; Kensington S.; and Brentwood on the W. Exeter Fresh river takes its rise from a small pond in Sandown, running thence on the corners of Hawke and Poplin, thence into Chester and thence again into Poplin, Raymond, Brentwood and Exeter, near what are termed Pickpocket mills, pursuing from thence an easterly course till within one mile of the falls where it receives Little river from the west, and mingles shortly after with the tide waters of the Swamscot, in the midst of a fine trading and manufacturing settlement. Exeter is the second considerable town in the state, 59 miles N. of Boston, and 402 N.E. of Philadelphia. It has a bank with a capital of two hundred thousand dollars. It was formerly the seat of government and many of the public offices of the state are still kept here. The public edifices are two congregational churches, a Baptist meeting house, an elegant academy, a handsome court house, and a gaol. Beside the celebrated Phillips Exeter Academy there are here two English schools and ten or a dozen private schools chiefly for females. It is well situated for a manufacturing town, and has 2 fulling- mills, 2 carding machines, 2 oil mills, a woolen factory, 2 extensive cotton factories, a spinning and weaving factory, a tin ware, comb, and morocco factory of ordnance and small arms, a paper mill, a great number of saw and grist mills, a printing office, bookstore, book bindery, etc., etc. The saddlery, shoe making and chaise making business is also carried on here to a very great extent. In 1776, Col. Samuel Hobart erected a powder mill in this town capable of manufacturing 2,400 pound of powder per week. It is not now in operation. Before the revolution ship-building was an extensive and profitable branch of business here, and vessels of five-hundred tons burden were built and floated down the river to Portsmouth and sold, or employed in the West-India trade. Since the last war it has altogether declined. Specimens of bog iron ore and some considerable copper pyrites have been discovered in this town. Vitriol also, combined in the same stone with sulphur, is found in its neighborhood. In the year 1789, the remains of an Indian skeleton were dug up on the east side of the river in this town. It was in a perpendicular position and enclosed in a birchen hollow log. Some strings of wampum and twelve spoons, apparently of European manufacture, were found near it. The skull was entire, the teeth remained in the jams, and the hair, which was long, straight, and black, had suffered neither decay nor injury. Phillips Exeter Academy in this town is a highly respectable, useful and flourishing institution. It was founded by the hon. John Phillips, L.L.D. in 1781. A part of its funds is appropriated to the support of candidates for the ministry or indigent scholars recommended for their genius and learning. There are in this academy nearly 80 scholars. It has a well selected library and a handsome philosophical apparatus. The board of trustees consists of seven gentlemen, of whom the Hon. J.T. Gilman is president. The immediate instruction of the students is entrusted to a principal, a professor of mathematics and natural philosophy, and an assistant. The Rev. John Wheelwright the principal settler of this town, in 1638, removed from Braintree, (Mass.) then a part of Boston, where he was settled in the ministry. In the same year he united with several others in making a settlement in Exeter. He was a gentleman of talents, piety and learning. The Indians did not commence their depredations against this place till the year 1675, at which time they killed several persons here. In July, 1690, Col. Winthrop Hilton’s garrison in this place was attacked and some lives were lost. In June, 1697, this town was preserved in a remarkable manner from a deep laid plot which the Indians had formed against it. The enemy were planted in ambush near the town, and were discovered by some children who had ventured from home without a guard. The savages retreated without the loss on our side of more than one person. In 1710, Col. Winthrop Hilton with a party of his neighbors while at work in a field situate in that part of Exeter which is now called Epping, were attacked by the Indians, who barbarously murdered the colonel with two of his party, and captured two others. Emboldened with this success the enemy immediately entered the settlement and killed several other persons, some of whom were children. year 1638 - This year John Wheelwright commenced his settlement at Exeter. His followers immediately formed themselves into a church, and decreeing themselves beyond the jurisdiction of Massachusetts, they formed a separate political body, and made choice of Nicholas Needham, Isaac Grosse, and Thomas Wilson as their rulers for the first year. The laws were enacted by a popular assembly and formally sanctioned by the rulers. Treason against the country of the king, (who was styled the Lord’s anointed!) were made capital crimes, and sedition was punished by a fine of ten pounds. This association lasted about three years. At his time a settlement was formed at Winnecumet, which was afterwards called Hampton. The first house in this place was built by Nicholas Easton, and was called the bound-house, (See Hampton) Nicholas Easton afterwards removed to Rhode-Island, and erected the first house in Newport. Oxen were at this time sold at Hampton for twenty-five pounds sterling per head. This year was made memorable by a remarkable earthquake, which happened on the 2d