Chapter 40 - Newfields from History of Rockingham County, New Hampshire From: Claudia Menzel - menzel99@gateway.net Source: History of Rockingham County, New Hampshire and Representative Citizens by Charles A. Hazlett, Richmond-Arnold Publishing Co., Chicago, Ill., 1915 Page 547 CHAPTER XL NEWFIELDS Name changed from South New Market, February 21, 1895--Settlement-- Indian Wars--Incorporation--Roads and Stages--Shipbuilding and Commerce--Manufacturing--Military History--Churches--Public Library. Newfields is pleasantly situated on the west bank of the Squamscot River. It is thirty-six miles southeast from Concord, the capital of the state, twelve miles southwest from Portsmouth, its principal seaport and four miles north from Exeter, the half-shire town of Rockingham County. It is bounded north by Newmarket, east by Stratham, south by Exeter, and west by Epping. Area, about 6,000 acres; improved lands, 3,330 acres; population in 1850, 516; in 1860, 786; in 1870, 808; in 1880, 829; in 1910, 503. South Newmarket constituted a part of Exeter till December 15, 1727, and of Newmarket till June 27, 1849. Newmarket was early called Lamprey River Village. Perhaps there is a question respecting the origin of the name. It was early written "Lamprey Eel." Mr. J. L. Beckett writes it "Lam- prae," from John Lamprae, a Catholic hermit, who built his hut on the banks of the river. South Newmarket was called Newfields, because of the beau- tiful lands which border on the Squamscot River. Rev. William Hubbard recorded that the settlement of Edward and Wil- liam Hilton was at Dover Point in 1623. Edward Hilton was the first planter of Newfields. The date of its settlement is unknown. There is a tradition that it was prior to the coming of John Wheelwright and his asso- ciates to Exeter, in the spring of 1638. Until the locality of Hilton's grant, March 12, 1630, is more definitely settled, perhaps we may suppose that Hilton himself interpreted the grant as including his settlement of Newfields. In 1633 the authorities at Portsmouth and Dover agreed that the settlement at Squamscot Falls should be called Exeter. As early as "the 4th day in the first week in the l0th month," 1639, Hilton had built his house at New- fields. At that time the boundaries of his uplands were fixed and his meadows specified by "certaine Orders made at the Courte holden in Exeter." The civil and religious character of the community depends largely upon its founders. While the Hilton brothers were enterprising planters, they also were lovers of good men. William Hilton was of Episcopal sentiments. Edward Hilton was a Puritan. The Congregational form of worship and the first meeting house in New Hampshire were set up at his seat at Dover Point in 1633-34: He was the personal friend and confidential correspondent of Gov. John Winthrop in 1633 and 1638. During the early political and religious disorders at Dover he contended efficiently for good government and religious order. His neighbors of Massachusetts Bay thought him the Page 548 man most entitled to confidence in the New Hampshire colony. When New Hampshire, in 1641, entered the New England confederation, he was the first named in the list of magistrates. He was made deputy for Dover in 1644, and assistant for Exeter in 1652. The Hilton family was helpful in the affairs of the First parish of Exeter. Edward Hilton, in 1645 and 1646, endeavored to purchase Mr. Wheel- wright's house and land as a parsonage for Mr. Nathaniel Norcrosse. Ed- ward Hilton, Jr ., in 1652, was one of the overseers to build the second meet- ing house in Exeter. The younger Hilton, however, was so much in sym- pathy with imperialism and prelacy as in 1665, with others, to petition that they might be "governed by the laws of England, and enjoy both of the sacraments of which they have been too long deprived." But the action of the General Court, May 19, 1669, releasing the elder Hilton from the impo- sition of county rates, must be interpreted as bearing witness to its respect for his continued fidelity to Puritan ideas of civil and religious polity. Edward Hilton, Sr., the Newfields patriarch, died in the beginning of the year 1671. He had lived in the colony nearly half a century. Indian Wars.--The aborigines were essentially of one nation with one language, though divided into numerous tribes and different dialects. The Newfields planters found only the feeblest remnant of the Squamscot tribe with Wahangnonawit, their chief, in possession of the soil, and they never claimed a foot of land on any other score except that of fair purchase. The Squamscots were subject to Passaconaway, the sagacious and friendly sachem of the Penacooks. They migrated from this vicinity about 1672, and settled on the Hudson near Troy. King Philip's war in 1675 was the first serious trouble New Hampshire had with the Indians. Hostilities began at the east between the Kennebec and Penobscot rivers. The victorious squads ap- proached the Piscataqua, marking their track with conflagration and blood, and filling the community with alarm and distress. In September, 1675, they did some mischief at Lamprey River. On their way to Exeter one person was killed, another made prisoner, and other outrages were com- mitted. Upon the ascension of William, Prince of Orange, to the British throne, February 16, 1689, war with France ensued. Eight persons were slain, and a lad captured at Lamprey River July 4, 1690. The next day, July 5, 1690, the Indians attacked Hilton's garrison at Newfields. Lieutenant Bancroft endeavoring to relieve the garrison, eight or nine of his men were killed. Simon Stone, one of his men, received nine wounds with shot and two strokes of a hatchet. When his friends came to bury him they perceived that life was not extinct, and upon the application of cordials he revived. In the course of one week not less than forty people were killed between Lamprey River and Amesbury. Two men were killed at Exeter in the summer of 1691. The frontier garrisons were reinforced April 24, 1693, two additional soldiers being stationed at Edward Hilton's, and two at Lubberland. This latter garrison was resolutely and successfully defended in the attack on Oyster River, July 17, 1694. In the month of July, 1695, the Indians killed two men at Exeter. One person was slain at Lubberland August 27, 1696. June 10, 1697, the inhabitants in this vicinity were remarkably preserved. The deep laid plot of the French and Indians involved a general massacre of the town of Exeter. The enemy hid in ambush waiting a favorable time Page 549 for their attack. Some women and children went into the field without a guard to gather strawberries. Some men coming in from work fired a gun to cause the women to return to the garrison. The alarm reached not only the strawberry party, but spread quickly through the community, bringing the people together in arms. The Indians supposed themselves discovered and beat a hasty retreat, killing one individual, wounding another, and cap- turing a child. The Piscataqua plantations felt the whole strength and fury of the French and Indians in Queen Anne's war, 1703-13. Winthrop Hilton was the eldest son of the second Edward Hilton, and became the personal friend and firm supporter of his uncle, Gov. Joseph Dudley. After the death of Col. Richard Waldron, June 27, 1689, Hilton became the principal military chieftain in New Hampshire. As early as March 4, 1702, he kept out a scout of two men between Exeter and Lamprey River. He offered his service to the Provincial Council to go eastward against the enemy, January 27, 1704. Governor Dudley requested him to raise volunteers March 12, 1704. The council instructed him in the matter March 27, 1704. Though the expedition accomplished but little, the council call it "an honorable service." Edward Taylor was killed, and his wife Rebecca and a son were captured near Lamprey River April 26, 1704. The captives were taken to Canada, whence Mrs. Taylor was afterwards re- deemed, having endured severe hardship. Major Hilton joined the expedi- tion of Col. Benjamin Church in May, 1704, and was gone all summer, marching as far as the Penobscot. January 8, 1705, Governor Dudley wrote Lieutenant-Colonel Hilton to get ready to march against the Indian headquarters. Hilton led his com- mand of 270 men, including twenty friendly Indians, to Norridgewock on snowshoes. They found no enemy, but burnt the deserted wigwams and chapel. In September, 