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, pg 52-53 Part I - General View- History 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 ruler. Treason against the country of the king, (who was styled the Lord’s-anointed!) were made captital crimes, and sedition was punished by a fine of ten pounds. This association lasted about three years. At this time a settlement was formed at Winnecumet, which was afterwards called Hampton. The first house in this place was built by 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. Submitted by T.C. Parziale 5/30/00 **************************************************************************** * * * * 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 to other sites requires permission from submitters PRIOR to 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.