day of June. Its approach was announced by a low rumbling noise, similar to that of distant thunder. Its passage was from the northward to the eastward. As the sound increased, the earth began to shake so violently as to drive people from the houses, nor could they stand without supporting themselves by posts and fences. About half an hour after this, another shock commenced, was not so violent as the first, which was felt even a great distance at sea. FOX POINT - See Newington GREAT ISLAND - See New Castle. GREENLAND - a township in Rockingham county, incorporated in 1703, and now containing 592 inhabitants; bounded N. by the Great Bay and Newington, E. by Portsmouth and Rye, S. by Northampton, and W. by Stratham, comprising 6,335 acres. The land here which borders upon the bay is of an uncommonly good quality, and in a high state of cultivation. This part of the town is celebrated for producing excellent cider, large quantities of which are sold here annually. The soil in other parts of the town is light and sandy but not unproductive. Rev. William Allen, the first settled minister in this town, was ordained in 1707, and died in 1760, at the age of 84. His successors have been the Rev. Messrs. M’Clintock (McClintock), Neal and Abbot. The latter gentleman is the present minister. There is here a spacious meeting house for the Congregationalist, and a very convenient one for the joint use of the Methodists and Baptists. There are also in this town 3 grist mills, 2 sawmills and several trading shops. HAMPSTEAD - a township in Rockingham county, was incorporated in 1749, and contained in 1810, a population of 733. It is bounded N. by Hawke and Sandown, S.E. by Plaistow, S. by Atkinson, and W. by Londonderry, and contains 10,623 acres, 400 of which are water. There is here Wash pond, containing about 200 acres, and a part of Island pond about the same size. The Rev. Henry True was settled here in 1752 and died in 1782. The Rev. john Kelly is the present minister. There is a pleasant village in this town comprising 10 or 12 dwelling houses, a meeting- house, and several trading shops. HAMPTON - a township in Rockingham county, lying on the seacoast. It was incorporated in 1638, and contains a population of 990. It is bounded N.E. by Northampton, S.E. by the sea, S.W. by South Hampton, and N.W. by a part of Exeter, and contains 18,129 acres. Hampton was called by the Indians Winicowett. It’s first minister was Stephen Bachelder, who was settled in 1638, and dismissed in 1641. His successors have been Timothy Dalton, John Wheelwright, (a brother of the celebrated Mrs. Hutchinson) Seaborn Cotton, John Cotton, Nathaniel Gookin, Ward Cotton, Ebenezer Thayer, William Pidgeon Jesse Appleton (now president of Bowdoin college,) and J. Webster, the present pastor. Hampton is a valuable and flourishing township, containing two meeting houses, and in its compact part, many handsome buildings and several shops. An academy has recently been opened here, which has much promise of usefulness. Between the years 1731 and 1791, there were in this town 884 deaths and 1725 births, of which latter 897 were males and 828 females. The largest number of deaths in any one year was 69, and the smallest number was 7. In the year 1737, 69 persons died here, 55 of them by the throat distemper. On the same year there died of that disease, 99 in Portsmouth, 88 in Dover, 210 in Hampton-falls, 127 in Exeter, 11 in Newcastle, 37 in Gosport, 44 in Rye, 18 in Greenland, 21 in Newington, 22 in Newmarket, 18 in Stratham, 113 in Kingston, 100 in Durham, and 22 in Chester, in all about one thousand deaths from July 1736 to September 1737. In the year 1754, the same disease again visited Hampton and carried off 55 persons. In the year 1638 the general assembly authorized Mr. Dummer of Newbury, together with John Spencer to erect a house in Hampton, which was afterward called the bound house, although it was intended as a mark of possession rather than of limit. This step having been taken toward population, a petition praying leave to settle here, was presented to the assembly by a number of persons chiefly from Norfolk in England, and the prayer was granted. They commenced operations by laying out the township into 147 shares, and having formed a church, they chose Stephen Bachelder for their minister, with whom Timothy Dalton was afterwards associated. The original number of inhabitants was 56, among whom were John Moulton, Christopher Hussey, William Sargeant, etc. In July 1617, the Indians having commenced their work of depredation and death, the government ordered 200 friendly Indians and 40 English soldiers under the command of Capt. Benjamin Swett of Hampton and Lieut. Richardson to march to the falls of Taconee on Kennebeck river; in the course of the march Swett discovered in the place now called Scarborough, three parties of Indians stationed on a plain. He separated his men in the same manner and prepared to attack them. The enemy continued to retreat, till they had drawn our men about two miles from the fort, and then turning suddenly upon our youthful and unexperienced soldiers, they threw them into confusion. Swett, with a few of his most resolute companions fought bravely on his retreat, till he came near the fort where he was killed and 60 more left dead or wounded. On the 17th of august, 1703, a party of 30 Indians under Capt. Tour, killed 55 persons in Hampton, among whom was a widow Mussey, celebrated as a preacher among the Quakers, by whom she was much lamented. HAMPTON