1705, Hilton was obliged to reduce his scout of twenty men, marching every ten days, to ten effective men, because of the failure of the towns to comply with the requirement of the law. This gave offense to the governor, who tutored the colonel severely for it. July of the following year, 1706, was a stirring month at Newfields. Hilton was so brave and active an officer that the Indians marked him for destruction. For this purpose a party of twenty "French Mohawks" lurked about his house, watching all who went in and out. On the morning of July 1, as they lay in ambush, they saw ten men with scythes leave the house, go into the field, and put aside their arms to mow. Stealthily they crept between the mowers and their guns, intercepting their return to the garrison, and suddenly rushed on the men. Joseph Hall and one other only of the whole number escaped harm. Richard Mattoon and his son, Hubertas Mattoon, Robert Barber, and Samuel Pease were killed. John Taylor was sorely wounded, but recovered. Edward Hall, Samuel Mighels, and a mulatto were captured. After a time Hall and Mighels made their escape. But the fatigue, privation, and terror of recapture which they underwent are almost incredible. For three weeks together they had nothing to subsist on except lily roots and the rind of trees. The council now ordered that ammunition, pork, and biscuit be forwarded from Portsmouth and Hampton to Lieutenant-Colonel Hilton, who in July Page 550 led a company of sixty-four men as far as Kingston and Amesbury without meeting the enemy. Governor Dudley made known to Lieutenant-Colonel Hilton December 9, 1706, his further designs against Norridgewock. Her Majesty's Council, December 23, 1706, sent Hilton to Boston to consult his excellency in the affair. The expedition consisted of 220 men with ninety Massachusetts troops, and the chief command fell upon Hilton. About twenty Indians were slain, --a successful campaign, considering the difficulty of finding their haunts. Tradition relates that a squaw, who, with her papoose, was cap- tured at this time, became an inmate of Hilton's family, and lived with them till her death. The governor commissioned Hilton as colonel for the expedition to Port Royal, April 23, 1707. Arrived at the place of destination May 26, 1707, the army after some ineffectual attempts to bombard it broke up in a disor- derly manner. Colonel Hilton, with as many officers and men as did not choose to run away, retired to Casco Bay, and there waited further orders. Governor Dudley was much displeased at this unexpected result. But Hilton had the good fortune to secure his approbation and to receive his character- istic compliments. On the point of sailing a second time to Port Royal, Hilton wrote home to his wife, July 16, 1707. But the second attempt also failed through the sickness, fatigue, and discouragement of the army. Our own frontier was kept in continual alarm. In September Colonel Hilton set out with fifty-four men as a scout after the enemy, whom he traced from Kingston to Cocheco, and so towards Winnipiseogee. Return- ing he discovered traces of a new party of Indians, and followed them to within two miles of Cocheco. Arrived home, he sent out a second scout of fifty-six fresh men, who were to tarry out five days. The next year, on Feb- ruary 19, 1708, council ordered Hilton out with a good scout; on August 2d, to Fort William and Mary, with soldiers, and out with a scout of sixteen men; and on August 11th, to call out the troop and eighteen men for scout- ing. During the winter of 1708-9, Colonel Hilton made a tedious march with 170 men to Pequawket and places adjacent, but without discovery. During the summer of 1709 our people kept close in garrison, and Colonel Hilton performed his usual tour of duty in scouting. In 1710 the Indians still hov- ered on our frontier. Hilton's garrison was commanded by Capt. Nicholas Gilman. He was out upon scout duty frequently through the summer,-- June 2lst, with twelve men, two days; June 23d, with twenty-eight men, two days; July 5th, with twenty-one men, two days. The Indians succeeded, July 23, 1710, in their cherished plan of killing Colonel Hilton, who had so long been their terror. This was the most sur- prising and afflictive stroke of the war. This worthy officer was largely engaged in the masting business. Having several valuable trees felled the previous winter beyond Piscassic, he went out with seventeen men to peel off the bark. It is thought the party was less watchful than usual. While at work they were ambushed by the Indians, who rushed suddenly upon them. They were unable to make any defense, as their guns were useless from the storm of the day. At first fire Colonel Hilton and two others fell. Dudley Hilton, brother of Colonel Winthrop, and another man were captured, and heard from no more. The rest fled without firing a gun or making the least Page 551 reprisal. Flushed with this success the Indians then insolently appeared in the open road, and took four children at their play. They also captured John Wedgewood and killed John Magoon, near his brother's barn. The next day after Colonel Hilton fell, a company of 100 men marched in pursuit of the Indians, but found only the mangled remains of their neighbors. With barbarous triumph the savages had scalped Colonel Hilton, struck hatchets into his head, and left a lance in his breast. One of the slain was buried on the spot. The other two were brought home. When, on the 16th of August, another company of ninety-one men, under Capt. John Gilman, went five days in pursuit of the enemy, they had fled beyond reach. Thus died Col. Winthrop Hilton, one of our most estimable citizens, and one of the bravest defenders of New Hampshire. "He was a gentleman of good temper, courage, and conduct, respected and lamented by all who knew him."--Penhallow. He was buried with the honors due to his rank and character. A large military escort did duty on the melancholy occasion. He was in his thirty- ninth year, and left a widow and children. His elegant silver-headed cane is preserved as a precious memorial by his descendants. He was succeeded in Her Majesty's Council by his kinsman, John Wentworth. His tombstone bears upon it the earliest date of any monument in town: "Here Lieth Interd the Body of Colol. Winthrop Hilton, Esq., Who Departed this Life June 23d, A. D. 1710, In ye 39th year of his Age." But our community had no rest. In 1711, besides exerting themselves to the utmost in the common cause abroad, they were obliged at home to keep a scout of forty men continually on the march. In 1712 new depredations were committed. April 16th, Mr. Cunningham was killed as he traveled the road from Mr. Hilton's to Exeter. On May 5th additional soldiers were sta- tioned at Richard Hilton's garrison. The killed and captured in old Exeter during the war numbered between thirty and forty individuals. When a treaty was made with the chiefs at Portsmouth, July 11, 1713, our people most joyfully left their garrisoned houses and betook themselves to the peace- ful pursuits of industry in their own dwellings and fields. Ten years later and Lovewell's war (1722-25) brought nameless terror to our people. In 1719 Jeremiah Folsom built his two-story brick garrison house on the hill between Newfields and Lamprey River, where it stood till 1874, more than a century and a half. In 1722 the enemy appeared at Lamprey River. Again, August 23, 1723, eighteen Indians attacked the garrisoned house of Aaron Rawlins. Mr. Raw- lins was shot through the walls of the house he was defending and afterwards scalped, while the head of his eldest daughter, twelve years of age, was cut off. Mrs. Rawlins was the daughter of Edward Taylor, who was killed, and of his wife Rebecca, who was captured from the same farm, April 26, 1704. She was made prisoner while attempting to escape from the house with a son and daughter who followed her. The mother was redeemed in a few years. The son was adopted by the Indians, and lived with them all his days. Page 552 The daughter married a Frenchman, and when nearly sixty years old visited with her husband her native place, hoping to recover the patrimony which she supposed was left at the death of her father. In September, 1724, Peter Colcord with others was seized and carried to Canada. He soon returned, bringing important information respecting the Indian settlements and proceedings. In November he went on an expe~ dition against