FALLS - formerly a part of Hampton, was incorporated in 1712, and now contains 570 inhabitants; bounded N.E. by Hampton, S.E. by the salt marsh, S. by Seabrook, W. by Kensington and N.W. by Exeter, and contains 7,400 acres. Theophilus Cotton, the first minister settled here, was ordained in 1712, and died 1726. His successors have been Rev. Joseph Whipple, Jonah Bailey, Paine Wingate, Samuel Langdon, D.D., and the present minister, Rev. J. Abbot. There are here 2 meeting houses, 1 for Congregationalist and another for Baptists, 2 grist mills, 2 sawmills, 1 clothing mill, and 1 carding machine. From July 26, 1730 to September 26, 1736, there were 210 persons destroyed here by the throat distemper, 160 of whom were under the age of 10, 40 between the ages of 10 and 20, 9 above 20 and several more than 30 years old. HAWKE - a township in Rockingham county, incorporated in 1769, and now containing 412 inhabitants: bounded N. by Poplin, E. by Kingston, S. by Hampstead, and W. by Sandown, extending over 7,000 acres. Exeter river passes over the N.W. extremity of the town, and a part of Chub pond lies in that part of the town which borders on Sandown. Hawke was formerly a part of Kingston. The Rev. John Page was settled here in 1763, and died in 1783, at the age of 43. There is here an ancient meeting house and several mills. KENSINGTON - a township in Rockingham county, incorporated in 1737, and now containing 781 inhabitants; bounded N. by Exeter, E. by Hampton Falls, S. by Southhampton, and W. by East Kinston. Kensington was formerly a part of Hampton. Rev. Joseph Fogg was settled in this town at the time of its incorporation and died in 1800. There are here two religious societies and two meeting houses. KINGSTON - a township in Rockinham county, incorporated in 1694, and now containing a population of 746; bounded N. by Brentwood, E. by East Kingston, S. by Newton and Plaistow, and W. by Hampstead and Hawke, containing 12, 188 acres, of which 800 are water. Great pond, containing about 500 acres, and about 300 acres of County pond are in this town. In these ponds Powow river has its source. Rev. Ward Clark was settled here in 1725, and died in 1737. Rev. Messrs. Secomb, Tappan, and Thayer have been his successors. A post road leading from Boston to Portsmouth passes through this town. There is here an extensive plain on which stands a commodious meeting house. LITTLE HARBOR - (see Newcastle) LONDONDERRY - a large and respectable town in Rockingham county, was incorporated in 1722, and contained in 1810, a population of 2,766 inhabitants. It is bounded N. by Chester and Manchester, E. by Hampstead, Sandown, and Atkinson, S. by Salem, Windham, and Nottingham West and W. by Litchfield, comprising an area of 44,100 acres. Derry pond in this town is the principal source of Beaver river. Several other small ponds in the west part of the town empty themselves into this river. A turnpike passes here leading to Chester. There are in Londonderry 2 Presbyterian meeting houses, an academy, 5 grist mills, 5 sawmills 2 clothing mills, 2 carding machines, and 6 trading stores. The first minister here was the Rev. James M’Gregore (McGregore), who was ordained in 1719, when the town was called Nutfield. He died in 1729. Rev. M. Clark was his successor, who died soon after his settlement. Rev. Alexander Thompson was ordained in 1734, and died in 1791, at the age if 81. His successors have been the Rev. Messrs. Brown and Parker, the latter of whom is the present pastor. Over the second parish the Rev. D. M’Gregore was ordained in 1737, and died in 1777. He was succeeded by Rev. William Morrison in 1783, who still continues in office. Londonderry was settled in 1718, by a company from Ireland, of whom the following is a brief history. A company of Scotch Presbyterians had been settled in the province of Ulster, in the reign of James I. They had borne a large part of the sufferings which were the common lot of Protestants at that unhappy period, and were thereby inspired with an ardent thirst for civil and religious liberty. a young man of the name of Holmes, son of a clergyman, had traveled to America, and carried home such a favorable report of the country, as induced his father with three other Presbyterian ministers, viz. James M’Gregore, William Cornwell, and William Boyd, and a large part of their congregations to emigrate into this country. Having converted their property into money, they embarked in five ships, on the 14th of October, 1718, of whom about one hundred families arrived in Boston. Sixteen of these families soon determined to settle on a tract of land of which they heard good reports, which was then called Nutfield, and now Londonderry. Early in the spring the men left their families in Haverhill, (Mass.) and erected some huts near a brook, which falls into Beaver river. On the evening after their arrival (April 11th, 1718,) at this spot, a sermon was preached by Mr. M’Gregore under a large oak tree, which to this day is regarded by the posterity with real veneration. On the first administration of the sacrament here, there were two ministers and sixty-five communicants. The majority of these first settlers had resided in or near Londonderry in Ireland, where they had endured the sufferings of a memorable siege. John Barr, William Caldwell, and Abraham Blair, with several others, who had suffered in that siege and embarked for America, were, by a special order of king William exempted from taxes in every part of the British dominions. The first settlers in this town lived to the average of 80, many to 90, and others to 100. The spotted fever prevailed here in 1814, and carried off 52 persons. NEW CASTLE - commonly called Great Island, is in Rockingham county, 2 miles E. from Portsmouth. It was incorporated in 1693, and contains 592 inhabitants and 45 acres. This is the largest of those islands which lie at the mouth of the Piscataqua. It has a meeting house, about 100 dwelling houses, and at its N.E. extremity a fort and light house. Rev. Joshua Moody was ordained here previous to the revolution of 1689, and has been succeeded by the Rev. Messrs. Shurtleff, Blunt, Chase, and Noble. Elder Thomas Bell resides here at present and occasionally preaches. NEWINGTON - in Rockingham county, contains 503 inhabitants, and is bounded W. by Great and Little bays, N.E. by Piscataqua river, which separates it from Kittery, E. by Portsmouth, and S. by Greenland. At Fox point in the northwest part of the town, Piscataqua bridge is thrown over Piscataqua river to Goat island, and thence to Durham shore. Goat island is about 48 rods long and of unequal breadth. There is on it an excellent tavern owned by the proprietors of the bridge. Newington was formerly a part of Portsmouth and Dover. Its soil is excellent and produces grain abundantly. The orchards here are very productive. Piscataqua bridge was built in 1794; it is 2,600 feet in length, of which 2,244 are plank. The chord of the central arch, which unites the two islands is 244 feet. It is considered a masterly piece of architecture, and was constructed by Timothy Palmer of Newburyport. Rev. Joseph Adams, a Congregationalist, was the first minister in this town. He was ordained in 1714, and was succeeded in 1787, by the Rev. J. Langdon, who continued in office 23 years. The annual average number of deaths in Newington is computed to be 7. There is here 1 meeting house and 2 schoolhouses. There is a spring in this town, which, besides supplying a grain mill nearly all the year, is the fountain of the Portsmouth aqueduct. In May, 1690, a party of Indians under one Hoopwood attacked Foxpoint in this town, destroyed several houses, killed 14 persons, and took 6 prisoners. They were pursued by Capts. Floyd and Greenleaf, who recovered some of the captives and part of the plunder after a severe action, in which Hoopwood was wounded. Died in this town March 5th 1765, Mrs. Elizabeth Hight, aged 100. She never used medicine during this long life. She was married four times, had 8 children and 300 descendants more or less remote. NEWMARKET - in Rockingham county, was incorporated in 1726, contains 1,061 inhabitants and is bounded N. by Durham and Lee, E. by the S.W. branch of Piscataqua river, S. by Exeter, and W. by Epping, comprising an area of 11,082 acres. Piscasick river passes through this town, and Lamprey river crosses its N.W. extremity and falls into the Great bay near its N.E. corner where there is a considerable village. At a place called Newfields there is another village, containing about 20 houses and several shops, etc. Rev. John Moody was ordained here in 1730, and died in 1778, aged 73. He has been succeeded by the Rev. Messrs. Tombs and Thurston. Elder J. Broadhead and Elder Osborn, both Methodists, occasionally preach here. There are in the town three religious societies, several mills, stores, etc. From the year 1731 to 1770, there were in this town 948 births and 554 deaths, averaging about 28 of the former and 14 of the latter annually. This town was formerly a part of Exeter and was purchased of the Indians in 1638, by Wheelwright and others. Several instances of Indian cruelty and capture occurred in the early history of this place. Col. Winthrop Hilton, who was killed by the Indians in Epping (then Exeter,) was buried in Newmarket. The inscription on his monument is still eligible and his descendants are still living in this vicinity. Mrs. Shute is now living in this town, who was captured by the Indians in 1755, when 18 months old. She lived with them till the age of 14. NEWTOWN - in Rockingham county, was incorporated in 1749, and contained in 1810, a population of 454; bounded N. by Kingston, E. by Southampton, S. by Massachusetts, and W. by Plaistow, comprising 5,250 acres. County pond lies partly in this town. There are here 2 religious societies and 1 meeting house. Rev. J. Emes was ordained in 1759. Rev. D. Tewkesbury is the present pastor. NORTHAMPTON - in Rockingham county, was incorporated in 1742, and contains 651 inhabitants. It is bounded N. by Greenland, E. by Rye and the sea, S. by Hampton, and W. by Stratham, and contains 8,465 acres. This was formerly a part of Hampton. Rev. Nathaniel Gookin was settled here in 1739. He has been succeeded by the Reverend Messrs. Hastings, M’Clure(McClure), Thurston, and French. The latter gentleman is still in office. There is here 1 meeting house and 7 grain mills. NORTHWOOD - a township of elevated land in Rockingham county, formerly a part of Nottingham. It was incorporated in 1773, and contained in 1810, a population of 1,095, of whom 230 were legal voters. Northwood is bounded N.E. by the line of Strafford county, which separates it from Barrington, S.E. by Nottingham, S. and S.W. by Deerfield, and N.W. by Epsom and Pittsfield, comprising an area of 17,075 acres, 1054 of which are water. There are here 6 ponds, viz. Suncook pond 750 rods long and 100 wide, Gennis’ pond 300 long and 150 wide, Long pond about 300 long and 50 wide, Harvey’s pond, of an elliptical