the Indians, and the Provincial Assembly made him a present of ten pounds for his patriotism. In 1725 hostilities ceased, peace was rati- fied the following year, and proclaimed in town by beat of drum. The colonists enjoyed unusual tranquillity for twenty years. In the war of George II, 1744-49, Indians prowled continually through the Piscataqua, Merrimac, and Connecticut valleys. But new settlements had sprung up, Souhegan, Amoskeag, Suncook, Contoocook, Pemaquid now constituted the frontier. Newfields and Lamprey River soldiers enlisted in defense of other distressed communities. They were found in the command of Capt. John Gage, June and July, 1744, "to guard the mast-men;" of Capt. Benjamin Mathes, January 11, 1745, "to scout up the western branches of the Pisca- taqua;" of Sergt. Joseph Rawlins, June 3, 1746, "men and horses impressed and sent to Canterbury to carry provisions for thirty men a month;" of Capt. Daniel Ladd, June 1 to October 30, 1746, whose timely arrival, August l0th, reinforced and saved Rumford; of Col. Samuel Moores, 1744-46, against Louisburg, where William Hilton died; of Col. Theodore Atkinson, July 1, 1746, for the reduction of Canada; of Capt. Joseph Thomas, September 29 to October 13, 1747, "twenty-eight men, scouting from Durham to Chester, Epping, and Nottingham." The story of Mrs. Fanny Shute falls into the narrative somewhere about this time. She was much esteemed, not only for her excellent qualities, but for her youthful adventures. When eighteen months old she was carried by the Indians to Canada and sold to the French. She was educated in a nunnery, and after remaining thirteen years in cap- tivity was redeemed and restored to her friends. "In Memory of Mrs. Frances Shute, consort of Mr. John Shute, died Sept. 7, 1819, aged seventy- "seven."--Tombstone. What is known as the last French and Indian war, 1754-60, again threw the colonies into anxiety and distress. Robert Barber, who had lately removed to Salisbury, was captured by the St. Francis Indians, August, 1753, and afterwards redeemed. Other stories of Indian depredations still are told at our firesides which are doubtless true, but they do not have the requisite name, place, and date to secure narrative here. Newmarket had officers and men in the various campaigns against the French Forts Du Quesne, Niagara, and Crown Point in 1755, under Col. Joseph Blanchard, where they won dis- tinction by a well-directed and prolonged attack; in 1756 and 1757, under Col. Nathaniel Meserve, in expeditions against Crown Point; in 1757, under Maj. Thomas Tash, posted at Number Four; in 1758, under Col. John Hart, in another expedition against Crown Point; in 1760, under Col. John Goff, in the invasion of Canada. Hostilities ended with the fall of Montreal in 1760. Great and universal joy spread through the colonies. From this time may be dated the flourish ing condition of New Hampshire. Population and cultivation progressed with unprecedented rapidity. Capt. Edward Hall was, after the death of Col. Winthrop Hilton, the Page 553 principal man of affairs at Newfields. He headed a petition to the Legisla- ture praying that a parish be set off by metes and bounds from the north part of Exeter, and that the inhabitants be excused paying to the ministry of the old parish. The petition was granted December 15, 1727, and the new parish was called Newmarket. About ten years after, September 2, 1737, the parish was granted town privileges. When incorporated is not definitely stated. South Newmarket was afterwards detached from Newmarket by act of the Legislature, June 27, 1849. Capt. Edward Hall was deacon of the church, justice of the peace, repre- sentative for Exeter in 1736, and for Newmarket in 1739, lot-layer, and surveyor of highways and of the boundaries of towns. Arthur Slade, Walter Bryant, and James Hersey, Esqs., were the king's surveyors. The eastern boundary of New Hampshire was a subject of hot dispute from 1737 to 1766. Walter Bryant, Esq., was ordered by Gov. Jonathan Belcher to run the line between the Province of New Hampshire and that part of Massa- chusetts Bay called the County of York. About half a century later, October 9, 1790, Esquire Bryant was living to correspond with Reverend Dr. Belknap respecting this matter. He set out from Newmarket with eight men to assist him on Friday, March 13, 1741. He proceeded by way of Cocheco, with snow-shoes and logging-sleds, through Upper Rochester, up Salmon Falls River to the head of Nechawannock River. Here, on Thursday, March 19th, he set his compass north two degrees west, making an allowance of ten degrees for its easterly variation. At the end of every mile he marked a tree, where the place would admit of it. Thus he traced the line for about thirty miles. He was prevented from proceeding farther, partly by the melt- ing of the snow and breaking up of the ice, and partly by meeting unfriendly Indians and the backwardness of his men to proceed. On Friday, March 27th, he turned back, and he reached Newmarket Wednesday, April 1st. His return to the Council was made May 22d, and his account of £116 14s. was allowed February 12, 1742. ROADS-AND STAGES The Newmarket settlers had such easy communication with other towns up and down the Squamscot and Lamprey by their boats that they were slow in adopting other methods of conveyance. The roads to neighboring towns were only narrow bridle-paths through the forests. There were no car- riages, but considerable distances were traveled on foot and on horseback. They forded the Squamscot previous to 1700. That year Richard Hilton established a ferry at Newfields. There was no bridge across the river till the time of the Revolution. The road to Piscassic is described in 1731 as "already a pretty good cart- way, commonly called Hallsway, four or five miles from the landing-place at (South) New Market towards Nottingham." In 1733 a highway was laid out along this cart-path, and extended to Nottingham. The Hall's Mill Road was laid out in 1763. In 1768 a road was laid out from the bridge at Lam- prey River to Durham. When Governor Jonathan Belcher, of Boston, contemplated a visit to New Hampshire he wrote Richard Waldron, September 19, 1734: "I am told there is between Haverhill and Exeter 10 miles of very bad Road and Page 554 that Govrs Shute or Burnet could not pass that way with wheels, and the Cavalcade will not look so well with the Govr o' Horseback." Three-fourths of a century later came the era of turnpikes and stages. The incorporated turnpike, though a great convenience, was never a very popular institution. It was looked upon as a sort of monopoly, and the toll was evaded with no compunctions of conscience. Two lines of stages passed through here daily from Dover to Boston, one line going by way of Haverhill and the other through Newburyport. They passed about 9 o'clock A. M., changed horses at the tavern of John Emery, of Exeter, and dined at Haverhill and at Newburyport. Horses were changed again between these places and Boston, which they reached between 4 and 5 o'clock P.M. They returned through here about 5 P.M. The fare to Boston was $2.50, except when competition sometimes reduced it to fifty cents. Each driver was furnished with a tin horn, which hung by the side of his seat, with which he announced his coming at the enrtance to the village. The blowing of the horn was always a signal for the gathering of the village quidnuncs, who were interested in the arrival of travelers and the mails. This was before the era of railroads. The opening of the Boston and Maine Railroad in 1840 cut off the drivers as fast as the rails were laid from place to place. SHIP-BUILDING AND COMMERCE New Hampshire, with only eighteen miles of sea-coast, and but one com- modious harbor, yet bears for its seal a ship on the stocks. And previous to 1784, when the Constitution and seal were adopted, ship-buidling was a prom- inent branch of business on the Piscataqua and its tributaries. It is not ascertained when this business first began. Robert Moulton was appointed commissioner of the navy at Portsmouth, April 5, 1651. He had come to America at the head of six ship-carpenters in 1629. At first only vessels of small size were constructed, such as sloops, pinnaces, ketches, shallops, barks, and skiffs. Sometimes these were framed and set up in the woods where the timber grew. Then they were taken down and hauled to some suitable landing on the river, completed and launched. Navigators two and a half centuries ago traversed the seas in the merest cockle-shells. The early settlers on the Piscataqua availed themselves of the facilities offered by the natural advantages of the place to engage in ship-building. The "Falkland," of fifty-four guns, in 1690, was the first war ship launched on this side of the Atlantic. Richard, Earl of Bellamont, governor of New Hampshire in 1698, credits the state with "eleven ships of good burthen, five brigantines, four ketches, and four sloops." To what extent ship-building was carried on in Newmarket down to the Revolution it is impossible to tell. No record of the business is known to exist. The owners and tonnage of the craft built are not fully ascertained. The Lamprey River meets the tidewater over falls of more than twenty feet. At high tide vessels of 120 tons freight land, bringing coal, salt, and other heavy articles. Seven vessels, some of them of large size for the times, have been seen on the stocks together in process of building. A score of all kinds have been built here in a single year. The Squamscot is navigable at high tide for vessels of over two hundred Page 555 tons burden. Heavy freights of iron, coal, and moulding-sand still sail up the river. In times past ship-building flourished on its banks. At Exeter twenty-two vessels, large and small, have been seen on the stocks in a single year. At Newfields the people were busily engaged in lumbering and ship- ping. Her landing was occupied by ship-yards. The busy hum of the ship- wright's hammer and awl was heard from morning till night. So pressing was this work that in the busy season he was exempted from military train- ing. Masting required a large number of men and oxen to move the mas- sive king's pines. One of them is said to have been eight feet in diameter at the butt end and 110 feet long, requiring seventy yoke of oxen to draw it to the river's side. From the landing these masts were floated to Ports- mouth and shipped abroad. In 1746 objection was urged against a bridge over the Squamscot at Newfields, on the ground that it would obstruct vessels, masts, and rafts passing along the river. The Squamscot abounded in fish, which furnished subsistence for the inhabitants and also an important article of commerce. In 1665 exports to France, Spain, and the Straits consisted of fish, lumber, pitch, tar, and tur- pentine, for which were brought back salt, preserved fruits, tea, and coffee. Shipments to Virginia embraced pork, beef, and peltry, and returns were received of rice, sugar, and tobacco. Great quantities of deal boards, masts, pipe-staves, and shooks were sent to Barbadoes and the West Indies, for which were returned logwood, sperm oil, molasses, and spirits. Before the Revolution this foreign trade with the West Indies was very profitable. So great were the gains that vessels of all sizes and description were pressed into the service.' Vessels of fifteen tons burden and upwards were used. During the Revolution New Hampshire fitted out several private armed vessels. The privateer "General Sullivan" was overhauled and refitted at Newfields' Landing in 1778. After the Revolution, ship-building on the Squamscot again became profitable. Commerce, however, never reached its former extent. A brigantine was built at Portsmouth, and had made a cruise previous to 1778. At a meeting of her proprietors at Portsmouth, April 9, 1778, "Voted This proprietary pay Capt [Eliphalet] Ladd twelve hundred and fifty pounds lawfl money, for which the said Ladd agrees to take the brigt 'Genl Sullivan' from Portsmouth to Exeter, and lengthen her for two more guns on a side; in a proper manner, and return her here again as soon as may be, the proprietary to pay the iron bill, joiners' bill, oakum, pitch, and turpentine." A fortnight later, April 23, 1778, "Voted, To stop Capt Ladd's proceeding any further with the 'General Sullivan,' and agree with Messrs Hackett, Hill & Paul for the lengtheng the said vessel, and pay Capt Ladd the charges he has been at. Accordingly have agreed with Messrs Hackett, Hill, & Paul to take said vessel at Newmarket, where she now lies, and lengthen her for two more guns on a side, caulk, iron and fix her for a ship, complete in a proper manner, lengthen her forecastle agreeable to Capt Dalling's instructions, and deliver her at Portsmouth by the first of June next; for which the proprietors agree to pay the said Hackett, Hill & Paul fifteen hundred pounds lawl money in cash, and give them one barrel of New England rum; proprietors to find iron-work, pitch, turpentine, and oakum." The "General Sullivan" made several cruises, and captured some valuable prizes. Among these were the "Caledonia," the "Mary," and the Page 556 "Charlotte." It is understood that the career of the "General Sullivan" was terminated in the year 1780, by her being captured by two British ships of vastly superior force, after a spirited resistance. Maj. Nathaniel McClintock was in command of her marines, and was killed in the engagement by a ball through the head. The ship-building and commercial interests of Newmarket were seriously injured by the War of 1812. Her population was nearly two hundred more in 1767 than in 1820. The decrease was owing to the decline in ship- building. Very little had ever been done by the general government for defense of our harbors. The embargo well-nigh annihilated all our com- merce. After the spring of 1813, our sea coast, thousands of miles in extent, was blockaded by a British squadron. A few enterprising captains ran the blockade, and privateers were fitted out which were successful in escaping English cruisers. But the relief was only partial. Three years of blockade destroyed ship-building on the Squamscot. Among the last to engage in ship-building at Newfields were Zechariah Heals, Dudley Watson, Samuel Tarlton, and George Hilton. The last vessel built here was the "Nile," in 1827. She was of about three hundred tons burden, and built for parties in Salem, Mass. Our later coasting trade was principally with Boston. Household goods, clothing, military equipments, and implements of husbandry were imported, and returns made in lumber, dry hides, and buckskins. Capt. Joseph Fur- nald ran a packet from Exeter to Portsmouth, by which our traders received all their heavy articles of trade. Our merchants went by stage to Boston one day, spent three or four days purchasing goods, and returned on the fifth or sixth day. The goods were shipped at Portsmouth by the regular coaster. Here they were transferred to Captain Furnald's packet and brought up the river, generally arriving about two weeks after being purchased. This was before the era of railroads. MANUFACTURING Mechanics and artisans are important personages in every community. Shoemakers, carpenters, masons, and blacksmiths are indispensable in a new settlement. The wives and daughters of the Newfields patriarchs manu- factured the garments which clothed themselves and their husbands and brothers. The flax was pulled, rotted, broken, swingled, hetchelled, spun, woven, and bleached by hand. The wool was carded, spun, woven, and fulled by hand, and it was colored in the old butternut, logwood, or indigo dye-tub. Persons in comfortable circumstances used wooden table-ware, and drank their daily beverages out of glazed earthen mugs, one mug going in course the rounds of the table. In times of the scarcity of currency, old iron and old pewter had value as articles of barter and merchandise. Taxes might be paid in tar at twenty shillings the barrel. New Hampshire at the present time ranks high as a manufacturing state, and is especially noted for its textile industries. Only three states in the Union out-rival it in the value of cotton goods produced, while its woolen, leather, and iron products are very large. The Merrimac is said to be the busiest stream in the world. The Piscataqua with its tributaries is also greatly utilitarian. Newmarket has always been a busy town. Mechanical Page 557 labor in its various departments is extensively pursued. No towns of its size produce more valuable manufactured goods. While the Squamscot offers no mill privilege, the Lamprey and the Piscassic afford numerous fine mill sites. Other smaller streams in their day have furnished motive-power for many wheels. The first settlers on the Piscataqua were compelled to secure most of their bread from England and Virginia. There were saw-mills at Cocheco in 