form, about 200 long and in some places 40 wide; a part of Great Bow pond is also in this town and also part of North river pond, Pleasant pond, and Little Bow pond, the latter of which has two outlets; on the N.E. it discharges its waters into Great Bow pond, which is the head of Isinglass river, and on its northerly side a brook flows from it into Long pond, the waters of which pass into the Merrimack through Suncook pond and river. The Northerly branch of Lamprey river has its source in this town near the N.W. extremity of Saddleback mountain, which is a ridge of high land separating this town from Deerfield. On the easterly side of this ridge are found crystals and crystalline spars of various colors and sizes. Black lead is also found here. There are no considerable water falls in this town. The height of its land is such, that the waters flowing from the farm of the late G. Clark, Esq. fall into three different rivers, Suncook, Lamprey, and Dover, and indeed the waters, which fall from different parts of the roof of a building on this farm run into two different rivers, the Piscataqua and Merrimack. The soil in Northwood is generally of a moist quality. It is excellently suited for grazing, and in mild seasons favorable to corn and grain. The N.H. turnpike passes through this town from Portsmouth to concord. It has here a direct course from E. to W. of 8 miles. Rev. Edmund Pilsbury, the first minister in this town, was ordained in the year 1779, over a Baptist society and continued here till 1809. Rev. J. Prentiss was ordained in 1799 over the congregational society and is still in office. Rev. Eliphalet Merrill the present successor of Mr. Pilsbury, was ordained in 1804. These two societies are nearly equal in number and each has a meeting house. There are in Northwood 6 school houses, 4 grain mills, 7 sawmills, a clothing mill, and 8 trading stores. The situation of this town is pleasant, and more elevated than any land between it and the sea. From its height, vessels entering the Piscataqua harbor may be seen with the assistance of glasses. From this place the light house at Portsmouth bears S. 0 (zero)1/2° E. and the highest mountain in Gilford N. 16 1/2° W. The first house in this town was erected in 1762, and is now standing near the Baptist meeting house. Two of the first settlers are now living here in honorable old age. The annual average number of deaths is about 9. NOTTINGHAM - in Rockingham county, was incorporated in 1722, and now contains 1,063 inhabitants; bounded N. E. by Barrington, S.E. by Lee and part of Epping, S. by Epping and Raymond, and W. by Northwood and Deerfield, comprising 25,800 acres, of which 300 are water. There are here several ponds, such as North river pond containing about 80 acres, Petuckaway pond of about 170 acres, Quincy pond about 45 acres, and others of a smaller size. In the westerly part of the town near Deerfield are Upper Middle, and Lower Petuckaway mountains. Petuckaway river has its source in this town in a pond of the same name. Little river and several other small streams also rise in Nottingham. North river passes through this town and through its northerly part the N.H. turnpike has its course. Rev. S. Emery was settled here in 1742, and Rev. B. Butler in 1758. Samuel Dyer, a free will Baptist, is the present minister. There is a congregational meeting house situated in a pleasant and compact part of the town called the square. There are in the town 3 grain mills and 4 saw mills. PLAISTOW - a small township in Rockingham county, incorporated in 1764, and now containing 462 inhabitants; bounded N.W. by Hampstead, N.E. by Kingston and Newton, S.E. and S.W. by Haverhill, (Mass.,) and W. by Atkinson, comprising about 5,843 acres. A small stream from Hampstead and another from Newtown meet in Plaistow and running southerly pass into Haverhill between Plaistow meeting house and the S. corner of Atkinson. There are 3 grain mills, 2 sawmills, and 1 fulling mill. Here are 2 religious societies and 1 meeting house. Rev. James Cushing was settled here in 1730, and was succeeded in 1765, by Rev. G. Merrill. Elder John Herriman is the present minister and was ordained in 1812. POPLIN - a township in Rockingham county, was incorporated in 1764, and in 1810, contained 482 inhabitants; bounded N. by Epping, E. by Brentwood, S. by Hawke and Sandown, and W. by Chester and Raymond, comprising 9,702 acres. In the northwest part of the town is a small pond, and its southerly part is watered by Exeter fresh river. There is here a meeting house several mills, and a carding machine. The inhabitants are principally of the Methodist denomination. PORTSMOUTH - The metropolis of New Hampshire and its only seaport, lies on the southwest side of Piscataqua river. It was incorporated in 1633, and in 1810, it contained 6,934 inhabitants; bounded N.W. by Newington, N.E. by the river, S.E. and S. by Rye, and W. by Greenland and Newington. Its area is 10,350 acres. The northeastern boundary of Portsmouth is by the District of Maine, following the main channel of Piscataqua river. This line will include on Portsmouth side the following islands, viz. Goat’s, Pierce’s, Leach’s, Hospital, Shapley’s and Salter’s. The compact part of this town contains about 225 acres, almost entirely surrounded by water, the distance being only 90 rods from the south millpond to the north pond. Into these ponds the tide flows and at their outlets are flood gates and mills. Portsmouth contains 927 dwelling houses and 18 public buildings, viz. 