1631, but there was no grain-mill in New England previous to 1633. A corn- mill is mentioned at Cocheco in 1640. The earliest mention of a mill of any kind in Newfields is in 1653. That year a grant of land some two miles square was made to Edward Hilton, "in regard to his charges in setting up a saw-mill." This mill is probably mentioned again in 1758. It stood on the stream south of the Hilton estate and west of the Exeter road. Iron works were set up at Lamprey Village in the year 1719. To encour- age this enterprise the General Court appropriated a slip of land two miles in breadth above the head line of Dover, for the purpose of supplying fuel and of introdttcing foreign artists and experienced workmen. There was "ye first Dam," and therefore a second dam, and "ye old Dam," and so a new dam across Lamprey River in 1723. We read in the Portsmouth Mercury Novem- ber 1, 1785, "The fulling and grist mill belonging to the Hon. Major General Sullivan have been carried from their situation at Packer's Falls." The Newmarket Manufacturing Company was incorporated in 1822, and the corner-stone of cotton-mill No. 1 was laid the next year. Iron works were commenced at Newfields in 1830. The first blast was blown on Christmas day. The South Newmarket Iron Foundry was incor- porated in 1834. In 1846 the Swamscot Machine Company was incorporated, and Amos Paul chosen agent. This company purchased the iron foundry and united both branches of the business. For many years a large number of work- men were employed. MILITARY RECORD It has been said that if every other record of the civil struggle from 1760 to 1775 should perish, the true character and full history of the Revo- lution could be written from the records of the New England town-meetings. The resolutions adopted and the instructions given to representatives in con- vention, Legislature, and Congress are the wonder and admiration of students of political philosophy everywhere. The Town of Newmarket is exceedingly unfortunate in the loss of all its records prior to the year 1784. We were a free people, loving and prizing our liberties. We did not wish independence of the English crown; we were impelled to it by necessity, not by choice. As soon as Great Britain had conquered Canada and made peace with France, the king and Parliament turned against the American colonies. Such con- duct was high treason and rebellion against British freedom. In an evil hour the mother-country set her eyes upon the colonies for imperial taxation. We denied the right. When the Stamp Act was passed we resisted, peace- fully but pertinaciously, and the act was repealed. The tea tax followed. It was opposed by solemn leagues and covenants, and its demands were annulled. The Boston Port Bill, cruel and tyrannical, exasperated to the last Page 558 point of endurance a brave and generous people. The regulation acts of 1774 were revolutionary and suggestive of "a general disarming of the colonists." The Town of Newmarket was not indifferent to the momentous agita- tion that preceded the Revolution. A large number, if not a majority, of our leading men were stanch loyalists, and friends, if not members, of tie Church of England, brave men, but more loyal to the king than to their country. During three generations of bloody Indian warfare our soldiers fought for British supremacy no less than for personal safety. The selectmen of Newmarket, Samuel Gilman, James Cram, and Samuel Pickering, returned, July 12, 1776, to the New Hampshire Committee of Safety the celebrated Association Test. It contained the names of 164 persons. It also contained the names of thirty-eight individuals who "Refuse to sign the within Declaration." We read, among others, the names Badger, Gilman, Lord, Marsters, Mighels, Odiome, Parsons, Pease, Pickering, Shute, Rogers. Some were Quakers, who had scruples against bearing arms. Some were sick and infirm, who thought it bombast to pledge themselves as able- bodied men "to resist with arms." Some there always are in every com- munity who never put their name to paper. But more were Tories, who had always been loyal to the church and government of Great Britain. Respectable family ties allied some to British officers. Governor Benning Wentworth had 'married, in 1760, Martha Hilton, of Newmarket. During the Revolution she was living with her second husband, Col. Michael Went- worth, a retired British officer. The home of Lady Wentworth, of Went- worth Hall, Newcastle, was a noted resort of royalists. The Confiscation Act of 1778, extending to John Wentworth and seventy-six others in New Hampshire, included James and John McMasters, and George Ball and Jacob Brown, traders of Newmarket. The early years of the war were noted for the large number of arrests of persons charged with Toryism; but it was seldom that they were kept long in durance. After the detention of a few days or weeks they were generally dismissed on giving bonds to return when called for, or upon tak- ing oath not to bear arms against the country or to aid and comfort the enemy. The Rogerses were Conformists. In December, 1775, Nathaniel Rogers, Esq., was granted leave to go about his business fifteen days, and January 3, 1776, his disability was wholly removed. Capt. William Torrey was put under arrest for Tory proclivities in 1775; he had leave to go about his business fifteen days in December, 1775, and his disability was wholly removed on January 3, 1776, but in 1777 he was committed to jail. Capt. Peter Pease was put under guard as a Tory February, 1777, and petitioned for release May 19, 1777. Dr. John Marsters would not sign the Associa- tion Test in 1776, and was placed under arrest in 1777, from which he humbly prayed the Committee of Safety to be released. The number and social position of these "gentlemen Tories" suggest one of the great trials that beset the patriot cause. Secret enemies, opponents at home, were like thorns in the side or serpents in the bosom. It cost a severe struggle to overcome these patrician sentiments. It was not all done at once. It was achieved only through provocations long endured. But nothing was suffered ultimately to mar the patriotic enthusiasm. At length Page 559 royalist and rebel rejoiced together in the emancipation of their country from a foreign scepter. Newmarket contributed her full quota of men and money for the war. When the first mutterings of the storm were heard, she sided generally, not unanimously, with the colonies. About the middle of December, 1774, Paul Revere rode express from Boston to Portsmouth, bringing word that royal troops had been ordered to the harbor to secure Fort William and Mary. The battle of Lexington, on the 19th of April, 1775, aroused our people to a more vivid sense of their danger. Couriers bringing the startling news reached Newmarket about daybreak, April 2Oth. At once the drum beat to arms. In less than three hours minute-men were on the march for Boston, Tradition includes among those first to enlist the names of Colcord, Folsom, Hilton, and Pike. At Exeter they joined other volunteers under Capt. John Taylor Gilman. That night they reached, by way of Haverhill, Bragg's tavern, in Andover. On the night of the 21st they reached Cambridge, and were assigned quarters in the college buildings. Detachments to and from the Continental army frequently passed through Newmarket. By the 3d of May, 1775, all the men being gone from the southward and westward of this place, the Durham company paused at Exeter, and the Provincial Congress resolved that they should return home and keep them- selves in readiness to respond when called. The Newmarket soldiers were "minute-men" who started at the alarm from post-rider and beat of drum. They left shop, field, or home at once, in shirt, and frock, and apron, with cold victuals from the cupboard, and a few Yankee notions in sack or pillow-case, and the old ducking-gun, fowling- piece, or shaky king's arm that had seen service against game in the woods or Indian skulking in the thicket. The convention at Exeter, May 17, 1775, organized this ununiformed, undisciplined, yet enthusiastic yeomanry into a brigade of three regiments. Nathaniel Folsom was appointed major-general; the colonels were John Stark, Enoch Poor, and James Reid. The regiments of Stark and Reid had their headquarters at Medford, while Poor's regiment remained on duty at home. Israel Gilman, of Newmarket, was lieutenant- colonel of Reid's regiment, and led many of his townsmen in the glories of the battle on Breed's Hill. The preceding day, June 16th, he wrote home to the Committee of Safety, describing the position and plans of the opposing armies. On the memorable 17th of June the New Hampshire troops fought with their accustomed bravery and force. Their position was behind the rail fence between the redoubt and Mystic River. The old Indian hunters and rangers of the woods were "dead shots." Thrice they hurled back and nearly annihilated the gaudy British grenadiers sent against them. They maintained their ground during the entire action, and were the last to leave the field, retiring with the order of veteran troops. After the battle of Bunker Hill Colonel Poor's regiment was ordered to the seat of war. But New Hampshire had her own harbor and frontier to defend, as well as to furnish men for the Continental army. Some soldiers were employed in building fire-rafts on the Squamscot, others in guarding the sea- coast or scouting with boats up and down the Piscataqua. Thirty-four New- market men under Col. Joseph Smith were thus employed. We have their "Acco't of Labor on Fire Rafts built at Newington Oct. 22, 1775." We have Page 560 also the pay-roll of twenty-five others, "Men and Oxen Percuring Pich wood & other Combustables for Fire Rafts." The next month, November 5, 1775, a Newmarket company of forty men, rank and file, James Hill, captain, Samuel Baker, first lieutenant, Samuel Gil- man, second lieutenant, Zebulon Barber, ensign, under Col. Joshua Wingate, of Stratham, joined the forces in the harbor, and were stationed on Pierce's Island. Those who remained at home, as well as those who went into actual service, were called upon for military duty. British fleets were expected at our land- ing. If a strange vessel appeared in the harbor below, the alarm quickly spread far into the country. Many times the minute-men were called out on the appearance of an armed force or the rumor of one. In fact, however, the invader's foot never touched New Hampshire's soil. An express arrived, December 1, 1775, from Brig.-Gen. John Sullivan, who was in command at Winter Hill, stating that the Connecticut regiments refused to tarry longer, and requesting urgently that troops might be sent £rom New Hampshire to fill their place. These detachments were caned "six weeks' men." A Newmarket company under Samuel Baker, captain, Zebulon Barber, first lieutenant, John Allen, second lieutenant, responded to the call. They re- mained with General Sullivan till the British evacuated Boston, when they were discharged. But space does not allow us to narrate the whole history of Newmarket in the noble struggle of the Revolution. The town was represented by true and determined men on nearly every battle-field of the war. The Committee of Safety compliment our selectmen, July 12, 1776, upon "the truly for- ward and patriotic disposition often shown by the inhabitants of Newmarket in the common cause." The following is a partial list of the men who bore military commissions and served in the Revolution: Colonels, Jeremiah Folsom, John Folsom, Thomas Tash; lieutenant-colonels, Israel Gilman, Winthrop Hilton; adju- tants, Joseph Smith, Walter Bryant; captains, Samuel Baker, James Hill, Samuel Gilman, Zebulon Gilman, Edward Hilton, Robert Barber, Samuel Shackford, Asa Folsom, Levi Folsom, Peter Drowne, Robert Pike, Jonathan Leavitt; lieutenants, Nathaniel Gilman, John Colcord, Bradstreet Doe, Andrew Gilman, David Gilman, John Burleigh, Joseph Hilton, Robert Clark, Zebulon Barber. War of 1812-15.--With the opening of the nineteenth century the busi- ness interests of Newmarket had revived and she recovered her former pros- perity. But Napoleon I was disturbing the peace of Europe, and war- clouds soon appeared between England and America. Bonaparte promul- gated the Milan Decree December 17, 1806. It declared every vessel dena- tionalized and subject to seizure which had submitted to be searched by a British cruiser or had traded at an English port. This was the prelude to the War of 1812. As early as 1806 the depredations of British cruisers on American commerce commenced. In 1807 Congress prohibited the sailing of vessels from American ports, and the year 1808 became the era of the general embargo. Non-intercourse with Great Britain and France was estab- lished March 1, 1809. So effectual was the blockade that it was about impossible for vessels to leave or enter our ports. Now and then a privateer would slip by or through the blockading squadrons. The embargo acts of Page 561 Congress were severely denounced and resisted in almost all of New England. At length long-continued aggressions, without apology or redress, led the American Government to prepare for another conflict with Great Britain. Congress declared war on the 18th of June, 1812. Soon after Governor William Plumer called the attention of the general government to the defenseless condition of our seaboard and the public works in Piscataqua Harbor, and ordered a portion of the militia into service. The Fourth Regiment of New Hampshire militia in 1812 was commanded by Lieut.-Col. Winthrop Hilton, and the First Battalion was under Maj. Joseph Pease, both of Newmarket. A company was drafted for thirty days, and placed under Capt. Joseph Towle, of Epping. It entered the service July 3d, and was discharged August 31, 1812, and contained several Newmarket non- commissioned officers and men. A second company under the same com- mand from September 1st to November 30, 1812, included nearly the same individuals. A British squadron was committing depredations upon the Atlantic coast and spreading alarm far into the interior. An all-pervading apprehension that Portsmouth would be attacked led to renewed calls £or the mustering of the militia. On the 20th of May, 1814, Governor Gilman issued orders for raising eight companies to march in five days for the defense of Portsmouth. The Newmarket company of fifty-three officers and men under Capt. Peter Hersey responded to the call. It was mustered May 24th, and discharged July 6, 1814. Other soldiers in Capt. William Marshall's company were credited to Newmarket. While the Newmarket soldiers were quartered at Portsmouth expresses came riding into town on the night of June 21st with the alarming intelligence that the British were landing at Rye, and about to march upon the town. Alarm-bells were rung, drums beat, and signal- guns fired. The militia turned out and hastily prepared for defense. The report was unfounded, but the alarm spread into the interior and was not allayed for some days. On the 7th of September, 1814, Governor Gilman again called for soldiers to defend Portsmouth. The call was obeyed with the greatest alacrity. Newmarket is credited with nine commissioned officers and men in Capt. Jacob Dearborn's Company, enlisted September 26th for sixty days. Maj. Nathaniel Lias, of Newmarket, commanded a battalion of detached militia, enlisted September 9th, and discharged September 27, 1814. It included a Newmarket Company of forty-one officers and men under Capt. Peter Hersey, also fifty-one officers and men under Capt. John Colcord. Thus by October, 1814, about three thousand drafted soldiers were at Portsmouth, and Governor Gilman had his headquarters among them. We have it on British authority that the English made every preparation to destroy the navy-yard and the Town of Portsmouth. But the defenses were so formid- ably manned that the intended attack was accounted too hazardous. The danger to Portsmouth and its harbor soon passed away. By October, 1814, the major part of our forces were discharged. A treaty of peace was signed at Ghent December 14, 1814. It was ratified by the Senate February 18th, and signed by the President February 23, 1815. Nowhere were the people more grateful for the return of peace than on the Piscataqua and its branches. It is related as a singular fact that not a man of New Hampshire was killed in this war. Page 562 War of the Rebellion.