3 congregational meeting houses, 1 Episcopal church, 1 meeting house for Baptists, 1 for Methodists, and 1 for Universalists, an academy, 5 school houses a court house, gaol, alms house, and 2 markets. A female asylum was incorporated here in 1808, and there are also 4 incorporated banks and several insurance offices. An athenaeum was recently established and promises to be a respectable and useful institution. The houses erected in this town during the last en years are generally of brick and of elegant architecture. In 1800, there were in this town 86 dwelling houses of one story, 524 of two stories, and 21 of three stories, since which period the latter class have increased nearly one third in number and many have been erected of four stories. Portsmouth pier of wharf was built in 1795, by an incorporated company, 340 feet in length and of an average width of 60 feet. On this wharf was erected a handsome range of buildings 300 feet long, three stories high, and divided into fourteen stores. This range was destroyed by the great fire in 1813. A new market house was built in 1800, 80 feet long, 30 wide and two stories high, the upper story of which is occupied as a town hall: a new fish market is also erected. Both of these markets are excellently supplied, especially the latter. The harbor of Portsmouth is in latitude 43° 5’ N. and in 70°4’W. long. from Greenwich: it is known to mariners by the following marks. Agamenticus, a remarkable mountain in the county of York, lies four leagues due N. Pidgeon hill on Cape Ann bears due S. 10 leagues, and the highest of the Isles of Shoals bears S.E. by S. distant 3 leagues from the entrance of the harbor. In the middle of the harbor’s mouth is Great Island, on which stands the town of Newcastle, and on the northeast point of this island is the light house. The following are directions for entering the harbor: “Vessels coming from the east should keep in 12 fathoms water, till the light house bears N. half a point E. or W. distant 3 miles to avoid a ledge of rocks which lie off the mouth of the harbor, then bear away for the light house, keeping the western shore on board, and coming no nearer that shore of the river where they may anchor in 9 fathoms abreast of Sparhawk’s point. Ships coming from the southward should observe the same directions respecting the light and keep in 9 fathoms on the western shore.” Between the north side of Great Island and the Kittery shore is the main channel, about a mile wide and 9 or 10 fathoms deep. The anchorage is good, the shore is lined with rocks and the harbor is landlocked on all sides and perfectly safe. The tide rises from 10 to 14 feet. The other entrance on the south side of Great Island is called Little Harbor; the water here is shoal and the bottom sandy. Between the upper end of Great Island and the town is a broad deep still water, called the pool, where the largest ships may ride very safely. This was the usual station for the mast ships, of which seven have been loading here at once. In this place the Astrea ship of war of 20 guns was burnt in 1744, (See Belknap.) Portsmouth has convenient wharves and good anchorage. The water is deep enough for the largest vessels, and the harbor has so many natural advantages and is so capable of defense, that it might be made a very safe and commodious naval depot. Ships of war have been built here at early and recent periods. The Falkland of 54 guns in 1690, Bedford Galley of 32 guns in 1696, as also the Raleigh of 32, and Ranger of 18. In 1782, the America of 74 guns was built here and was presented by Congress to the king of France. In 1814, the Washington of 74 guns was launched. In 1765, there were here 199 clearances and 115 entries from foreign ports. In 1790 and in 1791, the number of entries were 223, of which 34 were ships, 87 were brigs, 84 were schooners, and 18 were sloops. The number was afterwards much increased. In the year 1810 there belonged to this port 28 ships, 47 brigs, 10 schooners, 2 sloops, and 1 barge, all of them employed in foreign trade. There were also 20 fishing vessels and many coasters. This town is intersected by 32 streets, 40 lanes, 12 alleys, 4 roads, and 4 public squares. The principal streets are paved. The Portsmouth Aqueduct Company was incorporated in 1797, and in 1800, the town was supplied with excellent water for domestic uses, from a spring in Newington about 3 miles distant from Portsmouth pier. It is carried into almost every street in the town, and on the north side of the pier is a water house and pump where ships can be supplied at 10 cents per hogshead. The greatest number of deaths in this town in any one of the last 15 years was 150, and the smallest number 100. The first meeting house in Portsmouth was erected in 1640, and a Mr. Gibson was employed to preach in it. In 1664, another was erected. In 1671, Rev. J. Moody, the first ordained minister was settled here. Mr. Moody was indicted by Gov. Cranfield for refusing to administer the Sacramento to him after the manner of the church of England. He was imprisoned and was afterwards conditionally discharged. Rev. Nathaniel Rogers was ordained here in 1699; who was descended from John Rogers the celebrated martyr in the reign of queen Mary. He died in 1723, and was succeeded by Rev. Jabez Fitch who died in 1746. Rev. Samuel Langdon was ordained here 1747, and was mad president of Harvard college in 1774. Rev. Joseph Buckminster, D.D. was ordained in this town in 1779, and died in 1812, aged 61. Rev. John