--The patriotism of South Newmarket was again manifested in the late struggle to perpetuate the Federal Union. Imme- diately on the news of the firing on Sumter the spirit of 1776 fired the hearts of her citizens. She furnished her full quota of soldiers for the struggle. Many of our noblest young men offered their services. Enlistments pro- ceeded with enthusiasm. Companies were raised and equipped first for three months, then for three years or during the war. We cannot mention here all the noble hearts which beat for the honor of our flag and volunteered for its defense. The history of the gallant Second and Eleventh New Hamp- shire regiments would tell the story of many South Newmarket soldier- boys. This town gave some of her most promising young men as a sacrifice to sustain the Government in the hour of peril. The blood of her heroes enriched the soil from the heights of Arlington to the remote southern boundary. The names of soldiers and navy men of Revolutionary war, the War of 1812, and the Civil war are given in the excellent "History of Newfield," by Rev. James H. Fitts. The estimated number entering the army and navy from 1861 to 1865 was ninety-five. The Rev. John Moody, A. M., belonged to a family that well may be called remarkable. He was born at Byfield Parish, Newbury, Mass., January 10, 1705. He was the son of John Moody, the grandson of Samuel and Mary (Cutting) Moody, and the great-grandson of William and Sarah Moody. These patriarchs of the family had emigrated from Wales, Eng- land, to Ipswich, Mass., in 1633, and to Newbury with its first settlers in 1635. From the sturdy Newbury blacksmith, there has descended a long line of distinguished ministers. The first pastor of Newmarket was graduated at Harvard College in 1727, his name standing the fourteenth in a class of thirty-six. He also received the honorary degree of Master of Arts from Harvard. Having studied theology, he was invited to settle at Biddeford, Me., in 1728, but modestly declined the invitation that he might have further time for study. He was ordained at Newmarket, November 25, 1730. Mr. Moody preached the sermon at the ordination of Robert Cutter, a graduate of Harvard, 1741, the first minister of Epping, December 9, 1747, Text, Ephesians iv. 11,12. The phrase so common in the old town charters, "a learned orthodox ministry," is a very expressive one. Mr. Moody was a patron of sound learning, and evinced a marked interest in general and higher education. He was an original member of the New Hampshire Ecclesiastical Convention, and bore an active part in establishing a collegiate institution in New Hampshire previous to the granting of the charter for Dartmouth College. Mr. Moody married, April 5, 1730, Ann, daughter of Deacon Edward and Mary (Wilson) Hall, of Newmarket. This pastor's wife was a descend- ant of Thomas Dudley, the second governor of Massachusetts, and also of John Winthrop, the first governor of New Hampshire. She died July 14, 1771, seven years before the decease of her husband. Mr. Moody continued in the pastoral office in Newmarket till his death, October 15, 1778, at the age of seventy-three years. His only settlement in the ministry covered a period of half a century lacking two years. To his Page 563 manly integrity and intelligent piety Newmarket owes much of her social, civil, educational, and religious character. The second minister of Newmarket was the Rev. Nathaniel Ewer. His ministry overlapped that of Mr. Moody about five years, and he is generally thought to have been a colleague with his predecessor. He was born April 17, 1726, son of Nathaniel and Mary (Stuart) Ewer, of Barnstable, Mass. He married, before leaving Barnstable, Drusilla Covill, by whom he had a large family of children. Mr. Ewer was not a graduate of college. He was a member of the Congregational Church, but became a follower of White- field and a New Light preacher. He preached at Durham about one year, and commenced preaching at Newmarket Plains in 1773. He joined the Presbytery over which Rev. John Murray, the friend of Whitefield, presided, May 31, 1774. The "East and West Societies" in Newmarket united June 29, 1789, and Mr. Ewer was accepted as minister for the whole town. In 1792 the old meeting-house which stood near the burying-ground had become dilapidated, and a stately new edifice was built near the present railroad junction. Mr. Ewer continued in the pastorate here nearly a quarter of a century, and was dismissed by vote of the parish July 10, 1797. He still resided in town, and showed himself interested in its welfare. He died in April, 1806, aged eighty years. His wife died in 1810, aged eighty-three. They were buried at the Plains, close by the west meeting-house he had so long occupied. The Rev. Samuel Tomb was the colleague of Mr. Ewer in the pastorate. He was born at Wallhill, N. J., January 1, 1767. He studied at Columbia College without graduation, and with Reverend Dr. Mason. The church at Newmarket extended to him a call July 28th, and he was ordained October 22, 1794. But the connection of the two pastors was not a harmonious and cordial relation. A mutual council, April 27, 1797, failed to reconcile the parties, and Mr. Tomb was dismissed by vote of the parish, July 10, 1797. He was afterwards installed over the Second Church in Newbury, Mass., November 28, 1798, where he remained about ten years. He removed to his native place, where his stormy but efficient ministry closed. He died March 28, 1832, aged sixty-five years. Among his printed discourses was an ora- tion on the death of Washington, pronounced February 22, 1800, and a sermon which he delivered at the annual fast, April 7, 1803. The Rev. James Thurston was born at Exeter, N. H., March 17, 1769, the son of Capt. James and Mary (Jones) Thurston. He entered the first class at Phillips' Academy, but did not pursue a collegiate course. He taught school a year or two, and entered business in Exeter and in Boston. After some years, by the advice of friends, he entered the ministry. He preached at Raymond 1798-99, and was ordained at Newmarket, October 15, 1800. Parsonage land and buildings for the use of Mr. Thurston and successors in office were deeded to the parish, May 30, 1803. During the summers of 1805, 1806, and 1807, he was in the employ of the Piscataqua Missionary Society to the northern parts of New England and Canada. He was dis- missed January 6, 1808. After leaving Newmarket, Mr. Thurston was installed at Manchester, Mass., April 19, 1809. Here he continued in the pastorate more than ten years, and was dismissed, June, 1819. From Manchester he returned to Page 564 Exeter, his native place, where he died, December 12, 1835, in the sixty- seventh year of his age. Mr. Thurston possessed a truly Christian spirit, thoroughly devoted to his calling and giving to it his undivided powers. His efforts were blessed and his ministry was a successful one. The Rev. John Brodhead was born in Smithfield, Northumberland County, Pa., October 5, 1770. He entered the itinerant service of the Methodist Church in 1794. In 1796 he came to New England. As early as 1809 he settled at Newmarket, and in 1810 moved into the parsonage, receiving the use of it as a portion of his salary. He entered political life as state senator in 1817. From 1829 to 1832 he was representative to Congress under Jack- son's administration. During the latter years of his life his work in the ministry was very irregular. He died of a disease of the heart, from which he had suffered many years. His end was peaceful, even triumphant. His monument is inscribed: "In memory of the Rev. John Brodhead, born in Lower Smithfield, Pennsylvania, 1770. Died in this place, April 7, 1838, aged 67 years, hav- ing been an Itinerant Minister in the Methodist Church 45 years, Senator and chaplain to the Legislature of this State, and a member of the Congress of the United States. "He was beloved as a husband and father, honored as a citizen, esteemed as a statesman, and venerated as a minister. "Peace to the just man's memory, let it grow greener with years and blossom through the flight of years." With the close of the first century in the religious history of Newmarket, there came a change in the administration of ecclesiastical affairs. New busi- ness interests sprung up at the villages of Newfields and Lamprey River, and it was found impossible to gather the people for worship at the old center near the railroad junction. Both villages had occasional preaching services by various denominations from 1810 onward. As early as 1825 regular congregational services were held at Lamprey River, and in 1826 assistance was asked in erecting a house of worship. The church was organ- ized there May 27, 1828. Newfields contributed means and members to this enterprise. Meanwhile the Lamprey River pastors, from 1827 onward, main- tained a third service on the Sabbath, or a