Emerson was installed in the old parish in 1715. In 1732, the Rev. Mr. Shurtleff was ordained in the south meeting house newly erected, and his successor Rev. Job strong was ordained in 1749. Rev. Samuel Haven, D.D. was settled here in 1752, and died in 1806, aged 79. Dr. Haven and Dr. Buckminster were among the most distinguished divines and eminent preachers and the most learned men of their country. Rev. T. Alden, jun. was ordained colleague with Dr. Haven in 1799, and his successor is Rev. Nathan Parker the present minister. Queen’s chapel, now St. John’s Church, was consecrated in 1734, and in 1792, an Episcopalian society was incorporated here. Rev. A. Brown was settled over it in 1736, Rev. J.C. Ogden in 1786, Rev. J. Willard and C. Burroughs have succeeded, the latter of whom is the present pastor. In 1761, a meeting house was built in this town by an “independent congregational society, over whom Rev. L. Drown was settled, and was succeeded by rev. J. Walton its present minister. Mr. Robert Sandiman came over to this country about the year 1764, and formed a society in this town, who afterwards built themselves a meeting house. Mr. Sandiman died in Danbury in 1771. David Humphreys, Esq. has for many years officiated as teacher of this little flock. In 1802, a Baptist society was formed in this town by elder Elias Smith. The church was gathered in 1803, and now consists of 175 members. The Methodists also have a small society in this town. The situation and climate of Portsmouth are salubrious. The annual average number of deaths for 25 years past has been about 120, except the year 1798, when the town was visited by the yellow fever and dysentery. This epidemic destroyed 107 persons between the 20th of July and the 6th of October of that year. Of these 55 died of the fever and 52 of the dysentery. In the year 1523, David Thompson, a scotchman, with several others from London landed at the mouth of the Piscataqua river on its S. side, at a place which they called Little harbor. Here they erected salt-works and a house, which they afterwards called Masonhall. In 1631, Humphrey Chadbourne erected a house at Strawberry bank. Several cannon also were placed during this year at the N.E. point of Great Island (Newcastle). In 1632, the seacoast in this vicinity was alarmed by the piracies and depredation of Dixy Bull. (See General View page 51.) In 1640, a grant of 50 acres of glebe land was made to Thomas Walford (Wallingford) and Henry Sherburne and their successors forever. In 1692, the small pox ragged with great violence in Portsmouth and Greenland, and few people being acquainted with its treatment, the mortality and sufferings were very great. In 1694, an attack was made upon the houses at Portsmouth plains by an Indian scouting party; 14 persons were killed on the spot, several others were wounded, and a number taken prisoners. The houses also were plundered and burnt. (See Breakfast Hill.) In 1697, William Partridge a native of Portsmouth was appointed lieutenant-governor. In 1705, the line of pickets, which enclosed Portsmouth, extended from the mill-pond on the south side of the town to the creek on the south side, and crossed the street a few rods west of the present site of the court-house. Portsmouth has suffered in a remarkable manner by fire. On the 26th December, 1802, a fire broke out in one of the banks and destroyed 120 buildings, principally in Market and Daniel streets. On the 24th December, 1806, another conflagration destroyed about 20 buildings, including St. John’s church, but the most calamitous and destructive fire was on the 22d December, 1813. It swept over 15 acres and destroyed 173 buildings. These fires have been the cause of great improvements in the streets, the appearance, and police of the town. RAYMOND - in Rockingham county, was incorporated in 1764, and in 1810, contained 898 inhabitants; bounded N. by Nottingham and Deerfield, E. by Epping and Poplin, S. by Chester, and W. by Candia and Chester, comprising 16317 acres, of which 360 are water. Jones’ pond 250 rods long and 150 wide, and Governor’s pond 200 long and 100 wide are in this town, both of them emptying into Lamprey river. Exeter river passes the S.E. extremity and Petuckaway river the N.E. extremity of this town. There is here 1 meeting house, 2 religious societies, 1 of them of Congregationalists, over which the Rev. Mr. Stickney was settled. There are in Raymond, 3 grain mills, 4 sawmills, and a fulling mill. RYE - a township in Rockingham county, lying on the seacoast opposite to the Isles of Shoals, was incorporated in 1719, and contains 1,020 inhabitants; bounded N. and N.W. by Portsmouth, N.E. by Little Harbor, E. by the sea, S. by Northampton, and W. by Greenland, comprising 7,780 acres. On the shore there are three very pleasant beaches, viz. Jenness’, Sandy, and Wallace’s. A bridge at Little Harbor unites the towns of Rye and Newcastle. The soil of this town is not naturally fertile, but it is made remarkably productive by the assistance of seaweed, which is ascertained to be an excellent manure. Rev. Nath’l (Nathaniel) Morrill was settled here in 1726, Rev. Samuel Parsons in 1736, and the present minister Rev. Huntington Porter in 1814. There is here 1 meeting house, 2 school houses, 3 grain and 3 sawmills. In the fall of 1814, a boat from a British fleet approached the shore at Rye, and on being fired upon by the inhabitants, it immediately returned with a loss, it is supposed, of several men. SALEM -NEW - generally called New-Salem, is in Rockingham county, was incorporated in 1750, and contains 1,179 inhabitants; bounded N. by Londonderry, E. by Atkinson and the line of Massachusetts, S. by this line and Pelham, and W. by Windham, comprising 15,600 acres. In this place are World’s pond, Captain’s pond, Policy pond, etc. all of which fall into Spiggot river. The soil here is well watered and fertile. The Londonderry turnpike passes through this town. Rev. A. Bailey was settled here in 1740, and Elder Samuel Fletcher in 1780. Rev. John Smith is the present pastor. There is here also a small society of Methodists, another of Baptists, a pleasant village of 12 or 14 houses, 4 grain mills, 3 sawmills, a woolen factory, a fulling mill, and a carding machine. SANDOWN - in Rockingham county, was incorporated in 1756, and in 1810, contained 504 inhabitants; bounded N. by Chester and Poplin, E. by Hawke, S. by Hampstead, and W. by Chester and part of Londonderry, comprising 8,532 acres, of which 200 are water. The largest part of Chub pond and of angle pond are in this town, one on its eastern and the other on its northern line; the former is 140 rods wide and the latter 100, emptying itself into Exeter river, which passes through this town. Rev. Joshiah Cotton the first minister here, was ordained in 1759, and was succeeded for a short time by the Rev. S. Collins. The inhabitants are generally Baptists and Methodists. There is here a meeting house and several mills. SEABROOK - in Rockingham county, is in the northeast extremity of the state. It was incorporated in 1768, and contains 774 inhabitants; bounded N. by Hampton Falls, E. by the sea, S. by the line of Massachusetts dividing it from Salisbury, and W. by Southampton and part of Kensington, comprising an area of 3,307 acres. Gains’ brook waters the east part of the town and falls into the sea at Hampton. this part of the town is an extensive salt marsh. There are here two societies of Congregationalists, and one of Friends, each having a meeting house in a village of about 40 houses, etc. Rev. S. Perley was ordained here in 1765. The present pastor is Rev. E. Hull. Seabrook was formerly a part of Hampton. It is 9 miles from Exeter, the road passing through it from Portsmouth to Newburyport. SOUTHAMPTON - in Rockingham county, was incorporated in 1742, and contains 427 inhabitants; bounded N. by East Kingston and Kensington, E. by Seabrook, S. by Amesbury, and W. by Newtown, comprising 9,400 acres. Powow river flows through this town and affords many valuable mill seats. There is here one meeting house. Rev. William Parsons was settled in this town in 1743. Southampton was formerly a part of Hampton and granted by Massachusetts. STRATHAM - in Rockingham county, lies on the E. side of the western branch of Piscataqua river and in 1810, contained 876 inhabitants; bounded N. by Greenland, S.E. by Greenland & Northampton, S.W. by Exeter and W. and N.W. by the river and bay, which separate it from Exeter and Newmarket. Its area is 10,120 acres. There are here 2 religious societies, 1 of Baptists and the other of Congregationalists, each of them has a meeting house. There are in this town 4 grain mills, 3 saw mills and 1 clothing mill. This town was part of the grant to Edward Hilton in 1650, called Swamscot patent. The charter of Stratham was dated March 20th, 1716, and signed by George Vaughn then Lieutenant-governor. The first town meeting was on the 10th of April; 1716, Deacon David Robinson was chosen town clerk and held that office 47 years. Rev. Henry Rust was ordained here in 1718, Rev. Joseph Adams in 1747, and Rev. James Miltimore in 1786, the latter gentleman has since removed. Elder S. Shepard was settled over the Baptists in 1771. At present there is no settled minister in the town. From the year 1798 to 1812, inclusive, the number of deaths in this town was 186. The greatest number in any one year was 20, and the smallest number 5, averaging about 12 annually. Between the years 1742, and 1797, inclusive the number of deaths was 1,080, averaging about 20 annually. Stratham lies about 8 miles from the sea. The land is even and well calculated for agricultural purposes. Farming is so exclusively the employment of the town, that although a navigable river adjoins it, there is not a wharf, vessel or boat belonging to the place. In the easterly part of the town, is perhaps the largest repository of peat in the state. It is a meadow commonly known by the name of Temple meadow or swamp. This at some future day will probably become a valuable resource. In 1807, a bridge was erected connecting this town with Newmarket. It cost about $6,000, and the toll amounts annually to about $700. In the revolutionary war this town lost 23 of its inhabitants. WINDHAM - in Rockingham county, was incorporated in 1741, and contains 742 inhabitants; bounded N. by Londonderry, E. by New Salem, S. by Pelham, and W. by Nottingham West and Londonderry: its area is 15,744 acres. One half of Policy pond lies in this town, and the other half in Salem; it is 420 rods long and 140 wide; Cabbo pond 600 rods long and 100 wide; Hitelite, golden, and Mitchell’s ponds and other smaller ones are in this town. Beaver river forms the western boundary of Windham. The Londonderry turnpike crosses the eastern extremity of the town. There is here 1 meeting house, in which the Rev. ------- Johnson was ordained in 1760. Rev. J. Kinkeed, S. Williams, and the present minister Rev. S. Harris, have succeeded him. There are in this place several mills and stores.