weekly lecture at Newfields. The Rev. David Sanford, from May 22, 1828, to June 22, 1830, abounded in labors of this kind here. During the spring of 1829 the Piscataqua Asso- ciation appointed several of the neighboring pastors to preach at Newfields. The old parish was organized January 16, 1829, and took the form of an incorporated religious society, and annually raised money for the salaries of their ministers. Among these were the Revs. Bezaleel Smith, 1828-29; Wil- liam M. Cornell, M.D., LL.D., 1829-30; Orsamus Tinker, 1831-32; Samuel Harris, 1833; Mr. Barton, 1834; Constantine Blodgett, D.D., 1835-36; Charles D. Jackson, 1836; William F. Rowland, 1836-37; Thomas T. Rich- mond, 1839. These ministers preached in the old meeting-house and old academy. In 1839 a new house of worship was erected at Newfields, and the old house was practically abandoned. The church was reorganized February 12, 1840. The ministers were John E. Farwell, 1840; John Le Bosquet, 1840; John L. Ashby, 1840-41 ; Henry Kingsley, 1841; John C. Hurd, 1841; Elijah W. Tucker, pastor, 1841-45; Preston Pond, 1845-46. Page 565 The old meeting house, which had stood sixty years and of late used only as a town house, was taken down in 1852. Charles E. Lord became stated supply in 1851-52; Winthrop Fifield, act- ing pastor, 1852 till his death, May 9, 1862. In 1853-55 the parsonage prop- erty was transferred to Newfields, and the present buildings erected. Jesse H. Bragg, minister, 1862; Elias Chapman, stated supply, 1862-67; Israel T. Otis, 1868; Joseph Bartlett, acting pastor, 1869-77. The meeting house was enlarged and refurnished in 1871. Alexander C. Childs, acting pastor, 1877- 79; James H. Fitts, 1880 until his death on November 22, 1890. The ves- tries were refitted 1880, and the parionage enlarged 1882. On January 6, 1901, the church became associated with the church in Strat- ham under the care of Rev. Geo. E. Lake. Rev. Bernard Copping, the present pastor, commenced April 10, 1905. The Methodist Church.--The year 1808 is probably the date of the for- mation of a Methodist class in Newmarket. In 1811 there is mention of the Newmarket, Durham, and Portsmouth Circuit. In 1828, Matthew Newhall was sent by Conference to Durham and Newmarket. It is probable that this is the real date of the full organization of the Methodist Episcopal Church in Newmarket. There is nothing in its records, however, concern- ing its organization at any time. The meeting house was erected in 1835, and dedicated in the spring of 1836. The earliest register of church mem- hers now to be found was made in 1842. It contains the names of the class of 1808. The parsonage was built in 1854-55. In 1870 the church edifice was raised and vestries placed underneath. The house was reseated in 1880 and in 1906 electric lights and other improvements made. The following is a roll of the preachers, beginning with the year 1828: 1828, Matthew Newhall; 1829, Caleb Lamb; 1830, Daniel J. Robinson; 1831-32, Elijah Mason; 1833, Samuel A. Cushing; 1834, William J. Kidder; 1835, J. H. Patterson; 1836, John Brodhead; 1837, William Padmun; 1838, G. W. Stearns; 1839, William Padmun; 1840, "Reformation" John Adams; 1841, A. H. Worthen; 1842, Franklin Furber; 1843, G. W. T. Rogers; 1844- 45. H. N. Taplin; 1846-47, C. N. Smith; 1848-49, Frederick A. Hewes; 1850, Charles Greenwood; 1851, William Hewes; 1852, Samuel Beedle; 1853, Matthew Newhall; 1854-56, N. L. Chase; 1857-58, William Hewes; 1859-60, F. R. Stratton; 1861-62, John W. Adams; 1863-65, Eleazer Smith; 1866-67, W. P. Ray; 1868, George N. Bryant; 1869, David W. Downs; 1870, M. T. Cilley; 1871, A. A. Cleaveland; 1872-73, H. A. Mattesson; 1874-76, C. H. Chase; 1877-78, C. S. Baketel; 1879, L. C. Earnham; 1880- 81, Otis Cole; 1882, Mellen Howard; Charles W. Taylor, 1883; C. M. Dins- more, 1884-86; E. R. Perkins, 1887-89; B. 0. Cambell, 1890; A. L. Smith, 1891-95; A. R. Rowell, 1896; A. E. Draper, 18()7-98; W. R. Locke, 1899- 1902; I. D. Miller, 1903-05; Otis Cole, 1906-07; Henry Chandler, 1908; L. D. Bragg, 1909-13; D. W. Downs, assigned for 1914. The Universalist Church.--The Universalist meeting house in this town was built in 1873, and dedicated in December of the same year. Rev. G.W. Becknell of Portland, had been preaching in the town hall previous to that time, and it was at his suggestion and by his influence that the society was formed, August 5, 1874. The church was also organized August 5. 1874. Rev. L.F. McKinney was the first pastor, and resigned in June, 1875. Rev. E.A. Read was his successor, who resigned in April, 1877. Rev. Royal T. Page 566 Sawyer was the next pastor to February, 1879. Rev. Benton Smith resigned in November, 1881. Rev. A.L. Rice, 1882-83; Henry L. Fiske, 1883-87; W. H. Trickey, 1887-91; Edward Smalley, 1882-96; Allen Brown, 1896-97; Naney W. Smith, 1897-1907; Winfield S. Turner, 1907-10; George E. Laigh- ton, 1910-14. Roman Catholic.--The first mass was celebrated in Exeter in the fall of 1849 at the house of Daniel Fenton by Rev. J.0. Donnell of Lawrence, Mass. Rev. John McDonald of Haverhill, Mass., commenced making reg- ular visits to Exeter and Newmarket about 1850. Services were first held in a building, later converted into a dwelling house, in which in 1882 lived Thomas and John Griffin. The first pastor was Rev. Father Walsh, who occupied the stone house on "Zion's Hill," purchased of the Universalists. He was succeeded by Revs. Father Charles Egan, Lewis McDonald, C.W. Calligan, Dennis Ryan. Previous to 1882 services were held several years in private houses and the town hall. During that year a house of worship was erected at a cost of about $17,000. It was dedicated on Thanksgiving Day in 1882 by Bishop Healey of Portland, Me. It goes by the name of "The Church of the Sacred Heart." Rev. John R. Powers was succeeded in 1883 by Rev. John Canning, who remained till 1898, when he was fol- lowed by Rev. James Hogan. In 1902 Rev. Fabian Deshaies assumed the charge thus left vacant and continued his pastorate till May, 1907, when Rev. Herbert Hennon was appointed to the place. THE BRODHEAD LIBRARY Dr. John M. Brodhead of Washington, D.C., who died in South New- market February 22, 1880, left all his property to his widow during her life, but his will contained the following provision: "Ten thousand dollars to the town of South Newmarket, N.H., for the purpose of purchasing books for a town library to be under the control of the selectmen, under conditions that the name of the town shall be legally changed to the name of Newfields and so remain. On the same condition and for the same purpose I bequeath to said town my private library. Neither of these bequests shall take effect until the name of the town shall have been changed." At the next town meeting, March, 1880, the town voted to accept the bequest of Doctor Brod- head with its condition. A bill for this purpose was passed February 21, 1895, as follows: "An Act to change the name of the town of South New- market. Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives in Gen- eral Court convened: Section I. That the town of South Newmarket shall hereafter be known and called by the name of Newfields. Sec. 2. This act shall take effect upon its passage." Thus the name of South Newmarket under which the town had acted a creditable part in war and peace for forty-five years was quietly dropped and the older name of Newfields restored with the sanction of the law. The Brodhead Library was opened for the circulation of books Septem- her 23, 1893. Mrs. Geo. S. Paul has served continuously as librarian. The socieites are: Piscassic Grange, organized 1892; Fraternity Lodge I.0.0.F.; Golden Cross, No. 238, instituted June 4, 1883. A. H. Varney and D. C. Wiggin are the physicians. ********************************************************************** * * * NOTICE: Printing the files within by non-commercial individuals and libraries is encouraged, as long as all notices and submitter information is included. Any other use, including copying files t other sites requires permission from the submitters PRIORto uploading to any other sites. We encourage links to the state and county table of contents. * * * *The USgenWeb Project makes no claims or estimates of the validity of the information submitted and reminds you that each new piece of information must be researched and proved or disproved by weight of evidence. It is always best to consult the original material for verification.